Folks that wheel in Co and surrounding yellowstone states,

Taking a cross country trip from Maine to Colorado with intention to see Yellowstone. I'm driving rig both ways with dog. Kids and wife flying one way and kids driving return with Dad. Question is where are a few day trips in the Denver area and/or on the way to Yellowstone that a 4runner must go? Plan to hit the Terrordactyl/cave of the winds in Manitou Springs to start. Possibly an overnight. We plan to then run to Yellowstone (heard west entrance is best), so we can go Utah or Wyoming. Would like to see Big Sky Country. Wife and kids would prefer hotel/vrbos for most of trip (full 12-13 days of vacation time, not including travel days). So 1-3 recommended scenic day/overnight camp offroad destinations would be appreciated.

Rig is very capable lifted 5th gen, 35's, armor, recovery etc. Intermediate wheeling/recovery experience in Maine/NH/Vt mud/snow type trails. Looking for family friendly challenges with scenic vistas, I want them to wanna come back!!

To make it easy, list your top 3 (anywhere along a route between Denver and Yellowstone West entrance via Co, WY, UT, MT) and I can do the research.

Thanks in advance!

Steve

Cook city gate... beartooth pass, chief Joseph highway. If you come up from Colo. And Utah. Toward West Yellowstone. Drive through Jackson hole.(Grand Tetons). The park and surrounding areas are my stompin grounds. I know lots of spots. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you can, stop in Ouray or Telluride though Ouray has quick access to more routes, and do Imogene and the Alpine Route for sure. PM me if you want more info or post here. I'll try to check back in. I think it is about the best off-roading and the best scenery in the country.

Will do thx!!

We have family that have a place in Breck. They confirm your point. They also recommend Jackson Wy and the Tetons over Yellowstone that time of year. Watched video on Imogene. Thinking we may skirt the backside and then come back via Jackson. So many choices, not a bad thing. Thx for the info, I’ll circle back as we near the trip and see about more info. Be safe!

In Short.................NOT ENOUGH TIME! You will spend all your time driving and not enjoying. Distances are deceiving here. You will spend all your time behind the wheel, not noticing all there is to see and do. I have spent a lifetime here and hardly scratched the surface of what there is to explore. If you come to "fragile" Kolorado, fine, OR..Go to Yellowstone, but not in the same trip. Iron butt trips are not fun for the family.
Reservations will be required for many National Parks this summer, including Rocky Mountain National Park. i have not heard about Yellowstone yet.

I’d recommended making Yellowstone your major destination. It’s huge and there’s so much to see you can spend several weeks there. A few years ago I did a 2 week September trip starting with Jackson as a base for day hiking a few days in Grand Tetons NP. Then spent several days at Old Faithful Inn, Canyon Village, then West Yellowstone. Lots of long day hikes, photos, and great memories.
But you have to plan and get reservations early. Start researching now, check the policies and timing for lodging and/or camping reservations ASAP. It’s a very popular destination.

And as @Oldmanb777 said, distances are deceiving. There may be road repair work, you cannot drive fast, there are traffic jams with rubberneckers looking at wildlife, and herds of bison can block the road for long periods of time. It’s all part of the experience and it’s great, but you have to allow for it and plan for it.

What Oldmanb said! Take your time and relax. Let What your seeing soak in. There is alot. Yellowstone park alone is bigger than Rhode island and Delaware combined. Be safe.

Morrison Jeep Trail is just outside of Jelly Stone. Even if you dont drive up it its cool to see from the bottom lol. Deffinitely hit the Bear Tooth pass, drop down into Red Lodge and have lunch then head back up it.

Shoot me a PM if you have any questions. I lived in Red Lodge but now living over in SE ID.

Pretty much what the others said, narrow your scope as there is not enough time.

ex. Ouray and Telluride are no where on the way to Yellowstone from Denver. However Jackson Hole and Grand Teton park is.

If timing works out where you need a stop between Jackson and Denver there is the Wind River range by Lander WY. You can also make different loops. West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Red Lodge are all good places to spend a night or grab food.

Sorry, I don't know off road trails. My time out there was hiking, climbing, skiing related.