Denver Colorado to Yellowstone Wyoming Loop

Kmul · Post by **Kmul** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:40 pm

We took a great trip in August from Denver CO to Yellowstone, then back down through central Wyoming. Total miles aprx 1800.
It was a 4 nite, 5 day trip and we stayed in motels each nite.
Bikes:
My bike: 04 BMW R1150R
My Dad: 02 Suzuki VSTROM DL 1000
My Brother: 01 Ducati Monster 900

Day 1: Denver to Vernal Utah. Drove down to Colorado Springs and took Hwy 24 to 82 over Independence Pass, through Aspen then Glenwood Springs to I70 to Rifle. Hwy 13 to Hwy 64 (SW of Meeker) to Hwy 40 into Vernal. Vernal Utah (not a very exciting town) We arrived on Friday nite around 8pm, all the bar/grills were closed (there are 2) and the only place open was the 7 Eleven Ranch Restaurant. My advice, spend as little time in Vernal as possible.

Day 2: Vernal to Jackson WY. Hwy 191 North out of Vernal through Flaming Gorge Natl Rec area, an awesome ride! We took 191 all the way to I80 in Wyo. I80 to Hwy 30 just past Little America. Took Hwy 30 to Border WY where it turns into Hwy 89. Hwy 89 to Hwy 26 (near Alpine, Palisades Res). Hwy 26 into Jackson. Jackson was an awsome town, stayed at the Virginia Hotel which had an awesome saloon.

Day 3: Jackson WY to Dubois WY. Hwy 26 North, do the Grand Teton and Yellowstone tours. We were able to hit all of Grand Teton and the lower loop of Yellowstone in a day. After touring around Yellowstone/Grand Teton area, go back to Moran WY and take 26 East over Togwotee Pass. Dubois, stayed at the Twin Pines, very cool place.

Day 4: Dubois WY to Saratoga WY. Hwy 26 towards Hwy 287 which takes you through the not even a spot on the map called Muddy Gap. Stop in and sign the wall, can't remember the owners name, but a real nice guy. Kept goin on 287 south towards I80 (Rawlins). Took I80 East to hwy 130, took 130 south towards Saratoga. Spent the nite at the Wolf Hotel in Saratoga. A 100+ year old place. Have a few beers served by bartender Jimmy Campbell. Ask him about his uncle's big catch! He's full of stories.

Day 5: Saratoga WY to Denver CO. 130 South to Riverside/Encampment. Took 230 to 125 towards Cowdrey CO. 125 to 40 is a great stretch, lots of twisties on the pass. 40 will take you to Granby, then it's through Winter Park and over Berthoud Pass to I70 then East to Denver.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:30 pm

Very nice...but...where's the pictures?...

DJ

Post by **GypsyRR** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:38 pm

Nice report. No pictures though? It sounds like it was a great trip - and in one of the prettiest places too.

Dubois, WY is maybe my favorite place in the world.......... so far. Just good memories, good life decisions made there, good fly fishing at many locations within an hour away, and always a great breakfast at the Cowboy Cafe. Did you eat at the Cowboy Cafe? And did you make the mistake of trying to pronounce the town like it's French? They'll correct you quickly.

Kmul · Post by **Kmul** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:46 pm

Hey DJ Downunder and GypsyRR, Here's a few pics...
Yes, we ate at the Cowboy Cafe for breakfast. That is a must stop.
And yes, I used to live in Casper WY so I'm familiar with the quirky way they pronounce some of their towns. "DO - BOYS" Great places and a great ride!

Independence Pass

Flaming Gorge

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton NP

Grand Teton NP Sunset

Twin Pines Lodge, Dubois WY

Muddy Gap WY (make sure to sign the wall)

Hotel Wolf, Saratoga WY
Our three bikes on the left. The far right is a BMW too but not with us (that guy just got in from Florida)

Post by **Buckster** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:47 am

Thanks for the pics!! Very nice!!