Wyoming in the spring

[Veebyes]

Headed west, MD to Seattle area late April/early May.

Not interested in Yellowstone again this time but considering Laramie, Rawlins, Dubois, Grand Teton, Jackson, Idaho & westward. This will take us right past the very bit of highway where we lost our first 5er in 2010 at Elk Mtn between Laramie & Rawlins. There is some apprehension about this route.

Time is not so tight that we can't sit out weather for a few days but what are the chances of wind or snow along this route?

[RGar974417]

We were there mid May in 2016. We encountered no snow in the 5 days there.Temps were mostly high 50's low 60's during the day.

[fanrgs]

We had snow in Denver the first week of May this year and I-80 north of us gets more late snow than we do. Plus, as you well know, high winds are normal at any time of the year on I-80 in Wyoming. That's what happens when you are at the lowest point on the Continental Divide between New Mexico and Montana.

Incidentally, I was working in Gallup NM in early April of 2010 when I-40 was closed at the NM-AZ border for 3 days due to high winds. And, when passing through Las Vegas, NM on that same trip, I-25 was closed due to a semi that had blown over and was lying across both northbound lanes. So, no place along the Divide is really better than another in the spring.

[Thom02099]

memtb wrote:
You could experience all four seasons in a matter of a few days! We’ve had snow in every month except August (at least where we have lived), and wind (especially along the I 80 corridor) can be an everyday part of life. Welcome to Wyoming!

....or hours!

Wyoming !

State Bird = Wind
State Flower = Tumbleweed in wind

:W :B :C

[memtb]

Veebyes, You may consider a cb radio (a real pain most of the time). If it appears you may have questionable conditions.... listening to the truckers can tell you everything (and more) than you need to know. And that will be “up to date” info, including the exact mile markers of “whatever” situation! We do a bit of winter travel, and it’s good to know what your about to get into!!!

[memtb]

You could experience all four seasons in a matter of a few days! We’ve had snow in every month except August (at least where we have lived), and wind (especially along the I 80 corridor) can be an everyday part of life. Welcome to Wyoming!

[Veebyes]

Having a second look, we might just take the long way round to Rawlins on 287 & avoid the high ground on I80 & our trailer grave between ext 260 & 255, much as I'd like to pay my respects.

Besides 287 passes through some old towns which might be worth the slow down to have a look.

[Supercharged]

coolmom42 wrote:
Definitely take time to check out Thermopolis, WY, and the Hot Springs State Park, with its bath house and bison herd.

First in 1951 with the folks. Loved it, took my kid there in the mid 80's did it again in the late 90's, plan to do it a few more times.

[john_bet]

Weather can be all over the place that time of the year. I spent 9 years in Rapid City and one year we had 36" of snow on or about May 10th. 3 or 4 years ago we pulled into Great Falls, Montana the last of May to 12" of snow. Just watch the weather reports as far out as you can and go from there.

[JAC1982]

My husband is from Rock Springs so we travel there a few times a year at various times of year. We've encountered some icky weather towards the end of April on I-80, through the Elk Mountain area. I'm not sure I'd do it if I were you, since you're already a bit skittish anyway.

[Veebyes]

westernrvparkowner wrote:
Big difference between April and May. I wouldn't even consider Teton/Jackson in April and probably wouldn't travel that way any earlier than late May. Teton Pass going west from Jackson will be almost impassible with anything other than a serious 4x4 most days. It will likely still be deep winter at elevation during your timeframe.

Teton pass is bypassed. Drove up that one from Jackson, without trailer, last time we were in the area. Killer hill from the east. Would not subject my truck to that unless the trailer was at least 3000# lighter. Saw more than a couple class A & large 5ers broken down on the side.

The long way round on 26 is a must.

[coolmom42]

Definitely take time to check out Thermopolis, WY, and the Hot Springs State Park, with its bath house and bison herd.

[Busskipper]

Veebyes wrote:
Headed west, MD to Seattle area late April/early May.

Not interested in Yellowstone again this time but considering Laramie, Rawlins, Dubois, Grand Teton, Jackson, Idaho & westward. This will take us right past the very bit of highway where we lost our first 5er in 2010 at Elk Mtn between Laramie & Rawlins. There is some apprehension about this route.

Time is not so tight that we can't sit out weather for a few days but what are the chances of wind or snow along this route?

If possible check out the Wind River Canyon- between Shoshoni and Thermopolis.

Love the drive - could swear it looks like the River runs up Hill.

And yes you will likely run through some snow - Last year in Colorado - they got most of the Snow in April and May - Didn't open Trail Ridge till after Memorial Day - 17' drifts.

But Oh do those Rocks look good in their Winter Whites.

Enjoy the trip,

[TexasShadow]

at that time of year, I would take I 80 over to Salt Lake, then 84 up and over to Portland and north to Seattle on I 5.

[westernrvparkow]

Big difference between April and May. I wouldn't even consider Teton/Jackson in April and probably wouldn't travel that way any earlier than late May. Teton Pass going west from Jackson will be almost impassible with anything other than a serious 4x4 most days. It will likely still be deep winter at elevation during your timeframe.