Best Time To Visit Wyoming? (resort, driving, small towns)

[Bentendo24]

Been hearing a lot about the smoke from these wildfires in Idaho and Washington blanketing the mountains of Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Some people have said that it ruins their experience at the parks. Will this still be an issue going into early early September? And if so can you still take good pictures if there is a lot of smoke?

[jody_wy]

visibility here in Star Valley was about 7-10 miles today. Yesterday was worse
no back in 88 when Yellowstone burned you could look directly at the red sun most of the summer.

[GregW]

We are leaving New Hampshire for Yellowstone tomorrow about 0530. I'll try to keep you posted with a tablet.

[WyoNewk]

Have fun!

[GregW]

We just returned from our vacation to Yellowstone and the Black Hills. I found myself using the words "astounding" and "amazing" more than I have done in a long time. What I noticed most was the lack of people in much of the American land. On the return trip avoiding Chicago I realized we grow a LOT of corn. A whole lot of corn.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by GregW

We just returned from our vacation to Yellowstone and the Black Hills. I found myself using the words "astounding" and "amazing" more than I have done in a long time. What I noticed most was the lack of people in much of the American land. On the return trip avoiding Chicago I realized we grow a LOT of corn. A whole lot of corn.

That happens when the US GOV is giving away money or issuing Renewable Energy Credits / edicts for mandatory use. In Brazil you will find many hectares of sugar cane for the same reason. (Ethanol at the moment)

Possibly not for long...as lower oil prices put additional pressure on subsidies for renewables, and corn heads back to the feedlot instead of the ethanol plant.

Too bad the USA does not have a comprehensive energy policy. There are a lot of consequence to the WY, ND, SD economies due to the 'whipsaw effect'. The USA economy teeters as well. Just business...

[sunsprit]

Corn production acres are down in 2015 from prior years.

But with the record setting high yields/acre this year, corn pricing is lower. In some areas, the price is less than the cost of production.

My bet is we'll see even fewer corn acres planted next year, and much less corn going to "renewable" fuels. With corn under $4/bu, it's not the profit maker that it once was for the fuel industry growers.

GregW ... keep in mind that much of the Wyoming landscape you passed by is gov't land, approx 50% of Wyoming's land area is public lands not available for development, towns, etc. Hence the vast unsettled spaces in one of the largest states in the union.

[GregW]

We drove from the East Gate of YNP to Sheridan using Rt. 14. That was a very wonderful drive. Conveniently the forest Service labeled the rocks. We stayed in Sundance and had supper in the bar in town. Good supper and we also bought a bottle of Wyoming's finest and only whiskey. Next (or maybe before) was a visit to King's Rope and Saddle shop. Great people and a wondrous museum. We have to go back. Then we had lunch at the Busy Bee in Buffalo. Longmire fans, like me, will recognize the place. Note: We could see trout in the brook that flows next to the restaurant. Another place to visit again. Then we drive to the Black Hills of SD. That is another story.

BTW the weather was fabulous. Warm, sunny and dry.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by GregW

... Then we drive to the Black Hills of SD. That is another story.
....

good choices and feedback...
next trip to the Black Hills, stay at Main Street Manor Hostel in Lead, SD.

rent a bike and do some of the Mikelson Trail.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mike...utf-8&oe=utf-8
(The owner of hostel might have bikes for you, She biked around the world (1 yr tour) AFTER she retired...)

You have to be very careful to avoid 'tourista' in the Black Hills

[ScottStielow]

Originally Posted by GregW

We drove from the East Gate of YNP to Sheridan using Rt. 14. That was a very wonderful drive. Conveniently the forest Service labeled the rocks. We stayed in Sundance and had supper in the bar in town. Good supper and we also bought a bottle of Wyoming's finest and only whiskey. Next (or maybe before) was a visit to King's Rope and Saddle shop. Great people and a wondrous museum. We have to go back. Then we had lunch at the Busy Bee in Buffalo. Longmire fans, like me, will recognize the place. Note: We could see trout in the brook that flows next to the restaurant. Another place to visit again. Then we drive to the Black Hills of SD. That is another story.

BTW the weather was fabulous. Warm, sunny and dry.

I am glad you had a wonderfull trip. I believe this is the best time to visit the Wyoming and South dakota area's. The Schools are back in session, and less visitors to all the site seeing venue's. Weather is still warm, maybe cool in the evenings.