The northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park is only three hours southeast of Helena, so you'll probably want to visit this stunning park on your trip. Nowhere on earth contains more geysers and hot springs than Yellowstone’s nearly 3,500 square miles of gorgeous terrain. Old Faithful, the Queen's Laundry, Grand Prismatic Spring, and more await at the world's first national park. Nearly 1,000 miles of trails will take you everywhere from the most popular sights of Yellowstone to some of its remotest backcountry areas. If you visit during the winter, you'll have the opportunity to snowshoe, ski, snowmobile, and more.
In order to get to Grand Teton National Park from Yellowstone, all you have to do is get on John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and drive 10 minutes south. Grand Teton is less famous than its northern counterpart, but it still contains its fair share of gorgeous wonders. This 310,000-acre stretch of the Teton Range and its valleys is home to Jackson Hole, part of the Snake River, and Grand Teton itself, which is 13,755 feet high. Hiking, biking, and driving are all popular here. Other common pastimes at this Wyoming national park include fishing, mountaineering, boating, and mountain climbing.
If you travel about three and a half hours northwest of Helena almost to the Canadian border, then you'll reach Glacier National Park. This wild, rugged park is, of course, home to plenty of glaciers. Some of the easier glaciers to view are Jackson Glacier, Salamander Glacier, and Sperry Glacier. Glaciers requiring more challenging treks include Grinnell Glacier, Sexton Glacier, and Piegan Glacier. This park contains more than glaciers, however. It is also home to plenty of excellent places to boat, fish, camp, and hike. Be sure to check out the fantastic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a two-hour drive through some of Glacier's stunning alpine terrain.
Missouri Headwaters State Park is just an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Helena. This park is situated near the merging of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers into the Missouri River, so there are numerous locations that are perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Four miles of trails provide ample places to hike, bike, and ride. One section of this Montana state park also provides an area to hunt deer, waterfowl, moose, and more. If you visit during the summer, you might be able to take in a program led by rangers or special guests.
Salmon Lake State Park is approximately an hour and a half northwest of Helena. People come to this park to spend time at Salmon Lake, which is full of trout, bass, pike, and other types of tasty freshwater fish. Swimming, canoeing, water skiing, and boating are also popular lake activities. The camping here is outstanding thanks to the park's gorgeous scenery and its ability to accommodate RVs as long as 45 feet. Bird watching and wildlife photography are also common here due to the diverse array of fauna that calls this park home. Hiking opportunities are limited here, but multiple paths provide convenient access to park amenities as well as nice places to stroll.
The small but fascinating ghost town of Bannack lives on in the form of Bannack State Park, which is two and a half hours southwest of Helena. In 1862, gold was discovered in the area, causing thousands of people to flock to the town in hopes of striking it rich. Panning and dredging in Grasshopper Creek were popular until World War II, which led to the closure of the mine and the eventual abandonment of the town. The modern result is a well-preserved ghost town featuring 60 buildings from days gone by. If you visit at the right time, you’ll be able to pan for gold, take a ghost walk, or experience a historical reenactment of life in a Wild West mining town.
How do I properly navigate and park a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Helena, MT?
When navigating and parking a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces, it's important to take your time and plan your route beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the motorhome and the height and width restrictions of the roads you'll be traveling on. When it comes to parking, look for designated spots or parking garages that can accommodate the size of your RV. Always pay attention to signage and be aware of any towing restrictions in the area.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Helena, MT?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight and height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Helena, MT. Many bridges and overpasses have low clearance levels that may not accommodate the height of your RV. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your vehicle and ensure that you're not exceeding any weight limits on the roads you're traveling.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class C RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if any leveling equipment is necessary. If so, they will walk you through how to set it up safely.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class C motorhome rental during my rental period?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental. Many RVs have storage compartments or racks that can be used to store bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Check with the RV owner to see what storage options are available and how much weight they can accommodate.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class C motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class C motorhome rentals are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel usage. To minimize fuel costs, try to stick to slower speeds and avoid idling or rapid acceleration. Planning out your route ahead of time can also help you save fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or backtracking.
Can I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class C motorhome rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Yes, you can bring your own entertainment equipment or appliances to use with the Class C motorhome rental. However, be sure to check with the RV owner beforehand to ensure that the RV is equipped with the necessary outlets or connections to use your equipment. Additionally, be aware of any safety hazards, such as using portable grills near the RV, and take appropriate precautions.
Are any particular features or amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Helena, MT?
The features and amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals can vary depending on the make and model of the RV. Some common features that may be available in Class C motorhome rentals include kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and additional sleeping areas. Check with the RV owner to see what features and amenities are included in their particular rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class C motorhome rental, and do I need to know any specific maintenance or cleaning considerations?
The RV owner will familiarize you with how to use the facilities. Take note of where the water and electrical hookups are located, and make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the RV owner. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, be sure to follow proper procedures for disposing of waste and using cleaning products that won't damage the RV's plumbing or fixtures.