Community Forums

tomd85208 · 07-22-2013, 11:39 AM

Hi Fellow RV'ers, We are in Cody Wy., and want to travel to the west entrance of Yellowstone NP. I see 2 ways to go but which is best with a 41' class A with a toad? I see route 14/16/20 going west to the east gate, that's the easy part! BUT... When we get to the east ent. should we take the south loop or the north loop to the west gate? DW did not like the narrow roads and steep cliffs coming up from the Tetons on Rt. 191 which took to get to Cody Wyoming last week.

If someone can advise us as to which loop would be the easiest to navigate to get to the west entrance of Yellowstone we will be forever grateful. Also any recommendations as to where to make reservations for a RV spot (without spending an arm and a leg) near the west entrance would be very helpful too!

I'm a 100% disabled Viet Nam vet., and I can sometimes get an ADA disabled spot in the Nat'l parks with 50 amp electric if you should know of any in or near the park please let me know.

We thank You in advance...
Tom & Kathy D

lthrnk · 07-22-2013, 11:51 AM

From Cody you will head for the East entrance to the park. Follow the park map from there North to Norris Road, make a left on Norris to the West side then left to the connection for the West entrance. It is the fastest way through the park. Going down the South end is longer. Remember Yellowstone is shaped like an hourglass/figure eight and all, except the Northeast quadrant, are suitable for your coach and toad.

Cousin Ed · 07-22-2013, 12:09 PM

Either works well. Nothing scary.

BFlinn181 · 07-22-2013, 12:27 PM

Either going south to the West Thumb and west past Old Faithful to Madison or north to Canyon and west to Norris the roads are mostly wide 2 lane with a berm. It depends on what you want to see, if anything. The north route goes past the Yellowstone River, Mud Volcano (churning hot springs and a few small geysers) Hayden Valley and bison herds, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.(42 miles to Madison) The south route takes you along Yellowstone Lake, a few geyser basins, Old Faithful, the Paint Pots and other features. You will go over the continental divide a few times on the south route, but your elevation is so high already it's not like a mountain pass or even big dropoffs. (56 miles to Madison) Add 14 miles from Madison to West Yellowstone and 27 miles from East entrance to Fishing Bridge.

The only CG with hookups is Fishing Bridge and except for no shows it's probably been full every day since the May opening.

DA_BUS · 07-22-2013, 08:45 PM

If you are not heading anywhere in particular. We parked in Cody and used our car to get around. It was a little extra drive with our car to get to the park - but much easier to explore the area. Fishing Bridge is difficult to get into - so Cody might be your only choice to camp anyway. So - if you can't find a CG you will have to drive your coach back to Cody anyway.

richardcoxid · 07-23-2013, 03:51 PM

DO NOT go Hy #14/14A, use #16

#14A- Before getting to Lovell there is a 10% downgrade with 15/25 MPH curves with a 3,600 ft drop in 10 miles!

#14- Before getting to Greybull there is a 5-7% downgrade with 15/25 MPH curves with a 4,600 ft drop in 18 miles!

I have a photo of the warning sign at Burgess junction stating the above information, except I don't know how to get it into IRV2.com.

#16- Still a long climb but much more gradual up and down.

richardcoxid · 07-23-2013, 04:04 PM

The only Elect hookups in Y'stone NP is at Fishing Bridge (glorified parking lot camping).

About 3 miles north of W.Y'stone, MT is Bakers Hole NFS CG some with Elect. (No reservations, first come/first served, maybe you could get reservations though?)

Then there is Rainbow Point NFS CG with elect and they take some reservations. From W. Y'stone go 5 miles north then left (west) 3 miles to a cross road and right 2 miles to CG (direction signs all the way). On the shore of Hegben Lake.

Turbo38sfi · 07-24-2013, 02:47 PM

Love that area. Enjoy!! As others have said. Go north, then west. You won't have any issues unless you miss your campground and need to turn around, ask me how I know!!

Been over the big horns through graybull/lovell on my bike. Avoid it in an RV. Does not look like fun!n