Wyoming 18 from Worland to Buffalo

cyko · 07-03-2011, 05:17 PM

I am starting to plan my trip from Yellowstone back to GNR. I would like to know about Highway 16 from Worland to Buffalo, Wyoming. About 10 years ago I drove a van from Greybull to Sheridan through Shell Canyon on Highway 14 and it was my scariest experience. I can't imagine driving a motor home over that route. Is the Highway 16 route less precarious? I must admit to being a flat-lander and am easily spooked by big drop-offs with no guard rails.

skigramp · 07-03-2011, 06:32 PM

I don't have my "Mountain West Directory for Trucks and RV" at home ... but as I recall that some of the grades on

US 14A are in the 10% range,
US 14 are in the 8% range, and
US 16 are in the 6 % range

(between Yellowstone and I-90)...

So the answer to your question is ... US 16 is a much friendlier road than either of the other two ...

And if you really want gentle driving ... take US 20 through Thermopolis into Casper ...then beyond Douglas US 20 and SD 79 to Rapid City ... then continue to GNR on I-90

doc · 07-03-2011, 07:02 PM

You had me there for a minute. Your title mentioned hiway 18 and I could not remember such a hiway. We have done that route several times and it is not bad at all. The road was re-done a few years ago. It is a doable route, but coming through Ten Sleep up the canyon and over the edge is sort of steep and has a couple or three switchbacks might give you some thought. After that it is not so bad, sweepin curves and good road. It is a long pull as you cross the Big Horns. There are a lot of pull outs and most of the route is public land. I forget the name of the pass at the top, but it is a great place to pull out for coffee or lunch and just enjoy the air up there - it is pretty high but you really don't realize it. From there to Buffalo it is down hill for a good portion of the way. No surprises, but not a place to go trying to set a record on either. If you try that route it will be much better than 14 and the scenery is great.
We have done it in an F-250, a 36' pusher (towing) and a 40' towing. wish we were heading that way this summer.

cyko · 07-04-2011, 07:05 PM

I came through Yellowstone from east to west today and am now camped in West Yellowstone. I think I will go back east through Yellowstone and down to Jackson Hole, through Dubois and on to Casper and then decide whether to go south on I80 or north on I90. Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry about misnaming the highway.