Community Forums

Squanto · 06-07-2015, 01:39 PM

Would like to stop in Cody WY on our way to West Yellowstone in the fall. What is the route from Laurel MT through Frannie and Lovell WY like? Should we go through Greybull or cut off through Byron/Powell WY? We'll go back up to I90 through Bozeman to get to West Yellowstone. Driving a 42' DP with toad. First trip out west and don't want to get scared off! Thanks for any help!

BFlinn181 · 06-07-2015, 06:26 PM

There are a number of route choices from South Dakota to Yellowstone. The most boring would be to follow I-90, skirt the northern side of the Big Horn Mountain Range and leave I-90 at Livingston, MT and drive south to Gardiner and the North Entrance to YNP. Next easiest, and the way I suggest, would be get off I-90 at Buffalo, WY and cross the south end of the Big Horns on US 16. Third would be I-90 to past Sheridan to US 14, over the Big Horns to Greybull. This is definitely tougher than US 16. For real terror, at Burgess Junction split off on US 14A and take that route to Lovell, WY.

I've travelled route a number of times, in my RV and in autos, also followed US 20 from NW Nebraska to Lusk and Orin WY, then up I 25 to Casper and US 26 to Dubois and Moran Junction, WY.

Here's a great article, explaining the various routes and Yellowstone in general:

Road to Yellowstone

Squanto · 06-08-2015, 07:54 PM

Thank you for the info. The link you provided is invaluable! It has just the type of information I'm looking for. Safe Travels.

Steve Ownby · 06-08-2015, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squanto

Thank you for the info. The link you provided is invaluable! It has just the type of information I'm looking for. Safe Travels.

We did US16 from Buffalo a few years back. We are 40' with a SUV toad. It's a good road and enjoyable trip. If you are into such things, there is a pull off at the Powder River Pass at 9700' on this route where you can over night.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

jtovo · 06-12-2015, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squanto

Would like to stop in Cody WY on our way to West Yellowstone in the fall. What is the route from Laurel MT through Frannie and Lovell WY like? Should we go through Greybull or cut off through Byron/Powell WY? We'll go back up to I90 through Bozeman to get to West Yellowstone. Driving a 42' DP with toad. First trip out west and don't want to get scared off! Thanks for any help!

You asked for the easiest route, I have been on 16, 14 & stayed on 90 to Laurel.
The route off 90 in Laurel on 310, 72 then 120 to Cody is by far the easiest.

DMTTRANSPORT · 06-12-2015, 03:31 PM

Cody Wyoming..................

Squanto · 06-12-2015, 07:46 PM

Thanks jtovo. I've looked at Google maps and that looks like it would be a good bet. Do you know if there are any notable grades? Doesn't look like we'll have to fight much traffic... Thanks for the information!

Squanto · 06-12-2015, 07:52 PM

Steve Ownby were you at the 419 Maintenance Session in Goshen in May? Your name looks kind of familiar...

BFlinn181 · 06-12-2015, 08:00 PM

The trip along I-90 to Laurel is almost 100 miles further than either US 16 or US 14. It also is a pretty boring route. US 16 or 14 at least takes you through some beautiful mountains, pine forests, and interesting rock formations. I-90 is dried grassland and not much else. If you're traveling to the west for the scenery, why would you avoid a bunch of it? Your RV should handle US 16 with no issues, just pay attention to temperature and gears, use the brakes like they cost you money and use exhaust brake or transmission retarder, whichever your rig is equipped with.

Steve Ownby · 06-12-2015, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squanto

Steve Ownby were you at the 419 Maintenance Session in Goshen in May? Your name looks kind of familiar...

I sure was. Had a great time. Wish I was on the road heading west with you guys. Take that U.S. 16 route out off Buffalo. It's a great trip & the Imperial will have no problem.

Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

jtovo · 06-13-2015, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squanto

Thanks jtovo. I've looked at Google maps and that looks like it would be a good bet. Do you know if there are any notable grades? Doesn't look like we'll have to fight much traffic... Thanks for the information!

Dick,
There are no grades going that route & there is a lot of grass & trees only difference is the road is flat.