Community Forums

les.warden · 08-27-2017, 08:25 PM

So we're headed to West Yellowstone in a couple weeks. We've decided on a round trip with the return coming back East via Southern Montana. We want to do this to see Mt Rushmore, Custers, Devils Tower, etc.
Right now I'm looking at taking I80 West to 191 N in Montana and work my way up to the KOA outside the West entrance. I've got my Mountain Directory West book in hand looking at the grades and such.
From you seasoned YS / mountain travelers, do you have any recommendations on routes. Gotta say I'm a little apprehensive about the mountain passes but excited about going. I know the 1700-1900 RPM rules and gear-up mtn =gear-down mtn rules. Just trying to prep myself as this is our first time that far West.
Thanks in advance for any travel advice.

WDW · 08-28-2017, 05:36 AM

191 is a nice road into the Tetons. The south entrance into Yellowstone is somewhat narrow and lacking guide rails and have some scary scenic views. NPS roads are marginal in some spaces for big vehicles. It's a nationwide problem because they weren't built for the explosion of visitors and oversized RVs on the roads today. When you go north out of Yellowstone to Bozeman Montana it's a nice road, narrows a little bit at the upper end. Just go slow.

As far as the west Yellowstone goes, certainly we like some KOA's but we would suggest you consider Grizzly RV. You won't be disappointed. Stock up in Cheyenne or Rock Springs at Walmart. Prices go up and selection goes down as you get closer to the parks.

jlckmj · 08-28-2017, 07:14 PM

We just did 191 in June and it is a very good road. The first half from I80 is a little dry and boring, but nice roads, very little traffic and several neat small towns. The second half is very beautiful! It runs along the river bed within the mountain ranges.

I also recommend Grizzly RV Park, it's 1st rate.

Jim

Busskipper · 08-29-2017, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les.warden

So we're headed to West Yellowstone in a couple weeks. We've decided on a round trip with the return coming back East via Southern Montana. We want to do this to see Mt Rushmore, Custers, Devils Tower, etc.
Right now I'm looking at taking I80 West to 191 N in Montana and work my way up to the KOA outside the West entrance. I've got my Mountain Directory West book in hand looking at the grades and such.
From you seasoned YS / mountain travelers, do you have any recommendations on routes. Gotta say I'm a little apprehensive about the mountain passes but excited about going. I know the 1700-1900 RPM rules and gear-up mtn =gear-down mtn rules. Just trying to prep myself as this is our first time that far West.
Thanks in advance for any travel advice.

When I look at your Destinations this Route comes to mind - https://binged.it/2x0vgag

When heading West we have enjoyed RT 36 and we usually pick it up in Hannibal, which is just down the Road - non Interstate - Less Traffic Good Road - Fewer Trucks.......

Then if I were headed to Custer/Rushmore i'd follow the River, we sort of enjoy the water and the Possible Sunsets along this route. It Misses Sioux Falls but you could make that a way point if you needed.

Through the BadLands and into Custer - Over the Big Horns on RT 16 (easy) into Cody then straight through the Park to West Yellowstone - IMHO this just lets you see and enjoy more of what you are driving to see - gets you of some of the Interstates and is just more FUN.

Then south on through the Tetons/Jackson to Colorado and back Home..........that's a whole new map and a lot more adventure.

Hope this helps,

And they have had snow at the higher elevations so be sure to keep your fuel and Propane FULL,

https://www.nps.gov/features/yell/we...Streaming.html

http://webcams.goldenwest.net/custer/

les.warden · 09-01-2017, 12:35 PM

Thanks for all the ideas. Busskipper, we'll be doing several of those routes and stops on the return. Right now, unless we deviate which always seems to work it's way in our plans, it's 36W->I29N->I80W->191 to work our way up the west side of MT to West Yellowstone. Excited!!

kbiladeau · 09-03-2017, 05:32 PM

Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone is a favorite of ours also. Cody's museums are a must! Enjoy your travels. We are heading to Vermont from Prescott, AZ in a couple days.