kknowlton

Wisconsin Border Country, IL

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Joined: 05/27/2005

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Since we are planning a trip to Yellowstone this summer, and are considering alternate routes to avoid the Bighorns, I just did a comparison of 3 possible alternates and how far each one is. I was a bit surprised to learn that the longest alternative is the southern route; I thought it might be the northern one.
For your information:
Alt. 1: from Fishing Bridge out the south entrance through the Tetons to Riverton, then east to Casper, north to Buffalo and east to Devil's Tower: total is about 610 miles.
Alt. 2: from FB out the north entrance to Livingston, east/southeast on I-90 and from there to Devil's Tower: total about 510 miles.
Alt. 3: from FB out the east entrance to Cody, north on WY Rte 120/MT Rte 72 to Bridger, then to Billings & on I-90 east/southeast & to Devil's Tower: 464 miles.
My sources: Rand McNally road atlas & Yellowstone Today newspaper (which gives park road mileages). And a good magnifying glass.
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big dave

Soldotna, Alaska, USA

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You can do the same thing with Google Earth using the tool function, and it's more fun.
Dave & Rose C
90 Safari Ivory 34' DP
04 Saturn VUE V6
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kknowlton

Wisconsin Border Country, IL

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I suppose it's more fun for the tech-savvy. I still dig going through maps.
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Me&Margie

Stanwood, Wa.

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This is what I get with my DeLorme Street Atlas 2008:
Alt. 1: 566 miles
Alt. 2: 596 miles
Alt. 3: 481 miles
Now I just wish I could afford the fuel to take one of these routes!!
Marv
'07 Cardinal 31RKLE
'06 F-250 PSD 4X2 S/C, Hijacker, Line-X.
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kknowlton

Wisconsin Border Country, IL

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Interesting that DeLorme & Rand McNally differ. I did estimate #1, judging that the distance from Cody to Riverton looked similar to the distance between Jackson & Riverton.
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tgt

Oregon

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Joined: 11/16/2003

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I don't recall route 14 being difficult. We did it in a 38-foot motorhome, towing a car. Here are some photos.
I remember seeing HUNDREDS of deer in groups of 30 or so all around the Devil's Tower area. BE CAREFUL.
tgt
2004 Country Coach Intrigue
2007 Honda CRV
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kknowlton

Wisconsin Border Country, IL

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Thanks for the deer warning!
We did 14 in a small MH about 25 years ago and it was an ordeal - overheated the engine on the way up and the brakes on the way down. Haven't ever been back!
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Me&Margie

Stanwood, Wa.

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Was it 14 or 14A that you did? Also, have you considered hwy 16 btwn Worland & Buffalo? Thats the way we usually go as it is a very good road and Powder River pass is not that much of a strain.
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DouglasCraw

Summerdale, AL

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We are planning a similar trip this summer and with my Garmin "Map Source" program it's only 392 miles from Fishing Bridge to Devil's Tower taking the following route: U.S. 14/16 through Cody to Greybull, U.S. 16 south to Worland then east through Ten Sleep to Buffalo then I-90/U.S.14/16 through Gillette to Moorecraft, then U.S. 14 north to Devil's Tower.
Your alternative routes add quite a bit of mileage. I sure wouldn't go that far out of the way to avoid the Bighorns. As has already been mentioned, U.S. 16 from Worland to Buffalo is a good road and nice scenery.
Doug Craw
2006 Jayco Greyhawk Model 27DS
Towing 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid with Brake Buddy
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lilhowlinwolf

MB/Panama

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Joined: 12/09/2006

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#3 with modification: 90 from Laurel to Crow Agency to US212, cuts off about 80 miles of driving.
Wolf
Home 56.16°N -96.9°W ~ Wall 12 man and Eureka 6 man Egyptian cotton tent ~ Winter S/V Porque No 7.25°N -80.8°W //Mitakuye oyasin!
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