Anybody been in the Yellowstone east entrance. Going there in a few weeks and were going to be coming from Rushmore. Im thinking of taking I90 to 14, and 14 all the way in.
We have a dually diesel with a 4:10 rear, and the trailer is only 10.5k lbs, so im not worried about steep grades.
Any suggestion, or do you know of constrution on that direction in. Were staying at fishing bridge campground and looks like 14 takes you right to it.
The multi-year construction on Yellowstone's east entrance was nearly complete when we left that way last September. The paving was complete and they were working on the guardrails.
Most people here recommend route 16 over route 14 over the Bighorn Mountains. We have driven both and didn't notice a significant difference in the grades. A stop at Shell Falls on the west side of 14 is a must. Both 14 and 16 are very scenic.
We are heading out there and expect to be there around mid June. Our route is the same as yours. We will take 14 this time. We have taken all three (14, 14A, and 16). If you haven't been there before, you might take time to see, or camp at Devil's Tower, on the way there.
Mark
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
Both routes are scenic and doable. Just don't be in a hurry and enjoy the ride. I prefer the campgrounds on 16 with Tie Hack being one of my favorites.
The drive from Cody to Yellowstone is one of the prettiest I even taken.
Have Fun and travel safely.
"ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE"
...OoRah...Semper Fi
The Fireball and Missy
Furkids - Skippy & Skeeter
2006 Monaco Knight 38' 4-slides, 330 Cummins
2006 Jeep Wrangler dingy
We made that trip last Aug. We took route 16 from Buffalo to Worland and up to Grebull. We were warned not to try 14 out of Ranchester due to very steep switchbacks altho it is a scenic drive. Rt.14A at Burgess jct. is s'posed to be extremely steep and dangerous. Rt.16 was very scenic and still had its share of switchbacks thru the canyon area. I hope U plan to spend a few days in the Rushmore area and drive the Custer State park road. Great wildlife/Buffalo walking the roads.
Joe&Charlotte, Nat'l SurfSide DE34D Ford 362HP 5speed
Rusty, Rosie, Snuffy Dogs
Leroy's a Conure
If a 'Little' is good, 'Alot' ain't better.
We will be coming from Rushmore to Cody on the 1st of July. We will be spending a few days camping at Yellowstone Valley Inn between Cody and the East Entrance. Has anyone experienced this campground/motel?
Also wondering about stops along 16 versus 14. As we leave Buffalo, we can't decide to head up to Sheridan or take 16 through the Big Horn Mountains.
This will be my first excursion into these kinds of grades. We have a 38' MH and will be towing my jeep.
Hey, ya' all.... If you haven't had experience with mountain driving in the western US, you may want to have a look at the Mountain Directory books that tell you where the steep grades are, how long they are, how steep (%) they are, whether the road is two lane, three lane, or four lane, if there are escape ramps, switchbacks, sharp curves, speed limits, etc. With this information, one can know ahead of time what a pass is like and make an informed decision about whether to go over or around. If you decide to go over, perhaps the cool morning hours would ease the strain on the engine and transmission during the climb. Unhooking the towed vehicle would make the climb and the descent easier. Knowing what lies ahead is half the battle. Mountain Directory West ($16.95) includes the locations and descriptions of over 400 mountain passes and steep grades in eleven western states. The states included are Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
You should also keep in mind that even if you've got enough power to struggle up the hill, you have to get down the other side. That can be the scariest part. Will your breaking system handle several miles of continuous 6-8% (or more) down grade?
Tom & Jan
Fulltimers since April '06 with 3 fur kids (George - mini Aussie, Archie - mini Poodle, Kitty - 20 yo blind cat)
1991 Beaver Contessa towing 2006 Subaru (4 down)
Started workamping Sept '07 - This isn't too bad. Think we'll do it some more.
Offline
and Missy 
& Skeeter 
