Yellowstone

FJRocket · Dec 11, 2005

At least 3 of us are planning on going to WFO in 2006. We're looking for recommendations on routes from Spearfish to Cody to Salt Lake and on.

Any "must see" routes along this way that aren't obvious? Any Gotchas along the way, especially with regard to Yellowstone and Teton?

Through Yellowstone and Teton, how slow is the traffic? So far we are planning a 400 mile day, and if I can only go 30, that's going to be a VERY long day.

Looks like we may be going in the east gate (from Cody) and out the south, then through Teton and stop in Alpine Jxn or Soda Springs.

Wondering if it's worth the trouble to start in Cooke City and then go over to the west side of the loop and out the south gate then onwards.

Trouble is that so far we have about a 300 mile day planned from Cody to Soda Springs, and I don't know if that's even possible, let alone sensable. Looks like closer to 350 miles if we decide to go up to Cooke City, MT and come into the park from the northeast corner. Is that do-able? Will we get in over our heads?

Thanks for any help you might offer!

Matt

velvet fog · Dec 11, 2005

The speed limit in the park is 45, but you will be lucky to do 40 with all the motorhomes etc. The park is mostly no passing zone and pretty heavily patrolled. If you are just passing through, try to do it really early in the morning or late in the evening.

There are plenty of don't miss roads in the area like 212 over Beartooth pass. Go from Cody to Cooke City via 120 and 296. When you get to US212, take a right to Red Lodge, ride over Beartooth pass, then turn around and head for Cooke City. On your way to Cody, don't miss 14 between Ranchester and Lovell.

IMHO, I'd skip the park and ride the other roads. Unless you want to stop and see the geysers etc in Yellowstone, I'd avoid the park.

Longrider · Jan 19, 2006

If you think you might do Beartooth Pass, double check to make sure it is open. It was closed last summer due to a big landslide.

Longrider

Mr Bill · Jan 19, 2006

I'd redo my route to come in the North entrance - aka Beartooth Highway

If you come in the route you plan then there is a town South of Code called Thermopolis that has town pools feed by hot springs.

Are you following the Oregon trail? Look up Chimney Rock in Nebraska (landmark - not exciting motorycle road) When the settlers in wagon saw this rock formation heading West they knew in another day they would see the Rockies

Badlands - fun hour ride through

If you go the tourist route Mt Rushmore and such there is Custer State Park with huge herds of bison (hmm maybe skip that one if your on the FJR)

I've only been through this area a few times so I don't know all the must sees, but I would not miss Yellowstone. It's like landing on another planet.