Highway 191, south of Boseman, Mt

narcodog wrote:
.... I would not go toward West Yellowstone, pretty far out of the way.

Looking more closely at the GM's offerings, I see that the '2nd fastest' route does this 55/41 cutoff. That makes sense, since it both shortens the distance, and avoids the high country around Butte.

But just looking at the distances, I wouldn't describe the West Yellowstone route as being out of the way. It cuts off an even bigger corner on the I90/I15 transition. It is shorter, and marginally faster. But it may feel longer, with nearly 200 miles off-freeway, versus only 50.

narcodog wrote:
Here is what I would take. I90 W to MT 55/41 toward Twin Bridges to Dillon then I15 S. very scenic.

Another is to go to as I stated, Ennis to Twin Bridges to Dillon. I would not go toward West Yellowstone, pretty far out of the way.

Several years ago we left I-90 at Whitehall and went south on MT55 & 41 through Twin Bridges to Dillion. This way you miss going over the pass (Homestake?) to Butte.

Here is what I would take. I90 W to MT 55/41 toward Twin Bridges to Dillon then I15 S. very scenic.

Another is to go to as I stated, Ennis to Twin Bridges to Dillon. I would not go toward West Yellowstone, pretty far out of the way.

We have taken 191/20 several times, it's a fine road, no it's not a freeway and it's going to be slower but a really pretty drive, well worth it. I didn't look to see what size rv you have but I wouldn't pull ANY rv over Beartooth. It's over 10,000 ft in elevation and you may not have any brakes coming down the other side. If you are in a hurry go to I 15 and then south, otherwise take 191.

Elevator wrote:
... Map quest recommends going south of Boseman, Mt using Hwy 191 and 20. ....

Map programs seldom know what route is 'better'. What they 'know' are distances, road category, and speed estimates (possibly just based on category). From that they try various combinations, and give you the shortest or fastest (which ever you ask for).

When I ask Google Maps for Billings to Idaho Falls, the 1st choice is this one, 191/20 (which skirts Yellowstone). The 2nd alternative is I90 to Butte and I15 south, 60 miles longer and 20 minutes longer. That means that the average speed is higher on the all freeway route.

Is one better than the other? That depends on your criteria. If time wasn't my priority I'd take US212 SW to Red Lodge and over Beartooth into Yellowstone. It is shorter but slower, and more difficult in a big RV. (And just to ornery, I'd include Teton pass. :)) But the scenery can't be beat.

Anyways the US191/20 route is a good one, well traveled by RVs going to West Yellowstone.

Bozeman is a nice town and the Gallitin River is beautiful, but I would go through Butte and then get on I-15 if I were pulling a big rig and wanting to get on down the road.

We have traveled 287 through Ennis. Nice rv park in Ennis. You may do better picking up I-15 west of. Butte. 287 isn't bad for 2 lane hwy but faster down I-15 out of Butte. If you are just rambling with no time schedule 287 is fine. Ennis is nice little town. I've gone trough it a lot cutting through Yellowstone from Cody. Personnally I wouldn't go out of my way to go that way. I would stay on I-90 to Butte then south. In fact I would cut across I-80.Watch for wind gusts west of Cheyenne. Go across bottom of WY. Stop at our famous Little America west of Rock Springs..Free over night. Good food. 50 cent ice cream. Then down to Nephi, UT. Free overnight at flying J. Then south to Vegas. AZ Charlies on Boulder hwy in Vegas & on to CA. We live north of Cody. Travel the route often to CA. Lived in CA for 40 years. Fuel up at Flying J in Rock Springs before Little America. JMHO.

I like US 191 and US 20. Slower pace and lots of scenery. Good road, two lane most of the way.
Are you going to visit Yellowstone since you will be going through West Yellowstone?

I would go west to Ennis then onto Dillon and pick up I15