This summer we are taking a trip from Davenport, IA out to Yellowstone pulling a 32' TT. I have used MapQuest to suggest a route but have two questions. The first being that we will be staying at Rafter J Bar near Mt Rushmore. From there, MapQuest has us taking Highway 16 West up to I-90. Does this seem like a reasonable route pulling a TT or should I plan to go back to Rapid City, SD and take I-90 all the way to Sheridan, WY?The second question relates to the route from Sheridan, WY to Cody, WY. MapQuest says to take Highway 14 West (Bighorn Scenic Byway) all the way to Cody, instead of Highway 14A (Medicine Wheel Passage)West to Cody. I heard from one person that I wanted to avoid the Bighorn Scenic Byway, but this was based to experience 30 years ago. Does anyone have any knowledge of this route and have any suggestions?Chris

US16 through the Black Hills has a short twisty section where it passes through Jewel Caves NM.To cross the Big Horn Mtns, US16 is easiest, US14A toughest.If you are 'deathly afraid' of hills/grades/curves, then go back to I90, and stick with that till Belgrade MT, and take US191 south to W Yellowstone.

Yes, US 16 is good.I think US 16 would be a better choice. It does have a steep down hill into Ten Sheep. Very low gear required going down it.

We traveled that area last summer in our 30 ft RV. If you want to avoid hills and curved, then I suggest go through Rapid City and get on I-90. It is a nice drive to take. Hope off at Buffalo, WY and take the road from Buffalo to Cody. It is the safest route in terms of ease of driving. Few hills and curves and makes for a nice drive. But, be advised I counted two gas stations on that trip. But, as I said, it is a great drive to take.

Quick get a copy of Mountain Directory West to help plan your routes.

Way back in '82 when we did it from Ellsworth AFB at Rapid we went up I-90 to Red Lodge then in the north east gate with a 21'tt. Stopped at Little Big Horn Memorial along the way. Great for the kids.

Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone | Good Sam Community

john_bet
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2014
Way back in '82 when we did it from Ellsworth AFB at Rapid we went up I-90 to Red Lodge then in the north east gate with a 21'tt. Stopped at Little Big Horn Memorial along the way. Great for the kids.
Dick_B
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
Quick get a copy of Mountain Directory West to help plan your routes.
AlCar
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014
We traveled that area last summer in our 30 ft RV. If you want to avoid hills and curved, then I suggest go through Rapid City and get on I-90. It is a nice drive to take. Hope off at Buffalo, WY and take the road from Buffalo to Cody. It is the safest route in terms of ease of driving. Few hills and curves and makes for a nice drive. But, be advised I counted two gas stations on that trip. But, as I said, it is a great drive to take.
enblethen
Nomad
Mar 03, 2014
Yes, US 16 is good.
I think US 16 would be a better choice. It does have a steep down hill into Ten Sheep. Very low gear required going down it.
paulj
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2014
US16 through the Black Hills has a short twisty section where it passes through Jewel Caves NM.

To cross the Big Horn Mtns, US16 is easiest, US14A toughest.

If you are 'deathly afraid' of hills/grades/curves, then go back to I90, and stick with that till Belgrade MT, and take US191 south to W Yellowstone.

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