Targhee Pass on route 20

You actually found a name for the pass? It's only 15 miles west of W Yellowstone, and not much higher.

You will not have any trouble wth Targee Pass. The only time it can be any trouble is in the winter, mostly from blowing snow in the open area on the Idaho side. The climb from Ashton ID to Island Park ID will be more of a challenge but it is mostly straight.

Enjoy your trip

Easiest way in from the SW....you will be fine.

Targhee Pass is nothing compared to Ashton Hill on 20.

The above are correct. Ashton hill will be more of a challenge. Targhee Pass is a 3% grade.

I have not been able to find a spec for Ashton hill but I have been over it more than 50 times. It is a very good road that is mostly straight. No sharp turns but I would guess it is about 4-6 % grade.

If I remember right it has a passing lane all the way up from Ashton.

You will climb about 1000 feet in about 5 miles. The problem being a steady climb for 5 miles.

Targhee pass was barely noticeable when we crossed it last month.

If you have a boat, you must stop for inspection near the top.

There's a scenic loop off of 20 that takes you past Mesa Falls. I don't how it would be in a big RV.

paulj wrote:
There's a scenic loop off of 20 that takes you past Mesa Falls. I don't how it would be in a big RV.

We've driven that route to get to the campground at Lower Mesa Falls. It's a two lane highway, narrow in spots, with an incline of probably 6 - 7% as you head up the caldera. It's doable, but as with any two lane mountain road, stay to the middle so as to not hook the edge of the road and shoulder.

If you are suggesting to take this route to avoid Ashton Hill, stick with Ashton Hill because at least the main highway is wider, just as steep, but wider.

Thanks for the info. Can't wait till we finally get to Yellowstone, after 3 weeks on the road. My fiancé has never been there; so we're both looking forward to it--the "highlight off our vacation."