We will be leaving Yellowstone (Fishing Bridge campground) in late June headed to Devil's Tower. Trying to decide whether to go across Bighorns (beautiful) or go north to see Little Bighorn Battlefield (not time for both :( Looking at several other posts about the drive, any advice going north says to go out of west Yellowstone up to 90. Is there some reason not to go north out of Cody on 71 and pick up just before Billings?

This is a tough call. We've been to both places. Little Big Horn maybe 3 times since I'm an avid historian and the Tower once. While the battlefield has its obvious draw the Tower is magnificent. I hestitate to suggest one over the other no matter how difficult the drive. I will say this; we were coming home from Yellowstone several years ago and it was very late/dark. I noticed the interstate sign that said Devil's Tower next exit so I took it just on a whim even though we had not planned to visit. Even in the dark it is an imposing sight with the bright night sky/stars/moon. If you want the historical route, the battlefield tour is something you won't forget either. The walk around it is inspiring. Sorry if I've only confused you more. :h

From Fishing Bridge I'd exit Yellowstone's east gate through Cody to Greybull, then take Hwy 14 to Ranchester and I-90 to the Little Bighorn Battlefield. I don't think it would take any longer than driving across the Park to West Yellowstone and then going north to I-90, and it would be a much prettier drive.That's just seat of the pants guessing. Mapquest should give you a good idea of time and distance both ways.(I'm assuming your question was whether to cross the Bighorns or see the Battlefield, right? Not the Battlefield or Devils Tower.)

I'd go west from Tower Junction, head for Billings on 212. See the little Big Horn Battlefield for a few hours and head for Devils Monument the same day on 212. If you are talking about the Cody route and thru the Big Horn Mts its only 52 miles north on I90 to the Custer battlefield and from there 212 will take you to Devils Tower. Nice KOA right at the base. From the Tower you are right at I90 for the trip home. Four hours is enough at the battlefield and Devils Tower is a matter of see it, take a few pics and be on your way early the next morning. Its doable in one day. Sun set is pretty late that time of year.

We left Yellowstone and went to the Little Bighorn National Mounument and Devils Tower on the way to Deadwood and we loved the trip.

Your call, but the battlefield and the tower are both interesting and not to be missed, imo. Sounds like you've already crossed the Bighorns? Not that you shouldn't do that again. Like I said, your call. Happy trails!

Yellowstone > Little Bighorn or Bighorns > Devil's Tower

newk
Explorer
May 28, 2013
From Fishing Bridge I'd exit Yellowstone's east gate through Cody to Greybull, then take Hwy 14 to Ranchester and I-90 to the Little Bighorn Battlefield. I don't think it would take any longer than driving across the Park to West Yellowstone and then going north to I-90, and it would be a much prettier drive.

That's just seat of the pants guessing. Mapquest should give you a good idea of time and distance both ways.

(I'm assuming your question was whether to cross the Bighorns or see the Battlefield, right? Not the Battlefield or Devils Tower.)
noe-place
Explorer
May 28, 2013
This is a tough call. We've been to both places. Little Big Horn maybe 3 times since I'm an avid historian and the Tower once. While the battlefield has its obvious draw the Tower is magnificent. I hestitate to suggest one over the other no matter how difficult the drive. I will say this; we were coming home from Yellowstone several years ago and it was very late/dark. I noticed the interstate sign that said Devil's Tower next exit so I took it just on a whim even though we had not planned to visit. Even in the dark it is an imposing sight with the bright night sky/stars/moon. If you want the historical route, the battlefield tour is something you won't forget either. The walk around it is inspiring. Sorry if I've only confused you more. :h

Forum Discussion

Yellowstone > Little Bighorn or Bighorns > Devil's Tower

About Bucket List Trips

Related Content

Bighorns Highway 16

Heartland Bighorn

Heartland "Bighorn " ?

New Bighorn 5er

More Bighorn problems