WY Hiway 14

I have not been on that road. BUT I can see, using Google maps, that it is a 2 lane road with no shoulder and "looks" to be in good shape when the pictures where taken. Google maps is a great tool for "seeing" a route. Alt US 14 is closed in winter. I would not go that way.

14 is a typical Rocky Mountain Road. There is a significant climb, but the grades are not too steep. Not a great deal of shoulder room in spots. There are some great dry camping spots along the way, and one Forest Service campground with electricity (Sibley Lake). There is a dump station at Burgess Junction. The descent into Ranchester is similar to the climb to the top, Somewhat long, somewhat steep, but doable if you have some mountain driving experience. Look for Moose along the way, they are common to the area.
14A is way too steep in spots, do not take it.
Another alternative is 16. That climb is not quite as steep or switchbacked as 14. Also very scenic. That route is Greybull to Worland, thru Ten Sleep and up and over into Buffalo.
Finally, should the mountains make your knees shake, you can go from Greybull to Laurel Montana and then pick up Interstate 90 and never have a mountain to climb. It would add around 120 miles to your trip, but probably less than a hour to the drive. It really isn't a bad option for those who fear the climbs, the dropoffs from the shoulder, people who don't like the fact that their rig might only be able to muster 10 MPH while climbing, and those who will melt their brakes while riding them during the descent instead of shifting into a lower gear.

I've read numerous discussions on this specific route on various motor home forums and the slight consensus is that it is not an easy drive for motor homes. Some have claimed never again, but a few said no problems ...just go slow ( 25 mph ). Lots of switchbacks and grade. I have decided that route is not one I would take. I can't imagine pulling a 40 foot 5th wheel over it.....even more difficult.
Then again, I have never been over that route....just talked to a few who had and regretted it.

westernrvparkowner wrote:
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14A is way too steep in spots, do not take it.
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What he said, bad idea, not good.

I think you can drive 14 with no problems. I did it with my 33 footer which probably has the same pivot point to center line of axle length as your 40 Fifth wheel. (thus the off tracking of the trailer axles is close to the same)

Dont be put off by naysayers.

I have driven far steeper and curvy-er roads than that...the road to Jerome AZ for instance.

Larger vehicles than yours can be found on this road too.

If there were any REAL reason that your length shouldnt be on that road it would be restricted...and to the best of my knowledge and experience of driving it two years ago on my way to Yellowstone that is not the case.

Just go and have fun and enjoy the drive.

I have driven 14 from east to west in a 41' MH pulling a toad. I did not have any problems. I have also driven 14A (not in an RV) and I would not drive my MH on 14A.

We have used route 14 over the Bighorn mountains three times, all in the eastbound direction. Most recently was in July 2016. We like this route for the scenery. It is a lot of uphill and later a lot of downhill, but we have been on worse roads. We did use second gear going up as well as down the steeper sections. We're in the Class C in my signature, so no opinion on towing this road. Once the climb is complete the road passes for many miles through high meadows and forest. Just beautiful up there and some nice Forest Service campgrounds plus boondocking.

Last year we decided to drive route 14A west from Burgess Junction to see the Medicine Wheel. The section we drove did not include the steep switchbacks that are further west, so no problem.

If you want a feel of what it would be like to drive this road, you can use Google Street View.

Google Earth view of the few sharp curves on the west side of route 14 going up. If you go, a stop at the Shell Creek Rest stop at the right side of the picture is well worth it. Nice waterfall there.


Google Earth view of the curves on the east side of route 14 going down.

I have pulled my 30 ft. 5th wheel over it - it has switchbacks and decent grades on each side of the Big Horns, but it is doable if you're comfortable with mountain driving. Just take it easy and don't plan on going much over 25 MPH on the ascent and decent.