Yellowstone Madison CG to Cody Day trip

I think it is too far for a day trip. Once we got to Cody a few years ago we spent a couple of days at their wonderful museum. I wouldn't worry about the road for many people drive it every day.

It's quite a ways; if you are prepared for it to be a long day, and not to have more than a few hours to spend in Cody, it's do-able, though not ideal. The "big grade" isn't so much grade as it is a winding mountain road over Sylvan Pass (East Entrance Road). Beautiful drive, but the driver shouldn't try to enjoy it too much - let the passengers watch the scenery! :)

As stated, it is doable but would be a very long day. Plan to leave Madison by 8am and leave Cody before it starts getting dark.

This link gives an excellent description of all the roads leading into Yellowstone:

http://www.rvtechmag.com/travel/4_yellowstonebyrv.php

Thanks guys, I'm just a little paranoid about pulling a TT up there. More so going down a steep grade than going up. I've been in the Smokies and I've smelt many of brakes getting hot. Not mine cause I don't pull my TT up there and when I did I always made sure I didn't have any steep roads in my plans. But it looks like I wont have a choice up there.

2gypsies wrote:
As stated, it is doable but would be a very long day. Plan to leave Madison by 8am and leave Cody before it starts getting dark.

This link gives an excellent description of all the roads leading into Yellowstone:

http://www.rvtechmag.com/travel/4_yellowstonebyrv.php

thanks for that site, Ill give it a good look

floridacamper wrote:
Thanks guys, I'm just a little paranoid about pulling a TT up there. More so going down a steep grade than going up. I've been in the Smokies and I've smelt many of brakes getting hot. Not mine cause I don't pull my TT up there and when I did I always made sure I didn't have any steep roads in my plans. But it looks like I wont have a choice up there.

You will be in the Rockies - not the Smokies - real mountains, and to avoid them is not easy but to learn how to drive in them is really not that hard.

The trip will take between 3 and 4 hours one way so you really will be on the road most of the day - I'd look at relocating and pulling the trailer. The fact is it is one of the most traveled routes used by visitors to the park, so it is very doable with your rig.

JMHO,

Keep in mind that going down you need to get in low gear before you start going down - not try to do it midway. If you're in the proper gear you shouldn't have to use the brakes much, if at all.

I think by the time you get to Yellowstone you'll be a pro!!! Many, many RVers drive the mountains in all kinds of vehicles. You'll do just fine. :)

After your trip be sure to come back and tell us how it went.

If you are doing a day trip, why are you pulling the TT? Without the TT, it's still a pretty long trip that will take most of the day. Leave very early in the morning, 6:00 am or so and go to Cody. Then, after you get done with your sightseeing in Cody, it's a long trip back and will take you three or so hours. So, plan on a full day away from camp, but it will be worth it to see the Buffalo Bill Museum and other things Cody has to offer.

I camped in Cody and drove to the part each day. Long drive, but very nice views. Lots of coffee each way. Grade is not that bad. Saw lots of class A, 5er's and TT going both ways.

jalichty wrote:
If you are doing a day trip, why are you pulling the TT? Without the TT, it's still a pretty long trip that will take most of the day. Leave very early in the morning, 6:00 am or so and go to Cody. Then, after you get done with your sightseeing in Cody, it's a long trip back and will take you three or so hours. So, plan on a full day away from camp, but it will be worth it to see the Buffalo Bill Museum and other things Cody has to offer.

Well I was trying to decide if I could do it as a day trip first but it sounds as tho it would be a very long day so then I started contemplating on pulling my TT over and just staying a night there in Cody before starting back home. While researching on another site I came across someone talking about a tunnel and a very steep grade near the East gate. That's why I was asking, sorry if I confused anyone, I'm confused myself.