Sturgis to Yellowstone

None of the interstates go directly to Yellowstone. There are many different routes you can take.

I90 to US14 is probably easiest from your direction.

This article covers the various routes into Yellowstone. Be sure to read the section on the Bighorn Mountains.

all three passes over the big horn mountains are noteworthy with highway 16 being the "easiest" of the three. if you want to avoid them, take I 90 up and around to Bozeman and then 191 south to West Yellowstone...all good roads with no grades to speak of.
If you want a straighter shot, take 212 south out of Laurel, then 310 down to Bridger and 72 and 120 into Cody...then Cody west into Yellowstone and go across the park to West Yellowstone.... this will not necessarily be the fastest way to go :)

14 can be a tad curvey. I haven't tried 16, but hear its better. If you use the east entrance, you have quite a drive through the park to get to the west entrance. There are some mountains to cross at the east entrance too.

Taking I-90 to 191 avoids any mountain driving. The drive down 191 is scenic.

I90 to 191.

bobkatmsu wrote:
We will be leaving Sturgis, SD on Monday, heading to KOA west Yellowstone in our 38' gas class a towing a Jeep. Have been told 2 different paths to take. I-90 all the way or 34 to 212. Anyone have any experience with these routes?

Bing Map to Cody

I always stop in Thermopolis and drive the Wind River Canyon - one of those drives I always have remembered , as the River, due to the terrain, appears to run UP HILL. (At least to ME) - Also a Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park with a great Hot Springs.

So RT 16 through the Big Horns - Thermopolis - Wind River - and then up into Cody - Remember to Re-supply at the Wal*Mart in COdy - Buffalo Bill Museum is a Big attraction - Chief Joseph Highway - possibly the Beartooth - Then into Yellowstone.

After the Visit to Yellowstone I'd head south through the Tetons and then Out through Jackson and Alpine to the South. Now if you have the time, on to Flaming Gorge - and possibly Dinosaur National Monument and the Green River.

If you have done most of the items suggested it is Likely Mid September - SO more Adventure/sights are in your future. ASPEN in Colorado - the end of September is Loaded with drives through as many of the High Mountain Passes as possible to enjoy the Golden Aspen.

Aspen

Might be a little more than you needed/wanted but that' how I'd spend the next two months if I were in your shoes.

Best of Luck,

I've done both 14 and 16 in a gasser without issues. You won't break any speed records, but you'll make it.

JoeH wrote:
I've done both 14 and 16 in a gasser without issues. You won't break any speed records, but you'll make it.

X2 and with our gasser, with a toad, we had no problems at all and the scenery is fantastic. The only problem that we did encounter was that once past the mountains we encountered a herd of free ranging sheep. They were all over the road and they seemed to care less that we wanted to drive on by and go to our destination. Traveling the West we had encountered free range cattle many times before and they usually are at the side of the road. Sheep just act oblivious of a vehicle and you really do have to go very slow until they eventually move and let you by. The roads were all well paved and it was a lot more scenic than driving just another Interstate or major highway.

34/212 is a decent two lane road with quite a lot of truck traffic. Not a lot of services, including cell service, so pay attention to your fuel gauge. You will hit I90 at Crow Agency. Continue on I90 to Belgrade then south on 191 to West Yellowstone. I90 from Sturgis to Crow Agency is a typical western interstate - decent but boring. We were through there 2 weeks ago and there were several spots were it narrowed to one lane due to construction but no problems. Enjoy your trip.