Travel from Rapid City to Cody Wy

We will be interested in hearing from others also as I we plan a similar trip soon. If you do not want to do the Bighorns on US16, then we are planning on going south to Casper on I25 (we actually are coming from the south into Casper so it's a bit easier for us in that decision), then west on US26, US20 and then US14 into Cody. We may come back on US16 just for the experience. We need to make time on our way out but not necessarily on the way back. Our DP will do fine over US16 and I bet yours would too if you don't mind dealing with the elevations.

My DP does fine going over the Big Horns on US 16. No problems up or down. Did meet one fellow at a campground in eastern Wyoming that had problems coming over the Big Horns with a new DP. After listening to him describe driving from California, I believe he was having turbo problems. His coach was a Cummins diesel (400+ hp) and mind has a CAT(330 hp). Also, when we came over, it started snowing - no problems. Just use common sense.

That depends on when you went over Big Horn last. We crossed the southern (14, not 14W) in the fall of 2014 and it was very clear that the road had recently been flattened and straightened.

Matt

I enjoyed the drive in 2015. Would again. Is it just me enjoying the journey more as I get older to a point that it equals the destination? While others seem to move toward enduring or disliking the journey as they age?

I took 16 just two weeks ago now. It was fine. I was in a super c but I have taken it and 14 in my 42 foot Foretravel with no problems many times. The one issue I had was they closed it down but did not let us know until we drove a bunch of it and the turn around was tight for a big rig. That was five years ago now.

If you want a beautiful trip that is easy-breezey take 25 through Sheraton, WY into Billings, MT. Take 90 to Laurel, MT where you get 212 S to 310 S through Bridger, MT. Just outsider Bridger take 72 into Belfry, MT. When you cross over the line to the Great State of Wyoming 72 changes to 120. 120 will take you straight into Cody without a sing mountain to cross or significant grade to deal with. And the entire trip is gorgeous.

Stop into Sheraton and if nothing else drive through downtown, you'll be very happy you did! Going out of Wyoming into Montana you can stop in at the Little Big Horne and see where Custer decided to make his Last Stand! The trip from Billings to Cody will knock your socks off so either don't ware them or use garters!