Headed to the Bighorns!

TexasShadow wrote:
....Do not take 14 A going up or down. It is a very tough climb or descent...very tough.
If you feel you can hike it, do go and take a look at the Medicine Wheel, but you have to hike the last mile and it's uphill. There is a bathroom at the top. If you're handicapped, they let you drive up there.
Bon Voyage.

I have driven up/down both sides of the Bighorns and can confirm the above comments. The West side is a tough pull. It's the only place other than climbing The Dome in Dawson City that really worked my truck.

I also recommend the Medicine Wheel. The lady Ranger told us the hike was uphill both ways. Huh! It sorta is in that it starts out climbing then drops then climbs again closer to the wheel. Then does the opposite returning to the parking lot. However the road surface is easy on the feet.

We have camped in Porcupine CG which is in the Medicine Wheel area. It's a nice typical NF CG.

wkrp wrote:
Since you are going to Burgess Junction, I think you have already made the choice in Rt. 14.

If you were not going to BJ, then I would go from Buffalo.

Anyone from the Buffalo, Sheridan area would be appreciated if they put in their two cents.

Yes I think I would prefer Burgess Junction area but like I said I was there 10 years ago and I'm sure the southern part of the National Forest would be great too. Just looking for some opinions regarding driving up/down the Eastern side of the Bighorns via 14 with my TV and TT (see previous message for my setup) Thanks again!! :)

Since you are going to Burgess Junction, I think you have already made the choice in Rt. 14.

If you were not going to BJ, then I would go from Buffalo.

Anyone from the Buffalo, Sheridan area would be appreciated if they put in their two cents.

wkrp wrote:
I have been over the Bighorns. Route 14 out of Sheridan IS NOT the way to go with an RV. It is very steep going up and even worse going down through Shell canyon on the west side. Route 16 out of Buffalo would be my choice. Still steep but not nearly as much as Rt. 14. A further drive getting into Cody but worth every bit of it.

Since you are in the area, the short drive up I90 from northern Wyoming to Custer battle field. It is one of the best side trips we ever took. Tell you kids about it before you go and they will appreciate it more.

I don't know if it was mentioned but Mount Rushmore is a must see. At the bottom of the mountain there is a town called Keystone that you and the kids will love.

There is nothing like South Dakota,Mont., and Wyoming. You will go back.

Thanks for the tips! I was there about 10 years ago tent camping and we really wanted to go back to the Burgess Junction area and camp and I believe 14 is the only way to get to Burgess Junction area unless you take 16 and then take a bunch of gravel forest roads. I have a 24' TT and a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado V8 5.2L with the 3.73 rear end...do you still think 14 would not be a good choice?

The Bighorns are among my favorite places to go. I have pulled the toy hauler in my sig up and down route 14 several times over the last two summers. As fate would have it, on my first trip with it, I lost the brakes in my truck when my exhaust mount snapped and the hot exhaust pipe fell onto the brake line that crosses the rear diff and melted it. But, the Good Lord was watching over my family and I: I was going uphill at the time it happened. Since, we've had no issues.

You do want to be deliberate and thoughtful as you come down, but the area is worth it. One thing I really like about the Bighorn NF is how clean and squared away the campgrounds are. Also, there are so many great places to boondock that you can easily find a nice spot if you prefer to camp that way.

I have been over the Bighorns. Route 14 out of Sheridan IS NOT the way to go with an RV. It is very steep going up and even worse going down through Shell canyon on the west side. Route 16 out of Buffalo would be my choice. Still steep but not nearly as much as Rt. 14. A further drive getting into Cody but worth every bit of it.

Since you are in the area, the short drive up I90 from northern Wyoming to Custer battle field. It is one of the best side trips we ever took. Tell you kids about it before you go and they will appreciate it more.

I don't know if it was mentioned but Mount Rushmore is a must see. At the bottom of the mountain there is a town called Keystone that you and the kids will love.

There is nothing like South Dakota,Mont., and Wyoming. You will go back.

On the south side, Deer Haven is a haven for the largest of the deer family, the Moose. If you can maneuver the back roads, head for the Paint Rock Basin, spectacular. All the other suggestions are spot on. Be aware, Moose are very, very near sighted and if you startle one, They won't run away, instead they will kick your A.

v2k1966 wrote:
Going down the big horns is a real test of your breaks.

Places to see on the way out are Custer State Park in the South Dakota / Black Hills. You will see plenty of wild animals in the park and campground. If you stay their 2 or 3 days you can take in the Black Hills sites of Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon.

Also about 45 minutes east of the Black Hills is the Bad Lands National Park.

About 1.5 hours west of the Black Hills is Bear Butte in Wyoming that is also interesting. Their is a KOA campground just outside of Bear Butte also.

2001 F150 5.4L with 6000 lb trailer - 1st gear coming down the Big Horns on Hwy 16..... The only time in my towing history I was darned scared and never so happy to be down off a mountain. Imagine 20 MPH curves all the way with severe drop offs and one heck of a grade. I can't imagine Hwy 14.

Custer State park, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands should be on your list.

Going down the big horns is a real test of your breaks.

Places to see on the way out are Custer State Park in the South Dakota / Black Hills. You will see plenty of wild animals in the park and campground. If you stay their 2 or 3 days you can take in the Black Hills sites of Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave, Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon.

Also about 45 minutes east of the Black Hills is the Bad Lands National Park.

About 1.5 hours west of the Black Hills is Bear Butte in Wyoming that is also interesting. Their is a KOA campground just outside of Bear Butte also.

Thank you all for your information! Very helpful!