Rapid City SD to West Yellowstone

[MP_soldier]

I had originally planned the route going through Gillete, Cody, and Bufallo, but now I'm rethinking it.

Taking 90 West through Montana and entering West Yellowstone from the North isn't much further, and I'd avoid heavy traffic through the park.

Either way, We're making a side trip to see Devil's Tower!

What say you? Which route is better?

[MP_soldier]

I filled it up with fluid, and just see evidence of one drop after driving around a bit.

Towing camper to Casper WY (114 miles) tomorrow for an 8:30am appointment to get a new seal put in.
I also have a case of ATF for the trip.

fingers crossed.

[memtb]

MP, Very sorry to hear of your troubles! I forget some of the issues with autos, as I always used manuals. Powder River Pass is a little steep in places, though a beautiful drive. I sincerely hope that the tranny problem didn't totally ruin your trip! Wishing you the best for the duration of your trip!

[MP_soldier]

I fought the bighorns, and the bighorns won.
Last minute decision to take 16 instead of 90 all the way around to West Yellowstone. Transmission got hot and I pulled over, I was too late, puking out all the fluid through the front seal. 1 super sized tow truck delivery of 10 quarts of automatic transmission fluid later, and $400 lighter in the pocket, I turned around and went back into Buffalo to find a transmission shop.

Hopefully it's just a seal, and I didn't toast the transmission. But I did drive it back here under its own power, and stop wants to fill up the transmission.

So it looks like Yellowstone and my $300 plus reservations are not going to happen. We've got to make Salt Lake City for our flight to Vegas, and who knows how long it's going to take to get the truck fixed.

Always an adventure, how to be very easy to sit here and stew over it, but I'm just going to make some lemonade with those lemons. And pour in a whole bunch of vodka!

[garyp4951]

I would go around to West YS, see the park, and out through Cody. I also would stay at Cody, and do a day drive to Red Lodge.

[memtb]

If you do take 16 across the Big Horns (a beautiful drive), be sure to go into Thermopolis and then on to Cody. Thermopolis has a very pretty state park, the Wyoming Dinosaur Museum (top nationally ranked privately owned museum), and often have rodeos at the Fairgrounds....overall a neat little town!

[kknowlton]

At least another hour - depending on traffic, animal jams, etc.

[Rangerman40]

It's an 8hr drive from Custer to Fishing Bridge going through the East Entrance. It would take another hour or so to get to the other side.

[Ed_C]

I/90 to 191 is a much less adventurous drive but it is also a very nice ride with beautiful scenery. 16 over the Big Horns isn't bad and The Buffalo Bill Center in Cody is well worth it.

[Horsedoc]

Been in both ways. The BigHorn mountains(hiway 16) are beautiful but Greybull to Cody was just desolate, dry nothing. From Cody to the Park? Beautiful ride, lots of curves and hills to climb, but the scenery is outstanding.
Last Stand hill and the Custer memorial east of Hardin is worth your time to stop and pay your respects.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

It's actually faster to go around the park rather than through it. The speed limits are lower in the park for safety reasons.

[Us_out_West]

In July 2014 we did this;

Rapid City to see Mt. Rushmore.

then on to...

Buffalo, WY
Livingston, MT
Island Park, ID where we stayed while visiting Yellowstone entering from the West entrance.

Safe travels,

[Bumpyroad]

I took 90 across and dropped down to the Yellowstone area from the North. was my first big trip in the class A.
bumpy

[enblethen]

First time in this direction?
I would not miss Cody coming or going.