Forum Discussion

2nomads's avatar
2nomads
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019

Route Thru the Big Horns

This has probably been covered many times, BUT - short answer: We're traveling from Devil's Tower, WY to Cody, WY then Yellowstone this coming July in a 34 foot class A gas motorhome towing a car. We've driven Hwy 16 from Buffalo to Worland on to Greybull and on to Cody and remember the grades. My question: Is that still the easiest route, preferable to Hwy 14 Sheridan to Greybull? Not familiar with Hwy 14. How are the grades and curves compared to Hwy 16? Thanks.
Roads and Routes
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2019
    Without a good engine brake, and you don’t have one with a “gas” engine.....I would avoid 14A with your rig! JMO
  • j3ff9ack's avatar
    j3ff9ack
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    In my opinion, Hwy 16 is a bit easier than Hwy 14, but not significantly so. Both have lots of grade and turns. As mentioned by an earlier poster, do not use Hwy 14A.
  • Cougarnewbie's avatar
    Cougarnewbie
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    I think Casper to Thermopolis to Cody is the easiest. I have a gas engine too.
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Jan 23, 2019
    I agree with avoiding 14A. I have gone down 14A headed west and I have gone up 14A headed east. that was with a prior RV.
    I also agree that 16 is the easiest of the 3 route going through the Big Horn Mtns.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    hornet28 wrote:
    here's the sign at the junction of 14 and 14A


    A picture is worth a 1,000 words :)
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    2nomads, About 18 years ago (when we first moved to this area), there was a motorhome from California ( grandparents and a grandchild), attempted 14A. Other than the motorhome frame ...the remainder “pretty much” required a broom and dust pan to clean up the crash site!
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    Jan 23, 2019
    In my opinion, 16 is the better pass. 14 is doable, but loooong, so it's really hard on brakes.
    14A is a no-no, again, in my opinion. :)
  • yr2017's avatar
    yr2017
    Explorer
    Jan 23, 2019
    2nomads wrote:
    This has probably been covered many times, BUT - short answer: We're traveling from Devil's Tower, WY to Cody, WY then Yellowstone this coming July in a 34 foot class A gas motorhome towing a car. We've driven Hwy 16 from Buffalo to Worland on to Greybull and on to Cody and remember the grades. My question: Is that still the easiest route, preferable to Hwy 14 Sheridan to Greybull? Not familiar with Hwy 14. How are the grades and curves compared to Hwy 16? Thanks.


    Why would you subject yourselves and your vehicle to that kind of abuse?

    The easiest way from the Tower to Cody is taking US 212 to Custer Battlefield - Crow Agency, then up I 90 to Billings and back down US 310 to MT 72 to WY 120. About 400 mi and 8 hr trip. It's a bit longer and MUCH SAFER. Plus you'll get to see the Battlefield and Billings (Costco) along the way. Gas was always cheaper in MT than Cody.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jan 23, 2019
    j3ff9ack wrote:
    In my opinion, Hwy 16 is a bit easier than Hwy 14, but not significantly so. Both have lots of grade and turns. As mentioned by an earlier poster, do not use Hwy 14A.
    +1

    Couple Summers ago I went east on 14 and and west on 16. Seemed about the same but 16 was probably a bit easier. And yes I am loaded to max and use the lower gears to get over due to limited power. Allow an extra hour over the GPS estimate to give plenty of time to relax and enjoy the view at a slower pace.

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