Yellowstone from Mt. Rushmore

[Frozen001]

Hi all,

We are considering a trip that includes Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone. We will be coming from upstate NY, so it looks like the east entrance might be the “best” way. How is that route getting into the park? We will be traveling with a crew cab diesel and a 36’ tow behind.

[ReneeG]

TexasShadow wrote:
16 and 14 over the Bighorns are both tough, but doable with your rig. Avoid 14A...it is not called the Oh MY God hill for nothing. LOL
16 has several campgrounds along the way and a dump station up near the top of the Pass.
There is a nice little rv park on the west end of Ten Sleep.
Out of Cody, there are several rv parks and federal campgrounds. Two of the fed Camps have electricity. Wapiti and Rex Hale.
I advise against entrance to Yellowstone via northeast gate. The approaches are stunningly beautiful, but you won't see much of it because you'll be looking at the road if you're pulling your rig.

We stayed at both Rex Hale and Wapiti. Both very nice, with one huge caveat. We picked up a pack rat at Rex Hale and to no avail, could not get rid of it until we got home two weeks later. By that time it had done plenty of damage in our basement, but we now know how to solve it next time should we be aware of an intruder!!

[TexasShadow]

16 and 14 over the Bighorns are both tough, but doable with your rig. Avoid 14A...it is not called the Oh MY God hill for nothing. LOL
16 has several campgrounds along the way and a dump station up near the top of the Pass.
There is a nice little rv park on the west end of Ten Sleep.
Out of Cody, there are several rv parks and federal campgrounds. Two of the fed Camps have electricity. Wapiti and Rex Hale.
I advise against entrance to Yellowstone via northeast gate. The approaches are stunningly beautiful, but you won't see much of it because you'll be looking at the road if you're pulling your rig.

[ReneeG]

valhalla360 wrote:
The entrance to the park is a climb but nothing bad. Going over the Big Horn mountains on the way thru is the worst of the drive but certainly doable if you aren't underpowered.

Alternatively, you could swing way to the north to loop around the Big Horns.

or inexperienced with mountain driving. We first drove over the Bighorn's years back with our F250 V10 towing a 27 ft TT. Slow is the key here. Slow up and slow down. With a diesel and plenty of power, that should not be an issue.

[Frozen001]

Thanks for the replies. Reading some information on line lead me to believe that 14 was going to be a "rough" drive, but a newer article said there have been improvements that have made it much better.

[valhalla360]

The entrance to the park is a climb but nothing bad. Going over the Big Horn mountains on the way thru is the worst of the drive but certainly doable if you aren't underpowered.

Alternatively, you could swing way to the north to loop around the Big Horns.

[TenOC]

dodge guy wrote:
Do yourself a favor and go in the park through RedLodge on the Beartooth highway. Take it slow and enjoy the views!

Yes, he should be able to do the Beartooth with his equipment, but I think a day-trip from Cody is better.

[dodge_guy]

Do yourself a favor and go in the park through RedLodge on the Beartooth highway. Take it slow and enjoy the views!

[TenOC]

BB_TX wrote:
From I-90 I believe you want to take US 16 rather than US14 going to Cody. Or maybe some other route. I know 14 is a beautiful drive but steep and winding. Don’t know about 16 or other routes. Someone will likely come in and give better info.

I have done 14 and 16 with a 36 foot RV. You should not have any problems with either. I like 14 best. Your trip is once in a lifetime so see all you can!!!! Be sure to see the Grand Tetons NP.

[BB_TX]

From I-90 I believe you want to take US 16 rather than US14 going to Cody. Or maybe some other route. I know 14 is a beautiful drive but steep and winding. Don’t know about 16 or other routes. Someone will likely come in and give better info.

[TenOC]

Over night at Devils Tower NP.


Click For Full-Size Image.

[TenOC]

Stop in or near Cody there are FS dry camping. Unhook the RV and take the Bear Tooth - 296 + 212 to Red Lodge for a day trip.

[ReneeG]

You'll be coming through Cody, WY to the East Entrance. There is a climb, but with your diesel and 36', it is not an issue. It's a beautiful route.