Driving - South Dakota to West Yellowstone (Bozeman, Livingston: 2009, how much)

[JerzBoy]

Can anyone recommend the best driving route from Rapid City, SD to West Yellowstone, MT during early September?

Would one take I-90 to Livingston and then US-89 south through Gardiner and Yellowstone Park or would one take I-90 to Bozeman and then US-191 south through Big Sky?

Or is there a better alternate route?

Thanks!

[Bbrad]

You said September. Is that what you meant? Since it's October, I assume this is for next year?

Usually early Sept will be good weather - you probably don't need to worry about snowy roads. Probably the quickest would be to take the interstate to Bozeman then go south through Big Sky. A close second (and possibly faster if traffic is heavy in the canyon or construction delays) would be to go from Bozeman to Norris to Ennis to West.

The route through Gardiner allows you to see the park, but traffic is slower and you will have to pay entry to the park.

Another alternative, if you want more sight-seeing but probably the slowest route, would be to leave the interstate at Sheridan, WY, go over the Bighorn mountains to Cody, WY and then through the park to West.

[JerzBoy]

Originally Posted by Bbrad

You said September. Is that what you meant? Since it's October, I assume this is for next year?

Usually early Sept will be good weather - you probably don't need to worry about snowy roads. Probably the quickest would be to take the interstate to Bozeman then go south through Big Sky. A close second (and possibly faster if traffic is heavy in the canyon or construction delays) would be to go from Bozeman to Norris to Ennis to West.

The route through Gardiner allows you to see the park, but traffic is slower and you will have to pay entry to the park.

Another alternative, if you want more sight-seeing but probably the slowest route, would be to leave the interstate at Sheridan, WY, go over the Bighorn mountains to Cody, WY and then through the park to West.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I meant early September of 2009. Just trying to plan out a trip in advance.

I'm more concerned about the fastest route there as it will be a long drive and we will be sightseeing in the park on the subsequent days. Do you know of any good websites or radio stations which would tell you of possible delays/construction in the canyon?

Thanks again!

[GEORGIAINMT]

Originally Posted by Bbrad

Another alternative, if you want more sight-seeing but probably the slowest route, would be to leave the interstate at Sheridan, WY, go over the Bighorn mountains to Cody, WY and then through the park to West.

This is definitely the route I would take. Going all the way north to Montana then back south into Yellowstone is quite a ways longer. When the weather is good the trip from Rapid to Cody is very quick and is a nice drive. Rapid to Gillette to Sheridan to Lovell (or Greybull, take your choice) to Cody, then on to Yellowstone is by far the best way, IMHO. If you want to see the PRETTIEST place, though, going to Red Lodge and up over the Beartooth Pass would be the best. I guess it depends on your priorities....time? beauty? shorter mileage? Any way you go, it will be an awesome trip!

[JerzBoy]

Thanks for advice Georgian. How much longer do you think the trip through Red Lodge and over the Beartooth Pass would be? I have heard that this is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

[Radek]

That pass is just awe inspiring, it really is. It'll slow you down a bit though, and if you hit it at night, its not going to matter how beautiful it is, so make sure to take that into account. I've never really driven through it, so I can't say how much it'll actually slow you down.

[Vulcan500]

Beartooth is not to be missed, but Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (just north of Cody to Cooke City, thru Yellowstone N.P. then Gardiner to Livingston) is an amazing. Take plenty of peanuts or cornnuts to feed the hungry chipmunks at the top. They'll take them politely from your fingertips.

[countess1166]

Sylvan Pass out of Cody, unless you want to visit Red Lodge then the
most beautiful highway in america 212 and through Yellowstone.