Bighorn Mountains: US 14 or US 16? (Gillette, Worland: cabin, airplanes, trailer)

[Will o the Wisp]

In June of 2012 I'll be travelling from Greybull to Gillette as part of a much longer journey. Anyway, after a bit of investigation, it seems that there is little difference in the routes as far as distance/time (google maps lists US 16 as being 1 mile and 10 minutes longer).

So I'm wondering from locals - which is a more pleasant drive, as far as views? We are unlikely to be making any stops, though a scenic overlook or particularly interesting point of interest of some sort might warrant a 10-minute leg stretch.

Any thoughts? Any significant differences in either route?

[branDcalf]

Both are beautiful in their own way. If I was going up hill on the west side, like you will be, in the summer, as you will be, I'd take 14. 14A is a cool drive, too, but more out of your way (some call it the OMG highway). If I had to go downhill in the winter, pulling a stock trailer, I'd take 16.

Actually, 16 might be more scenic and what you want. Ten Sleep canyon is so pretty. I just like the variety I see on 14.

[MrRational]

US 16.
Start with a day in Thermopolis at the spa's if you can.

[WyoNewk]

As branDcalf stated, both are beautiful in their own way.

I think Hwy 14 is a little more spectacular. It has Shell Falls on the way up Shell Canyon, which is a popular spot right alongside the highway, and dropping down to Dayton on the other side of the mountain has some pretty special views off the switchbacks. (Stop to view, please. It's a long ways down if you miss the curve!)

But Hwy 16 is a "nicer" drive all the way across. It seems Hwy 14 gets you up and down in grand fashion, but once on top it's kind of a ho-hum drive, whereas Hwy 16 has fewer grand views but is constantly pretty all the way across. Oh yeah, to be fair, while 16 is nice all the way over the Bighorns, it's badlands ugly from Worland to Tensleep. Some like that, others don't.

If anyone in your car doesn't like mountain driving, I'd suggest 16, as it's less severe. Otherwise, it's a tough choice.

[tigergal]

I've always preferred the route through Tensleep. You don't have the awesome vistas that span for miles, but it's a very different perspective inside the canyon.

[CptnRn]

I am very partial to 14A, especially the old switchbacks there before the highway was improved. The new 14A is a fun ride, but the old 14A was/is a very exciting ride with all the twists and hair pin turns. We often rode it in the back of my grandfathers old Ford pick-up.

[ElkHunter]

14 is the only way to go. You will not find anything better. Besides. You can stop by ElkHunters cabin and have a cup of coffee.

[Goin'toasquarestate]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

14 is the only way to go. You will not find anything better. Besides. You can stop by ElkHunters cabin and have a cup of coffee.

Not sure I'd pass that up if I got even half a chance.........splash o' Wyoming whiskey in there to warm the melon, ohhhhhhhhyeaahhhhh! ?

[SheridanPDC]

I'd have to say 14 myself.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

I'd love to go 14--again. Last time we went we didn't see a thing except for strobing flashes of lightning and a yawning abyss at every curve! We got delayed out of Greybull (vintage airplanes!) and hit the Bighorns at sunset. As we were climbing we were hit by the worst thunderstorm I'd ever experienced. White-knuckle driving the whole way...One of these years we'll make the trip again and see what we missed! That was in June, too. So do check the weather forecast before you go!