See spectacular scenery, horse riding, Bighorn Sheep, rugged mountains, major rodeo each summer night, and Buffalo Bill and Winchester Museums.
Crowds of people visit Yellowstone National Parks and Grand Teton each summer. If you plan to be one of them, you might appreciate getting out of the groups for a day or two during your visit. The succeeding 3 drives will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United States. All 3 are 200 miles apart. For the most part, the best things about these little day trips are the absence of masses and the beautiful scenery.
For the first drive, head U.S. 26 from Togwater Pass in Grand Teton Park, and proceed 35 miles through Dubois. Go straight ahead 55 miles to Route132, south 18 miles to U.S. 287, and back north to the park. West of Dubois is magnificent Wind River Lake and trail rides; the “dude ranch” originated here. The Bighorn Sheep Center will make you an expert on these lovely creatures.
Your next drive begins on U.S. 14/16/20 from Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone Park. Drive 52 miles through Wapiti Valley to Cody and back. If you feel a bit adventurous, go north 17 miles on Route 120 to Route 296, and across 47 miles to U.S. 212. This will take you back to the northeast entrance and is the route for spectacular sceneries. It’s also crucial to note that since this is a mountainous path, you should prepare for cold weather conditions. This drive will take 3 hours each way. (The pass is shut October through April.)
The last of these gorgeous drives begins on U.S. 212 on the northeast side of Yellowstone. Sixty-eight rugged miles takes you over Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge, Montana, and back. If you want to, you can return via Cody down Route 300, Route 72, and Route 120. Cody has a major rodeo every summer night. Old Trail Town has authentic frontier landmarks including Butch and Sundance’s cabin, and Jeremiah Johnson’s grave. Do not miss the Buffalo Bill Museum or the Winchester Museum. Route 296 is spectacular.
Starting Point:
Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, WY
Distance of Drive:
About 200 miles each
Must Eat:
Becker’s Kitchen
600 North Broadway Ave., Red Lodge, MT 59068
Phone: 406-446-2568
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Home style cooking
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Yellowstone National Parks
Buffalo Bill Museum
Bighorn Sheep Center
Winchester Museum
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • mountains • Wyoming
Filed under: Best Road Trips