newk
Gillette, WY
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I'd normally suggest going out the east gate through Cody, Greybull, Worland and Buffalo, but if you do that, keep a very close eye on the weather. I'm in Gillette. The high today is supposed to reach 73, but then it's to cool off rapidly the rest of the week, with a low of 20 Saturday evening and a high of 33 on Sunday -- rain on Thursday with a high of 52. It'll be colder in the mountains, and I'd expect snow instead of rain.
In re-reading your post, it appears you haven't left Minneapolis yet, so my forecast probably has little merit, but it is that time of the year; watching the weather closely would be a good idea when the time comes.
I've travelled Hwy. 16 over the Bighorns dozens of times in the winter. As long as you travel it during the day, the chances of it being open are almost as good as if you stick to I-90, but it's more apt to be snow-covered, hills are steeper, curves are sharper, and sliding off the road could be worse. It's much more scenic, but I wouldn't care to tow my 5er over the Bighorns in winter conditions. A car? Yes. A motorhome? I don't know.
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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My schedule is such that I'll be staying at Grizzly from Oct 13th - 16th, then headin back east on the 17th. I am not towing anything and the DP has the exhaust brake...
Can anyone tell me how the grades compare on 16 to the ones around Branson, MO?
I had a 8.1L Workhorse that I took to branson and that thing was a bit stressful, but mostly due to noise, heat, poor handling and lack of an exhaust brake... I'd imagine driving a $250K DP is going to be a lot more comfortable.
Does anyone have a good place to stay the night on my trip from Grizzly to the black hills? I don't plan to really get into the black hills, as time won't allow unless I reduce my time at Yellowstone... and I'll be heading back east on I90 thru Souix Falls and staying one night there. So I really need a good halfway point to stay the night from Grizzly to SF, SD.
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Mike W
San Diego
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I'm sorry. My suggestions were based on a summer trip....winter I'd take the advice of the locals.
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kohldad
Goose Creek, SC
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Haven't been to Branson so can't compare the grades, however, I'm mainly an East Coast guy use to things like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the back parkway access roads like 276 into Brevard, 321 down from Boone, etc., so can give some comparison there. Everyone complains about the grades out west. Yes they are longggg, but not any steeper. I found them much easier than the ones on the east coast. The roads are much wider, the curves aren't as sharp, and the views are much more spectacular.
I agree with the 16 route but you will need to watch the weather. I did this route in 2005 with a Dodge diesel and 35' 11K 5th wheel and found it a breeze. Just dropped the truck in 4th and moseyed up to the pass, then held 4th with the exhaust brake for a gentle ride down where I only touched the brake lightly a couple of times. Just don't be in a hurry and you won't have a problem.
For an enjoyable scenic route that is relaxing but a little longer, consider going through the park via Canyon Village area, out the east entrance to Cody, Thermopolis, Casper, then 18 over to Custer. This will keep you off the interstate and out of the high mountains. I did this route in 2000 from Custer to Yellowstone and enjoyed it.
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newk
Gillette, WY
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It's been so long since I've been to Branson, I just don't remember what the hills are like there. I'd guess you won't see grades much steeper on 16, but much longer. Hwy. 16 over the Bighorns is usually pretty easy, and it's well maintained. I think they still pull the snow plows off the mountain at dark, so it's not a good idea to drive it at night in winter conditions.
To give you an idea, there are only two sharp "switchbacks" on the road, and they're in Tensleep Canyon on the west slope. Speed limit is 25 mph around those two curves. Otherwise there are a few 35mph curves on the east slope, but barring bad weather you shouldn't have a problem. I'm thinking the steepest grades are around 8%. It's an easier road over the Bighorns than it is leaving the park out the east gate.
Buffalo has a couple nice campgrounds towards the east end of town -- Deer Park and the KOA. That would leave you a 550-mile drive to Souix Falls, however. If you're making good time I'd push on to a campground near the Black Hills. Devil's Tower isn't too far out of the way, if you'd like to see it. There's a nice campground inside the monument for dry camping with beautiful views of Devils Tower or a decent KOA just outside the gate. If you're strapped for time, stay on I-90 until you're 5 miles past Spearfish, then take the exit to Deadwood and look for Elkhorn Ridge RV Park. (Never stayed there, but I hear it's nice.) Or there are lots of campgrounds in Rapid City, but you'll be stretching your day going that far. You shouldn't have any problem finding a campground in mid October, wherever you decide to stop.
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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As for stretching the day - I'm going to work on getting the DW to drive the MH some on the easy parts of the road so I can rest some - as we have a limited amount of time total and I want to be reasonable about not wearing myself out and coming home and needing another vacation! LOL
I picked up my rental MH last night and it's NICE! A super smooth ride and quiet - compared to the gasser I rented back in June...
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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If you're going now, definitely listen to the locals & watch the weather. I wouldn't mess with the mountains if it's snowy/icy.
As far as a midway CG between Grizzly & SF, check out the Belvidere East KOA in western SD. Nice owners, and decent spot - nothing special, but clean. Make sure they're open - I think they stay open longer in the season than many up north, but do check first.
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Note to the OP: major snow possible in that area today. Definitely keep an eye on the weather!
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K5OIT
Conroe, Tx
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In or near Cody - Buffalo Bill Museum is a must see. Just west of town is the dam. Not near as good as the museum but interesting none the less.
Good luck, safe travels and happy camping!
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mtlogger
Montana/Guatemala
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TDInewguy wrote:My schedule is such that I'll be staying at Grizzly from Oct 13th - 16th, then headin back east on the 17th. I am not towing anything and the DP has the exhaust brake...
Personally I'd stick to I90 and avoid the 'horns this time of year. It snowed on us over the weekend - dumping about two foot on top of the 'horn.
Quote:Does anyone have a good place to stay the night on my trip from Grizzly to the black hills? I don't plan to really get into the black hills, as time won't allow unless I reduce my time at Yellowstone... and I'll be heading back east on I90 thru Souix Falls and staying one night there. So I really need a good halfway point to stay the night from Grizzly to SF, SD.
I stay in Oacoma, SD - easy on easy off - eat my BIG meal at Al's Oasis and CG. Best pie in two states.
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