Yellowstone to Cody
 

We'll be traveling from Yellowstone Nat'l Park this summer and going to Cody. I was wondering which route would be more picturesque - going out the northeast entrance or the east entrance to Cody? If we're not rushed for time, I think I would like to go the northeast route, but wonder is it really that much better since it will take about 1-2 hours longer to get there.

It is that much better! The route from the east gate is scenic but route through the Beartooth Mountains and Chief Joseph Trail out the northeast gate is almost beyond description. I'd also plan on an extra 3-4 hours rather than 1-2 because you'll be tempted to stop often.

If you use the NE entrance to the Park you will have to drive either the Beartooth Highway or the Chief Joseph Highway to get there, both are more scenic than the direct route from Cody to the east entrance of YS. If you have the time drive the Beartooth Highway.

http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/06jul/03.htm

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2281/stories/47549

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2168/

Thanks for your input. It looks like it will be the NE exit. We're early risers and we can make up any time that way. I've heard so much about the Beartooth Highway but my husband is real skiddish about dropoffs close to the highway. Would the Chief Joseph Highway be a better choice?

We were there last August and did a similar drive (we actually did it twice). Someone local or with better knowledge please correct me if I am wrong, but I recall as you leave the NE exit through Silver Gate and Cooke City the cutoff to the Chief Joseph Hwy comes BEFORE the real beauty of the Beartooth. The drive to Cody on the Chief is beautiful, but the Beartooth is spectacular.

I would suggest continuing up the Beartooth past the Chief Joseph cutoff and drive for as long as you/your husband feel comfortable, maybe to the summit/pass, there is a little store near the top with bathrooms. I think it is called "Top of the World". I would turn around there and backtrack to the Chief Joseph and continue on to Cody.

The drive isnt that bad in terms of switchbacks, drop-offs, and speed (but I guess that opinion is relative). There are turn-outs and campers tend to keep the pace down.

I personally didnt feel it was a waste of time to backtrack because the beauty warranted a second look. Also as you are driving up, most of the views are behind you and the driver will be focusing on the road and the passengers will be bombarding him with a lot of "ooohs" and "wow, look at that", and "Oh my God, that is BEAUTIFUL". When we were driving up we remembered places we would like to pullover and did so on the way back.

A little side trip we took was up to the Clay Butte Firetower. It is a old firetower that is manned by volunteers ( a cute elderly couple). Excellent views. Only one other car there. We talked to the vounteer a bit and watched a grizzly on a distant slope with his spotting scope. We saw the Clay Butte turnoff on the way up and went there on the way down.

here is another link:
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/byway/mt_beart.htm

Anyway just my thoughts. Hope you ave a great trip!

You should have no trouble driving the Beartooth Highway (US212) all the way to the bottom and on to Red Lodge. The road is crooked in places but it is more than wide enough to allow safe passage for all concerned. Just pay attention to your driving as you should be doing anyway... You will encounter the same type of roads in Yellowstone, for example, going across Mt Washington from Canyon to Roosevelt/Tower Junction. The real beauty of the Beartooth Highway comes well past the Top of the World store.