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Yellowstone loop from Sturgis

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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 08:40 PM
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Default Yellowstone loop from Sturgis

We are thinking about a loop from Sturgis to Yellowstone and back during Bike Week this summer.
Anyone have suggestions on this. We were thinking a day to get there, day around there and one back.
Looking for input.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 08:57 PM
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I would think that would be three long days. I left Sturgis one day and stopped in
Cody. It was an all day ride. But I stopped at a dealership and a long lunch. I guess you could see Yellowstone in a day. I spent two days riding YS. I rode each loop both directions in the two days and saw most of the sites. I would recommend you not go that far unless you ride Chief Joseph Hwy and Beartooth Pass. I would add to that seeing the Grand Tetons. I hope to do the same trip next year with my wife this time.
 
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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 09:22 PM
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I think you need more than one day to see Yellowstone properly. My daughter and I spent three days there and only skimmed the surface...
 
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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 09:48 PM
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Planning to meet up with friends in Yellowstone who are doing this very thing.

We will be coming in from the west, after hitting Tetons and Lolo Pass, taking the long way around. We'll meet them in the park, spend the night in Cody, then head to Sturgis for a couple of nights before going home.

They will leave from Sturgis, bunk down in Cody, then hit the park and back to Cody on day 2, then head back to Sturgis.

Sturgis to Cody is less than 400 miles, so that's a nice day trip.

Yellowstone and Tetons are a lot to take in in one shot, but you can get the highlights if the weather and crowds cooperate.

As stated above, a trip through Beartooth should be on your list as well, but it will really be a challenge to get that in and see the park at all like you want to. And, if seeing Tetons is important to you, plan on more than one trip (or one day, for sure) to get the full experience of that area.

All the best,

Shane
 
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Old Dec 3, 2015 | 10:36 PM
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Much of the area east of Yellowstone is twisty mountain roads. Lots of up and down. Takes a lot of time.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2015 | 10:23 AM
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90w from Sturgis to Sheridan, WY and 14w, then 14A across BigHorn Lake and into Lovell, then 310N towards Bridger and south on 72 to Belfry and 308W into Red Lodge. Stay the night in RL (Alpine Lodge w/free cook to order breakfast) , then next morning ride the Beartooth Pkwy and take Chief Joseph south into Cody..then west on 14 into Yellowstone, and south past Grand Tetons and into Jackson Hole (The Ranch Inn) . Then come back out of Jackson Hole and take 26E thru Wind River Canyon to Thermoplis, then 20 N/E to Worland and 16E to Buffalo and back on 90.

Can't draw the route on Google cause some of the roads are closed now due to snow...

Stay night in Red Lodge and then Jackson Hole and make hotel reservations atleast 6-8 months out!!!!
 

Last edited by rossn2; Dec 4, 2015 at 10:39 AM.
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Old Dec 4, 2015 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by rossn2
90w from Sturgis to Sheridan, WY and 14w, then 14A across BigHorn Lake and into Lovell, then 310N towards Bridger and south on 72 to Belfry and 308W into Red Lodge. Stay the night in RL (Alpine Lodge w/free cook to order breakfast) , then next morning ride the Beartooth Pkwy and take Chief Joseph south into Cody..then west on 14 into Yellowstone, and south past Grand Tetons and into Jackson Hole (The Ranch Inn) . Then come back out of Jackson Hole and take 26E thru Wind River Canyon to Thermoplis, then 20 N/E to Worland and 16E to Buffalo and back on 90.

Can't draw the route on Google cause some of the roads are closed now due to snow...

Stay night in Red Lodge and then Jackson Hole and make hotel reservations atleast 6-8 months out!!!!
rossn2...great route suggestion for that New Hampshire rider. Terrific combination of mountains, open ranch country, and fun towns. I'll predict that if he takes your suggestion it will be the highlight of his riding.
 
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Old Dec 4, 2015 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by rossn2
90w from Sturgis to Sheridan, WY and 14w, then 14A across BigHorn Lake and into Lovell, then 310N towards Bridger and south on 72 to Belfry and 308W into Red Lodge. Stay the night in RL (Alpine Lodge w/free cook to order breakfast) , then next morning ride the Beartooth Pkwy and take Chief Joseph south into Cody..then west on 14 into Yellowstone, and south past Grand Tetons and into Jackson Hole (The Ranch Inn) . Then come back out of Jackson Hole and take 26E thru Wind River Canyon to Thermoplis, then 20 N/E to Worland and 16E to Buffalo and back on 90. Can't draw the route on Google cause some of the roads are closed now due to snow... Stay night in Red Lodge and then Jackson Hole and make hotel reservations atleast 6-8 months out!!!!
Nailed it! Did pretty much this route in 3 days end of July '15...probably the best three day stretch I've ever spent on my bike.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 06:41 AM
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It can be done, but, your going to wish you spent more time.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2015 | 07:36 AM
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Thanks guys for all the great suggestions.
We are trying to strike the balance between time in Sturgis and taking in Yellowstone. Last year was our first Sturgis trip and it was a blast.
I appreciate the input.
 
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