Sturgis to Yellowstone - Time?

[VDeuce]

We are thinking of taking a few days and heading out to Yellowstone from Sturgis. Looks like at least 8 hours to get there. I'm wondering if anyone has done this trip and if it is doable within a single riding day to get there.

I was hoping on 1 day to get there, 1 day stay there, and the next day to get back for a total of 3 days.

Doable?

Anything to watch out for? Do's and dont's?

Thanks!

Jeff

[Antonio Pendejo]

3 days is going to really be pushing it. I would suggest 4 days, riding out the first day and highball it to the east entrance, from there go thru the park up to Gardiner, Montana (right outside the NW gate) and get a room. Leaving early in the a.m from Sturgis chould put you in around 8 in the evening. Use that as your base of operations. They have some real nice little old time saloons and cafes there where the drafts are a dollar and the locals are good folks, they will tell you all about the hunting and fishing in the area.
There is so much to see in Yellowstone that you will more than likely be overwhelmed by just a one day visit. Too hectic to try and stop and see everything in one day. Also construction delays in the park will eat up your time.
Watch for tourists in cars, they are NOT watching for you.
Get a prepaid phone card, cell service is non existant.
Book a room in that area now. One of the reasons we stay in Gardiner is because it's not a real popular place with the tourists, the big draw there is trout fishing on the Yellowstone River.
You can do the Beartooth on the way back to Sturgis. Prepare to be amazed.
AP

[Ride]

Just back from taking my daughter on a two day ride through Yellowstone. From Sturgis it'll be a full day getting to the East entrance. Pleased to report that the east entrance is now as passable as I've seen it in the last four years but you will be delayed about a half our due to construction and pilot vehicles. Only about 6 miles of unpaved road now but more than passable. We stayed at the Snow Lodge next to Old Faithful. A western cabin was $120 for the night. The lodge has a good bar and good chow albeit a little pricey. Went out the south gate the next morning to Moose so my daughter could see the Tetons. Back in the south gate, up to Mammoth Springs via the west side and out the notheast gate and over Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge. Doable in a day but it's a full day. For me the north end of the park is where it's at. Much less traffic and the scenery is fantastic. I tire of the touristas in the south end stopping all the time to look at bison etc. and the traffic but it's to be expected in the summer. You need to book now regardless of where you want to spend the night. Rooms are hard to come by in summer and with Sturgis they will be even tighter.

[VDeuce]

Thanks for the replies!

How would tent camping be that time of year? I wonder if it would get way too cold... Will see if I can still get a room.

Jeff

[Hoop]

There are several ways to get to Yellowstone from Sturgis. Its just a tad over 400 miles. I suppose its theorhetically possible to do the ride in 5 hours, but the weather would need to be ideal, which it rarely is crossing the Bighorn Mountains.
10+ hours will be closer to reality for the actually time it takes. High winds, cold and rain are far too common in this climate.

You probably don't want to wind up at an entrance gate to Yellowstone, with no place to stay, after doing the ride. The few motel rooms availible within Yellowstone will be tourist priced. Cody will also be tourist priced. West Yellowstone is your best bet to "spend a night, not a forturne".

Tent camping at/near Yellowstone is only for the hearty. Temperatures commonly drop below freezing at night and one may have to contend with wild bears.

I went from Sturgis to Yellowstone in 95. Had my camping gear with me. Didn't even consider camping in the area. Incidentally, my route took me through buffalo, ten sleep etc. I was worn out and got a motel room 30 miles from Cody. The weather was brutal. 30 - 40 mph winds, temps in the high 50's/low 60's, occasional rain.
There is a reason why Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation.

[flavoflav]

Originally Posted by Hoop

There are several ways to get to Yellowstone from Sturgis. Its just a tad over 400 miles. I suppose its theorhetically possible to do the ride in 5 hours, but the weather would need to be ideal, which it rarely is crossing the Bighorn Mountains.
10+ hours will be closer to reality for the actually time it takes. High winds, cold and rain are far too common in this climate.

You probably don't want to wind up at an entrance gate to Yellowstone, with no place to stay, after doing the ride. The few motel rooms availible within Yellowstone will be tourist priced. Cody will also be tourist priced. West Yellowstone is your best bet to "spend a night, not a forturne".

Tent camping at/near Yellowstone is only for the hearty. Temperatures commonly drop below freezing at night and one may have to contend with wild bears.

I went from Sturgis to Yellowstone in 95. Had my camping gear with me. Didn't even consider camping in the area. Incidentally, my route took me through buffalo, ten sleep etc. I was worn out and got a motel room 30 miles from Cody. The weather was brutal. 30 - 40 mph winds, temps in the high 50's/low 60's, occasional rain.
There is a reason why Wyoming is the least populated state in the nation.

I rode cody to sturgis last year and it was a great ride so I guess it goes both ways. I will say in reptrospect it took more like 8 hours due to King Joseph senic highway which is slow - weather was hot as hell no rain.

You just have to go and experience and see what gets dished out...

J -

[deb93fxlr]

I've camped in Yellowstone when the weather was perfect and also when it snowed in July. You really can't tell what it's gonna do. Just go for it. It's all part of the adventure.

[Ride]

Flav,

I wanna make that run with you from Sturgis to the East Gate in 5 hours. Same as Pendejo said...you take the tickets and points...LOL

Ride

[stanc]

I don't believe there's any way in hell (unless you're in a plane) to get from Sturgis to the east gate in 5 hours. It's an all day (and some night if you don't keep digging) ride. And you better watch your speed going through little towns in Wyoming, as they will bust you quickly for speeding. I got one for 40 in a 35. It's 450 miles and I don't see NO way to average 90mph. You'll be doing good to average 50mph.

[PR3VS56]

Originally Posted by stanc

And you better watch your speed going through little towns in Wyoming, as they will bust you quickly for speeding. I got one for 40 in a 35. It's 450 miles and I don't see NO way to average 90mph. You'll be doing good to average 50mph.

No kidding. I got nailed going through WY on a wide open stretch with not a soul in sight. The guy was ready to haul me in........ I deserved it, but he let me roll with a tkt for 100+

[Y2K]

We did the Beartooth coming home last year and stayed in Cooke City,Montana just outside the park for about $100 a room.
It was nice and quiet and we hit the park early avoiding a lot of traffic and seeing a lot of wildlife.

Our digs in Cooke City

[VDeuce]

Originally Posted by Y2K

We did the Beartooth coming home last year and stayed in Cooke City,Montana just outside the park for about $100 a room.
It was nice and quiet and we hit the park early avoiding a lot of traffic and seeing a lot of wildlife.

Our digs in Cooke City

Oh, HELL yes! Thanks for the pics and info!

[VDeuce]

This time of year, I assume I should attempt to make reservations. Thing is, I really don't know how much time and when/where we will make it to. Winging it sounds like not such a great idea though...

[stanc]

Just be sure to do it, whether you have 3 days or 4. You'll be glad you did. And go 14A on one of your legs to or from.

[Stumbles]

What is there to see on 14A? What was your favorite site to see ?