Overall Route Rating
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4.63 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.63
63 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2000

Rider Reviews

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Guest
March 1, 2010
Made it a point to ride both Hwy 14 sections on…
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Guest
December 21, 2009
If you're looking for a ride to add to your list…
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Written Directions

This route is tucked up in the extreme north west corner of Wyoming just east of Yellowstone National Park. You'll have to find the roads I describe below to understand how to find this route since there is no town per say at the starting point. An online interactive map to Clark Wyoming (closest town to this route) is available through MapQuest and will help you locate the starting point (or general vicinity) of this motorcycle road. Look for the star in the middle of the map.

From the South and East. Off of I-90, just north of Sheridan, WY, you'll find the towns of Ranchester and Dayton (west of I-90). Take state route 14 west through Ranchester and Dayton. About 24 miles past Dayton you will want to spilt off of route 14 and take alternate 14 (AKA 14A) and here is where they wild stuff starts. Continue on Alt 14 to/through Lovell and Powell ... it will be a great ride heading up, loaded with switchbacks and hairpin curves for 50 miles then you'll finally descend down the western side and across the valley to Cody . From here go north of Cody on state route 120 about 20 miles till you hit the Chief J highway, or Mt 296 and head West. This is another great stretch of switchbacks, hairpin curves and fantastic mountain views. You will end up a few hours later at the junction of MT 212, the Beartooth Highway and where this route stops. If you want more just head northeast and on into Montana! You'll be very happy you checked this route out!!!

Scenery

This is a great full day ride when combined with the Beartooth Highway. Good Lodging in Red Lodge and Sheridan. Expect the best ride of your life because you can travel 3 totally different extreme mountain routes in one day! Lots of info on the web if you search! This page describes two routes that cover some of the same roads. For a description of each individual route, see the "Directions" section below. Everything you expect in a mountain run! Some of the world's best motorcycle roads can be found in this Northwest corner of Wyoming. The routes drive through unbeatable scenery near the immense Yellowstone National Park. Photo contributed by visitor in Oct 09: "Nice switchbacks and great views, a ride you must take!"

Drive Enjoyment

Endless switch-backs Vertical ascents to 10'000 feet plus. Good pavement. Very little traffic. No track is better than this to play on! No heading up the pass beside the river on this one! You go straight up the side on switchbacks!

Photo contributed by visitor in Jan 10: "Looking back to the south from atop the Beartooth Highway, on the way to Red Lodge, MT."

Tourism Opportunities

Lots of pullouts on these roads. However, there is only one lodge half way over the Bighorns. Nothing on the Chief J so don't plan on catching a place to stay the night until you finish the route and head into Red Lodge (Montana) or if you head back to Sheridan (Wyoming).

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Big_Mike
December 12, 2019
517 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Have ridden the portion from Cody to Hwy 212 (and then up over Beartooth Pass!) twice. Incredible scenery and a wonderful road to ride. Cannot recommend it enough.
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dynoflyer
December 14, 2020
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Rode Chief Joseph Highway from Yellowstone down to Cody through Wind River Valley. Sweeping turns on the Chief Joseph and great views from the top. Carry extra gas or fill up frequently, not much service till you get to Cody.
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I have done this a few times. This is, IMHO, second only to Beartooth. And the good part is, it end where Beartooth begins!. You can do them both, over and then back if you stay in Cody, WY,. This is a great road and ride. Elevation changes, terrain changes, topography changes, pull offs with views, and historical markers about the flight of Indians chased by the 7th Calvary (Stop and read these at the summit at the pass at top). Stop about one mile down from the pass for some great photo ops ove the view and looking over the valley to BearTooth Highway. Lightly traveled everytime I have been on it. Lightly patroled as well. In the fall, I have encountered cowboys on horses moving their cattle down from the higher elevations at the end of grazing season before snowfalls, so watch for them around a blind curve. I have seen mule deer, Elk, coyote and hawks while riding. Fantastic ride. Somewhat challenging and the down hill has some switchbacks which might have some rock fall debris. Put this on your bucket list
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