Hi Valygrl, thank you for the offer, I might take you up on it, but better make sure the trip is confirmed first (there is no guarantee that I will actually be going at this stage), so will let you know


Thank you Jamawani for your detailed and useful post. In terms of loop/one way, that is not really much of a factor, the only reason I thought of a loop is just that I'll need to start somewhere I can get to via train/bus, and same with ending, and I'll eventaully need to get to an airport. Given time constrants, a loop would at least ensure I was never too far from my start location if I were to have to cut it short or ended up having problems, but I am open to one-way also.

Couple of questions about your route:

Heading south from Helena, you mention going to Bozeman then south on 191, but say it is pretty busy. I notice there is an alternate route which starts south on 287 from Helena, but then goes east on 12, and then south on 89 to Livingston, and from Livingston you can go south on 89 & it's side-road and into Yellowstone via the North entrance & Mammoth.

Is there any reason why the route you have given is preferred over the alternate route, better scenery, better things to see, more camping etc? The only reason I mention it is you mentioned the traffic can be heavy on that route, so I was wondering if this other one would be any better or worse.


Also, Yellowstone was on the TransAm, and to be honest I wasn't all that impressed. It felt very "fake", far too many tourists in their huge RV's, and everything was too busy for my liking. I also didn't think the scenery was that great (call me crazy). Is there anything redeeming about it if I were to take the east side of the loop south on 89 to the north side of Yellowstone lake (the transam kept just on the west side of the loop)?

The rest of Yellowstone from Yellowstone lake south through Grand Teton National Park I have already cycled while on the TransAm, so would prefer an alternate route if any, though I can't see one.

Is there anything worth seeing if I were to head east out of Yellowstone, toward Cody? If NE Wyoming is anything like the rest of Wyoming, I guess there wouldn't be much?

If I were to just head south through Tetons, where would a good eventual stopping point be? The only two options I can see is Jackson, WY and Idaho Falls, what's the route like between Yellowstone & Idaho Falls?

Thanks !