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Advice on travel route

S

Stygian7

Member
Not sure where to post this, but this seemed most appropriate.

Picking up the KT3 I purchased next week. I fly down Tuesday, Feb 21. Arrive early AM; hoping if all goes well, I can get a half day of driving in before dark. Route is Salt Lake City to Billings, MT. Snow is forecasted. Any thoughts on route options? I’m inclined to stay east to try to avoid the mountain snow as much as possible. This would route me through Wyoming on 2 lane highways…through Riverton, Thermopolis and Cody. Alternative route keeps me on interstate up to Idaho Falls and then 2 lane to Bozeman, MT. I can’t imagine this is a better route, but I’ve never made this drive before. The drive from Bozeman to Billings can certainly get dicey in poor conditions.

Anyone that’s traveled this route provide input?

Thanks!
 
I would recommend I-15 Salt Lake to Idaho Falls. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls through Island Park to ID/MT 87 and hit Highway 287 to Norris, MT. At Norris you can head east toward Bozeman or continue north and get I-90 to Bozeman.

If the Highway 20 and 87 are questionable, you can stay on I-15 and get I-90 at Butte. If the WY route gets messy you don’t have very good alternatives.

The website bigskyfishing.com gives you access to the road cameras across the MT portion of the route and should give link to the ID road cams.

You say you are flying down. I therefore assume you are getting a rental vehicle for your return. May I recommend a set of tire chains, as any of the routes you use have passes that may require chains on towing units.

Good Luck and Happy Catting😎
 
There are some passes that do not allow trailers in the winter, you might want to check into that so you don't get trapped. If you take the route through island park, be careful of the Ashton hill, it can get a little dicey, but people trailer up and down it every day to and from west yellowstone. I drove to riverton a couple years ago in late winter, it wasn't bad, but I think it can get bad. Good luck. If you do go from SLC to IF, stop in Pocatello at 8105 W. Portneuf Rd and drive the kitten and Frandee, I should be around.
 
Thanks for the advice; sounds like I’m probably better off going through Idaho Falls. I’ll keep an eye on the weather; I want the snow, just not when I’m driving.

GMoose, I might take you up on your offer. I’ll see what time I’m coming through.
 
Stop by, I am only a couple miles from I-15 exit 63 on the south end of Pocatello. Text me if you want, 208-221-5595, David Stites.
 
A couple thoughts. We have more snow in the near forecast. I would think that staying on the interstate all the way would be best since they will plow that first and try to keep those roads open. I ran into two road closures last winter on 2 lane hiways, while the interstate was kept open. If you take the 2 lane roads try to pick ones that the commercial trucks use. Last year all the routes to Jackson were closed for several hours, the one they opened first was the main route the trucks use, hiway 26. The thing that closed the roads was not the snow that was dropping, but the high winds that drifted the roads in, watch the wind forecast. If the wind gets bad they often close I-15 by Roberts, for several hours. Also might want to keep an eye on monida pass.
 
For what it’s worth! I would try to overnight in Idaho Falls. Gives you three options next day.
I-15 to Butte
US 20 through Island Park
Highway 26 through Alpine, Jackson Hole, Riverton
Plus a big Army Surplus store if you get stuck😎

Personally I really avoid US 191 West Yellowstone to Bozeman. Icy, crooked, bunches of traffic
 
The forecast has continued to deteriorate and is now calling for a mix of rain, snow and ice with 45mph winds. As usual, my timing is exceptional. Given the forecast, I contacted the seller about postponing pickup. He was very understanding, so I'm pushing pickup back about 10 days. As of now, the forecast for my new pickup date looks clear. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I don't mind driving in the snow, but the rain, ice and wind concern me.
 
Glad I held off until next week, but I really could have used the 🐈 today. Not that it’s ready anyway…

This is as far as the truck goes today. Had to snowshoe the last mile and get the snowmobile and game sled. Then back down to load and return. Final workout was to clear a parking spot in 3 feet of snow so I wouldn’t block the road. Looks like another 5-8 inches of snow, so hoping I don’t need to dig a runway for the truck tomorrow.

All better now though; hot tub feels good after the trek.
 

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Yep, here is a new thread:

Kristi tracks

Well, I made it home with the Kristi. Wife laughed and said Something about Dr Suess. She will thank me when she not pulling on the starter for the snowmobile we currently use to access our cabin…maybe. Good news first…she starts and runs great. I played with her a bit today and I think I’ve...
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