Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
This is a short run, of just around 50 miles, along the North edge of Yellowstone Park in Wyoming and has a designation of Wyoming route 296. It's name comes from the famous chief of the Nez Perce indian tribe who passed this way during their fight and flight from the US Army who were tasked with returning them to a reservation.
There are two seperate, connecting roads that you should drive. The first is Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (route 296) and the second is Beartooth Highyway (route 212) that joins 296 at the North end and leads into the North East entrance to Yellowstone.
Section 1 - Route 296
Total Miles: 50
Driving Time: 1 Hours 30 Minutes
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Take the 120 North out of Cody (founded by Wild Bill) and you will soon hit route 296. This road high and windy. The views are amazing and it is said that you can see for 100 miles southward on a clear day.
The road is smooth and the scenary is breathtaking - for your passenger as you will be concentrating on your driving and observing all the posted speed limits!
Watch out for Elk and Bears by the famous Two Dot Ranch...and take some time to stop at the places of interest such as Sunlight Basin.
Section 2 - Route 212
Total Miles: 94
Driving Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
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When the 296 meets Beartooth you have a choice of going left (East) towards Yellowstone Park entrance or right (West) towards Cooke City - which is actually in Montana.
It is worth the time to take a right turn and drive as far as Richel lodge, then turn around and drive back, passing route 296 and on to Yellowstone via Cooke City.
As with many roads in this area, the driving is great and the views are spectacular. There are also many places to stop and visit
Resource Links.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway Information
About Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce
Two Dot Ranch, A Biography of Place
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