Help! Best route Sheridan, WY to St Mary, MT (GNP)

[eponacelt]

Help! We were enroute (thanks to some excellent advice on the forums) from Virginia to Glacier when the check engine light came on in our truck. Fortunately, we could read the code with Mr. eponacelt's nifty code reader, but the news indicated that we should have it looked at immediately, and the report means we're here in Sheridan until tomorrow in the early afternoon.

The plan now is to drive partway to St. Mary tomorrow afternoon, and reach Glacier on Friday. This means I need advice on the BEST ROUTE FOR TOWING to St. Mary with plans for an overnight somewhere along the way.

I'm considering either I-90 to US287 to I15 and back to US287 or MT3 to US12 to US191 to US87 to I15.

Thoughts? I'm a little skeptical of the second route as it seems to be smaller roads, but not really sure about that.

[Thalweg]

I don't think you'll have any problems regardless of which route you choose. Myself, I'd take I-90 to Billings, pick up MT3 to US191. It's been a while since I've been on it, but as I recall, MT3 is decent two lane highway. The worst part will be getting to MT3 from I-90. Billings streets can be a little goofy.

[tjdonahoe]

Billings to Harlowton on Hwy 3, 191 N to eddying corner, turn left to great falls, I-15 to Shelby, highway 2 to Browning, 89 N to St Marys... Most has been widened over the last several years good road...Shelby has a dump site in town, Now you know you won't be able to tow your trailer in Glacier , going to the sun highway? There is a nice forest service campground near Essex, be sure to try their iced huckleberry tea.....

[KJRitchie]

Once you get to Browning an easier route to St Mary is to go north on 464. It comes in just south of Babbs. Then head south to St Mary. 89 between Browning and St Mary is a winding road. The Babbs route is 13 mile further but the road is better and you can travel faster. There is a gas station just on the edge of town on 464 too that won't be as crowded as most travelers seem to head out 89.

Kelvin

[VT Wanderer]

If you need a sleep over in Shelby, go to Shelby Ode - town operated campground - self pay - cheap - basic electric and water.

[pappy19]

Just don't go through Jackson Hole or Yellowstone and you will be fine. Otherwise, you are looking at an extra day for each location, maybe more. Traffic this time of year is horrendous in those Parks.

[Thomasmg]

I have a 75 31' Land Yatch.. Been doing the rebuild for the summer. BUT....need to mention... I got married 40 years ago in Sheridan on 31 July 1976. Bachelor part in Story. Lived on Buffalo Star Route. Knew Larry Barbula. Lived all over world since. Live in VT now. Just retired. And I need advice on wall insulation. Oh....went to Cody for Bicentenial. Sat at the bar with saddles for seats. Saw a man ride his horse into bar, order a beer to go, and then watch him back that huge out back out. Wnderful country out west.

[Makaira]

I want to reinforce taking 464 from Browning to St. Mary instead of 89. It is much, much safer. Depending on your timing to Browning, you can turn right in town and take the road to East Glacier. They have one rather pleasant RV park in town there.