U.S. Highway 191 is a north/south route between West Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. For about twenty miles it runs through the extreme northwestern portion of Yellowstone National Park. North of Yellowstone it traverses the scenic Gallatin Canyon before emerging into Gallatin Valley at Gallatin Gateway just SW of Bozeman, Montana.

Although part of it is inside the Park, it is not considered a Park road because it does not connect with any of the interior Park roads.

Except for Gallatin canyon, it generally goes in a straight line, and traffic is high speed, especially since Montana abolished its speed limit. As population in Montana has increased, more traffic, including many trucks, take the route.

The Yellowstone portion part of the highway is of only modest scenic interest, but part of route the area is rare Park winter range. Accidents are common, many people and animals are killed on this highway. Montana puts up crosses where human fatalities have happened. As you drive Gallatin Canyon, you will see lots of them.

U.S. 191 in Yellowstone Park. November
1997.  Copyright © Ralph Maughan

The wildlife toll is heavy too, including two wolves killed on this highway since they were reintroduced to Yellowstone.

It is my view that truck traffic should be banned after dark and a speed limit imposed. This will save lives, protect the Park and wildlife both inside and outside of its boundaries, and improve life for the residents of Gallatin Canyon who moved there to live in the mountains, but who must endure the roar of trucks all night and day.