Forum Discussion

Loving_God_s_Co's avatar
Loving_God_s_Co
Explorer
Jun 22, 2014

Best Way To I90 from Rafter Bar J Campground

I am mapping out our vacation and our first stop is at Rafter Bar J Ranch campground in SD. When leaving, to get back to I90 going west, MapQuest is taking us on Route 16 west instead of backtracking us back to Rapid City to the highway.

We are pulling a 38'FW and wanted to know if traveling route 16 west is a good road to pull our rig on?

Thanks!
Roads and Routes
  • newk's avatar
    newk
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2014
    I'd take 385 north, but 16 back to Rapid/I-90 would probably take about the same amount of time. I drove 16 from Custer to Newcastle about a month ago. It was pretty nasty, and I wasn't pulling anything. It didn't look like it would improve much for a few months. This is a major reconstruction job, not just repaving.
  • Corky12's avatar
    Corky12
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2014
    385 is two-lane and busy in summer. It is a beautiful drive and time-wise probably comparable to 16 due to having to drive all the way through Rapid City, with it's attendant traffic issues, before reaching I-90.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2014
    Barring the construction 16 west is the best way. Going back to 90 is a haul and is going NE instead of NW! 16 was an easy drive! Not sure on the construction however.

    Have a great trip!
  • john_bet's avatar
    john_bet
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2014
    Loving God's Country! wrote:
    john&bet wrote:
    I suggest you use US-385 thru the hills to I-90 just south of Spearfish. You will like the ride. It takes you thru Lead and Deadwood which is no problem for your rig. Lived in Rapid for 9 years.


    Time wise, which takes longer, US385 or taking 16 back up to Rapid City?

    Thanks!
    I do not know. Time is not an issue with me most of the time. I am currently taking 4 days to get from Portland,OR. to Great Falls,MT. using US and state hwys. I don't use a planning program to plan where I go. I use an atlas. We have been on the road for 31 days and still have 3-4 weeks to go before home. Safe travels.
  • Loving_God_s_Co's avatar
    Loving_God_s_Co
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    john&bet wrote:
    I suggest you use US-385 thru the hills to I-90 just south of Spearfish. You will like the ride. It takes you thru Lead and Deadwood which is no problem for your rig. Lived in Rapid for 9 years.


    Time wise, which takes longer, US385 or taking 16 back up to Rapid City?

    Thanks!
  • john_bet's avatar
    john_bet
    Explorer II
    Jun 23, 2014
    I suggest you use US-385 thru the hills to I-90 just south of Spearfish. You will like the ride. It takes you thru Lead and Deadwood which is no problem for your rig. Lived in Rapid for 9 years.
  • Corky12's avatar
    Corky12
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2014
    We travel this route several times a year and normally not a problem but the construction and rainy weather have made a mess. Will be nice when it's done though.
  • Loving_God_s_Co's avatar
    Loving_God_s_Co
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2014
    Corky12 wrote:
    Do not use Hwy 16 west of Custer to the Wyoming line. We were through there last week - not towing - and the road through Jewel Cave NM is all torn up. Were stopped 3 times by flaggers Would not recommend towing.


    Thanks Corky12. It looks like a shorter way on 16 than to back track to Rapid City. I was hoping for better! Thanks again!
  • Corky12's avatar
    Corky12
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2014
    Do not use Hwy 16 west of Custer to the Wyoming line. We were through there last week - not towing - and the road through Jewel Cave NM is all torn up. Were stopped 3 times by flaggers Would not recommend towing.

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