Things to See on SDAK, Wyo, Colo Trip

covetsthesun wrote:
DH and I are reprising a trip we took over 25 years ago when we didn't have time to stop and see much of anything. We're headed up I29 from KCMO to South Dakota. We plan to stop in Wall and spend 2 days rambling through the Badlands etc. There's a lot to see south of Rapid City too.

We also plan to go to Thermopolis Wyo for the hot springs. And then South to Colorado. No RV...just us and the truck. Any hotels/motels that are good? Any to avoid?? Sites to see? Sites to not bother with?

We aren't big shoppers, more in to the natural wonders and petroglyph stuff.

thanks
cts

Hard to give you direct advice other that a list of places I would make a point of trying to drive through and Enjoy!

First thought is to reverse the circle to clockwise - I'd head up to St Joseph and Rt 36 that would give you a chance to get on the less traveled road which will likely give you a chance to save a little money on hotels/motels. Not sure exactly where but you will be close to the Geographical Center of the US, just off Rt36, that might be interesting, After 36 in Limond take Rt 24 to Buena Vista - Great stop - Look at the Collegiates great hikes and trails - Crested Butte is interesting - Leadville - Turquoise Lake - Quincy's - more hikes and good 4x4 trails - Leave out of Buena Vista by Twin Lakes and Independence Pass - to Maroon Bells and Aspen - two places you might find lodging are Marble and Redstone - both interesting places with a lot of History, again with a ton of 4x4 trails.

Now all along this route there will be hot springs - but the Biggest might be In Glenwood Springs so head that way before stopping by Dinosaur NM then up to Flaming Gorge (we like the West side but you need to look for lodging? - from there to Shoshoni and up the Wind River Canyon to Thermopolis - It might be just me but everytime I drive this road it sure feels like the river flows up hill!! Thermopolis will have a great Hot Springs then from there you can use you time to decide how long you need to spend in Custer/Rapid City/Mt. Rushmore area - just a short drive to Badlands and back to home.

Hope this is something that might help - lots of great sites on the Road less traveled.

Best of Luck,