When visiting the Badlands, Rushmore, etc we like to stay
here in Hill City. It is a good central location to hit almost everything you want to see. Except Devils Tower is probably two hours out. I also go out of my way to avoid Denver IMO the worst traffic to navigate anywhere I have been. If you are taking I70 west drop south slightly to Colorado Springs and maybe enjoy a night or two there. Then continue west on 24 & 50 and land on I70 at Grand Junction. The drive on 24 is one of the most beautiful ever. You will not avoid mountain driving but IMO it will be more pleasurable than that stretch of I70.
