Matt,
1. Anything spectacular that I've overlooked on this loop?
Because I’ve followed you before I’ll concentrate on a few Locations and the 4X4 trails – Just do a search on Black Hills – and Wyoming (4X4) and I think you will find a number of the sorts of adventure you enjoy. Spectacular is Personal, so Wind River Canyon between Thermopolis (Soak in the hot springs) and Shoshoni is one of my personal wonders of the world – short story – first cross country trip with my wife in the early 70’s we drove this route and had picked up a lone hitch hiker (first and last) just outside of Thermopolis and delivered him to Shoshoni – he had been smoking and exhaled in the cab when he got in (think it might have been the Colorado State Weed!) that night when we stopped I had this dream about the river flowing UP HILL (Wind River) and the dream continued over 35 years, till I returned , just by chance and drove the road – heading South – the river is heading North – and it feels like you are going downhill and the river is flowing Uphill! Crazy I know but in my mind’s eye I finally solved the mystery of the dream that I had had for 35 years of water flowing uphill. So the suggestion is to see if you could get that in your route.
That’s the story and the thing is it is a beautiful drive and there is a Camp Ground right on the river that is one of the few I remember over the last 40 years. (Never have gone anywhere to SEE a CG –so I seldom remember any)
Next take the time to Do the Caves in and Around the Black Hills – Be sure to bring your own flash light so as to be able to see things and if you can buddy up to the Ranger the insight is well worth the effort. Good camera and really good flash is needed here.
2. Any good Jeep trails along this loop?
Yes – but you will need to reach out to the locals to get any maps – seems as if they are closely guarded.
3. Looking for suggestions around Flaming Gorge - not that familiar with the area.
We have found that we enjoy the West side of the Lake and suggest you look into the Marina CG and see if you can catch dinner. Then you will need to drive in from the South to get to the top of the Gorge to look down at the lake. Think there are also trails here – as it was hunting season last couple times we were there and the hunters were everywhere, so we needed to feel a little safer and stayed close to the hard roads.
4. Where to camp near Dinosaur, CO. The one park in town looks pretty rundown. Think there is a no reservation CG in the Park right on the Green River – Beautiful but usually FULL. If you check with the rangers they may suggest other Boon docking Spots within the park.
5. Which route from Dinosaur, CO to Zion NP?
Utah 4X4 trailsSorry but no way I could drive the I’s - 4X4 trails to die for – just some special places to walk or drive – just look at all the state parks along the route! Plus Rt 12 ! Rt 128 ! Rt 95 across Lake Powell !
IMHO I would skip Devils Tower and Badlands and Bump and Grind in Utah – try to find the elevation where it is cooler but still this is what you are towing that JEEP for.
As most who have followed your trips know you will pack more into the three weeks than anyone would even dream of. And the Kids will love it, but seriously save the Badlands and Devil's Tower for a drive by on a trip to the East. Have more Fun and enjoy the Wild areas while they are still Wild.
Will follow and enjoy,
