route 93?

Hey gang...Well its that time of the year again...Im about to embark on my 4th trip across the country from CT to Oregon in the past 2 years and this ones causing me a lot of problems...Ive been north, ive been south and ive been through the middle...Now i have no idea which way to go...I still have not been to roosevlt and yosemite national parks, so those r on my list...I want to go to Glacier again and really spend some time...But other then that, im up for anything...I got 2 weeks again and dont mind driving a few big chunks on some days...My biggest question is whats the deal with route 93 from northern montana all the way south to vegas...How slow is it compared to I-15? anything good to see along the way? Any other info would be great!! Also any tips or spots i must see this trip as am about to enter my final year of college! Thanks again,
Brent

[Mark Sedenquist]

Brent,

Wildfires continue to keep most of Glacier closed to autos.

US-93 is beautiful through Idaho -- especially near Salmon, it also allows a visit to Craters of the Moon -- (steepest downgrades (paved) in the USA). Thru Nevada -- can easily exceed speed limit (except in the towns). Plenty of ghost towns, Ely Steam Train, Great Basin National Park, Lil Alien Inn and Caliente along the way.

Closed?! great!! I wouldnt be getting there for at least august 24th? Any idea on when it will be back up and running? Is craters of the moon and great basin worth the stop, havent heard much about them and what there is there? Also, any idea on how long it takes? thanks again mark,
Brent

[Mark Sedenquist]

A national park is not a computer -- but if the fire were to continue until the 24th of August... it would be bad. The name of the fire is the Robert Fire and limited access is available now: ("...The major road through Glacier National Park (Going to the Sun Highway from West Glacier Gate to Logan Pass) will be opened on a controlled basis beginning today between the hours of 1000 and 1800...")

Craters of the Moon is a favorite of ours, (or I wouldn't have mentioned it earlier). Great Basin National Park is certainly worth a stop -- campgrounds along rushing moutain streams, Aspens, etc.

How long what takes?

Thanks for the help Mark...Looks like i might change my drive around to be a little more practical...Ill go through the heartland into colorado instead of going way north then all the way south...Ive done the drive through the kansas, colorado, etc before but was just driving, not taking my time...So i want to explore colorado, some more of southern utah and northern zona and yosemite and company...Any places in colorado and northern zona i should make sure i hit along the way? Thanks again, hope im not wearing u out with questions...
Brent

[Mark Sedenquist]

Brent,

If you use the Search function on this forum, you will find 100+ ideas for places other posters have enjoyed in Arizona and Colorado. But if you like radical topography -- Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about as wild as it gets in Colorado. (http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/gunnison.htm)

Monument Valley (especially the Navajo Tribal Park portion) is another place you have to go. Canyonlands NP is one of my favorite parks.