"Driftin' Westward"

[RamblinWestward]

Hey everyone, Im kinda new to the site but not really new to roadtrippin. I can remember countless trips in my youth listening to 8 track tapes.

I am planning a trip with some good friends starting 4th of July weekend from Detroit MI to Chicago then on into South Dakota Badlands and Black Hills. From there we will be heading west into Wyoming and south into Colorado, where we will be heading back to Michigan from after 2 weeks. We have alot of activities already planned but I am wondering if there may be a hidden gem in those areas which I may be overlooking. I have been to the Black Hills and Wyoming before, but have never been to Colorado. While there we plan to see the Rocky Mtn Ntl Park, Great Sand Dunes, Royal Gorge and Mt Evans.
Thanks

RamblinWestward

[Mark Sedenquist]

Hey everyone, Im kinda new to the site but not really new to roadtrippin

.
Welcome to the forum -- always happy to see a roadtrip veteran...

While there we plan to see the Rocky Mtn Ntl Park

I missed the opening of the Trail Ridge Route this year by about a week. If, it is open and you don't mind radical exposure or dirt roads -- be sure to take the Old Fall River Road between Endovalley and the Alpine Visitor Center -- it is a trip!

What part of Wyoming will you be traveling through?

Mark

[RamblinWestward]

Thanks for that in Rocky Mtn Park, this roadtrip is all about driving exposure!

I will be heading west on I-90 stopping at Devils Tower, then going over the bighorns on hwy 14A stay the night, then south and east over the southern tip of the bighorns back to I-25 then south into Colorado. I did a similar trip last year but went on into Yellowstone via Beartooth Hwy in Red Lodge. BTW Beartooth is closed this year due to severe mud and rockslides just FYI anyone who reads this and is heading that way. (Editor: more posts about Beartooth here).

[Mark Sedenquist]

I will be heading west on I-90 stopping at Devils Tower, then going over the bighorns on hwy 14A stay the night,

I have always wanted to drive 14A -- so I will be looking for a field report upon your return. I would certainly take some time and check out the Medicine Wheel historical site. The views from the site sound pretty awesome. As you probably know, 14A is one of the highest section of paved road in Wyoming. In the same area is the Red Gulch/Alkali (BLM 1109) scenic byway -- it is only 32 miles long, but unpaved so if looks like rain -- don't.

Actually you will be so close to Cody when you reach the end of 14A -- you might want to go check out some of the Cody Stampede (July 1-4). There are so many cool things to do in Cody.

Anyway, I think your route will go through Greybull when you head to the Bighorns? If so, you might enjoy some of the historical planes at the airfield -- this is the home to the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting. -- it is not a fancy place -- but a great spot for photos.

On your way south -- I would stop for a meal at the Le Bonte hotel in Douglas and get a photo of the Jackalope statue downtown. If you see the larger-than-life bronze of the cowboy on the horse -- the inspiration was Jim Hageman (my uncle).

Cheyenne has a great walking tour and a rather cool boot art installation.

Mark

[RamblinWestward]

I can give you a report of 14A in Wyoming as of last August. The road is in great shape, and is so good and fun to drive that's why Im going back. I was grinning from ear to ear all the way up, then all the way back down:) Talk about spectacular views, coming down the west bank of the Bighorns you can see the whole bighorn basin, all the little towns of Greybull, Lovell, Basin, and even the Absaroka Mtns beyond Cody.
Take your time coming down, as the grade seriously steep, or you will be doing a brake-job when you get home. Probably need one no matter how easy you take it down them. The semi-truck emergency brake pits are the largest Ive seen, ever. Some go up adjacent hills at least 500-600 feet just to stop the momentum of those big heavies.
There is a place called the Bear Lodge right after Burgess Junction that is a bar/restaurant/biker motel. Don't get gas here unless you have too, it was over 2.70 cents a gallon last fall, due to the remoteness. However, the burgers and fries where great, almost wondered whether they used Buffalo in them. One apparent thing is that this is the nirvana of fly-fishing country.
I have taken both 14A and 16 in the south and even tho the signs say that the Cloud Peak Wilderness/Tensleep Canyon route is the most scenic, I beg to differ. Tho 16 is worth the drive, 14a east or west is best.

[RamblinWestward]

Ok, Im back and have a road report for 14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) as of the 8th of July. Road is in great shape, there is one spot that they are repaving along the western slope of the Bighorns. Little bumpy in that area, but less than a mile overall. The Bighorns are beautiful in early July as everything is lush and green and all the mountain flowers are vivid. This is what I love about Wyoming, all this beauty and no houses, buildings, or powerlines. Make sure to fill up the gas tank before entering the Bighorns on 14A, there is only one place to fill up and its not cheap, the Bear Lodge. Although expensive on gas, the food is reasonable, and they have a cozy dining room with very good road burgers and the like.

We opted out of the Medicine Wheel hike, as it was still 90 degrees at that altitude, on that day.

More road reports coming in the next few days about the Black Hill's Needles Highway, Trail Ridge Road, and Mt Evans Highway. Srry, didnt get a chance to check out the Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Though we did get some exposure on Mt Evans. lol

[Mark Sedenquist]

Ok, Im back and have a road report for 14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) as of the 8th of July.

Thanks for the field report. Looking forward to the rest of your experiences!

Mark