In know it is very off topic, but I respect you all, and appreciate your opinions. Next week I will begin a 2 week vacation heading to see friends in Greeley, CO. After a brief visit with them, my girlfriend and I are intending on visiting Royal Gorge, Estes Park, Making our way up to Yellowstone in WY, and then heading back through South Dakota via Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, etc... I was hoping some of the members from that area could offer me some other points of interests, or things off the beaten(pricey) tourist path. I personally have been to all of these areas, and love them everytime I go. But this will be my girlfriends first trip out of our 4 state area(sheltered I know!) so we will be seeing the beaten path things as well. If this is the wrong place to ask I apologize, and I appreciate any suggestions.

 

Since you are going all the way south to the Royal Gorge, stop off in Colorado Springs for the Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and a nice drive up Pikes Peak, (If they still allow it).

Or if you feel like a break and just want to sit, give me a hollar and swing by. Plenty of space to kick back and relax to enjoy the view and the silence.

 

Appreciate the offer. I plan on the Scenic byway between golden and Estes on my way back up from Canon City, I believe its the Peak to Pike route? may swing in on those places as well. I saw them on the visit colorado website, but tons of Caves and caverns here in the Boston Mtns. The garden of the gods sounds pretty interesting though. Thanks. Oh and we will actually be coming in from the South BTW.

 

Ahhhh Stopping there first. OK. THat makes sense.

 

We just did the SD vacation in June. Be sure to drive the Needles Highway and the Iron Mountain Rd (FREE!). That was my favorite. The kids fav was the Mammoth site in Hot Springs. I would give someone like Rushmore X or clux a PM. They live out there and may know of the secret sweet spots. I first found those folks after we went. Have a safe trip.

 

I lived in the Blackhills ( South Dakota) for 15 years, Spearfish Canyon Hwy. is a must see lots of areas for pictures. You can start in the town of Spearfish then head south to Deadwood SD. and then go 30min south and end up in Sturgis famous for the Bike Ralley in August. Sturgis is right off I-90 so easy acess east or west. Lots of free things in these cities to check out you can't beat that.
If going to Mt. Rushmore there is an area at the bottom on the way to the mountain that the parking is free. It will be on the right side of the road with a small sign, it says "scenic by way." You will just have to take a 20-30min hike if you don't mind. This hike will lead you to the vistors center gift shop and restaurant. The best thing about it you will get some awsome pictures of the mountain. Perfect area for picnic, By the way parking is $10.00.
Have fun and post some pics.

 

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions again. Think of anymore and let me know, So far I'm probably doing them all, its really just going to be a shoot from the hips kind of trip.

 

I don't know what you're interested in doing or seeing, but as far as a scenic drive from Estes it's worth the drive to head through Rocky Mountain NP to Granby and then north to Walden/Encampment/Saratoga Wyoming. Definite off the beaten path and scenery worth the drive.

 

Not sure what all you plan to hit in Yellowstone, but going out over top of the world and dropping into Red Lodge is a pretty cool drive, get above treeline there. We have already had some snow clear down to 6000 feet, so not sure how much longer it will be open would be the only issue, cut through Cody wy if its closed. Since you will just be skirting the bottom of MT with the Yellowstone trip, thats the best one I can think of.

 

Estes Park should be showing off it's fall colors any day now. Great time to go through there. You may want to drive over Trail Ridge Road through the Rocky Mountain National Park, go though Granby and head over Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs on Hwy 40. From there you can go north on either Hwy 789 from Craig, CO or continue into Utah and take Hwy 191 out of Vernal to go to Yellowstone. Nice drives this time of year without weather issues... yet. Or like Clux suggested, The Walden/Encampment/Saratoga route through the North Park/Never Summer area is also stellar.

 

Definitely check out the Garden of the Gods if your in the Pikes Peak area.
Very cool formation.
I would avoid the Cave of the Winds as they have built a huge visitor center over the mouth of the cave and there is no more wind... so now it is just another cave.
If your in to hiking and in the area, check out the "Craigs" Just outside of Divide.
Beautiful scenery and an easy hike.
Good luck and have a safe trip!

 

I know it is tough to decide things for people. Like I said though this trip is just going to be mostly sight seeing and driving, any suggestions are welcome and time is not a huge concern either, we plan on about 2 weeks, but could be 3 or 4 depending on what all we decide to do! I personally just love the area, I've elk and mule deer hunted around rifle for 10 years. But I'm sure the girlfriend will be able to "waste" some of my time with shopping, or cheasy tourist stuff, lol. Just trying to make it the best of both worlds I guess.

 

All great options and information.

 

If your in Canyon City (near the gorge) stop by McClellans Grill and Brewing Co. It is a small Irish pub that has some great food and even better beer (I reccomend their Porter).

 

There's lots of stuff that could potentially be on your route.

You need to get to Jackson just for the view of the Tetons on the drive from Moran to Jackson. they have a great free visitor's center on the north side of town that explains a lot about the Elk Refuge, if you're a hunter you'll probably enjoy that. It's also interesting to just walk around downtown Jackson, you never know who you're going to see there, just take the GF's credit card away before you do.

The Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody is worth a look, you could kill a whole day there if you're into guns, western art, or western history.

Your route will take you close to Little Big Horn Battlefield, you'll never truly understand what happened to Custer until you're been there. You could easily burn 1/2 day there if you're interested in that sort of thing. There's big hot springs at Thermopolis if the GF looks good in a bikini. It's also a beautiful drive over the Big Horns from Greybull or Powell to the Ranchester/Sheridan area.

In the Black Hills in addition to what's already been mentioned there's Deadwood (gambling), there's the Homestake Gold mine at Lead, there's the mammoth site and swimming at Hot Springs, there's Custer State Park.

I don't know where you're heading from the hills but if you're coming to Nebraska I can give some ideas there too.