Rockies route suggest: Glacier Natl Pk down to Denver

[El Toro Joe]

Watch going through the towns of Lovell and Byron WY after crossing Bighorn Pass. They operate well-known speed traps and the local police drive pickup trucks that you might not immediately register as police vehicles. They flourish on the Yellowstone tourist traffic. 14A out of Dayton is peg scraping bliss. Beautiful red pavement with perfect radius switchbacks.

I wanna go...

 

[bigjohnsd]

We did a car trip from Denver to Glacier several years ago and I'll throw out a gem we came across. We also attempted to stay overnight in Billings, Mt, but got there late and had a hard time finding a room (Saturday night and guessing this was due to folks heading in/out of Yellowstone). We ended up heading down the road to Big Timber and stayed at The Grand Hotel. If you're looking for a change from the common Holiday Inn/Super 8 accommodations and something with some history and atmosphere, I recommend it. Oh yeah, nice bar too.

I've got to give this a big plus 100, Gunny etc......

Great food, great bar that comes with a cast of characters on most nights.

 

[TomInPA]

On the return trip over fly-over land, you are taking I-80 pretty much all the way. I'm here to tell you that U.S.50 will make nearly the same time, but without any truck traffic. It is divided highway all the way across Kansas and is good traveling across most of Missouri until you pick up historic 66/I-44 west of St. Louis. At that point you can take I-70 through the flat lands, or stay south on I-64 and have a better trip towards home through WV. The southern route avoids most tolls and trucks.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I'dsure like to try and ride the Black Hills day with you fellows.

KJ, you should make sure that happens. John can show you some wicked cool roads. He can also show you Sturgis. Better yet, he can probably show you a route around Sturgis.

Well I hope everything aligns and John can join us, he's got the invite and we would be more than happy to have him lead us misfits through the BH's

Hey KJ...where are you planning to stay, in Cleveland?

Tentatively it is: Travelodge Cleveland Willoughby, 34600 Maple Grove Road, Willoughby, OH

It's cheap, I think it was around $50

Don't forget you'll eventually be on Mountain time, so 6am with feel more like 8am back home.

Ahh... very good to note!. I guess then the ride home will be in reverse

Thanks for the tip n reminder!

On the return trip over fly-over land, you are taking I-80 pretty much all the way. I'm here to tell you that U.S.50 will make nearly the same time, but without any truck traffic. It is divided highway all the way across Kansas and is good traveling across most of Missouri until you pick up historic 66/I-44 west of St. Louis. At that point you can take I-70 through the flat lands, or stay south on I-64 and have a better trip towards home through WV. The southern route avoids most tolls and trucks.

Def the no or less trucks part is very nice. I'll look into this!

KJ, if you have time while in Billings take a ride to the Yellow Tail Dam in Fort Smith. Not just to the visitor center but all the way into the boat launch, I was there for a bonus location during the Wyoming Rally in 08. It's one way in and out but I enjoyed the ride and color of the rocks along the water.
Lots of Indian history and nice riding between Billings and Sheridan, Wy.

We can def do a day ride prior to heading to the Rally on one of the mornings. Am I on the wrong side of the canyon?

Here's what I have so far: https://mapq.st/1t1gk5C

 

[Bugnatr]

KJ, if you have time while in Billings take a ride to the Yellow Tail Dam in Fort Smith. Not just to the visitor center but all the way into the boat launch, I was there for a bonus location during the Wyoming Rally in 08. It's one way in and out but I enjoyed the ride and color of the rocks along the water.
Lots of Indian history and nice riding between Billings and Sheridan, Wy.

We can def do a day ride prior to heading to the Rally on one of the mornings. Am I on the wrong side of the canyon?

Here's what I have so far: https://mapq.st/1t1gk5C

Looks good to KJ, just be sure to ride all the way to the boat launch. Is this your first ride to the Rockies? Wyoming is epic.

 

[Top_Speed1]

We did a car trip from Denver to Glacier several years ago and I'll throw out a gem we came across. We also attempted to stay overnight in Billings, Mt, but got there late and had a hard time finding a room (Saturday night and guessing this was due to folks heading in/out of Yellowstone). We ended up heading down the road to Big Timber and stayed at The Grand Hotel. If you're looking for a change from the common Holiday Inn/Super 8 accommodations and something with some history and atmosphere, I recommend it. Oh yeah, nice bar too.

Might be able to stop in, but that's about it.... (ALL) Rooms are booked for any of our dates, even days out.

Sounds like a grand good ole time tho

 

[Top_Speed1]

KJ, if you have time while in Billings take a ride to the Yellow Tail Dam in Fort Smith. Not just to the visitor center but all the way into the boat launch, I was there for a bonus location during the Wyoming Rally in 08. It's one way in and out but I enjoyed the ride and color of the rocks along the water.
Lots of Indian history and nice riding between Billings and Sheridan, Wy.

We can def do a day ride prior to heading to the Rally on one of the mornings. Am I on the wrong side of the canyon?

Here's what I have so far: https://mapq.st/1t1gk5C

Looks good to KJ, just be sure to ride all the way to the boat launch. Is this your first ride to the Rockies? Wyoming is epic.

Yes Noob!, done CO by car. CA & AZ by rented bike years ago.

Really looking forward to it!!!

 

[Spud]

Watch going through the towns of Lovell and Byron WY after crossing Bighorn Pass. They operate well-known speed traps and the local police drive pickup trucks that you might not immediately register as police vehicles. They flourish on the Yellowstone tourist traffic. 14A out of Dayton is peg scraping bliss. Beautiful red pavement with perfect radius switchbacks.

Yes--one of the more amazing stretches of road anywhere...you'll notice the slight gain in altitude from where I took the pic. Bighorns are fantastic.

 

[Spud]

Looked over your altered routes. Looks good! You're Rexburg to Vernal day is now paved (bonus, lol...) That loop road is just what you want to do, it puts you right under the Tetons, you can get your pics, then head out. Further north into Teton NP is really just a way to get to Yellowstone, so you won't miss much turning around there. Be very careful around the Jackson area and in the parks--there is a lot of radar enforcement.

I'll see if I can blow off work that Monday and meet you guys for the Montana to Rexburg day. You'll dig the ride down the salmon river in Idaho. It's some pretty remote wilderness. Your days 10 11 and 12 will put you through stretches of riding awesomeness, with wide open spaces and people few and far between. I'll pencil it in on my calendar and keep in touch.

 

[zzzzip]

May be out of your way, but when I come from Colorado Springs, I take US 24 north to Limon CO, east on I-70 to Burlington, CO then north on US 385, to US 36 across Kansas and Missouri into Illinois. Interstates from there east.

Taking US 36 only adds about an hour from Hannibal, MO to Denver, has light traffic, a good 2 lane across Kansas, and all 4 lane across Missouri. Make sure you gas up at Burlington.

 

[TomInPA]

U.S. 36 is another great alternative. I picked it up in Hannibal and rode it to US 34 to Ft. Collins CO. I spent the night in Phillpsburg KS. Like 50, it is a divided highway and you make good time while the truckers stay on I-40, I-70, I-80 and I-90. It's still Kansas, but it beats the Interstate. Another good suggestion.

 

[Top_Speed1]

May be out of your way, but when I come from Colorado Springs, I take US 24 north to Limon CO, east on I-70 to Burlington, CO then north on US 385, to US 36 across Kansas and Missouri into Illinois. Interstates from there east.
Taking US 36 only adds about an hour from Hannibal, MO to Denver, has light traffic, a good 2 lane across Kansas, and all 4 lane across Missouri. Make sure you gas up at Burlington.

U.S. 36 is another great alternative. I picked it up in Hannibal and rode it to US 34 to Ft. Collins CO. I spent the night in Phillpsburg KS. Like 50, it is a divided highway and you make good time while the truckers stay on I-40, I-70, I-80 and I-90. It's still Kansas, but it beats the Interstate. Another good suggestion.

OK, so here's the problem that I've encountered. Far and few between; motel (Internet bookings/lisitings) available on these alternate routes. I'm sure there is a ton of Mom-n-Pops motels, but I (we) cannot chance the ad-lib method being this is in July. So kinda tough for pre-booking.

I like the idea though!

 

[wheatonFJR]

If you like spending hundreds of miles going around left lane blockers one at a time, take the interstates.

If that's not your bag, take the alternates discussed without the aggravation.

Or take the county roads if you have the time. That can be fun to...even in the flatlands. You will drive by more front porches and less Stuckey's.

 

[Denver_FJR]

OK, so here's the problem that I've encountered. Far and few between; motel (Internet bookings/lisitings) available on these alternate routes. I'm sure there is a ton of Mom-n-Pops motels, but I (we) cannot chance the ad-lib method being this is in July. So kinda tough for pre-booking.
I like the idea though!

I now enjoy taking the opposite tack, I book rooms only when I have absolutely have to. I let go of the schedule and since there are tons of M&P motels out there I fine I enjoy the serendipity along the way.

If you like spending hundreds of miles going around left lane blockers one at a time, take the interstates.
If that's not your bag, take the alternates discussed without the aggravation.

Or take the county roads if you have the time. That can be fun to...even in the flatlands. You will drive by more front porches and less Stuckey's.

I had to make a trip out west a couple summers ago and decided to take the FJR and slab it. It was maddening the number of times I got caught behind two truckers (or a cage and a trucker) going side by side up some long pass, with the dude in the left lane doing a whopping 1/25 MPH faster then the dude in the right lane. Is there anything worse then being on a 140 MPH motorcycle, on a road designed for 100 MPH and being force to drive at less then 50 MPH while sucking down diesel fumes? I know there are times when we have to get some place but I avoid the interstates when I can.

 

[TomInPA]

K.J. the old Motor Lodge is the heart of America. Daze Innz are the pitts.

Seriously, part of the adventure is pulling in and scoring a completely unexpected "best stay ever" in the mom & pop establishments on the old US Route system. Trust me, just as you won't fight the trucker and tourist traffic on the interstate, there will be a room, and a bar, and a restaurant where you will really meet people worth talking to. It will change your life and understanding of the "road trip".

The other side of that is finding a roach hotel. Just ask to see the room before you buy. The back roads have always been a winner for me.

The biggest lesson I learned on cross country touring was to forget the schedule itinerary. Make time to enjoy the moment. Having a general idea of where you want to go is good planning. Making reservations that oblige you to make XXX miles per day or be at a place at a certain time is NOT a road trip, it's a job. The discovery of the unexpected has turned out to be what draws me back. The inn keeper with a pet or passion, a hole-in-the wall restaurant that is great, an unplanned view. The more unexpected, the more memorable it is. Seriously, go find your Pink Elephant, or amazing moment...just remember, it probably wont' be on your planned itinerary.

 

[Spud]

KJ's already put the time in and booked, so i doubt he'll scrap all that. I plan my trips way out too--never want to get caught w/o a place to sleep. Small towns in scenic areas in the west book out WAY in advance. All you might have left is the $350/night suite at the holiday inn....

 

[TomInPA]

I'll see your pessimism and raise you a room at the Cody Motor Lodge on August 3, where we scored a room in the heart of tourist season, or the July 27 night in Manistique MI, or a great night in Sheridan WY at the unknown, but clean, nice, cheap Holiday Motel. I have never been skunked. but I have ridden farther than planned.

I also made the mistake of leaving Sacramento and planning night 1 for Cedar City and night 2 at Mesa Verde, Night 3 at Salida. On my own, that aggressive mileage would have been fine, but when dealing with ride partners, I learned 700 or 800 mile days do not go as planned, and many opportunities are missed or not enjoyed. More flexibility would have been better. I'll just agree to disagree.

 

[zzzzip]

May be out of your way, but when I come from Colorado Springs, I take US 24 north to Limon CO, east on I-70 to Burlington, CO then north on US 385, to US 36 across Kansas and Missouri into Illinois. Interstates from there east.
Taking US 36 only adds about an hour from Hannibal, MO to Denver, has light traffic, a good 2 lane across Kansas, and all 4 lane across Missouri. Make sure you gas up at Burlington.

U.S. 36 is another great alternative. I picked it up in Hannibal and rode it to US 34 to Ft. Collins CO. I spent the night in Phillpsburg KS. Like 50, it is a divided highway and you make good time while the truckers stay on I-40, I-70, I-80 and I-90. It's still Kansas, but it beats the Interstate. Another good suggestion.

OK, so here's the problem that I've encountered. Far and few between; motel (Internet bookings/lisitings) available on these alternate routes. I'm sure there is a ton of Mom-n-Pops motels, but I (we) cannot chance the ad-lib method being this is in July. So kinda tough for pre-booking.j

I like the idea though!

In my experience, once you get east of Phillipsburg, you won't have a problem of finding a Mom&Pop vacancy. There is usually more than one in town, or within 20 miles off the highway. Also, it's Kansas-- I've never found one to not be clean and comfortable. Maybe no frills but good enough. Except Norton-- that was a close call, but there is a new chain motel now if you don't mind $90 per night.

Warning: if you should go to the local small town coffee shop for breakfast be prepared to have a lot of friendly questioning about where-you- been-where-you-going? Hard to make time when talking to friendly folks.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I wanna ad-lib, but being the height of tourism travel (July) I don't wanna get stuck. I've done it before, sucks. The desk clerk says "I think there's some rooms in the next town or two, good luck!".... don't like that game! ...don't like Interstates much either. Dilemma

 

[wheatonFJR]

I wanna ad-lib, but being the height of tourism travel (July) I don't wanna get stuck. I've done it before, sucks. The desk clerk says "I think there's some rooms in the next town or two, good luck!".... don't like that game! ...don't like Interstates much either. Dilemma

Get a Goldwing and Camper like Dougie Bear??