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| Chimney Rock By Massjayhawk - Flickr |
Meet up with all your heros and heroines where history was made, in the wild, wild west of the USA. Look out for Buffalo Bill, Calamity Jane or even Crazy Horse. This is an ideal RV roadtrip with the family or some friends. Imagine yourself here as I take you through the route, then look at your diary, pick a date and book at the bottom of the blog. Or here if you're already itching to go. :-)
The following road trip is a guide so feel free to stay longer in each place or stray from the course. I'm going to set one night in each place but by all means stay as long as you like.
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| Cheyenne By chuck wilkson - Flickr |
Pick up your RV in Denver, Colorado and then get to know the ins and outs, dinky places and comfortable beds before you set off. A short 2-3 hours drive north today will bring you to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The gradual change in scenery will let you know you're in a different territory now . As you approach Cheyenne, you'll discover it to be a very Victorian town complete with delightful red brick buildings along a wide main street.
Set down for the night in Terry Bison Ranch Resort or the WYO Campground.
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| By Aaron Fredericy - Flickr |
Travel into Nebraska towards Hot Springs, South Dakota. This just sounds inviting doesn't it. Stop on the journey at Scott's Bluff National Monument, an incredible landmark on the Oregon Trail. It's a steep hill rising 830ft above the stretching plains.
Next option to stop at is the Chimney Rock. This is a prominent geological rock formation rising almost 300ft above the river valley. Its very pointed shape will inspire anyone to gaze for a while and take a picture or three.
While approaching Hot Springs, look out for 'Evans Plunge', an aptly named fresh water and naturally heated, swimming pool. If you want to look around there are several hot springs around town where you can relax and rejuvenate. Obviously this is where the town inherited its name from.
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| Custer State Park By Jeff Gibbons - Flickr |
From Hot Springs head north to Mount Rushmore, one of the country's most famous monuments. Along the journey you'll enter Wind Cave National Park from the south entrance and exit through the north entrance. On your exit you'll be in Custer State Park, home to a famous herd of roaming bison. You may also spot some elk, mule deer, mountain goats, pronghorn, sheep, begging burros or mountain lions. Perhaps parking and watching from the RV's windows may be a good idea.
Exit to the town of Custer and go north to the highlight of your day: Crazy Horse Memorial. The sculpture, to honor the culture, tradition and heritage of North American Indians, has been 60 years in the making.
Tonight, stay at the Rushmore Shadows resort in Rapid City or Heartland RV Park & Cabins in Hermosa.
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| By mark_rutley - Flickr |
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| By Bkrie23 - Flickr |
Today is the day to explore Mount Rushmore itself. The National memorial isn't far away. Check out the visitors centre and walk the promenade before moving on to Deadwood, a national historic landmark of a town. Stop by at the Old Franklin Hotel and go for a stroll in the back streets past some lovely original Victorian houses. Close by in the cemetery, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are laying at rest.
Next en route I recommend the falls of Spearfish Canyon. The beautiful canyon has a wide range of plant and wildlife, geology, rock formations and waterfalls. Followed by that arrive in Devils Tower - 59 miles up the road. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower the first national monument in 1906.
Suggestion for the night: Devils Tower KOA
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| By jhtatroe - Flickr |
| Day Five. |
Stop for a while to marvel at Keyhole State Park before heading on to Peter D's Wyoming RV Park (suggestion for the night). One hours drive away is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Find other relics of the Indian wars near Sheridan, particularly the Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site and the Fetterman Battlefield.
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| Cody Rodeo By skaughtmc - Flickr |
Today we drive from Sheridan to Cody. Drive through the Big Horn National Forest and try and arrive in Cody early. That way you can spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Buffalo Bill Historical Centre. Learn all about Buffalo Bill in the 5 unique museums and then go and watch some real cowboy and cowgirl rodeo. June through August, competitors are competing everyday for big rodeo money. The shows include Bull riding, bareback, calf roping, and steer wrestling.
Spend the evening (perhaps leave the RV there earlier) at Ponderosa Campground.
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| By Kevin R Eberle - Flickr |
| Day Seven. |
Today we enter the thermal region. The drive to the East entrance of the Yellowstone national park is very memorable. You could spend days exploring the National park, its hikes, biking trails, fishing or enjoying exhibits or films. Make sure you make the most of this beautiful and fun area.
Spend a night or more at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park and Cabins.
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| By gale Lindstrom - Flickr |
After leaving Yellowstone you'll quickly arrive in Grand Teton National Park. Steer the RV alongside the pretty Jackson Lake with the Grand Tetons showing off to the right. Head off for the day early so you can spend time Lakeside and also in Jackson Hole.
We suggest The Virginian RV Resort which is also close to the National Elk Refuge and Jackson town.
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| By kweaver2 - Flickr |
On your way to Rock Springs, drive through lovely Teton National Forest and cross the Wyoming Range, past the Great Divide Basin to your left.
To get to Rock Springs / Green River KOA, turn on Route 80 towards Green River.
Beyond the campground is the spectacular Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Hike, bike or fish in this spectacular red rocked area.
| Day Ten. |
Sadly you're heading back towards Denver, but not quite yet. Rawlins is a rest stop to break up the long journey across Southern Wyoming's 'Red Desert'. Camp at RV World Campground.
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| Rocky Mountain National Park By isaac.borrego - Flickr |
| Day Eleven. |
Continue westward and stop at the old western town of Laramie, but there are many western towns, villages and ranches along the route. Rocky Mountain National Park is a 400 square mile preserve of forests, meadows, tundra and mountains. Spend the day exploring the many mountain lakes and ponds that are home to elk, deer, big horn sheep, moose and the occasional bald eagle. Watch out for them.
Spend your final night at Manor RV Park before returning your RV the next day.
I hope you enjoyed the run through of the journey and are inspired to hit up the Wild West. You can't do the journey without an RV though. Find a great deal on an RV through RV Rental Sale Finder.
Have fun exploring!
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