Best route from Grand Teton to Golden, Colorado

[Bamabago]

We are headed on our trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton from Alabama. We have plans going out but am working on drive home. We want to stop in Golden, Colorado and based on map quest it is an 81/2 hour drive from Grand Teton. Has anybody traveled Route 287 to I-80 or should we take Route 189 To Rock Springs then get on I-80? Both roads looks straight but very mountainous. I also wonder if we can make it to Golden or do we need to stop in Laramie or Cheyenne?

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[Jim2]

From the Tetons, I've used both 191 to Rock Sprgs and 26/287 to Rawlins; not a lot of difference between those routes, but I felt 26/287 was a better roadway overall. My choice was usually decided by which way I was headed after hitting I80, if westbound, I'd use 191 to Rock Sprgs, if eastbound I'd use 26/287.
Whether you can/should drive that whole 510 miles, 8.5 hours in one day is a personal preference choice. It could be done, but would be a very long day. I wouldn't do it, but then I'm retired and have all the time I need to get anywhere. I would overnight around Cheyenne, Wy , which would allow me to time my travel through the Denver area to avoid rush hours.

[RichR]

I would go south on 287 from Laramie-saves lots of uphill and miles-takes you into Ft Collins CO.

[Randy125]

Check Wyoming road condition web site. Two years ago 287 was nothing but a dirt road for several miles, was crazy instead of repairing one lane they had both sides tore up it was terrible.

[Bamabago]

Thank you...the 26/287 was a beautiful scenic drive. We even saw a grizzly bear on the side of the road and stopped at some of the Indian Museums/gift shops on the way. There was a small section of gravel road...but not too bad! Little traffic and yes, spent the night in Cheyenne as you suggested and got to Golden around noon. The drive to Denver was the worst part...construction and slow traffic!