Rapid City SD to Baggs WY

[Lakehouse 2]

Since we aren't in Florida as planned I thought I'd start planning a late summer trip to the Black Hills, down to Baggs WY and Craig CO to visit friends and Moab UT before heading back to OH. The only leg of the trip I'm not sure how I want to go is the leg between Rapid City SD and Baggs WY which is on the WY/CO border. There doesn't seem to be a very direct route so I'm looking for suggestions from anyone who is familiar with the area. The wife wants a nice relaxing, and scenic route as she is recovering from some health issues and doesn't need any white knuckle highways or high blood pressure! We won't be in any rush, so 300/350 miles a day will probably be our goal. Any suggestions as to a route and campgrounds will be appreciated.

[Xmcdog]

Google maps offer three routes. The most direct one uses i25. It's been many years since I was in this area but I don't recall any serious issues. As it is only about 450 miles it would be an easy two days.

Sorry to hear your wife has been ill.
Good luck. Hope this helps

[yeloduster]

Hello John and Diane,

I went to high school in Sundance, WY and have family scattered around Wyoming. I've traveled all these roads many times. Considering your desire to limit your days to <350 miles if it were me I would take this ROUTE and spend the night in Douglas.

Douglas has a very nice, well maintained city RV park with a dump station, water refill station and bathrooms with showers. The bathrooms are a bit rustic! I generally shower in them but the girls opt for the motorhome! If you opt for staying in this park let me know and I will provide specific directions to the park. It is convenient to get to.

If you prefer full hookup camping I would take this ROUTE. This route is about 40 miles shorter.

The highways are good, the scenery is Wyoming...some love it some think it is a desert...I love it...it's home for me.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by yeloduster

Hello John and Diane,

I went to high school in Sundance, WY and have family scattered around Wyoming. I've traveled all these roads many times. Considering your desire to limit your days to <350 miles if it were me I would take this ROUTE and spend the night in Douglas.

Douglas has a very nice, well maintained city RV park with a dump station, water refill station and bathrooms with showers. The bathrooms are a bit rustic! I generally shower in them but the girls opt for the motorhome! If you opt for staying in this park let me know and I will provide specific directions to the park. It is convenient to get to.

If you prefer full hookup camping I would take this ROUTE. This route is about 40 miles shorter.

The highways are good, the scenery is Wyoming...some love it some think it is a desert...I love it...it's home for me.

Not going to even try to out Guess Yeloduster - his turf, .... his route is likely best.

Suggestion is to not use Rapid City as the start point - Stay in Custer - more central to the Black Hills and IMHO, just a better choice.

Then the choice of routes might change. ? - Just a thought.

Look to see if a Reservoir might be along the routes considered - as there a many and they will give you a Great Change of Pace. If time is really no object look to going across one of the most Beautiful Drives in that neck of the Woods - Snowy Range - RT 138 (?) - from memory so/but search Snowy Range and you will love the Drive - might even head into the mountains in Colorado sooner than Later so the drive might be more Memorable. Look to running all the way to Granby and then going through Steamboat before Craig. Rabbit Ears is a Beautiful Drive.

For me it's always about making the Drive Great!

Best of Luck,

[Lakehouse 2]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Some family matters put the planning of this trip on hold for several weeks but things have settled down and we are back in planning mode. I think we'll be using Yeloduster's shorter route, though the city park in Douglas does sound interesting. Thanks again.

[yeloduster]

Good luck, fun travels!