Road Trip: Western PA to Sacramento CA in late June.

[jgillott]

Been attempting to make this trip for the last couple of years. Health and some other issues have unfortunately ended up in the way. It finally, knock on wood, looks like we may be able to make the trip out this year.



I appologize in advance if these questions have been asked here before, but if you were taking this trip, what are some things that would be "Must Do's" along the way? I've never had the chance to see Mt. Rushmore, so I believe that we are going to run rt. 80 out of PA and then hit 90 in to SD. From there, I'm flexable. We unfortunately only have 2-3 weeks to play with, but would like to take in some nice areas along the way. We will be driving with no RV, so hotels and eating out along the way. The wife loves those little mom and pop diners and the smaller hotels, but any suggestions would be welcome.



Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Axtell3]

From Rushmore, you'll want to check Little Big Horn, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, that'll head you into the Tetons, keep on til Salt lake. Then Head West again. . 02$

 

[GAmes]

There are several national parks in Utah worth going to if you enjoy that sort of thing. Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and more.

 

[B.G. Smith]

If you spend some time in the Rapid City area don't miss the Crazy Horse Monument/musieum, it's just a few miles from Mt. Rushmore. There are several self guided driving tours out of Rapid City. Before you get to rapid City (probably 30 miles out you will see Walls Drug Store advertised on bill boards. It is located in the toown of Wall and has a buffet breakfast that is out of this world and other interesting sights. Also Sturgis, home of Harley Davidson cycles is just West of Rapid city. The wind can get serious in that part of the world. bg

 

[Tractorat]

I dont remember how far east of Yellowstone it is. But if you can stop by Pompeys Pillar. The pioneers going west left their signatures in the rock there. Including Clark (of Lewis and Clark).

And definitely dont miss Custers Last Stand memorial

 

[crispyboy]

Go thru Badlands National Park on your way to Mt. Rushmore. There is a small, clean Budget Host motel on the edge of the park in the town of Interior. Take State Hwy 44 from Interior to Rapid City, it is a scenic ride.
Devils Tower is just west of Rapid City and worth seeing.

 

[Tractorat]

If you go thru Badlands, make sure you stop at the old dug out homestead. I think its just outside the eastern entrance to the Badlands

 

[Jeff Knight]

Like all of the above. We've been to most of them but Yellowstone is my favorite so far. In SD there is Custer state park not far from Mt Rushmore. You will want to go back. Never enough time. Enjoy your trip.



Jeff

 

[jgillott]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I already had planned on catching the Crazy Horse monument, but I had not considered continuing on to Yellowstone. Obviously, I can't do justice to Yellowstone with our short time frame, but I would at least like to say that I've been there.

A guy I work with suggested that if I head in to CA on 90 and then down to 80 in Salt Lake City, that I should consider coming back on Rt. 50. I've already driven 50 from Sacramento up to Lake Tahoe, but how is it across NV itself? I've heard that it is a beautiful, but lonely drive.