Mt. Rushmore Area to Colorado Springs

[dan-nickie]

Planning our trip and by gosh I don't see a good way to get from the Mt. Rushmore area to Colorado Springs Co.
Everything seems to be way out of the way or possibly smaller roads.
40 foot MH towing.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Dan

[bubbles]

We're headed the opposite direction July 5th. We have a 38 ft mh towing. I25 - 18/20 - 18/85 - 16 - 385 - Hill City and Bar- J- Rafter campground. Never been there but don't expect any obstacles. Looks like the reverse is about your only option. We're coming from the Air Force Academy and it could be a long day for us because stopping somewhere in between seems like not far enough and to far so we'll press on. Be safe.

[BeagleIL]

When we left Mt. Rushmore, we went south on 385 down to 80 and then headed east towards home. It was a fairly decent ride if I remember correctly. You could run south that way and then jump on 80 going west into the Denver area..

[Blackrock]

I have always used Hiway 385 for getting to or from the Black Hills and Colorado. Big nice roads and the traffic's not bad ad all. Once you get to Sidney Ne. then there are a couple choices to get on to I-76 which will take you to the Denver area..

[madmaxmutt]

Just drove it on Saturday. Yes, there is terrain in the way. Custer west on 16 to Newcastle (There are a few twisty turns here, but it isn't bad). South on 85 to Lusk. (Lusk was flooded and 85 has a short detour in town) West on 20 to Orin. South on I25 into the Springs. Easy drive with the trailer. We left at 9:30AM and were home by 6:30PM.


We did 385 on the way to Custer SP a couple years ago. I didn't take that route home that trip or this one.

[dan-nickie]

Thanks for the comments people.

[samcunningham]

we made that route last Oct. We chose to go to Cheyenne, Wo for an overnite in the best KOA we have ever stayed in. I too had difficulty trying to determine what route to use. I can't remember the roads but they were surprisingly very good. We were staying at Lazy J in Rapid City and the owner made good suggestions about the route.

Take your time and enjoy .

Sam C

[Grampa Jim]

Dan Nickie.....we left Mt Rushmore and headed through Deadwood to Sundance, Wyoming just over the border to see Devils Tower. That's where Close Encounters was filmed. It's our first National Monument,,,,,1906,,,I think,,,,It's worth the detour on the way to the Pikes Peak area.

[tomfmcs]

Better gas up in Lusk. I did the drive last year. CS to Orin Wy then Lusk then north on 85 to 16. 10 hrs or so with pulling over in Orin and having lunch in the trailer and chilling for a few.

[fbconsults]

Originally Posted by BeagleIL

When we left Mt. Rushmore, we went south on 385 down to 80 and then headed east towards home. It was a fairly decent ride if I remember correctly. You could run south that way and then jump on 80 going west into the Denver area..

We went the same way except going north from Colorado Springs. Stayed the night at the Cabela's RV park at Sidney, NE, then 385 north to Rapid City. Stayed at Rushmore Shadows RV park. Really nice. It is a private park, but is Coast to Coast if you belong to them. Pricey if not. If you want to listen to a sales presentation it is 39 for three nights. We were there in June 2015.

Happy Trails. Forrest

[KellyG]

We're looking at a similar journey, from Custer, SD, down towards Denver. Have some concerns about diesel fuel availability along the various routes. Any suggestions? (This is our first big trip, so are a bit nervous. . . . :-) )

[Blackrock]

Originally Posted by KellyG

We're looking at a similar journey, from Custer, SD, down towards Denver. Have some concerns about diesel fuel availability along the various routes. Any suggestions? (This is our first big trip, so are a bit nervous. . . . :-) )

Out West you are in Diesel country. Every station has diesel, look for Cenex stations.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Out West you are in Diesel country. Every station has diesel, look for Cenex stations.

But can I get a 40 footer with toad in them?

I guess for me its not a big deal as I have 100 gal tank.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by dan-nickie

But can I get a 40 footer with toad in them?

I guess for me its not a big deal as I have 100 gal tank.

If you can't get your DP the 460+/- miles on a 100 gal gas tank you need to get that puppy in for some serious maintenance.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by bubbles

If you can't get your DP the 460+/- miles on a 100 gal gas tank you need to get that puppy in for some serious maintenance.

That's true. but I still have to get that original 100 gallons someplace.

[KellyG]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

Out West you are in Diesel country. Every station has diesel, look for Cenex stations.

Thanks much. We live out west (New Mexico), and find Diesel at only about 50% or fewer of the stations. The F-250 only has a 26 gallon (nominal) tank. (Eventually might replace it with after-market 500 gallon tank, but not $oon.)

Looking at the long Custer-to-Cheyenne portion, on a holiday weekend Sunday, thought it best to ask the experts and experienced ones!

[Blackrock]

My favorite fuel stop is in Alliance Ne at the intersection of Hwy2 and 385. Lotsa room to maneuver and park. Been through here many times.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0966...7i13312!8i6656

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

My favorite fuel stop is in Alliance Ne at the intersection of Hwy2 and 385. Lotsa room to maneuver and park. Been through here many times.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0966...7i13312!8i6656

Good one. lots of room there.
And seems to be about half way.
Thanks for the map.

[Jim101]

Getting ready to head out of Utah and go to Mt. Rushmore, any advice or just Google and go? Thanks, Jim