Wyoming scenic drive
 

We will be driving out west in late June. What is the most scenic drive between Fort Collins, Co and Jackson, Wy? Also, any ideas on the most scenic drive from Jackson to Deadwood, SD?

Debbie, <BR> <BR>First off, a lot of this area is remote, so take some food (or at least snacks) and some water. We lived in WY for 5 years and didn't go anywhere without some provisions. <BR> <BR>You don't say how much time you have, so I'm staying fairly close to a straight line route. From Ft Collins, I'd go to Laramie on hwy 287. Then go west on 130 through the Medicine Bow Mtns and eventually on to I-80. Then west on 80 to Rock Springs and north to Jackson all the way on 187. You'll go just west of the Wind River range on this road, and it's a nice way to get "up" to Jackson. There are also some nice little roads to the east into the Wind's if you have time. <BR> <BR>From Jackson, almost any route you take is going to be "scenic", but here's my vote for the best of the best. Go up through Yellowstone however you'd like to go, but exit the park at the Northeast entrance (near Tower Falls). Go out through Cooke City, then go north on 212 over Beartooth Pass into Red Lodge. <BR> <BR>After looking around Red Lodge (fun town) the scenic way is to go back up the pass toward Cooke City, but turn left at the intersection of the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (296) and go on over Dead Indian Pass and into Cody (this is my personal "most favorite road" nomination) Find hwy Alt 14 in Cody, and go northeast to Powell, and Lovell and follow this road UP the Big Horn mountains (You should make a side-trip to the Big Horn Canyon Natl Rec Area just outside Lovell). You'll join Hwy 14 on top of the mountains, and you can follow this down the other side to Sheridan. From there, I'd go east on 90 to Spearfish and right on down to Deadwood. <BR> <BR>If you need even more specifics, e me anytime. Good luck....have fun.

I have been over the same ground, too. <BR>All of what Dave says is what I would say too. That drive over the Beartooths to REd Lodge and then up the west slope of the Big Horns is really spectacular. <BR>But you should allow some time to see Yellowstone. <BR>

I would also like to recommend that you drive through the Wing River Canyon between Shoshone and Cody Wyoming. Absolutely beautiful!. It would be worth the effort and time. <BR>

Make sure you have at least a half of tank of gas at all times. When you get to the half way mark start looking. Wyoming is the 9th biggest state but the least populated. The gas stations are few and far between as well as are towns. So if you run out of juice you are screwed.

Aren't the Grand Tetons along the way also?

check the date on this one guys, I hope they're back by now! :)

Unless they ran out of gas! I hate when someone brings up an old post.