jlsnyder

Thank you for the information and the extra side-trip tips! Will have to check them out. So I-70 is the best recommended route out of Cortez to Cheyenne I guess? No one has some secret way out without the steep grades? We drove over Wolf Creek Pass above Pagosa Springs quite a while back and I remember being a nervous wreck as the passenger. You are right - we will just have to relax, take it slow and take in all the beautiful scenery along the way. As to the route from Mt. Rushmore to Cody, I read somewhere where a person recommended taking Hwy. 310/120 off the I-90 down to Cody. More miles, but less mountain-driving stress vs. going down Hwy. 16. Has anyone else taken Hwy. 120? Thanks again!

Planning 2011 summer trip. Will visit Mesa Verde in Cortez, CO and the Durango area. What is the easiest route (fewest grades) when leaving that area to Cheyenne, WY? Any great overnight suggestions on the way to Cheyenne? We will then head to Mt. Rushmore, Cody, Yellowstone, Oregon and back home to So. CA. What is the best route between Mt. Rushmore and Cody, WY? Remember a steep grade from a trip taken in a vehicle years ago. Class A, 2007 34' Dolphin, Ford Triton V10. Towing Ford Ranger truck. Any suggestions appreciated!

Another option suggestion near the Avila and Pismo Beach (Pismo Coast Village is our favorite) would be Morro Dunes RV Park in Morro Bay. Morro Bay has a quaint embarcadero to browse, and you could take a day trip in the toad to Cambria and San Simeon. If you have several days to spend in Morro Bay, you could drive a ways further towards Big Sur. Be sure to stop on the way to watch the elephant seals - quite a show and it is free entertainment! When you are ready to leave, head north again towards Cambria to Hwy. 46 which will take you to Hwy. 101 at Paso Robles. Paso Robles has become renowned for its wine country and you will pass many wineries on Hwy. 46. Beautiful area.