If you can work in the road from Fort Collins (KOA there is good) to Larimie WY (hwy 287) you will have a great drive with changes in geology, flora and fauna. On your way north to Mt Rushmore stop by as many parks as you can in southern Utah. There are several people that blogged about trips in this area this last travel season. We are heading for Yellowstone, Glacier and Tetons about this same time in the spring/summer. Cathi