West - Rocky Mountains Road Trip - Advice?

I'm tentatively planning an ambitious solo road trip for this fall (October) to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the Rocky Mountains. At this point I'm not sure whether to drive from New York or fly, but it does seem like I'd have more time to cover more ground if I opt to fly and rent a car instead. Car rentals are exorbitant though, which is why I'd actually save more money by driving, even though I'd be driving three times as many miles. Given I only have 2-3 weeks to spend, I want to be able to take my time seeing the sites, rather than rush around like it's a National Lampoon vacation.

Here's what the trip might look like:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=205883095226337755168.0004a67d276a6887bece e&msa=0


The idea is fly in at a base city, say Denver, then from there loop around 7 states so I can visit the Grand Canyons, Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, Devils Tower, along with some of the major cities of the region. Is this a bit too ambitious for an allotted time of only 3 weeks though? One of the reasons I'm packing so much in is because I may not have a job next year, so this could be my last chance for such an undertaking.

Anyone have any suggestions or advice for a trip like this, including cost saving measures and can't-miss POIs? Let me know! :-)

Don't take I-25 between Santa Fe and Denver....it's get a few nice stretches....but most of it is horribly boring. Take US 285 instead, "The Turquoise Trail" thru Taos, then up thru Salida and Fairplay to Denver. The scenery is AMAZING and you probably won't have too much trouble with snow in early October. Keep an eye on the forecast, though.....

It's a shame you're not hitting Ouray/Mesa Verde/Durango/Silverthorne. Canyonlands and Moab are also def worth a look. Maybe skip I-15, take 160 instead? I've never done this but I can definitely vouch for 285 instead of I-25.

I've always wanted to check out the attached slot canyons...

http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/map.html

I'd second the 285 suggestion (I-25 from Santa Fe to Denver is one of my least favorite drives), but I'd add on that you should cut over to US-84 in Espanola, then take a right onto CO-17 in Chama. It adds something like an hour or two to the drive, but it's one of the most beautiful drives I can think of in the state. Just be aware that the 285 interchange in Espanola can be... confusing. It should be fine with a GPS, but it's not very well signed.

EDIT: Just noticed you're going the other direction, which is fine, just reverse the above, and ignore the bit about Espanola being confusing. It's fine south-bound.

Also, I'd agree to watch the weather, but I've always had far worse luck with I-25 closing near Walsenburg (between Pueblo and Trinidad) than with 285 being un-driveable.

Thanks for the replies so far! Actually, I could go either way, it doesn't matter as long as I complete the loop. This is just a soft itinerary, because as you both aptly pointed out, there's no way for me to know that I-25 would have been a dull ride. I'd LOVE to check out Durango, the particular route I have set up in that region is only set up that way so I could approach the Grand Canyons. Can you snake through the mountains in Colorado easily enough to Arizona instead? If I can I could bypass New Mexico altogether and visit Durango instead.

I also have no idea what to make my base city (meaning the city my plane lands at), but I'm leaning towards Denver as its the city I've wanted to spend maybe a couple of days sightseeing. I could land anywhere within the loop though. I have enough reward points from my credit card to take a free flight one way, so airfare isn't much of an issue.

Sure, you could easily cut through to Durango (and beyond). I'd recommend 285 to US-50 in that case, as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is fantastic. I would, in that case however, HIGHLY recommend checking snow/road reports, as the San Juans can get pounded early. FWIW, cotrip.org has very good, detailed snow/ice reports and tons of webcams views. The road from Durango towards the Four Corners also skirts Mesa Verde, another place I think makes for a nice drive (whether you stop or not).

Finally had a chance to take a closer look at the map. It looks like I could take I-285 to I-160, cutting through Durango and all the way to the Grand Canyons. That might be perfect, and of coruse vice versa if I go from the Canyons to Colorado instead. Since it's not a major interstate I wasn't sure how good the road conditions or traffic would be. Thanks for the cotrip link!

I'm shooting for last week of September and the first weeks of October so I'm there when fall foliage is in full bloom. Should make for some breathtaking drives and scenery.

I also have no idea what to make my base city (meaning the city my plane lands at), but I'm leaning towards Denver as its the city I've wanted to spend maybe a couple of days sightseeing.

If you can fly anywhere in the loop you might as well pick a city that has lots of nonstop flights for scheduling convenience. DEN is the best for that, probably SLC is #2.

As far as your decision to drive vs. fly, consider that driving out to the Rockies from NY is going to be 2 hard days of driving each direction, possibly more like 3 days depending on your endurance. Along with the gas costs for the extra miles be sure to factor in the depreciation on your car for the whole trip as well as the value of your time. Even if car rental rates are high I don't see how driving the whole way could make sense for a solo traveler.

If you can fly anywhere in the loop you might as well pick a city that has lots of nonstop flights for scheduling convenience. DEN is the best for that, probably SLC is #2.

As far as your decision to drive vs. fly, consider that driving out to the Rockies from NY is going to be 2 hard days of driving each direction, possibly more like 3 days depending on your endurance. Along with the gas costs for the extra miles be sure to factor in the depreciation on your car for the whole trip as well as the value of your time. Even if car rental rates are high I don't see how driving the whole way could make sense for a solo traveler.

If I didn't have a deadline I'd would have done it and just taken my time about it, using the occasion to visit POIs in states on my way to the region. I've driven out as far as Arkansas before, but this is roughly twice the distance. Just not doable. Maybe someday when I don't have a job that places time constraints on me. :D

I was exploring airfare and it seems no matter what city I pick to land out the fare is pretty much the same ($200 one way).

I'm wondering if I should join a car rental reward program to save money or if I should just try my luck with Priceline. I've had great success with it in getting awesome hotel rooms before, but I never tried using it to get a car rental.

If I didn't have a deadline I'd would have done it and just taken my time about it, using the occasion to visit POIs in states on my way to the region. I've driven out as far as Arkansas before, but this is roughly twice the distance. Just not doable. Maybe someday when I don't have a job that places time constraints on me. :D

I was exploring airfare and it seems no matter what city I pick to land out the fare is pretty much the same ($200 one way).

I'm wondering if I should join a car rental reward program to save money or if I should just try my luck with Priceline. I've had great success with it in getting awesome hotel rooms before, but I never tried using it to get a car rental.

Make sure to check car rental prices from non-airport locations. For Avis in DEN, for example, the 1900 Broadway location is usually 25-40% cheaper than the airport location. You can take a $12 skyride RTD bus from the airport that drops you off within walking distance of the 1900 Broadway location.

Make sure to check car rental prices from non-airport locations. For Avis in DEN, for example, the 1900 Broadway location is usually 25-40% cheaper than the airport location. You can take a $12 skyride RTD bus from the airport that drops you off within walking distance of the 1900 Broadway location.

Wow, you're not kidding. I punched in the Broadway address and the prices were almost half what the airport prices were. Have you used this Avis location before? I've only used them once but it was a good experience, where they cut the rental price by more than half even though it was a purchasing error on my part. Saved me $600 dollars then.

I've been exploring possible AAA package deals to save on a rental but I haven't seen any notable differences in savings so far.

Did you plan on going to Yellowstone at all? If so, I highly suggest driving from Red Lodge, MT to the Cooke City, WY and entering there. The drive takes you up over a HUGE mountain pass, something over 11,000 feet. We did it last summer. You truly feel like you are on top of the world.

I agree with the folks that suggested US 285 for the drive in Colorado. Sand Dunes NP is close to the route that you are taking. I have been there in the spring and thought it was great. I am not sure how it would be in the fall.
Canyon de Chelly in Arizona was a place that I went to one time and was glad I drove over there to see it. It may take you only 1/2 a day from your planned route.
Once you make your stop at the Grand Canyon you might think about back tracking a little bit to the east and then going north and seeing Arches NP near Moab, UT. You could make your way to SLC from there.
In Wyoming I would suggest (depending on weather but it probably will not be a problem in October) going to Yellowstone NP and then driving Cody-Worland-Buffalo. That will take you over the Big Horn Mountains and the scenery should be great that time of year. It would beat the drive of going clear down to Casper and then back north (this drive will mostly be flat prairie and become a little monontonous).
I think you have a great trip planned and should be able to do it in the time frame that you are thinking.

Did you plan on going to Yellowstone at all? If so, I highly suggest driving from Red Lodge, MT to the Cooke City, WY and entering there. The drive takes you up over a HUGE mountain pass, something over 11,000 feet. We did it last summer. You truly feel like you are on top of the world.

I'll be going to Yellowstone, Montana isn't part of the loop, so instead I'd be coming in from the south (this is assuming I start the loop going south of Denver instead of north.) I was told the drive on US-89 to Jackson and through Teton National Park was spectacular as well, although glad you mentioned this because I hadn't realized the map shows me turning towards South Dakota BEFORE I reached Yellowstone (I've since updated.) Not sure I'd want to drive TOO far up in elevation as I do get a little nervous when I'm driving my car and see planes flying PAST me. :D


In Wyoming I would suggest (depending on weather but it probably will not be a problem in October) going to Yellowstone NP and then driving Cody-Worland-Buffalo. That will take you over the Big Horn Mountains and the scenery should be great that time of year. It would beat the drive of going clear down to Casper and then back north (this drive will mostly be flat prairie and become a little monotonous).
I think you have a great trip planned and should be able to do it in the time frame that you are thinking.

Looks like Canyon de Chelly may be doable, I'd definitely like to see that if you enjoyed the visit. Thanks for pointing that out about Wyoming, I could see from the terrain that it was going to be a flat drive (I've driven through Mississippi and that was about as monotonous as you could get.) I hadn't realized I wasn't going up far enough to visit Yellowstone (and Old Faithful) so I pushed the itinerary further up north so I'll pass through Big Horn as you suggested.

There's two options from there though: taking Route 16 or Route 14. Does Route 14 offer anything compelling am I better off driving south and passing through Worland to Route 16?

I would suggest taking highway 16. This is a more gradual climb up and down the mountain. You are able to travel at a faster speed and there are not as many "switchbacks".
When checking on a map program it says that it takes less time to go on hwy 14 but I do not think that is the case because the road has a lot of curves.

Both routes have great scenery.

Watch out for deer, elk, antelope while driving. This is especially true early in the morning and at night.

I had been assuming that you would be traveling south west first and then heading north. If you are flexible you might want to fly into Denver spend a day or two there and check out the weather forcast. If it looks nice maybe start your trip north to South Dakota and then come around to Yellowstone and then head south.

It sounds like you will hit a lot of National Parks - if you do not have one get the NP pass.

$$ saving tip. If you do not have a lot of hotel points - try some of the mom and pop motels to save some money. Some of them in SD, WY, CO, UT are not to bad and can be inexpensive. It has been three years since I travelled in that area but I can remember seeing signs for motels between $30-$60. Of course ask them to see the rooms first to make sure they are clean.

I would suggest taking highway 16. This is a more gradual climb up and down the mountain. You are able to travel at a faster speed and there are not as many "switchbacks".
When checking on a map program it says that it takes less time to go on hwy 14 but I do not think that is the case because the road has a lot of curves.

Both routes have great scenery.

Watch out for deer, elk, antelope while driving. This is especially true early in the morning and at night.

I had been assuming that you would be traveling south west first and then heading north. If you are flexible you might want to fly into Denver spend a day or two there and check out the weather forcast. If it looks nice maybe start your trip north to South Dakota and then come around to Yellowstone and then head south.

It sounds like you will hit a lot of National Parks - if you do not have one get the NP pass.

$$ saving tip. If you do not have a lot of hotel points - try some of the mom and pop motels to save some money. Some of them in SD, WY, CO, UT are not to bad and can be inexpensive. It has been three years since I travelled in that area but I can remember seeing signs for motels between $30-$60. Of course ask them to see the rooms first to make sure they are clean.

I have a national access pass due to being deaf, so I'll be able to get into all the national parks for free. Thanks for the Route 16 suggestion too, I've since updated the itinerary to pass through Worland and Buffalo on the way to Mt Rushmore. :D

Make sure to check car rental prices from non-airport locations. For Avis in DEN, for example, the 1900 Broadway location is usually 25-40% cheaper than the airport location. You can take a $12 skyride RTD bus from the airport that drops you off within walking distance of the 1900 Broadway location.That's a great tip for most cities - they really sock it to the out-of-towners with airport recovery charges.

Watch out for deer, elk, antelope while driving. This is especially true early in the morning and at night.October is the rut....the bucks and bulls are going to have LOVIN' on their minds, and will not be car aware.

Have you seen the Grand Canyon before? South rim is good, but you can get the GC experience (minus the crowds) just as well by doing the north rim instead. you're so close as your proposed route now has you passing right through Jacob Lake - which is just a hop from the north rim.

do keep in mind that north rim visitor services close mid-october, but it's unlikely the road closes to weather until later in the fall.

My guess is that saves you at least a day of driving to the south rim and back and more time for the "Rockies."

October is the rut....the bucks and bulls are going to have LOVIN' on their minds, and will not be car aware.

What about the last week of September? Do they have warning posts for animals crossing the roads or are they so ubiquitous in that region that such signs would be pointless?

Have you seen the Grand Canyon before? South rim is good, but you can get the GC experience (minus the crowds) just as well by doing the north rim instead. you're so close as your proposed route now has you passing right through Jacob Lake - which is just a hop from the north rim.

do keep in mind that north rim visitor services close mid-october, but it's unlikely the road closes to weather until later in the fall.

My guess is that saves you at least a day of driving to the south rim and back and more time for the "Rockies."

I've never been to the Grand Canyons before, so I'd definitely need some pointers, especially if I only make a day's visit out of it (although depending on how enthralled I am of the scenery, I may stay a few days). Since the trip spans the last week of September and first week of October, I should arrive for the North Rim just in time. Anything that would avoid the crowds is definitely fine by me. :D

What about the last week of September? Do they have warning posts for animals crossing the roads or are they so ubiquitous in that region that such signs would be pointless?

Be careful at any time. I've found the elk are most active right before any big storm, but there are enough of them that there's no 'safe' time. Just have to keep your eyes open.

There are some signs, in some common areas, but I don't think it's quite like driving I-80 through Wyoming, with a new sign every 20 yards or so.

I've never been to the Grand Canyons before, so I'd definitely need some pointers, especially if I only make a day's visit out of it (although depending on how enthralled I am of the scenery, I may stay a few days). Since the trip spans the last week of September and first week of October, I should arrive for the North Rim just in time. Anything that would avoid the crowds is definitely fine by me. :D

it's said that 90% of GC visitors go to the South Rim. Likely for access and convenience.

If you are into extensive hikes or heavy photography, several days would be good, but if you're more take a stroll, soak it in, one day or two will likely suit you well. With all the other great stops on your trip - I can't say I'd recommend more than 1 day or a day and a half.

The advice that I give to everyone going to the canyon is to make sure you go at least a short distance down a trail into the canyon. You will get an entirely different palate of sensations - sights, smells, sounds - even just a few hundred yards down one of the trails getting below the rim than you would if you just went along the edge and looked.

just keep in mind that you should allow 2x the time to come out of the canyon as it takes to get down (30 minutes in = 60 minutes out).

My sister did the Grand Canyon Cookout experience (http://foreverlodging.com/foreverinfo.cfm?PropertyKey=181&ContentKey=221226)(through Sep 30) at the north rim last week and said it was fantastic. We're headed up first week of August, but late Sept/early Oct should be a wonderful time for either the north or south rim.

Be careful at any time. I've found the elk are most active right before any big storm, but there are enough of them that there's no 'safe' time. Just have to keep your eyes open.

There are some signs, in some common areas, but I don't think it's quite like driving I-80 through Wyoming, with a new sign every 20 yards or so.


What's usually a safe speed to drive under those conditions? I usually cruise at 70 but slow down when I'm in a deer heavy area. I don't know how fast the elk are but the deer here are ridiculously fast, giving you no time to react at all. I remember getting off a ferry and the poor guy in front of me slammed right into one, sending the deer flying like it was Christmas. He was only going 40 too.

it's said that 90% of GC visitors go to the South Rim. Likely for access and convenience.
...
My sister did the Grand Canyon Cookout experience (http://foreverlodging.com/foreverinfo.cfm?PropertyKey=181&ContentKey=221226)(through Sep 30) at the north rim last week and said it was fantastic. We're headed up first week of August, but late Sept/early Oct should be a wonderful time for either the north or south rim.

Thanks so much for mentioning this too. I cannot stand crowds, so I'm thrilled at the thought that I can enjoy the canyons largely to myself. I can't wait to see it!

Wow, you're not kidding. I punched in the Broadway address and the prices were almost half what the airport prices were. Have you used this Avis location before? I've only used them once but it was a good experience, where they cut the rental price by more than half even though it was a purchasing error on my part. Saved me $600 dollars then.

I've been exploring possible AAA package deals to save on a rental but I haven't seen any notable differences in savings so far.

I have used this Avis location extensively and have never had a problem. To get there from DIA, take the AF bus to Market Street Station, and get on the 16th Street Mall Shuttle to Glenarm. From Glenarm, walk north-ish about 3 blocks and you're there. Heads up though, the AF bus will take about an hour to get downtown.

As for the route...you may also consider the I-70 corridor from Denver west towards about Green River, UT where you can turn south for Moab before pointing towards the Canyon. It's also incredibly scenic.

I have used this Avis location extensively and have never had a problem. To get there from DIA, take the AF bus to Market Street Station, and get on the 16th Street Mall Shuttle to Glenarm. From Glenarm, walk north-ish about 3 blocks and you're there. Heads up though, the AF bus will take about an hour to get downtown.

As for the route...you may also consider the I-70 corridor from Denver west towards about Green River, UT where you can turn south for Moab before pointing towards the Canyon. It's also incredibly scenic.

Do you reserve through them directly, or through booking with a third party such as Priceline, Orbitz, etc?

I was thinking about bidding to get even a lower deal but I would lose control over what rental place I'd use and where it would wind up being located, not sure it's worth the risks there.

You should fit I-70 to Moab in there somewhere. A lot of the places (like grand canyon IMHO) are breathtaking, but Moab has so much to do, plus it's really beautiful.

You should fit I-70 to Moab in there somewhere. A lot of the places (like grand canyon IMHO) are breathtaking, but Moab has so much to do, plus it's really beautiful.

There's a whole slew of places I'd like to visit via a route that would take me through Durango, but what I might do is try to complete another loop if I have time left over to visit the Moab area.

BTW, are there any train rides in particular in any of these regions that would provide a gorgeous scenic trip through some of the mountains? I've seen some of them on TV that were supposedly shot in Colorado but I never found out exactly where.

BTW, are there any train rides in particular in any of these regions that would provide a gorgeous scenic trip through some of the mountains?

If you can only do one, it's got to be the durango silverton narrow gauge RR (http://www.durangotrain.com/).

What's usually a safe speed to drive under those conditions? I usually cruise at 70 but slow down when I'm in a deer heavy area. I don't know how fast the elk are but the deer here are ridiculously fast, giving you no time to react at all. I remember getting off a ferry and the poor guy in front of me slammed right into one, sending the deer flying like it was Christmas. He was only going 40 too.

Heh, I've seen similar, in broad daylight, no less. I really don't worry about my speed that much, but I'm far more alert when I'm in an area where I know elk are. I'd generally just take whatever precautions you take at home and you'll be fine.

If you can only do one, it's got to be the durango silverton narrow gauge RR (http://www.durangotrain.com/).

Is this the train that makes a stop off in Chicago Basin for backpackers/day hikers? If so, and if you're feeling adventurous, that area is beautiful. Unfortunately, I have no recollection whatsoever about the train in/out portion.

Do you reserve through them directly, or through booking with a third party such as Priceline, Orbitz, etc?

I was thinking about bidding to get even a lower deal but I would lose control over what rental place I'd use and where it would wind up being located, not sure it's worth the risks there.

I typically book online at Avis.com using a Costco rate code. The location code is DN2. Rates should be good at that time of year, they get higher during ski season. If you set it up online or at the counter, you can return it to DEN at no extra charge including no airport taxes. Either way, make sure you select a gas station ahead of time when returning because they are not easy to find downtown, and the last stop for gas on the way to DEN is usually 10-30 cents higher than town.

Is this the train that makes a stop off in Chicago Basin for backpackers/day hikers? portion.

Tis in fact the same one. We took it to Chicago Basin and used it for our start point for 5 days of backpacking through the basin. On the 5th day of our exit, we camped near the tracks and were planning on hiking out to the road the next morning to be picked up by our ride. Little did we know about the evening wine train that came by, stopped, and about 200 pax stretched their legs. We had all the train pax peeking in our tents, checking out what was on the stove, and asking about our trip.

what a hoot.

If you can only do one, it's got to be the durango silverton narrow gauge RR (http://www.durangotrain.com/).

Nice, I have it bookmarked. :D

I typically book online at Avis.com using a Costco rate code. The location code is DN2. Rates should be good at that time of year, they get higher during ski season. If you set it up online or at the counter, you can return it to DEN at no extra charge including no airport taxes. Either way, make sure you select a gas station ahead of time when returning because they are not easy to find downtown, and the last stop for gas on the way to DEN is usually 10-30 cents higher than town.

Oh nice, I was thinking I'd probably have to return it to the same location, good to know I wont suffer a penalty by dropping it off at the airport instead.

There is a nice scenic Railroad in Georgetown (on the I-70, a little out of your way) that tours the mines and everything. Lasts a couple hours.

Heh, I've seen similar, in broad daylight, no less. I really don't worry about my speed that much, but I'm far more alert when I'm in an area where I know elk are. I'd generally just take whatever precautions you take at home and you'll be fine.I almost hit one Saturday at about 10:00 AM. close enough to where I was thinking "Front legs or back legs?"

I can't remember if I've ever seen them on I-70 or 285, though. This was a two-lane country road (Brook Forest) in Evergreen.

There is a nice scenic Railroad in Georgetown (on the I-70, a little out of your way) that tours the mines and everything. Lasts a couple hours.

Is this the one? http://www.georgetownlooprr.com

It looks nice too, close enough to Denver that I could take a quick drive there while exploring the nearby scenic byways while I'm staying in the city.

I almost hit one Saturday at about 10:00 AM. close enough to where I was thinking "Front legs or back legs?"

I can't remember if I've ever seen them on I-70 or 285, though. This was a two-lane country road (Brook Forest) in Evergreen.

I think it was six or seven years ago that I last saw an elk on 70, but it was just around the first right turn (heading up into the mountains) after the hogback at about 3am. I still have no idea how I neither hit it, nor lost control.

I've seen a lot more bighorn sheep on the highways, but they're usually just licking the salt off the pavement.

With some great trip ideas now given, I'd like to get some input on what you might consider CAN'T miss eateries, particular the kind of food the region is famous for (I'm gonna guess steak is near the top of the list.) One native said I simply can't leave until I've tried a huckleberry milkshake, so I've added that to my gorgefest list. I want to keep things low carb if I can though, with treats like gelato and shakes at a minimum, so I don't expect to visit specialty shops that serve those kind of treats often.

Other than that, very interested in finding dining experiences unique to this region. Any suggestions appreciated!

Fair warning, I have a fair amount of bias, and ymmv on all of the below...

Places to eat in Denver... I'd skip the steak. I've seen utterly no difference and I've never gone to a place that made it any better than I do at home. That said, if it's really your thing, The Fort (http://www.thefort.com/) is sort of a fun experience, though the Buckhorn Exhange (http://www.buckhorn.com/) is better.

Denver has some great Mexican places, but they tend to be 'hole in the wall' variety (Maria Elenas (http://www.yelp.com/biz/maria-elenas-mexican-restaurant-lakewood), for instance, has some of my favorite green chile, and by far the best tamales I've had in Denver, and while Santiago's (http://www.eatatsantiagos.com/) has it's charm, the green chile is, imo, barely a step above canned).

In spite of the fact that we're landlocked, the sushi in Denver is generally excellent. Sushi Den (http://www.sushiden.net/) seems to be a local favorite, but I generally find it's more because people want to be seen there than that their sushi is really all that much better than anywhere else (ymmv, of course). I'd generally go to Domo (http://www.domorestaurant.com/) first, though it's not really the same style of Japanese.

Beyond standard ethnic food, you'd get into stuff like Fruition (http://fruitionrestaurant.com/) (a farm to fresh kind of place), Mizuna (http://mizunadenver.com/) (totally not a unique place, but my favorite restaurant in Denver), or even the Cherry Cricket (http://www.cherrycricket.com/) (great burgers).

As far as fast food, Illegal Pete's (http://www.illegalpetes.com/) is what Chipotle would be if Chipotle tasted like anything.

I guess, ultimately, there's a lot of variety, depending on what you're looking for. I've found Denver generally does 'healthy' food better than nearly anywhere else I've traveled (in the US), but that seems to me to translate across everything. More fresh ingredients, more local focus (at the higher ends), etc.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm largely interested in sampling the kind of foods I normally wouldn't experience back home and that's fairly unique to that region (e.g. Torchy's in Austin, TX or Skyline Chili in Cincy, OH). It's one of the things I love about travel, although unfortunately it also has a tendency of reminding me how crappy the food is back home. :D

I like the green chile, but on the whole, I've been VERY unimpressed with the food here. I'm biased - Houston has one of the best restaurant scenes in America....however, to give you a more concrete idea...I've lost 50 lbs since I moved here. I have not eaten a single meal that I'd say was worth a flight specifically to enjoy - like I have in ORD, HOU, or SFO. Most of the great meals I've had here, the food was a supporting castmember - it was the setting that was special.

Some of it is personal taste - Dallas Mexican food tastes different from Houston Mexican food (Immigrants from Mexico settling in the HOU area tend to be from Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Not sure where Denver or Dallas immigrants are from...I'm guessing the interior somewhere, as you can get canned huitlacoche here but not HOU).

The best luck I've had are bakeries and diners in small towns. AND BREWPUBS. Coloradoans like them some good beer. Tommyknockers is good (Idaho Springs) but you can get brewpub grub anywhere. I'm a fan of Restaurant Kevin Taylor, but again, that kind of "New American" cuisine is not specifically Denver.

We spent 1 1/2 days in Santa Fe...good food there.

Since I won't only be in Denver (but Arizona, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota too), I wanted to make sure while I was blazing the highways that I wasn't blowing right by a hidden gem of a restaurant. Other than that, where to dine is not a priority. Heck my first stop will probably be Whole Foods (love that place!) :D

Did forget to mention the beer... While pub food is pub food, some of the events the brewers throw are terrific (Great Divide in Denver is fantastic at it), and have good food they bring in from around the city (in Austin's trailer style).

I guess, ultimately, I don't think there's 'Colorado food' per se, but since it's been such an immigrant state for the last twenty years, we've started to draw a lot of really good stuff from all over (though, it seems, primarily CA and TX).

Thinking on it, I might focus on specific dishes, depending on where you go (based on what you've asked). I don't know that I've ever had lamb better than the locally produced stuff. Buffalo is also far better here than anyplace I've had it. Depending on timing, the peaches are amazing. Maybe that will be more helpful.

When I'm in Santa Fe, I generally focus far more on the New Mexican food (which is not necessarily anything like Mexican/TexMex food). Tecolote Cafe is a favorite for breakfast, did El Parasol last time I was down and thought it was good, but not worth the apparently long line that's usually there (on hearsay, so it may never have a long wait), Tesuque Village Market was also excellent for breakfast and is right off 285, and the Rancho de Chimayo was a place we frequently went with the family.

I can't wait to get my hands on a buffalo burger again, the only time I had a chance to try one was in Vegas and I could not believe how good it tasted. I'll definitely be looking for it on the menu while I'm exploring the Rockies. :D

I'd recommend doing SD on another trip. I90 is quite a boring drive and adds a lot for you to make the big loop. You could spend the extra days in Jackson/Tetons/Yellowstone and then fly back out of SLC.

I'd recommend doing SD on another trip. I90 is quite a boring drive and adds a lot for you to make the big loop. You could spend the extra days in Jackson/Tetons/Yellowstone and then fly back out of SLC.

That's why I'm planning to do that particular leg of the trip first, just to get the plateau/prairie land driving out of the way. The reason I want to hit SD is not so because of SD but because I want to see Devils Tower. I simply MUST see Devils Tower. I HAVE to see Devils Tower. :D And since the tower is close enough to Mt Rushmore it'd behoove me not to extend the loop to include Rapid City too.

I'm assuming the break in seeing Devils Tower, then passing through the Bighorn mountains will help break up some of the monotony on my way to Yellowstone. I should be able to handle it since I drove the entire state of Mississippi once and managed to stay awake the whole time. Literally, straight as an arrow and flat as a pancake. My goodness. That's when having an iPod playlist filled with Van Halen and Def Leppard comes in handy.

I you are driving through Espanola north of Santa Fe, then you need to stop at Joann's Rancho Casado for a meal (New Mexican). I love the homemade blue corn tortillas (they sometimes need coaxing to make them...I plead). Anything they make is good and ordinary things are better than most.

I you are driving through Espanola north of Santa Fe, then you need to stop at Joann's Rancho Casado for a meal (New Mexican). I love the homemade blue corn tortillas (they sometimes need coaxing to make them...I plead). Anything they make is good and ordinary things are better than most.

My Lord, you had to say blue corn tortillas. Now I'll HAVE to cross the border into NM. :D