Where should I stop?

[Dirteatr717]

At the end of this month ill be driving my MJ and all my stuff 2200 miles, because I'm moving! Leaving this traffic filled island to go all the way to Park City Utah! I built a sleeping platform in the bed to sleep a couple nights and stay at a hotel halfway through for a shower and a soft bed

I plan on making it a 4-5 day trip so I can stop and see some stuff along the way. Mostly interested in where/what to see in Colorado and Ohio. I don't really know what's out there. Since some of you guys are from these states or have travelled there, what's there to see and eat?

Thanks :wavey:

[shelbyluvv]

Colorado is awesome.

 

Swing by Pueblo and see Mr. Jim Oshel, head north to see Manitou, Garden of the Gods and then to the top of Pike's Peak to get a doughnut. Colorado Springs is full of cool stuff to see. If you can make it to Telluride and Black Bear pass as well that would make your trip a success.

[Eagle]

Ohio - the Air Force Museum at the air base in Dayton. You can easily spend between a half day and a full day right there. If your route will take you anywhere near St. Louis, be sure to stop and check out the arch. It's run by the National Park Service. Observation chamber at the very top, museum underground between the two "feet."

 

There's a lot of things/places worth seeing between Ohio and Colorado, but I would have to reflect on what I've seen and when before offering other suggestions.

[mpace6a]

If you go through St Louis, you should stop in Kansas City. Best BBQ there is. If you've never had Gates, you don't know BBQ.

[dscowell]

Going down to pueblo would be a bit outta the way unless where you are going in Utah is south. Denver has a lot of great stuff and so does boulder about 45 minutes north. But boulder is different it's a good different but you just gotta go there to understand. I know everyone likes voodoo doubts in Denver. I've never been nor do I know where it is but I guess it's worth a try. If you are in the mood for some Mexican, Gregorio's is pretty good. Right off I-70 and wadsworth about a mile or two south. Also be prepared for stop and go along I-70 especially in the mountains. Leave somewhat early and don't be expecting to keep up with everyone. You maybe able to but whenever I head that way in my MJ it's a painfully slow experience for someone with a lead foot.

[Dirteatr717]

This is the info I'm looking for! Thanks guys, keep it comin!

[89eliminator]

if you make a wrong turn into WI, i'll buy you a beer lol

[Incommando]

If you are coming across I-70 X2 on the Air Force Museum At Wright-Patterson AFB. You will be within 5 miles of it. As a bonus it is home to the infamous Hanger 18 and houses the little green men recovered at Roswell. And it is free admission

 

 

If you are taking the northern route across 80/90 and you have the time and cash...Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. It has been named as the finest roller coaster park in the world for several years straight and as often selected as the best all around amusement park in the country.

[johnny quest]

ill buy you a beer when you make it to utah lol

[Strokermjcomanche]

I'm in Youngstown Ohio , not too much to see here but cedar point is cool . If you need a place to crash for the night let me know .

[dasbulliwagen]

A third for cedar point. They have more coasters there than any other park in the world. And whenever they build a new one its a record breaker. They had the first 200 footer and first 300 footer coasters ever made among other records. Its an all day thing though. Not sure if you have that much time.

[Dirteatr717]

I have time but money is another thing haha I've gone skydiving and went on king da kah at six flags numerous times in NJ, roller coasters are fun and all but what about any waterfalls/ caves/ other "free" places to check out?

[dscowell]

Waterfalls?  I've never been but I hear the ones near Rifle Colorado are good(Western slope). Another good thing is the hot springs in Glenwood Springs(western slope), I haven't been in like 5 years and if I remember can be kinda pricey but if you wanna relax in natures hot tub they are great.  Hell Colorado has all sorts of great free things to experience!  Ever hiked a 14er?  That's free (the crap you bring with isn't) and comes with bragging rights.  Or just regular hikes you don't need to climb up a mountain.  Lots of good wheeling any where in the state too.  

[Dirteatr717]

That's the stuff I'm into @dscowell, I just need a names of places/trails to check out and I should be able to find em :thumbsup:

[johnj92131]

Rocky Mountain National Park is worth the small side trip.  Go in thru Estes Park, Co.  Have lunch at the Stanly Hotel from the movie The Shining in Estes Park.  Estes Park is a neat town.  Enjoy looking at the elk.  Spend one or two nites in the national park.  Hard to go wrong.  Take Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to the western exit of the park.  Here is a link:  http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm

 Totally different environment on the west slope.  It is one of the places I love going to again and again (Yosemite is another).

 

I will second the St. Louis suggestion!  So much history in that town.  Do take the trip to the top of the Gateway Arch.  Well worth it.

[87Warrior]

What's your route?

 

I'm just off I70 at Junction City, KS. I'd be glad to offer a meal, drink, garage space or place to crash.

 

If you are taking I70 across, I'd avoid it in Colorado. Dip down to Colorado Springs on HWY 24 from Limon. Then slide down to visit Jim in Pueblo, or head towards Woodland Park. Take HWY 24 to Buena Vista, then Cottonwood Pass (dirt, easy) to Taylor park. Camp north of the lake along Texas Creek. If you are in a hurry, drop down to Gunnison and head West on HWY 50 to HWY 149/Lake City/Creede or Montrose. If you have time, head north out of Taylor Park to Taylor Pass (trail, moderate) and then drop into Aspen via the ski resort. You can then go north to I70 or take Pearl Pass (trail, rough, moderate) towards Creede

/Lake City/HWY 149. From Creede you could take Stoney Pass, Cinnamon Pass, or Engineer Pass (San Juan Mountains, spectacular, best views in CO) to reach the Million Dollar Highway (550) between Silverton and Ouray, which is south of Montrose. From there you could venture north back to I70 or take a southern route out of the Durango area.

[mpace6a]

Like 87Warrior, I'm off i70 in Independence, MO, basically Kansas City. Can't offer much, but I can show you good bbq

[HOrnbrod]

So what will you be doing out in Park City? That will be quite a culture shock coming from Long Island.   :yes:   My son lives not too far away in SLC.

[dscowell]

87Warrior has a good suggestion because I-70 can get painfully backed up anywhere along the high way.  But if you do decide to go through I-70 Idaho Springs is a good stop.  Lots of good family owned restaurants and you can throw a rock down any side road and hit a trail.  I believe off exit 240 you can drive all the way up Mt. Evans and say you hiked it.  If you want a good hike Hanging Lake is excellent. Other then hanging lake if you want to hike anywhere outta Boulder I couldn't really help ya.  I'd love to show you around the great state of Colorado but unfortunately I'll be in Montana by the time you are out this way but if you have any questions about where to go or what to do feel free to ask.  Once you get to Utah if you are looking for 4x4 trails http://www.traildamage.com/ is going to be your best friend.  Directions for getting to the trail are not the best but they give good general ratings for the trails and will give you an idea of where they are.  Also FunTreks books are great.  I have both the Colorado books and are almost an invaluable thing to have while on trails. 

[Dirteatr717]

Awesome info guys! Thanks so much! I'd love to stop and grab a beer with anyone if I'm passing somewhat close to yah, I think I'm taking I-80 then going across Colorado to do some exploring :thumbsup:

[Strokermjcomanche]

I'm 5 minutes away from I 80 and 76 if you need a pit stop or ? I'm off after 5pm if you want to look me up.

[Dirteatr717]

Thanks for the heads up stroker! So I've spent the last 4 hours on traildamage.com and looking at trail pics elsewhere. I can't wait to get out there!

[Dirteatr717]

I think I have my route picked out for the most part. Ill stop in Akron Ohio for my first night since I have a friend there then possibly stop in Toledo? Don't know what else is there besides the Jeep house which I've heard is invite only? Ill probably stop at the worlds largest truck stop in Iowa off I-80 for a night, still have no idea what there even is in Nebraska. In Colorado ill stop outside Denver, most likely go on a couple bypasses(glenwood springs)(Rabbits peak) and camp a night or two or three B) along the way before I get to steamboat springs then take a straight ride all the way to Kamas Utah

[Strokermjcomanche]

When you go to Akron to visit your friend make sure you stop by Swensons . It's a great restaurant kind of like a+w and order a Gally boy . You won't be disappointed .