Best route

[wjschill]

Hey guys.

We are traveling to Gillette, WY next week for the National High School rodeo finals.

Looking at going through Amarillo, TX or Wichita, KS, from Dallas.

Any suggestions of the best direction?

Thanks,

Skip

[wjschill]

OP here.

Thanks for all the info.

A special thanks to Thom02099 for the construction information. I don't like going through the narrow lanes with our MH.

Great site.

Thanks again,

Skip

[Thom02099]

Good suggestions for you. Something to be aware of, there is a massive construction project going on for I-25 between the Berthoud exit (CO 56/Exit 250) and north of the Loveland exit (US 34/Exit 257) with narrowing lanes, lane shifts and huge periodic backups in both directions. This is all north of Denver. Was just in Denver yesterday, all of the construction projects from downtown north to Berthoud are all completed so no problems there.

A suggestion to miss Denver and the construction would be to stay on US 287 up to Limon CO where you can take CO 71 north all the way into Nebraska (stays as 71 except NE 71) where you can get on I-80 and take that west to I-25 in Cheyenne. Very easy drive, CO 71 is a good roadway but no fuel stops between Limon and Brush CO.

[2112]

Agree with Padredw. That's our route

[southernsky]

What padredw and LouLawrence said. Been that way many times too

[LouLawrence]

The above is the best route IMHO and one I have taken many times.

[padredw]

Starting from Dallas, I would get as quickly as possible to US 287 all the way to Amarillo. I have made that route so many times I almost know every curve and bump! (Though I pick it up at Henrietta not in Dallas).

Especially at this time of year I would go through Dalhart to US 87 to Raton, NM where I would pick up I-25 North all the way to WY 59 to Gillette.

I prefer this Western route because it is more interesting (and cooler) than to alternative through Oklahoma and Kansas.

[dedmiston]

Denver to Cheyenne to Gillette is a good drive. Very pretty and nothing crazy. Lots of good places to eat in Cheyenne too.

[wolfe10]

Though Denver will be a little shorter, a little cooler and more grades.