Road Trip Advice - Sturgis

[MikeSid]

My son and I are picking up a 996 C4S in Ohio and driving it back to Seattle. I-90 pretty much all the way with a few little diversions here and there to get off the highway for a bit.

I just realized that our dates of travel put us in Rapid City on August 13. That's the second Friday of the Sturgis Rally. We're planning on staying in Keystone.

Having never been through this part of the country, I'm wondering if the traffic is going to make this a nightmare. I have no concerns about the people or culture, just wondering if it really is so large of an event that it would be worth diverting our route a little.

Any other advice on the route is welcome.

[Seahawk]

Do you have reservations in Keystone?

If so, enjoy.

If not, there are other routes back to Seattle. that are excellent.

[MikeSid]

I have a reservation at the K Bar S lodge just outside of Keystone. I can cancel without charge up to Aug 12.

Interested in alternate routes. My only draw toward Mt. Rushmore is Eva Marie Saint.

[stevej37]

Keystone, CO??

[Sooner or later]

Keystone, SD. Close to Rushmore.

I bet traffic will be a *****, though the Black Hills are spectacular. Actually, beyond spectacular.

The roads in the Black Hills wind and twist so you wouldn't make much time in the best of conditions.

Are you just staying the one night?

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by MikeSid

I have a reservation at the K Bar S lodge just outside of Keystone. I can cancel without charge up to Aug 12.

Interested in alternate routes. My only draw toward Mt. Rushmore is Eva Marie Saint.

That is great. I would keep the reservation.

Mt. Rushmore can be seen in an hour or less. It is impressive and I recommend the hour or so. My son and I did it in under an hour when he was 9.

The roads out of Rushmore are spectacular. You choose.

I'd probably get to Four Corners then work my way north to Devils Tower, then north to 212.

I would do that drive, again, tomorrow.

Enjoy.

[MikeSid]

Yes, just the one night in Keystone. Mostly there for Rushmore and the roads through the Black Hills. The potential for Sturgis related traffic is making that sound less appealing.

Maybe starting out early leaving Keystone would help? I have to think that large traffic inducing group rides might not start at the crack of dawn.

I was thinking Newcastle to Moorcroft, but seeing Devils Tower would be a bonus and I could very easily just head north from Newcastle. It may end up depending on endurance and how we're feeling.