Solo Road Trip

Relaxed Chaos

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I'm planning a solo road trip in my new-to-me GT350 in September. Leaving western Wisconsin and heading out to The Grand Canyon. The plan is to hit every excellent road between here and there, and then on the way back stop in Colorado and Kansas to see friends and family. I'll be staying at hotels along the way, some planned and some spontaneous.

I have a list of roads and a pretty decent plan, but what roads are "must drives" through South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah?
- Gateway Canyon
- Utah Hwy 12
- Valley of the Gods Loop
- Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
- Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
- Colorado Grand Rally (CO131)
- Sante Fe - Taos Loop

Next, what should I bring with me? Here's what's on my list right now.
- Full size spare (on order)
- Tire Plugger Kit
- Small selection of basic tools
- Flashlight / flood light (need to order, recommendations?)
- Radar Detector (anyone have a V1 Gen2 I could borrow for the month of September?)
- Towel
 

RedVenom48

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I'm planning a solo road trip in my new-to-me GT350 in September. Leaving western Wisconsin and heading out to The Grand Canyon. The plan is to hit every excellent road between here and there, and then on the way back stop in Colorado and Kansas to see friends and family. I'll be staying at hotels along the way, some planned and some spontaneous.

I have a list of roads and a pretty decent plan, but what roads are "must drives" through South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah?
- Gateway Canyon
- Utah Hwy 12
- Valley of the Gods Loop
- Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway
- Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway
- Colorado Grand Rally (CO131)
- Sante Fe - Taos Loop

Next, what should I bring with me? Here's what's on my list right now.
- Full size spare (on order)
- Tire Plugger Kit
- Small selection of basic tools
- Flashlight / flood light (need to order, recommendations?)
- Radar Detector (anyone have a V1 Gen2 I could borrow for the month of September?)
- Towel
That sounds like a really fun road trip! Id say if you can spare some time and youve come all that way, you must head down to the Arizona strech of the Mother Road, Route 66!

Arizona's Route 66: Favorite spots, hidden gems

Seligman is the best preserved spot IMO, but there is plenty to cruise. Read the article for specific spots, but AZ has the longest unbroken stretch of historic original Route 66.
 
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365 Saleen

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If in Wyoming, take the Wind River Scenic Byway on US 20. That is a fun drive. From Thermopolis to Shoshoni.
 

Lambeau

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South Dakota:
I-90 detour through Badlands. Either:
- 240 Badlands Loop
- 240 to 377 to 44 into Rapid City (back I-90)

- Flashlight - I have several similar to this. I really like them.



- Headlamp
- Batteries
 
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Malern28us

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Way out of your way but.....
Everyone goes to Glacier National Park and takes Going to the Sun abroad to cross the park. There is a road that travels around the southern part of the park and heads north to Canada. Basically the long way around. There are switchbacks that would make Tail of the Dragon jealous. The caveat, it's a couple hundred feet down if you screw up. Minimal guardrails and signage. Unless it's changed recently.
 

Riddick

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add a spare oil filter and torque wrench to your list. Before leaving ensure the filter is torqued to spec, they have been known to come loose and fall off while driving.
 

Relaxed Chaos

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If in Wyoming, take the Wind River Scenic Byway on US 20. That is a fun drive. From Thermopolis to Shoshoni.

Yeah, that looks like a cool drive. Thanks for the recommendation.

South Dakota:
I-90 detour through Badlands. Either:
- 240 Badlands Loop
- 240 to 377 to 44 into Rapid City (back I-90)

- Flashlight - I have several similar to this. I really like them.
- Headlamp
- Batteries

I'll check out Hwy240. I'm planning on stopping by the MinuteMan Missile Silo Info Center too. I've been looking at Nitecore lights. Pricey pieces, those.

Take precautions to protect your car when parking overnight.

This has me a bit nervous. Planning on staying a reputable hotels, but still.... Any specific suggestions, other than a bobcat in the back seat?

bring a air pump for tires, jump pack for battery.

Good ideas. Thanks.

Toilet Paper

Well, maybe not a bad idea. I might be thanking you the most!

add a spare oil filter and torque wrench to your list. Before leaving ensure the filter is torqued to spec, they have been known to come loose and fall off while driving.

My oil filter has a safety band clamp on it already, but I'll check it before I leave. I'll throw 2 extra quarts of Amsoil in the trunk. So far, 1500 miles, it hasn't burned a drip.


I have Ford Premium Care, which includes road side assistance. I'll check out Oak Creek Canyon. Thanks.
 

black4vcobra

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Sounds like a ton of fun. As far as what is needed, I'd add the following items that others haven't yet mentioned

Pistol with hollow point ammo, 9mm at a minimum
At least 4 extra gallons of water
Water purification tablets
Calorie dense foods
Basic first aid items
Road flares
Good camera
 

big dad

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beloit wi.
From my own experience years ago, a bra for the front end. It really saved the front. Just take it off from time to time when stopped for the night and clean it off.

It was one of the smartest things I ever done before I got an enclosed trailer. Good luck and have a safe enjoyable trip fellow Badger.
 

Relaxed Chaos

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Returned from my road trip yesterday afternoon. What a blast. Some stats now, and I'll share some pics and stories later

Overall stats:
Distance traveled: 3353 miles
Driving time: 61 hours, 32 minutes
Efficiency: 23.8 mpg's
Average Speed: 54.4 mph
Top Speed: 128 mph
Gallons of gas: 140.9
Highest $/Gallon: $4.60
Oil consumed: < 1/8 quart
Highest elevation: 11,312 feet (Monarch Pass)
Bugs Collected: 7.24 lbs
Fallen Rocks Hit: one
Flat Tires: 0
Mechanical issues: 0

Places visited:
Badlands National Park
Rapid City, SD
Mount Rushmore
Custer State Park
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Thunder Basin National Grassland
Lusk, WY
Fort Collins, CO
I70 Canyon Corridor
Grand Junction, CO
Colorado National Monument
Moab, UT
Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park
BLM slickrock rock crawling
UT Scenic HWY 128
Gateway Canyon (CO Hwy 141)
San Miguel River Canyon (CO Hwy 145 & 62)
Ridgeway, CO
Million Dollar Hwy (CO Hwy 550 south of Ouray, CO)
Montrose, CO
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Salida, CO
Pueblo, CO
Pueblo Reservoir
Kansas City, KS

Squeezed out with help from the svtperformance.com mobile app
 

7998

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I love the bugs collected part. And yeah you have to explain the rock part and post some pictures.
 

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