Fairmont, MN to Hannibal, Missouri

Travel today was mostly in light rain.  It was about 420 miles.   We would out run the rain, stop for gas or lunch and it would catch up.

But it was light and not a real issue on the road.   Left about 830 and arrived at the Best Western in Hannibal about 430.

Almost all the roads were limited access four lanes but not all interstates.  It is interesting to see the way some states handle four lane roads that are not limited access and still maintain the 65 MPH speed limits you see on most interstates.   

On a trip like this, we spend four days traveling out and four days traveling back.  that leaves, of the 15 days, 7 days for exploration, sight seeing.   Let me make a list of the places we have been in those 7 days.

Kaibab National Forest 

California

Lake Meade National Recreational Area

Zion National Park

Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument

Bryce Canyon National Park

Dixie National Forest

Canyon Reef National Park

Caribou National Forest

Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Absroka-Beartooth Wilderness

Custer National Forrest

Bighorn National Forrest

What could have been easily added?   Mount Rushmore, The Badlands, and Devils Tower.   I would rate them as Badlands, then Devils Tower and then Mount Rushmore.   The Badlands are cool. You just have to envision riding through them on horseback to see how they got their name.

Now lets talk about riding versus driving.   You only need one example to fully appreciate the difference.   As you ride north out of Jackson, Wyoming and turn the corner headed north the Grand Tetons jump into view. What you see is three or four rugged snowed covered mountains jumping up out of the landscape.  In a car, even a convertible, the view is blocked, limited by all kinds of things

But on the bike, you approximate, the same view the first settlers, explorers saw on horse back.  Ok, on the bike you are about three or four feet lower but still the view is from a saddle unhindered by stuff.  It is the only way to see these natural wonders (well some are man made because roads are used to access them)  

And so far, it appears the best way to travel to these areas (except Yellowstone) is south to north and west to east.

Lets talk base of operations and travel through.   Suppose you want to see them on a bike. You can trailer the bike to the area of you can rent one.  Renting one is out, for me at least, because I like the way I have mine setup and don't want to compromise.  

So you can trailer two or three bikes to a point, and then ride around from there.  It requires you to have a place to store the truck/car and trailer but it can be done.  You might save two days maybe three since you might be abel to drive longer each day and therefore cut the travel time there and back allowing more time on the parks.

Would I take this trip again.  Yes I would.  I might spend less time in Yellowstone.  While there is much to see there, the other parks offer what I think is better scenery and views.....   Just one guys opinion.

Tomorrow, Lebanon, TN and then home.