RMNP, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Trip Itinerary 2020
During this trip P was 6, T was 4, and V was 1 almost 2.
Marcus wanted to go to Zion this summer, but when we looked at campsites in late January/early February 2020, we realized that we were too late and everything was already booked. We looked at Yellowstone National Park, but decided on Rocky Mountain National Park. We booked our campsite at Moraine Park and the KOA at Hill City, SD on February 4, 2020. We booked the trip for us to leave the day after the MS 150 bike ride.
Like the rest of the world, March 2020 threw us for a loop. We debated canceling the trip, but decided to keep it. The MS 150 bike ride was canceled, so we decided to break up our trip a little more. We added a day in the beginning, and stopped to see some friends in South Dakota on our way out.
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Due to COVID-19, only the vault toilets were available at the campsite. Also, none of the visitor centers were open.
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Trip Dates: June 13 - June 21, 2020
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Total cost of trip: $1,261.92
This includes; gas, lodging (two different campgrounds, one hotel), groceries, eating out, and souvenirs.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - June 14
Drive to Yankton, SD - 5 hours, 325 miles
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Stop in Sioux Falls for Lunch - 4 hours, 276 miles
Stay with Friends in Yankton, SD
Day 2 - June 15
Swim with friends at Gavins Point Recreation Area
Lunch in Yankton, SD
Drive from Yankton, SD to North Platte, NE - 4 hours, 37 minutes, 281 miles
3:00 p.m. - Check-In at Ramada by Wyndham, North Platte, NE
Day 3 - June 16
Drive from North Platte, NE to Rocky Mountain National Park - 4 hours, 46 minutes, 288 miles
Lunch - Estes Park
1:00 p.m. Check-In for Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Dinner: Tacos, tortillas, salsa cheese, chips
Day 4 - June 17
Stay at Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park
Breakfast: Eggs, breakfast sausage, coffee, cheerio's.
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Drive to East Shore Trailhead
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Hike Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, then start working way back to camp stopping along the way.
Lunch: Crackers, Peanut Butter, Sandwich meat, cheese, bell peppers, fruit
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Dinner - Hot dogs & baked beans; hot dogs, baked beans, ketchup, pickles, brats, hot dog buns, mustard, potato chips
Day 5 - June 18
Breakfast: Eggs, breakfast sausage, coffee, cheerio's.
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Drive to Glacier Gorge Trailhead, hike to Alberta Falls and Bear Lake
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Lunch: Sandwiches, hummus, veggies, and fruit
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Drive into Estes Park
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Dinner: Hamburgers (ground beef), hamburger buns, chips, frozen broccoli, pickles
Day 6 - June 19
Breakfast: Cereal and coffee
Pack up camp and head out
Drive to Crazy Horse Memorial - 6 hours, 346 miles
Lunch - snacks
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Tour Crazy Horse
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Drive to KOA Campground - 18 minutes, 11.5 miles
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Set up camp, eat, & shower
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Dinner: spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, green beans
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Drive to Mount Rushmore - 11 min, 6 miles
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Drive back to camp and sleep before heading home
Day 7 - June 20
Breakfast: Eggs, breakfast sausage, coffee, cheerio's.
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Pack up camp and leave to drive home - 9 hours, 612 miles
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Stop at Wall Drug, SD - 1 hour, 22 minutes, 82 miles