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31 day Road Trip West 2008

A trip from June 05, 2008 to July 05, 2008, travelling to Prior Lake, Omaha, Estes Park, United …
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Location:
Day:
06/05/2008 to 07/05/2008
Category:

Planned Activities

Thu 06/05/08 (day 1) - Prior Lake, Omaha

In 82 trips

Prior Lake

All reviews

City
Prior Lake, MN, United States
Thu Jun 5 5:00pm - Thu Jun 5 10:00pm
Notes
Prior Lake to Omaha, NE 368mi, 5hrs 28mn

*We didn't make it this far due to getting a late start and bad weather. We spent the night in Stuart, Iowa.
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In 126 trips

Travelodge Omaha

Average Rating (9):
     
All reviews
This Travelodge is located approximately five miles from Boystown and eight miles from Eppley Field Airport. There …
Hotel
Travelodge Omaha
7101 Grover St
Omaha, NE 68106
United States
402-391-5757
Thu Jun 5 11:00pm - Fri Jun 6 8:00am
Notes
AAA discount rate

We had to cancel as we were not able to make it this far the first night. We spent the night in the car instead because all of the hotels near where we stopped were full.
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Fri 06/06/08 (day 2) - Estes Park

In 69 trips

Estes Park KOA Campground

Average Rating (5):
     
All reviews
Across from Lake Estes. Cabins, tee pees, horses, fishing, go karts.
Hotel
Estes Park KOA Campground
2051 Big Thompson Ave
Estes Park, CO 80517
United States
970-586-2888,800-562-1887
Fri Jun 6 6:00pm - Sun Jun 8 9:00am
Notes
Omaha to Estes Park
553miles, 8hrs 7min
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Sat 06/07/08 (day 3) - Estes Park, United States Air Force Acad, Colorado Springs

In 2814 trips

Rocky Mountain National Park

Average Rating (40):
     
All reviews
This beautiful and historic park was established by Congress in 1915. Over 265,000 acres make up this park and …
Thing to Do
1000 US-36
Estes Park, CO 80517-8357
United States
970-586-1206
Sat Jun 7 10:00am - Sat Jun 7 4:00pm
Notes
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In 1262 trips

US Air Force Academy

Average Rating (62):
     
All reviews
This scenic pine filled campus with a Rocky Mountain backdrop, is home to America's future Air Force officers. Enter …
Thing to Do
US Air Force Academy
2346 Academy Dr
United States Air Force Acad, CO 80840-9499
United States
+1 719 333 2025
Sat Jun 7 2:00pm - Sat Jun 7 4:00pm
Notes
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In 42 trips

Edelweiss Restraurant

All reviews
For a taste of the German experience, try this fabulous restaurant. The interior reflects the theme of the menu …
Restaurant
34 E Ramona Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
United States
(719) 633-2220
Sat Jun 7 6:00pm - Sat Jun 7 7:00pm
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Sun 06/08/08 (day 4) - Golden, Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Pueblo

In 364 trips

Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum & Grave

Average Rating (7):
     
All reviews
William F. Cody, known to the world as "Buffalo Bill," was buried here on Lookout Mountain above Golden in 1917. He …
Thing to Do
987 Lookout Mountain Rd
Golden, CO 80401-9646
United States
+1 303 526 0744
Sun Jun 8 9:00am - Sun Jun 8 11:00am
Notes
Estes Park to Buffalo Bill Museum 66miles, 1hr 39min.

http://www.buffalobill.org/
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In 3497 trips

Garden of The Gods

Average Rating (121):
     
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This remarkable 1,360-acre park is so full of weird and surreal red sandstone rock formations that it looks like Mot …
Thing to Do
Garden of The Gods
1805 N 30th St
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
United States
+1 719 634 6666
Sun Jun 8 1:00pm - Sun Jun 8 3:00pm
Notes
Buffalo Bill Museum to Garden of the Gods 85miles, 1hr 29min

http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.c…
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In 737 trips

Pike's Peak Cog Railway

Average Rating (26):
     
All reviews
Since 1891, the world's highest cog railroad has been chugging tourists up Pikes Peak to its summit of 14,110 feet. …
Thing to Do
515 Ruxton Ave
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
United States
+1 719 685 5401
Sun Jun 8 4:00pm - Sun Jun 8 7:00pm
Notes
Garden of the Gods to Cog Railway 5 miles, 13 minutes
Cog Railway at 4pm - arrive @ 3:30
Admission $30.50
Wear jackets/sweatshirts/gloves - unheated train cars.
Request 3 seat side
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In 3100 trips

Pikes Peak

Average Rating (74):
     
All reviews
Towering 14,110 feet above Colorado Springs, this mountain serves as one of the nation's most famous landmarks. Acce …
Thing to Do
Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak Highway
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
United States
+1 719 385 7325
Sun Jun 8 5:00pm
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In 66 trips

Pueblo South/Colorado City KOA

All reviews
Grassy and shady 60-foot RV pull throughs are available at this campground as well as a heated pool, hot tub, …
Hotel
7698 S Interstate 25
Pueblo, CO 81004
United States
719-676-3376,800-562-8646
Sun Jun 8 10:00pm - Mon Jun 9 8:00am
Notes
Cog Railway to Pueblo 70miles, 1hr 22min
One room cabin.
Free firewood
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Mon 06/09/08 (day 5) - Mosca, Las Vegas, Tucumcari

In 171 trips

Great Sand Dunes

All reviews
The enormous sandbox at the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve makes you feel, very simply, like a kid again. …
Thing to Do
11500 Highway 150
Mosca, CO 81146
United States
719-378-2312
Mon Jun 9 10:00am - Mon Jun 9 1:00pm
Notes
Pueblo to Great Sand Dunes 119miles, 2hrs 13min.
http://www.nps.gov/grsa/

Go see Medano Creek if it has water
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In 79 trips

Fort Union National Monument

Average Rating (2):
     
All reviews
Fort Union was established to protect the Santa Fe Trail, serving both military and logistical functions.
Thing to Do
Las Vegas, NM 87701
United States
505-425-8025
Mon Jun 9 4:00pm - Mon Jun 9 6:00pm
Notes
Great Sand Dunes to Fort Union NM 250mi, 3hrs 46min

http://www.nps.gov/foun/
Fort Union was established in 1851 as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. During its forty-year history, three different forts were constructed close together. The third Fort Union was the largest in the American Southwest, and functioned as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here.

A 1.6 mile, self-guided interpretive trail enables visitors to tour the ruins. Visitors may opt to do a shorter .5 mile self guided tour.

Allow approximately two hours for visit.
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In 336 trips

Tucumcari

Average Rating (4):
     
All reviews

City
Tucumcari, NM, United States
Mon Jun 9 8:00pm - Tue Jun 10 10:00am
Notes
Fort Union NM to Tucumcari, NM 125mi, 1hr 53min
Blue Swallow Motel - Tucumcari, NM. Del's Restaurant. Teepee Curio.
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Blue Swallow Motel

Tucumcari, NM
Hotel
Mon Jun 9 9:00pm
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Tue 06/10/08 (day 6) - Alamogordo, Carlsbad

In 78 trips

Lincoln National Forest

All reviews
While many know that south-central New Mexico's Lincoln National Forest is the home of Smokey Bear, few are familiar …
Thing to Do
Lincoln National Forest
Federal Building, 1101 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
United States
505-434-7200
Tue Jun 10 3:00pm
Notes
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In 1844 trips

Carlsbad

Average Rating (4):
     
All reviews

City
Carlsbad, NM, United States
Tue Jun 10 5:00pm - Wed Jun 11 2:00pm
Notes
Tucumcari, NM to Carlsbad, NM, 274mi, 4hrs 30min

Go to Sitting Bull Falls before evening bat flight.

Go to bat flight at dusk at Carlsbad Caverns. Prior to the evening bat flight, a program is given at the cavern entrance by a park ranger. The starting time of the talk varies with sunset—it is best to call the park at 505.785.3012 or check at the visitor center for the exact time.
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In 97 trips

Carlsbad Koa

Average Rating (6):
     
All reviews
The family-friendly Carlsbad KOA features pull-thru RV sites, tent sites, a playground, Kamping Kabins, a KOA …
Hotel
2 Manthei Road
Carlsbad, NM 88220
United States
505-457-2000
Tue Jun 10 6:00pm - Wed Jun 11 10:00am
Notes
One room deluxe cabin - with bath, mini refrigerator and microwave

Leo the Newfoundland and his kitty, Henry

BBQ DINNERS DELIVERED TO YOUR SITE!
Available 5:00-7:15 PM
Please place order by 7:00 PM

Here's the current menu at Scott's Chuckwagon Cafe. All meats are smoked over pecan and hickory wood, right here on our Kampground. Mouth-watering, hearty meals at bargain prices!

DINNERS $8.95-15.95

Scott's Combo - Brisket, Pork and Sausage
BBQ Pork Ribs
Brisket
Pork
Teriyaki Salmon
Stuffed Crab
Chicken Breast

All dinners served with potato salad, french fries or twice-baked potatoes, veggie, Texas toast, pickle

SANDWICHES $3.95-6.89
BBQ Beef
BBQ Pork
Patty Melt
Grilled Cheese
Hot Dawg
Served with potato salad, french fries or chips

SIDES $1.25-3.00
French Fries
Potato Salad
Twice-baked Tater
Jalapeno Poppers

And......... PIZZA!
Large Pepperoni $10.95 or Large Supreme $11.95
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Wed 06/11/08 (day 7) - Carlsbad, Alamogordo

In 1159 trips

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Average Rating (27):
     
All reviews
Of the more than 300 known caves beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains of southeaster …
Thing to Do
3225 National Parks Hwy
Carlsbad, NM 88220-5354
United States
505-785-2232
Wed Jun 11 2:00pm
Notes
9am - Left Hand Tunnel Tour - 2 hours
2pm - King's Castle Tour - 1.5 hours

http://www.nps.gov/cave/
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In 410 trips

Alamogordo

Average Rating (10):
     
All reviews

City
Alamogordo, NM, United States
Wed Jun 11 8:00pm - Thu Jun 12 8:00am
Notes
Carlsbad to Alamogordo, 146mi, 3hrs 15min
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In 78 trips

Motel 6

Average Rating (4):
     
All reviews
Modern - Off Hwys US 70-80 and US 54.
Hotel
Motel 6
251 Panorama Blvd
Alamogordo, NM 88310
United States
575-434-5970
Wed Jun 11 8:00pm - Thu Jun 12 10:00am
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Thu 06/12/08 (day 8) - Alamogordo, Albuquerque

In 356 trips

White Sands National Monument

Average Rating (12):
     
All reviews
Witness the world's largest deposit of gypsum sand.
Thing to Do
Alamogordo, NM 88310
United States
505-479-6124
Thu Jun 12 8:00am - Thu Jun 12 10:00am
Notes
Your first stop should be the White Sands Visitor Center, which includes a museum, information desk, orientation video, book store, gift shop and restrooms. Allow approximately 30 minutes for Visitor Center activities. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

An eight-mile scenic drive leads from the Visitor Center into the heart of the dunes. Wayside exhibits at pullouts along the drive provide information about the natural history of the park. Numerous parking areas along the drive allow visitors to stop and walk in the white sands. Allow 40 minutes driving time for the 16-mile roundtrip, plus additional time for walking, photography or stopping at pullouts.

Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after 9 p.m. All visitors must exit the park by 10 p.m.

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/parknews/upload/…
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Petroglyphs National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including volcanos, archeological …More  
Thing to Do
Albuquerque, NM
Thu Jun 12 3:00pm - Thu Jun 12 4:00pm
Notes
allow about 30-60min. ?Rattlesnakes?
http://www.nps.gov/petr/

White Sands to Petroglyphs National Monument, 234mi, 3hrs 50min
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Talk about this trip (10)
Tiki8tiki (View Tiki8tiki's trips)
Your trip journal is awsome! It sounds like you have had some interesting things along the way to deal with.
God Bless and stay safe.
Posted 1 year ago.
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Precious (View Precious's trips)
Have been through this area myself, you'll have to slow it down or your going to BURN OUT! Relax your supposed to be on vacation, once you've seen one wigwam you've seen them all!
Posted 1 year ago.
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Juanita (View Juanita's trips)
The Wig Wam. Ben there, done that. I was also excited, and had it not been for other people staying there that night, that I exchanged conversation with, I would have sworn I was at the Bates Motel. Enjoy your trip!
Posted 1 year ago.
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Reddi (View Reddi's trips)
How fortunate to be able to spend time with your family having fun! My family and I also love to travel so it is important to hear about other people's experiences and avoid certain places that are not clean, safe, etc. Take care to have a safe and wonderful journey as you continue to travel!
Posted 1 year ago.
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Tiki8tiki (View Tiki8tiki's trips)
The pictures are fantastic. Keep sending them. Enjoying your trip each mile of the way. Stay safe and have fun!
Posted 1 year ago.
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Tiki8tiki (View Tiki8tiki's trips)
Your journal entries are great! Enjoying your comments about the places and experiences you are having as you travel.Keep up the journaling. Stay safe and have fun!
Posted 1 year ago.
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Tina (View Tina's trips)
Sounds like you are having a great time. RELAX, you are on vacation, and soon enough you will have to go back to work. You are on vacation! The pictures are great and your stories are even better, can't wait to see them all in person. Be careful and have fun! Tina
Posted 1 year ago.
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kornmaiden (View kornmaiden's trips)
Great journal and photos we are on an epic journey of our own for 7 weeks and I know what you mean about burnout. I just ordered pizza and will be staying in tonite. We even took grandkids with! We should probably have our heads examined :))
Posted 1 year ago.
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John Doe' Wifey (View John Doe' Wifey's trips)
Fantastic Trip Journal!
Posted 1 year ago.
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A Yahoo! Contributor
Great pictures! They made me want to head back out West again!
Posted 1 year ago.
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