Hit the Highway: It’s Time for a Summer Road Trip!

Sun’s out. Windows open. With summer in full swing, you know that means: It’s time for a road trip!

We’ve mapped out some of our favorite “gotta see it” destinations, all within a short drive of Upton. See one, or see them all. No matter which route you take, it’s a great way to celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month throughout July.

The Black Hills

Your day-trip begins by hopping onto Highway 16E for a scenic drive into South Dakota.

First up? The jaw-dropping splendor of Jewel Cave National Monument. Take your pick of four, Ranger-guided tours that run the gamut from an easy walk to crawling through an 8 ½” x 24” crawl space, giving you a true appreciation for one of the longest caves in the world.

Now that you’ve seen what’s up underground, why not enjoy a bird’s eye view of the 1.2 million acres of the beautiful Black Hills National Forest? Your hour-long Hot Air Balloon Flight lifts off at sunrise and even includes a champagne toast. Cheers!

Feet back on the ground, antiques, boutiques, and mouth-watering local eats await you in the quaint, small town of Custer. This includes two of the best guilty pleasures around: Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream and the Purple Pie Place.

From there, shift into slow gear as you drive through the 71,000-acre Custer State Park. Chances are good you’ll spy a menagerie of prairie dogs, elk, mule deer, coyotes, mountain goats, pronghorn, burros, and bison as you meander along the 18-mile Wildlife Loop.

Continue north on Highway 385 as you wind through towering granite rock formations and fragrant Ponderosa pine. Make a pit stop at Crazy Horse Memorial and check out the meticulous chisel and hammer work that started in 1948 as homage to the legendary Native American warrior.

Speaking of legendary, it’s a quick jig over to Keystone to see the Mount Rushmore National Monument. More than 2 million visitors a year are drawn to this iconic sculpture that took the efforts of nearly 400 men and women nearly fourteen years (1927-1941) to complete. Insider Tip: The granite faces are illuminated at night, offering a breathtaking perspective.

Devils Tower

Soaring 1,267 feet in the air overlooking the gently flowing waters of the Belle Fourche River, it’s no wonder that you’ll spy Devils Tower from miles away. Beautifully maintained paths take you around the circumference of this amazing geological formation that has sacred meaning to over 20 Native American tribes.

Rock climbers can get even more up close and personal by conquering any number of the tower’s large, hexagonal columns. Don’t pass up an opportunity to wake up to an amazing view by snagging a spot at the Devil’s Tower KOA. Insider Tip: Devils Tower is a spectacular spot for stargazing.

Keyhole State Park

Swimming, water skiing, boating, bird watching, and fishing. Located on the western edge of the Black Hills, Wyoming’s Keyhole State Park is the perfect place to unwind for a week or the weekend. Enjoy a breath of fresh air as you explore the park’s wooded wilderness, which includes hiking trails for explorers of all ages. No need to rush home after sundown. Pitch a tent at any of the park’s 10 campsites and wake up to birdsong, but if a warm bed and hot showers are more your speed, you can’t beat booking an overnight stay at The Treehouse. 

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