Best Hidden Gem Vacation Spot in US You Have Found

[1972Shocker]

That is very cool! I wish we hadn't been pressed for time when we went a couple of years ago. Kind of had to rush through it.

We are leaving in a couple of days for Grand Tetons / Yellowstone / Mt. Rushmore / Badlands. I've never been, so I'm very much looking forward to it. Just not the crowds.

The Black Hills are great. In addition to Mt. Rushmore you need to take in the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you like caves Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are worthwhile (and nice and cool). In Hot Springs in the very south edge of the Black Hills is a The Mammoth Site that is a good stop. Custer State Park is definitely worthwhile visiting. Some great hiking trails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/s...ter-state-park

My wife and I did the Sunday Gulch Trail. Maybe the most beautiful hike we ever took and Sylvan Lake is a beautiful little lake. Not that we are real avid hikers.

The Badlands National Park is great as well although I had a very interesting experience hiking the Notch Trail but it turned out a lot better than it could have.

My daughter that had lived in Ann Arbor eventually ended up in the Portland, Oregon are an I thought okay we can get some road trips through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and other great sites in that part of the country. But in never happened. We did do some stuff along the Columbia River and did a tour around the Olympia National Forest in Washington but where never able to work in a long, slow road trip.

Anyway that sounds like a fantastic trip. I'm sure you will love it.

P.S. My wife and I went to Mt. Rushmore in the evening and stayed for the closing ceremonies. It was very much worth it. Very patriotic. Not sure it this is something they still do or not. These days there might be some wrecking balls on site.

[ShockBand]

Is there a restaurant on the Sandia Peak?

Yes, it's called Ten3. They have both casual and fine dining options.

[ShockBand]

That is very cool! I wish we hadn't been pressed for time when we went a couple of years ago. Kind of had to rush through it.


We are leaving in a couple of days for Grand Tetons / Yellowstone / Mt. Rushmore / Badlands. I've never been, so I'm very much looking forward to it. Just not the crowds.

I just saw a social media post about Spearfish Canyon, which is near Deadwood. It is the site where the last scene in Dances With Wolves was filmed.

[WstateU]

I just saw a social media post about Spearfish Canyon, which is near Deadwood. It is the site where the last scene in Dances With Wolves was filmed.

Been in that area twice… simply beautiful! Stayed in Deadwood. The old gold mine is worth a visit. I believe it’s Broken Boot Gold Mine… the Open Pit Mine Hole is worth checking out also.

[WuDrWu]

A really hidden gem is Cuchara, Colorado. It is a closed ski resort, however the condos and tiny villiage remain. Cheap nightly rentals, abundant hiking, and an area to get the hell away from people. You are actually in the mountains 7.5 hours from Wichita.

I go out every August for a week to meditate and become one with the spirit of Wu.

How is the fishing in the river there?

[WuDrWu]

It's a hike, but Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin is a wonderful area. Absolutely for those looking to escape people, but there are enough supper clubs and just enough commerce to keep you from having to engage anyone you are looking to avoid. There's also a casino on the other side of the Michigan border if you need a distraction. Insane fishing location as well.

[WuShock16]

That is very cool! I wish we hadn't been pressed for time when we went a couple of years ago. Kind of had to rush through it.


We are leaving in a couple of days for Grand Tetons / Yellowstone / Mt. Rushmore / Badlands. I've never been, so I'm very much looking forward to it. Just not the crowds.

I hope you are going to Mt. Rushmore on the front end of your trip. Because if it’s on the back end, you’re gonna run into the Sturgis crowd. Lots…and I mean, EFFING LOTS of motorcycles.

[shoxlax]

How is the fishing in the river there?

I have no idea, maybe I will find out this year.

[Shockm]

Take the guided bus tour. It takes a day of no stress, learning. Then you’ll be able to decide what to do next. Lots to do. Guided tours in Deadwood, an old RR train trip in the hills. Lots of history. Lots of breweries, good hiking, etc.

[1972Shocker]

I just saw a social media post about Spearfish Canyon, which is near Deadwood. It is the site where the last scene in Dances With Wolves was filmed.

Yes, it is. IIRC their is a nice little hike back to a waterfall. But it is very pretty drive at the very least.

[RoyalShock]

I hope you are going to Mt. Rushmore on the front end of your trip. Because if it’s on the back end, you’re gonna run into the Sturgis crowd. Lots…and I mean, EFFING LOTS of motorcycles.

We should be ok. Mt Rushmore on July 20th. Sturgis starts Aug. 2.

[RoyalShock]

The Black Hills are great. In addition to Mt. Rushmore you need to take in the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you like caves Wind Cave and Jewel Cave are worthwhile (and nice and cool). In Hot Springs in the very south edge of the Black Hills is a The Mammoth Site that is a good stop. Custer State Park is definitely worthwhile visiting. Some great hiking trails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/s...ter-state-park

My wife and I did the Sunday Gulch Trail. Maybe the most beautiful hike we ever took and Sylvan Lake is a beautiful little lake. Not that we are real avid hikers.

Two summers from now we are actually planning to pull our camper up there and stay near Custer for a month. We love to hike and kayak, and I'm sure to get some fishing in.

[WstateU]

We should be ok. Mt Rushmore on July 20th. Sturgis starts Aug. 2.

Devils Tower is a must see also… about 2 hours from Mr. Rushmore; always reminds me of ‘Close Encounters Of The Third Kind’.

https://www.nps.gov/deto/learn/nature/tower-formation.htm

[Eric]

Northern New Mexico, south of Angel Fire on route 434, then west up the mountain to 6,800 feet my dad and I built a cabin 27 years ago. We’ve added to it and improved it over the years. It is definitely pretty special. You can drive 4.5 hours from my house here in Kansas (6.5 if my wife comes along) and we’re in a different world. We are an hour from Taos, an hour from Santa Fe. It makes a great hub to go explore southwest culture. For Catholics it is a unique area. Southwest Catholicism is a deep rich thing and it’s pretty humbling to experience firsthand.

[WuDrWu]

Is it near Eagles Nest or is that further away from Angel Fire?