Route 7, Route 323, Hammond Road South of Baker (Ekalaka: rental car, rental)

[johnsig]

I'm trying to figure the quickest route from Theo Roosevelt National Park in ND to Devil's Tower and Route 7 to Baker looks pretty good but from the map sites I've found I can't tell what the roads are like South of Baker. My primary plan would be Route 7 to Ekalaka and Route 323 to Alazda, but there is a road to Hammond that would work too. I can't even tell if the roads are paved all the way. I'll be traveling in a (hopefully) reliable rental car and it will be mid to late September. I'm hoping someone can tell me what to expect, their recommendations and some guess at the legal speed I might average.

Thanks much!

[sspikaroo]

Highway 7 is paved all the way to Ekalaka. Route 323 to Alzada is partially paved with about 20 miles of gravel in the middle. There was talk of a project to finish paving the road, but I don't know if it's been done yet. Speed limits on most of Montana's 2 lane highways is 70 daytime and 65 night. Best not to drive that fast on the gravel. Cell phone coverage through there is limited depending on your provider, some providers will not have any service in the southeast corner of the state. A somewhat scenic route for the adventuresome individual.

[mtboy]

It is also paved from Alzada all the way to Devils Tower. The drive from Baker to Alzada might not be the most scenic but if into getting from point A to point B quick that is how I would go. Alzada to devils tower is not a bad drive.

[johnsig]

Well, I guess we are bailing out on this route. Too bad, sounded like fun to me. Primary concerns are damage to the rental car (we have had bad luck on gravel roads in the past) and a couple of map sites suggest 1:45 hours to travel a little over 50 miles. 30 mph! So we are going down I-85 in the Dakotas and then cutting over. Nevertheless, the help is greatly appreciated.

John

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by sspikaroo

Highway 7 is paved all the way to Ekalaka. Route 323 to Alzada is partially paved with about 20 miles of gravel in the middle. There was talk of a project to finish paving the road, but I don't know if it's been done yet.

This made me get out the map and look... and here's Capitol Rock which I'd never heard of before! Looks quite impressive.

And here's something else interesting -- http://www.locatetv.com/tv/backroads-of-montana/2713605

[BigDaveBigVoice]

I'd look at the route again. If you really want to see what the Old West was like, driving south of Ekalaka to Alzada will give you a very good idea. As long as it hasn't been raining right before you attempt the trip, you'll see some very pretty scenery and the additional time traveling will be pretty miniscule.

Dave