OK, I'll try again....need assistance for travel (Cheyenne, Laramie: how much, homes)

[Prairie]

Visiting my niece in Colorado (Denver) and decided to travel to your great state Wyoming (Yellowstone area).

Would appreciate your suggestions for the most scenic route (we noted there are two possible roads to choose).
Our expected travel time is the first week of September right after labor day.

I have been reading through the forum here and am very interested in suggestions for lodging (not camping) and local establishments for dining.

Thank you.

[Darrow]

IMO the most scenic route is thru the black hills on 14a thru Sheridan and either pass the BigHorns going thru Dayton or Buffalo. Then on to Cody and thru the East gate into Yellowstone or over the Beartooths and Cooke City from the North gate. Then when you are finished seeing what you want in Yellowstone, head south thru Jackson Hole and back onto I80 and down into Colorad....don't know how much time you have, that is a very out of the way drive...but the most scenic parts of Wy.

Realistically, you wouldn't come over the BigHorns...or even near Cody or Yellowstone. You would just get on the interstate and drop down into Colorado.

[Prairie]

Thank you Darrow, hope for more replies!!

[StealthRabbit]

Definately do 14a and preferably the Beartooth (NE entrance) it is a spectacular route, and lightly used.

Don't miss the Tetons for sunrise (Oxbow Bend Overlook, or on south near the 'corral / barn', or Jenny Lake)

The Star Valley (Afton) is nice exit, but out of the way, as is Bear Lake (ID / UT), but VERY nice in aspen colors.

An alternative rte south is through Flaming Gorge, and down to Steamboat Springs, CO, on west to Winter Park, or Grand Lake and over Trail Ridge Rd and RMNP. (end up in Estes Park, CO)

Alt #3 is east of Rawlins and south to Saratogo, WY then over the Snowy Range to Centennial / Laramie (Another spectacular WY rte). (Venture down to Encampment, WY while near Saratoga if you have time, GREAT reconstructed town/museum.)

If you get a chance coming or going near Cheyenne / Laramie, check out Veedauwoo. You can cut cross country back to Tie Sidings or "the Forks",/ Livermore, CO, and back into Ft Collins. (I love the drive from Tie Sidings to Livermore (My 'home stretch' for many yrs during college truckdriving).

For food and lodging, play it by ear and do the small towns (not chains / interstate). There will be some recommendations pop up here, especially if near Story, WY !! (do see the historical sites nearby there). If you are over age 50, consider joining Evergreentravel club or Affordable travel, and stay in private homes ($15 to $20, but few in WY...). It really can make your trip special to meet the locals.

[Prairie]

WOW thank you StealthRabbit!!!