QuestionI am a senior taking granddaughter to Mt Rushmore this summer. I want to drive to Rapid City, SD; plan to drive approx 12 hrs (stopping to eat, etc) per day. What is a logical amount of miles I can cover each day? I am trying to determine where to stop (and make hotel reservations, etc). Any help will be greatly appreciated.
AnswerRaul,
I can't answer the question very well because I don't know where you are coming from and thus the miles involved or roads you will take.
Assuming typical intestate travel, you should plan on about 50-55 mph average, if you stop every 2-3 hours for about 15-20 minutes, with maybe a one hour stop for lunch?
This assumes a typical interstate speed of about 70 mph.
If your typical interstate speed is less, you should plan on a lower average speed.
Based on the above, you trip looks to be about 660 miles if you average 55 mph for the 12 hours. 600 miles is a pretty good day trip, depending on roads and speeds. By actually going 70 or faster, you then give yourself the cushion that allows you to plan about 3 hours of stops in the day for rest, food, gas etc.
You can plan a trip yourself by going to this web site:
http://www.google.com
and use their Map feature. Yahoo also has a map program
http://www.yahoo.com
both are free, and can give you lots of help.
Also you could buy any number of computer software programs that let you plan a trip with stops, speeds, side trips and more, along with route directions.
And there is always AAA (triple A) where you can get a custom planned trip for a modest cost.
Have a great trip, be sure to plan time to visit the many sights around Mt. Rushmore, including the pigtail bridges, and the canyons near Spearfish, S.D. tbey are spectacular. I have seen the Crazy Horse mountain also, it is worth the trip.
DoN
