Parks, Peaks, Prarie

[big blue cat]

Planning on riding Parks, Peaks, & Prairie rt in Sept. Since we're hotelling it we've decided to ride
I90 from Buffalo to Gillette. The original rt. has no hotels & it's about a 100 mi. which is too far
for us.  Is this a dumb idea?
Scott

[John Nettles]

While it is doable, I personally would suggest you follow the route as to me it was more interesting. 

In case you did not know, there are cabins available at the Leiter, WY Bar & Grill (307-758-4343) but be sure to call ahead.  Leiter Bar is about 38 miles east of Buffalo and then about 60 miles west of Gillette.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the tour!
Tailwinds, John

[John Nelson]

Not dumb. Here’s a journal of someone who did it in September, 2020.

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3iQ&page_id=606808&v=1h

[John Nelson]

In case you did not know, there are cabins available at the Leiter, WY Bar & Grill

In 2023, the cabins were closed. They had some water issues. They hoped to fix them, but it’s just one guy with a full time job, so progress was very slow.

[John Nettles]

In case you did not know, there are cabins available at the Leiter, WY Bar & Grill

In 2023, the cabins were closed. They had some water issues. They hoped to fix them, but it’s just one guy with a full time job, so progress was very slow.

I called them before before posting to confirm they had cabins (and camping) available and she said yes, that they were around $65 a night but due to hunters booking them, it is best to reserve when you can. 

Hope this helps, John

[John Nelson]

I called them before posting to confirm they had cabins (and camping) available and she said yes, that they were around $65 a night

Good news. Thanks for the update. I should have known that you wouldn't post something without verifying.

Leiter to Gillette on US 14 is 8 miles shorter than Buffalo to Gillette on I-90, but hillier. Both routes are pretty desolate. Don't rely too much on the Spotted Horse Bar being open when you pass (it was closed when I got there on a Saturday morning). It has unpredictable hours. Be sure to carry plenty of water.

[jamawani]

Why would you want to ride I-90 -
when US 16 is one of the loveliest rides in the High Plains?
Almost no traffic plus shoulders a good part of the way.
It's 38 miles from Buffalo to Leiter; 60 miles Leiter to Gillette.

The owners of the Leiter Bar & Cabins have been incredibly accommodating
to cyclists since the PPP Route was published.
BTW - I was the main contributor to the Wyoming section for ACA.
I live in Buffalo and know the route well.

Yes, it is 30+ miles longer than I-90, but it truly is a matter of quality riding.
You can encounter stiff winds on either route, but that's the West.
You are likely to have tailwinds for the first half.
It's 50/50 North or South winds heading south into Gillette.

Give the folks at Leiter a call - (307) 758-4343
Really, you shouldn't miss this stretch.

[John Nelson]

I can confirm what John said about the people who run the bar in Leiter being very nice folks. As I said before, I didn't stay in the cabins because they weren't open when I was there.

And since John posted a picture of this stretch, I'll post a few too from my ride through there last year.