🚙

Summer '26 Road Trip

Decatur, GA • July 15 – August 15 • LR3 + R75/5 + 5yo + GF

🛻 2006 LR3 @ 14 mpg premium
🏍️ 1972 R75/5 on hitch
Note: If the map isn't loading or tabs look odd, this is common with file:// URLs (external scripts/CDNs and tiles are often restricted). Fix: In Terminal run cd /Users/thisisjess/Sites/travel-data && python3 -m http.server 8000 then open http://localhost:8000/2026_summer_roadtrip_planner.html. Hard-refresh (⌘⇧R) after changes.
31 DAYS • FAMILY ADVENTURE

Beautiful scenery, remoteness,
offroad connectors + no neighbors

Depart ~July 15 for 3-4 weeks. Must be in Upper Peninsula MI July 30–Aug 2+. Cooke City MT (and CO/other spots) before the UP. Prioritizing remote NF dispersed camping (2+ night blocks in RTT), some kitschy motels, Starlink + solar + fridge + RTT. Family of 3 (5yo friendly short hikes, easy offroad).

TOTAL MILES (est.)
~4,300
CO one way • WI to UP • relaxed return
DRIVING DAYS
14
~220 mi avg on move days
CAMP NIGHTS
~18
mostly remote dispersed NF
MOTEL NIGHTS
~13
kitschy family-owned
Gas Estimator
Premium • 14 mpg • LR3
⛽
$
/ gal
Est. total gas cost $1,410
Live updates across all driving days. Adjust price for your region / 2026 reality. 14 mpg conservative for loaded LR3 + carrier + roof load. New route: Colorado outbound + Wisconsin across to UP.
Route Overview • Through Colorado one way (scenic NF mountains + offroad) + across Wisconsin to the UP the other way
Click markers for quick info • Rough FS road segments shown for adventure. CO outbound • WI transit inbound to UP • relaxed return
● Remote dispersed camp (NF)
● Kitschy family motel (2+ nights)
● Fixed commitment (Cooke / UP)
— Mild offroad / FS connectors (LR3-friendly)
Fixed Anchors
• Cooke City, MT — arrive ~July 22–23, stay 5–6 nights (friend David + different Yellowstone stuff from your October Gardner–Cooke run)
• Upper Peninsula MI — July 30 – August 2 (4 nights base)
Camp / Motel Rhythm
2–3 nights remote dispersed (no neighbors, offroad access) then 2+ nights family-owned kitschy motel. Fridge + solar + Starlink makes remote very comfortable with a 5-year-old.
Priorities Baked In
Scenery + remoteness first. Offroad FS roads used to connect camps where kid-safe and LR3-appropriate. No crowded campgrounds. Kid-friendly short hikes, lakes, wildlife viewing, easy adventure.
Trip Options (all respect min 2-night stays, CO one way, WI → UP the other way, Cooke + UP dates):
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Full-page flow • 2+ night minimum stays (motel OR rooftop tent camp) • Live gas • Click tabs above to switch options
Family + 5yo Notes
  • • Keep daily drives under 5 hrs on move days when possible. Lots of snacks, audiobooks, and "I spy" in the LR3.
  • • Remote dispersed: choose sites with short walks to water/play areas. Starlink + battery + fridge = huge win for kid downtime, fresh food, and work/play.
  • • Bear country everywhere — teach kid "food in the truck or hang at night." Use bear bags or lockers.
  • • Easy wins: waterfalls (short approaches), Lake Superior splash (even cold is memorable), Lamar Valley wildlife from the vehicle at dawn/dusk.
Vehicle & Rig Notes
  • • LR3: full service + spares + recovery kit before leaving. Roof load + hitch carrier = watch weight/center of gravity on FS roads.
  • • Airhead: secure well, carry basic tools/tires. Great for fun rides from camp on pavement + easy gravel.
  • • Camping rhythm + Starlink means you can work or stream from truly remote spots. Solar + battery backup keeps fridge happy for days.
  • • Always confirm current fire restrictions on fs.usda.gov (per district). 14-day limit standard on NF dispersed.
This is a starting proposal based on your answers, your travel-data history (heavy Atlanta + recent NC mountains + Yellowstone/Gallatin love), and public NF dispersed options. Tweak the gas price live. Reply with changes (more west, different return path, specific motel recs, etc.) and I can update the page or generate a second variant.