Northern mid-west and northwest routes

[jischr]

I’m driving to Seattle from St. Louis this summer and intend to take a few days to ride along the way. I’m looking for road bike (700X23) recommendations in the 30 mile out-and-back or 60 mile loop range. Low vehicle volume roads, rail-to-trails, mountain passes, river valley runs…. I’m open to most anything that isn’t dead flat into a headwind. I’ll likely head to Denver and start angling north, so northern Colorado, southern Wyoming and Idaho, probably look at the something along the Columbia river, and part of the Ride around Rainer route.
For example is any part of the great divide route from South Pass City, WY to Silverthrone, CO, paved or chat?
Likewise if you know of great weekend routes that shouldn’t be ridden during the week due to trucks or RV’s I’d appreciate knowing that also.
Thanks in advance,
John

[Louis]

I say you drive down to San Diego and do this instead - you'll get here much faster. :)

http://postmediaprovince.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/4682.raam-route.jpg

[choke]

For example is any part of the great divide route from South Pass City, WY to Silverthrone, CO, paved or chat?Between South Pass and Rawlins part of the route follows 287 which is paved. It's probably not a road I'd choose to ride though. I have no idea about it south of Rawlins.

Sinks Canyon outside of Lander is a nice ride.

[snah]

Isn't there a long rail trail thru Missouri?? Believe some paved, some gravel??

[Louis]

Isn't there a long rail trail thru Missouri?? Believe some paved, some gravel??

That's the Katy Trail: https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

All gravel.

Not sure if that's what the OP's looking for though. However, it is nice in it's own way. (but flat and can get boring after a while)

https://mostateparks.com/sites/default/files/flickrcache/72157626109382606/15242766979.jpg

[oliver1850]

Assuming you're taking I-70 to Denver (not what I would do given enough time), I'd look at mapmyride and ridewithgps routes starting from towns along the interstate. Whenever the weather is good and you feel like riding, check nearby towns for routes. You may not find exactly the right length but you should be able to modify them to suit.