World Tour 006-Billings to Albuquerque - Western USA
Stage 6 of our journey takes us through some of the western USA's best sights. From Montana, you'll head into Wyoming to see Devil's Tower before touring around the many sights of the Black Hills of South Dakota. You'll take a trip though the Colorado Rockies, including a visit to the world famous ski resort of Aspen, before heading south into New Mexico and the final stop for this stage in Albuquerque.
Total Legs: 30 Total Distance: 1425 Total Time(125kts): 11 hours 24 minutes
Leg 1
Flying from KBIL
Leg Distance: 38.37 Approximate time at 125kts: 18 minutes.
KBIL(KBIL) to Lockwood(POI1)
Distance: 5.07NM Bearing: 80° 2 minutes
Head east from the airport and cross the Yellowstone river, then follow I-94 to the northeast
Lockwood(POI1) to I-90(POI2)
Distance: 1.78NM Bearing: 42° 1 minutes
After a couple of miles there will be an interchange with I-90, follow it east
I-90(POI2) to I-90(POI3)
Distance: 9.95NM Bearing: 97° 5 minutes
Stay with I-90 as it heads slightly to the southeast
I-90(POI3) to I-90(POI4)
Distance: 9.02NM Bearing: 79° 4 minutes
Continue east along I-90
I-90(POI4) to I-90(POI5)
Distance: 6.12NM Bearing: 100° 3 minutes
Follow the highway along its curves to the southeast
I-90(POI5) to 00U(00U)
Distance: 6.43NM Bearing: 80° 3 minutes
The highway will straighten east again as it heads to the town of Hardin, and the airport which sits at the side of the highway before the town
Leg 2
Flying from 00U
Leg Distance: 64.94 Approximate time at 125kts: 31 minutes.
00U(00U) to Crow Agency(POI6)
Distance: 12.9NM Bearing: 129° 6 minutes
After takeoff, head east over the town and meet back up with the interstate as it turns to the southeast
Crow Agency(POI6) to Little Bighorn(POI7)
Distance: 1.52NM Bearing: 102° 1 minutes
As I-90 turns to the south it will pass through the town of Crow Agency before the large intersection with US highway 212. Turn left and follow US-212 east. Just to the south of the highway is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Little Bighorn(POI7) to Busby(POI8)
Distance: 19.34NM Bearing: 89° 9 minutes
Continue following the highway on its journey east
Busby(POI8) to Lame Deer(POI9)
Distance: 11.6NM Bearing: 47° 6 minutes
Keep following the highway past the town of Busby as it turns to the northeast. It will turn back to the east just before the town of Lame Deer
Lame Deer(POI9) to 3U4(3U4)
Distance: 19.58NM Bearing: 86° 9 minutes
Continue along the highway as it cuts its way east through the hills before the small descent into the town of Ashland. The airfield is just to the north of town
Leg 3
Flying from 3U4
Leg Distance: 35.38 Approximate time at 125kts: 17 minutes.
3U4(3U4) to US-212(POI10)
Distance: 28.85NM Bearing: 96° 14 minutes
After takeoff, head back to the highway and follow its journey east
US-212(POI10) to 00F(00F)
Distance: 6.53NM Bearing: 88° 3 minutes
Broadus airport is just before the town on the north side of the highway
Leg 4
Flying from 00F
Leg Distance: 69.77 Approximate time at 125kts: 33 minutes.
00F(00F) to Willow Creek(POI11)
Distance: 41.73NM Bearing: 112° 20 minutes
Head southeast over the town and back along the highway, which will continue mostly in the same southeasterly direction. After about 40 nautical miles the road will intersect Willow Creek. At this point, turn south
Willow Creek(POI11) to WY-112(POI12)
Distance: 17.3NM Bearing: 173° 8 minutes
Flying south to the town of Hulett, you will first cross paths with a small reservoir south of the highway, then the winding Little Missouri River and a smaller road, before meeting up with state road 112 which is also heading south towards Hulett
WY-112(POI12) to WY-112(POI13)
Distance: 6.68NM Bearing: 177° 3 minutes
The road will start winding its way through some hillier country before turning southeast towards Hulett
WY-112(POI13) to W43(W43)
Distance: 4.06NM Bearing: 130° 2 minutes
The airport is just southeast of the town, with a golf course lying in between
Leg 5
Flying from W43
Leg Distance: 50.87 Approximate time at 125kts: 24 minutes.
W43(W43) to Devils Tower(POI14)
Distance: 8.7NM Bearing: 232° 4 minutes
Fly southwest from Hulett Airport and you'll soon see the famous butte of Devils Tower, the USA's first national monument. Fly to its right side and do a left circuit around it for a great view
Devils Tower(POI14) to I-90(POI15)
Distance: 23.31NM Bearing: 92° 11 minutes
Head east from Devils Tower, over the wooded hills, and eventually meeting interstate 90 as it also makes its way east
I-90(POI15) to Spearfish(POI16)
Distance: 14.63NM Bearing: 84° 7 minutes
Follow the highway east as it heads for the town of Spearfish
Spearfish(POI16) to KSPF(KSPF)
Distance: 4.23NM Bearing: 117° 2 minutes
As the road turns south to meet the town, you should see the airport to the southeast on the other side of the hills
Leg 6
Flying from KSPF
Leg Distance: 39.39 Approximate time at 125kts: 19 minutes.
KSPF(KSPF) to Spearfish Canyon(POI17)
Distance: 2.77NM Bearing: 258° 1 minutes
Heading back west from the airport, on the other side of the highway you will see a golf course which sits at the mouth of Spearfish Canyon. Head south into the canyon
Spearfish Canyon(POI17) to Spearfish Canyon(POI18)
Distance: 3.99NM Bearing: 194° 2 minutes
Follow the canyon as it winds its way south. Spearfish Creek and US highway 14A will lead the way
Spearfish Canyon(POI18) to Spearfish Canyon(POI19)
Distance: 4.16NM Bearing: 203° 2 minutes
Continue along the canyon southwest. At the point where it reaches some lodging and parking areas, turn and follow the road and creek as they turn to the southeast
Spearfish Canyon(POI19) to Cheyenne Crossing(POI20)
Distance: 4.41NM Bearing: 134° 2 minutes
The highway will come to a T-intersection with US highway 85. Turn left and follow it east
Cheyenne Crossing(POI20) to Rec Springs(POI21)
Distance: 2.19NM Bearing: 86° 1 minutes
Follow the highway as it twists and climbs its way east
Rec Springs(POI21) to Whitetail Summit(POI22)
Distance: 3.01NM Bearing: 20° 1 minutes
Stay with the highway as it heads north past some popular skiing areas
Whitetail Summit(POI22) to Lead(POI23)
Distance: 2.11NM Bearing: 54° 1 minutes
Follow the highway northeast through the town of Lead and past the large Homesake Gold Mine
Lead(POI23) to Deadwood(POI24)
Distance: 2.03NM Bearing: 23° 1 minutes
The road will twist its way north through the famous gold rush town of Deadwood. Mt Moriah Cemetery sits on a hill on the eastern side of town, with its most famous residents being Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock
Deadwood(POI24) to Sturgis(POI25)
Distance: 8.6NM Bearing: 71° 4 minutes
From Deadwood, follow the highway east as it winds its way out of the mountains towards the town of Sturgis - revered by motorcyclists from around the world
Sturgis(POI25) to 49B(49B)
Distance: 6.12NM Bearing: 81° 3 minutes
Follow the highway heading east out of Sturgis and you will be heading directly for the airport
Leg 7
Flying from 49B
Leg Distance: 29.9 Approximate time at 125kts: 14 minutes.
49B(49B) to I-90(POI26)
Distance: 11.87NM Bearing: 172° 6 minutes
Head south from Sturgis airport until you reach Interstate 90 heading southeast
I-90(POI26) to Rapid City(POI27)
Distance: 10.5NM Bearing: 135° 5 minutes
Keep following the highway as it leads you to Rapid City. Head to the center of town for a closer look
Rapid City(POI27) to KRAP(KRAP)
Distance: 7.53NM Bearing: 100° 4 minutes
Turn east from Rapid City and you'll soon see the airport a few miles beyond the town's eastern outskirts. Keep an eye out for B-1B Lancers from nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base a few miles north
Leg 8
Flying from KRAP
Leg Distance: 55.55 Approximate time at 125kts: 27 minutes.
KRAP(KRAP) to US-16(POI28)
Distance: 4.73NM Bearing: 264° 2 minutes
Fly west from the airport back towards the southern end of Rapid City and you will see US highway 16 heading southwest towards the hills. Follow the highway
US-16(POI28) to US-16(POI29)
Distance: 14.02NM Bearing: 231° 7 minutes
Follow the highway as it turns into a dual carriageway and heads southwest through the hills
US-16(POI29) to Hill City(POI30)
Distance: 5.79NM Bearing: 267° 3 minutes
After a few miles heading west you will see the highway pass through the town of Hill City, now heading south. Follow the road south
Hill City(POI30) to Crazy Horse Memorial(POI31)
Distance: 7.06NM Bearing: 197° 3 minutes
As the highway curves around a large group of hills, keep an eye out for the Crazy Horse Memorial and Visitor Center to your left. Make a left turn around the monument and head east over the rocky hills
Crazy Horse Memorial(POI31) to Black Elk Wilderness Area(POI32)
Distance: 7.05NM Bearing: 83° 3 minutes
After you cross the rocky, hilly area the land will drop away, turn left and head northeast towards the rocky mountain ahead which is the site of Mount Rushmore
Black Elk Wilderness Area(POI32) to Mount Rushmore(POI33)
Distance: 3.32NM Bearing: 12° 2 minutes
Aim for the large visitor center and car park. From here you will have a great view of Mount Rushmore to your left
Mount Rushmore(POI33) to Keystone(POI34)
Distance: 2.31NM Bearing: 42° 1 minutes
Once you pass the monument, head northwest for a few miles to the town of Keystone
Keystone(POI34) to Custer State Park(POI35)
Distance: 7.35NM Bearing: 170° 4 minutes
After passing Keystone, turn south and head across the hilly terrain. You should cross paths with US164 after a couple of miles as it heads southeast, then again after a few more miles as it loops around the mountains
Custer State Park(POI35) to 3V0(3V0)
Distance: 3.92NM Bearing: 137° 2 minutes
When you see the road for the second time, keep an eye out to the left and you should be lined up for the runway of Custer State Park Airport
Leg 9
Flying from 3V0
Leg Distance: 66.84 Approximate time at 125kts: 32 minutes.
3V0(3V0) to Dry Creek(POI36)
Distance: 10.42NM Bearing: 89° 5 minutes
After takeoff, head east in the direction of a small lake
Dry Creek(POI36) to SD-40(POI37)
Distance: 9.27NM Bearing: 86° 4 minutes
Continue heading east from the lake until you cross paths with state road 40. From here turn to the southeast and head for the Badlands National Park
SD-40(POI37) to Cuny Table(POI38)
Distance: 13.11NM Bearing: 133° 6 minutes
Most of this western section of the badland sits between two grassy plateaus, continue southeast to the large plateau of the other side. Once you're across the plateau, turn to the south
Cuny Table(POI38) to Oglala Lake(POI39)
Distance: 22.25NM Bearing: 173° 11 minutes
Heading south from the plateau, you'll cross over more Badlands territory, the White River, then eventually see Oglala Lake, with US18 running along its north edge. Turn left and follow the road southeast
Oglala Lake(POI39) to US-18(POI40)
Distance: 8.23NM Bearing: 130° 4 minutes
Follow the road southeast towards the town of Pine Ridge
US-18(POI40) to KIEN(KIEN)
Distance: 3.56NM Bearing: 126° 2 minutes
As the road turns south to the town, keep heading southeast and you should see the airport just to the south of the highway
Leg 10
Flying from KIEN
Leg Distance: 29.26 Approximate time at 125kts: 14 minutes.
KIEN(KIEN) to White River(POI41)
Distance: 15.5NM Bearing: 252° 7 minutes
Fly west back past the town, then turn slightly southwest where you will soon meet the White River. Follow it southwest
White River(POI41) to Chadron(POI42)
Distance: 9.99NM Bearing: 236° 5 minutes
The river will take you around the northwest side of Chadron and point you to the airport
Chadron(POI42) to KCDR(KCDR)
Distance: 3.77NM Bearing: 202° 2 minutes
The airport sits a few miles west of the town, next to the river
Leg 11
Flying from KCDR
Leg Distance: 49.26 Approximate time at 125kts: 24 minutes.
KCDR(KCDR) to Whitney Lake(POI43)
Distance: 9.75NM Bearing: 245° 5 minutes
Head southwest after takeoff to Whitney Lake, which lies about 10 miles away
Whitney Lake(POI43) to Crawford(POI44)
Distance: 7.78NM Bearing: 211° 4 minutes
Turn slightly left at the lake and head to the town of Crawford. The highway, railway and river all lead towards the town
Crawford(POI44) to White River(POI45)
Distance: 9.11NM Bearing: 233° 4 minutes
Follow the river and highway southwest out of Crawford and stay with the river as the road turns away to the west. When the river also starts to turn to the west, head south
White River(POI45) to Niobrara River(POI46)
Distance: 10.52NM Bearing: 174° 5 minutes
Heading south, you will soon see the Noibrara River running east-west, accompanied by a ribbon of irrigated land. Turn and follow the river west
Niobrara River(POI46) to 11NE(11NE)
Distance: 12.1NM Bearing: 264° 6 minutes
As the river starts turning to the northwest, you should see the large grass strip of Kaan airfield sitting just to the west of the river
Leg 12
Flying from 11NE
Leg Distance: 25.52 Approximate time at 125kts: 12 minutes.
11NE(11NE) to Sheep Creek(POI47)
Distance: 14.27NM Bearing: 202° 7 minutes
Head south/southwest after takeoff in the direction of a group of large pivot (circle) crop fields
Sheep Creek(POI47) to KTOR(KTOR)
Distance: 11.25NM Bearing: 202° 5 minutes
Continue in the same direction and you will see the town of Torrington ahead. The airport lies at the eastern end of the town
Leg 13
Flying from KTOR
Leg Distance: 61.44 Approximate time at 125kts: 29 minutes.
KTOR(KTOR) to US-85(POI48)
Distance: 9.92NM Bearing: 204° 5 minutes
After takeoff, follow US highway 85, which runs southwest from Torrington
US-85(POI48) to US-85(POI49)
Distance: 29.59NM Bearing: 179° 14 minutes
Stay with the highway as it heads south past a group of lakes before curving around Bear Mountain, then continuing its journey south
US-85(POI49) to US-85(POI50)
Distance: 7.17NM Bearing: 242° 3 minutes
Follow the highway as it turns to the southwest in a straight line. The straight section of road is 16 miles long, but once you're about halfway along (8 miles) turn to the south
US-85(POI50) to Hillsdale(POI51)
Distance: 10.54NM Bearing: 174° 5 minutes
Heading south, you will come to the Union Pacific Railroad running east-west, with a county road running alongside. Turn and follow the railroad west
Hillsdale(POI51) to WY05(WY05)
Distance: 4.22NM Bearing: 264° 2 minutes
As the railway turns away to the left, keep heading west for another mile or so to the airfield
Leg 14
Flying from WY05
Leg Distance: 54.18 Approximate time at 125kts: 26 minutes.
WY05(WY05) to Cheyenne(POI52)
Distance: 11.65NM Bearing: 239° 6 minutes
Follow the railway line southwest to Cheyenne. Head to the downtown area for a closer look
Cheyenne(POI52) to I-25(POI53)
Distance: 24.35NM Bearing: 191° 12 minutes
After passing downtown, follow Interstate Hwy 25 as it heads south
I-25(POI53) to Fort Collins(POI54)
Distance: 10.45NM Bearing: 174° 5 minutes
Continue south along I-25 as it travels past the now disused Downtown Airport and reaches the outskirts of Fort Collins
Fort Collins(POI54) to KFNL(KFNL)
Distance: 7.73NM Bearing: 175° 4 minutes
Continue south along the highway to Northern Colorado Regional Airport, which sits between the highway and Boyd Lake
Leg 15
Flying from KFNL
Leg Distance: 44.61 Approximate time at 125kts: 21 minutes.
KFNL(KFNL) to I-25(POI55)
Distance: 6.68NM Bearing: 161° 3 minutes
After takeoff, head back to I-25 and follow it south
I-25(POI55) to E-470 Interchange(POI56)
Distance: 21.69NM Bearing: 173° 10 minutes
Keep following I-25 south until it reaches the large stack interchange with E-470 on the northern outskirts of Denver. Turn left and follow E-470 east
E-470 Interchange(POI56) to KDEN(KDEN)
Distance: 16.24NM Bearing: 109° 8 minutes
E-470 will gradually turn southeast and point you in the direction of Denver International Airport, which is the largest airport by land area in the USA
Leg 16
Flying from KDEN
Leg Distance: 31.28 Approximate time at 125kts: 15 minutes.
KDEN(KDEN) to Denver(POI57)
Distance: 15.51NM Bearing: 242° 7 minutes
Head west after takeoff, then turn southwest towards downtown Denver when you see the buildings. Aim for the baseball stadium on the north side of town
Denver(POI57) to Elitch Gardens(POI58)
Distance: 1.72NM Bearing: 221° 1 minutes
Continue southwest towards the football stadium, passing the basketball arena and water park. You'll have a great view of downtown to your left
Elitch Gardens(POI58) to I-25(POI59)
Distance: 2.81NM Bearing: 155° 1 minutes
Turn south just before the football stadium and follow I-25
I-25(POI59) to I-25(POI60)
Distance: 3.17NM Bearing: 110° 2 minutes
Keep following the highway as it gradually curves around to the east
I-25(POI60) to Centennial(POI61)
Distance: 6.74NM Bearing: 148° 3 minutes
The highway will turn to the southeast and cut a straight line all the way to Centennial
Centennial(POI61) to KAPA(KAPA)
Distance: 1.33NM Bearing: 102° 1 minutes
Once the road curves back to the south, you should see the airport a mile east off the road
Leg 17
Flying from KAPA
Leg Distance: 47.75 Approximate time at 125kts: 23 minutes.
KAPA(KAPA) to Castle Rock(POI62)
Distance: 10.32NM Bearing: 175° 5 minutes
Head south from Centennial, passing Reuter-Hess Reservoir, and meeting back up with I-25 near the town of Castle Rock
Castle Rock(POI62) to Hunt Mountain(POI63)
Distance: 7.94NM Bearing: 185° 4 minutes
Keep following the highway as it makes its way south
Hunt Mountain(POI63) to Monument(POI64)
Distance: 10.82NM Bearing: 164° 5 minutes
The highway will wind its way between the hills on the way to the town of Monument
Monument(POI64) to Austin Bluffs(POI65)
Distance: 12.59NM Bearing: 152° 6 minutes
The highway will lead you past the USAF Academy Airfield before turning south to Colorado Springs. When it turns, keep heading straight for the left side of the hilly areas ahead
Austin Bluffs(POI65) to KCOS(KCOS)
Distance: 6.08NM Bearing: 143° 3 minutes
Once you pass the last group of hills, called Palmer Park, continue southeast to the airport ahead
Leg 18
Flying from KCOS
Leg Distance: 50.58 Approximate time at 125kts: 24 minutes.
KCOS(KCOS) to Colorado Springs(POI66)
Distance: 6.33NM Bearing: 274° 3 minutes
Head west after takeoff, in the direction of the tallest mountain ahead, Pikes Peak. You should soon come across the interstate turning from west to north around the city, and where it passes the power station it intersects with another highway heading northwest into the mountains
Colorado Springs(POI66) to Manitou Springs(POI67)
Distance: 4.32NM Bearing: 289° 2 minutes
Follow US highway 24 northwest into the mountains as you gain altitude
Manitou Springs(POI67) to Pikes Peak(POI68)
Distance: 7.25NM Bearing: 278° 3 minutes
As the road leaves the town of Manitou Springs and into the wilderness, turn west and climb over the ridge on the northern side of Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak(POI68) to Mount Pisgah(POI69)
Distance: 10.79NM Bearing: 213° 5 minutes
As you cross the ridge to the north of Pikes Peak, you should have a great view of the peak and the famous road leading to it - the Pikes Peak Hillclimb. After the land drops away, turn southwest and head for the lone peak of Mount Pisgah ahead
Mount Pisgah(POI69) to Canon City(POI70)
Distance: 15.63NM Bearing: 171° 8 minutes
From Mount Pisgah, turn south and head down into the valley towards the town of Canon City
Canon City(POI70) to 1V6(1V6)
Distance: 6.26NM Bearing: 123° 3 minutes
Once you are over flat land at the south end of the valley, turn to the southeast and head straight for Fremont County Airport