the south pass
There are several much easier routes through the Rockies than the Lewis and Clark route. South Pass (through Wyoming) was passable for wagons and commercial goods. Marias Pass (the present route of Highway 2) in Montana is much easier and is very close to the Lewis and Clark route, but would have required an overland trek through hostile Blackfeet Indian territory.
South Pass
South pass h.carter
South pass h.carter
As many or as few as the route you select and your starting point allows. For example: * Assume a starting point like Pensacola and following the practical route shown on MapQuest you would pass through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. * With a starting point like Jacksonville the best route would include Georgia, Kentucky and Illinois. * If time wasn't a factor you could head west through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico on I-10 to I-25 and then turn north passing through Colorado into Wyoming. * This route takes extra time but seems interesting. Drive to a ship departing Florida, load your vehicle and unload in Canada. Drive through Canada and re-enter the US through Montana or Idaho and drive through only one US State before arriving in Wyoming.
The best route would be to take Interstate 90 which goes from Gillette, Wyoming to Sheridan, Wyoming. An alternate route would be to take US Highways 14W/16W out of Gillette. Stay on US Highway 14W until you get to Sheridan.
Amtrak travels to 46 states excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Mormon Trail
the wilderness road leed to kentucky from the east.
It didn't go through hostile territory.
It didn't go through hostile territory.