Brian:
I am somewhat familiar with the area you are covering and I concur with Doug 1000% regarding the amount of driving.
Let me say that I agree partially with my friend Cary on golf choices.
You need to include Lakota Canyon Ranch and substitute that for Redlands Mesa. The Grand Junction layout is a fine one but what Engh did in New Castle at Lakota is off the charts in terms of fun and excitement.
If you head thru I-80 you should see Thanksgiving Point just south of Salt Lake City in the town of Lehi -- just don't go there on a Sunday as the course is closed since it's owned by Mormons. If you venture further on I-80 thru Wyoming you can skip Powder Horn which is a fine layout but I believe Rochelle Ranch in Rawlins (right off I-80 at mile mark 214) is better.
Keep in mind there is a drainage issue on a few holes at Rochelle Ranch but the bulk of the course is really done well by architect Ken Kavanaugh. People talk about Wild Horse and frankly Rochelle Ranch, when all the dust settles, will be equal of that famed layout in Gothenburg, NE.
Brian -- Rochelle Ranch NEEDS to be affordable because of sheer economics -- it's not in Vail or Aspen. All you need to know is that Rawlins is the last stop between Cheyenne and Rock Spring. Thank heavens they do offer the rates they do --there is still hope for affordable golf in the USA still.
You asked about Bayside -- the course is short drive to the north and west of Ogalala, NE -- off I-80. Bayside is a good bit better than many of its critics opine about here. I'm not saying it's the equal of Wild Horse -- but it's better than what's been mentioned -- including the review of Ron Whitten on golfdigest.com.
Forget golf in the Dakota unless you want to add Bully Puplit in Medora, which is located just outside the TR National Park and the famed Badlands. Better than Links of ND without any doubt in my mind -- Medora is located off I-94. It's really isolated but if you need an alternative besides going to Williston that would be my choice.
Doug W is right about Old Works in Anaconda, MT -- very affordable golf and by Nicklaus no less. Solid layout but I played it late last year and the fescue fairways were a bit soft. Still a nice play if you can.
Brian -- stay with the I-80 and I-70 corridors -- you get better golf options and you are never far from making good quality time.
Enjoy and report back as your trip commences.