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Old 02-12-2019, 09:06 AM   #1
ccl
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West coast trip from Ohio

I am planning a trip to the west coast this year starting sometime in May (we are both retired so time doesn't matter).

Is the Southern route a better option?

I would like to see most national parks along the way.
My current rough plan is to drive to Colorado visit RMNP then down to Albuquerque (wife has family there) then to Utah visiting all the parks along the way to Yellowstone then up to Glacier NP and finally on our way back home stopping in SD.

Any suggestions on routes? Must see and do? Campgrounds along the way?.

Anyone done a similar trip?
 
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Old 02-12-2019, 10:11 AM   #2
Rookey
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based on your goals it sounds like I80 would be your best choice and perhaps hit New Mexico on your return trip home. It's really personal preference. Safe travels.
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Old 02-12-2019, 10:39 AM   #3
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While seeing Utah parks, drop down and see North Rim of Grand Canyon and Monument Valley (on border between Utah/AZ. Just a short side trip to see a top 3 or 4 National Park (G. Canyon).
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Old 02-12-2019, 10:53 AM   #4
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Get the "Mountain Directory West" book/app it details mountain passes. I have both the App and book.
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Old 02-12-2019, 11:56 AM   #5
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I have driven just about all the connections east and west and your starting point I would also say the 80. I drove out west from NY and the 80 I have taken several times. Leaving California heading east I would say take the 40. The 10 is the southern most route. This summer I'm also doing a trip maybe 2 months, ill be leaving California on the 10 en route to Florida then up the coast to NY, then back on the 80.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:16 PM   #6
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Oh, another thing in Utah. Be careful when planning. The most direct road between Zion and Bryce costs to shut down the road for a bit and RVs drive thru the tunnels in the middle of the road, I believe. That is, if they are still allowing it at all.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:49 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Last2Die View Post
I have driven just about all the connections east and west and your starting point I would also say the 80. I drove out west from NY and the 80 I have taken several times. Leaving California heading east I would say take the 40. The 10 is the southern most route. This summer I'm also doing a trip maybe 2 months, ill be leaving California on the 10 en route to Florida then up the coast to NY, then back on the 80.
I just did the reverse. Sacramento to Hershey, PA on 80/76. Then 95 south to St. Augustine. I 10 west to 210 around LA, then 5 north to home. Put 9,120 miles on TV.

Twindman...thanks for the tip. Planning trip to Utah parks. North Rim of Grand Canon sounds great.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:57 PM   #8
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If you find yourself anywhere near Page, AZ, this place is a bucket list item. Page is on Lake Powell, top of the state, near the middle. There is the Antelope Canyon, both upper and lower. We have seen both. Look it up online. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon and is considered to be among the best, and the most accessible. Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River is nearby as well.
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Old 02-12-2019, 05:06 PM   #9
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While you are seeing Yellowstone and the Tetons be sure to see the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody WY. It’s actually 5 first class museums in one, Plans Indians, Western Art, Firearms, Modern Art and the Buffalo Bill Museum.
The first time I saw it I had planned to spend 15 minutes to satisfy several friends who live in Wyoming. I spend 2 days. Check it out on the web. It’s well worth seeing.
I would also see the Bad Lands National Park in South Dakota.
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Old 02-14-2019, 08:48 AM   #10
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Carl,
Hi from 20 minutes away in Cuyahoga Falls.


In 2017 I took a three month trip similar to what you are planning. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.


My trip started mid June and I took 80 to 90 to the Pacific NW, then 5 south to 40 then zig-zag all over the south from Albuquerque, NM to Pensacola, FL then home. The only problem I had was it was HOT in AZ, NM, TX and HOT & MUGGY in AR, LA, MS ad FL. I took the wrong route for that time of year. Certain scheduling and reunion dates dictated the route.


My trip included IN, IL, WI, MN, SD, MT, ID, WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ, UT, CO, NM, TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, TN, KY then home. Best RV trip I ever took in 14 years.


If I were you, I would go south first before it gets too hot then head north as things start to warm up along the I80. In May, you may still encounter snow up north.


PM me if you would like any specifics about routes, points of interest, RV parks, etc from my "Tour of the West"
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Old 02-17-2019, 12:27 PM   #11
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Speaking of Buffalo Bill, if your taking I80 stop off in North Platte NE to see his ranch on the North side of town. While there stop off and the Canteena where troops travelling by train received one heck off a layover and welcome. Also home to the largest train yards, Bailiey yard, owned by U.P. Tours are given.
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Old 02-17-2019, 02:13 PM   #12
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Avoid I40 between Flagstaff and the California line! Horrible road. It has been the scene of many tire failures on larger trailers.
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Old 02-17-2019, 04:07 PM   #13
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Prairie Dogs

If you make it to Medora, ND, go to Roosevelt NP. Although it’s been several years since I saw them, there was a colony of prairie dogs just off the route to the campground. I was tenting at the time, so I can’t speak for the RV campsites, but the prairie dogs were delightful.
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Old 02-17-2019, 05:05 PM   #14
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West coast trip

If you go the southern route be prepared for rough roads and travel slower. Surprisingly, the roads through the rough winter country in N. Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana are great. They have beautiful country there too.
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Old 02-17-2019, 05:24 PM   #15
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Carl
Hello neighbor, were in Olmsted Falls, OH. My wife and I over the last 10 years have made several trips west to LA and Sacramento. The first trip we made in September and just made it over the Sierra's from Reno to Sacramento before the 1st snow blocked 80 at Truckee. Watch for Boomtown KOA just outside Reno for a couple nights if the weather is bad then go up and over the summit, do stop in Truckee if you can to see Lake Tahoe.

The Chief (Jerry) made good suggestion about southern route then come back on north route.
Grab some info on Route 66 and take some slower days on that, lots to see. You have Grand Canyon and Zion are must sees.

Try this link for ideas - https://www.nationalparktripsmedia.c..._hsmi=69919885



I'll look through my log books and post some over stuff


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Old 02-17-2019, 08:26 PM   #16
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You may want to include Mt. Rushmore on your trek too Carl. If you have time you will also find US Presidents museums and homes quite interesting. For instance Independence, MO has a fantastic museum to Truman with a full scale Oval Office on site.
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Old 02-17-2019, 10:24 PM   #17
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If you go on I-70 through Kansas What ever you do don't under any circumstances stop at the campground at Okley Kansas. The lady there is a little strange and they have cameras and watch the campers then make fun of them. I stopped there once and will never go back. Can't remember the name but it's the last camp ground headed west in Kansas.
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