12 night trip: CA to UT & CO Natl. Parks
I am planning our summer roadtrip for June. Time is tight this year and I think I only have 12 nights. Might be able to squeeze in a few more nights if needed. Main goal is visiting the NP's in So...
Forum Discussion
You probably already know the freecampsites.net site but I'll mention it in case you don't. Here are a few boondock sites near Bryce.
I just noticed that your route map shows you backtracking west, then north, then east to Capitol Reef. I would suggest heading east from Bryce on Hwy 12 all the way to Torrey. When you get near the highway summit point on Boulder Mountain, the views of the valley and the reef to the east are quite good. I've boondocked up there at 8,000 feet (nice and cool in summer). There was a place a half mile south of the little visitor center (at the summit point) where the old fellow at the center suggested that I pull off and camp, and it's only a hundred-yard walk to the edge of a dropoff with a great view. You might now need a free dispersed camping permit from the visitor center, though I didn't when I was there in 2010.
If you do go to Great Sand Dunes, and if the family wants to take a dip (even skinny-dip), Valley View Hot Springs is 35 miles north and about 8 miles east from there.
I just noticed that your route map shows you backtracking west, then north, then east to Capitol Reef. I would suggest heading east from Bryce on Hwy 12 all the way to Torrey. When you get near the highway summit point on Boulder Mountain, the views of the valley and the reef to the east are quite good. I've boondocked up there at 8,000 feet (nice and cool in summer). There was a place a half mile south of the little visitor center (at the summit point) where the old fellow at the center suggested that I pull off and camp, and it's only a hundred-yard walk to the edge of a dropoff with a great view. You might now need a free dispersed camping permit from the visitor center, though I didn't when I was there in 2010.
If you do go to Great Sand Dunes, and if the family wants to take a dip (even skinny-dip), Valley View Hot Springs is 35 miles north and about 8 miles east from there.
