1. June 7 leave Greenville, SC to Memphis 545m (1 night)
2. 577m to Elk City, OK (1 night)
3. 532 to El Malpais (1 night)
4. Petrified Forest
5. 272 to Sunset Crater (1 night)
6. Wupatki and Walnut Canyon (2 night)
7. 90 miles to Grand Canyon (4 nights) village
8. 181 miles to Vermillion Cliffs
9. 117 miles to Zion (4 nights)watchman
10. 84 miles to Bryce (2 nights)
11. 119 miles to Capitol Reef (1 night)
12. 297 to Natural Bridges, Canyonland, Arches (3 nights)
13. 70 miles to Durango/Mesa Verde (3 nights)
14. 49 miles to Ourey (4 nights) STARTING JUNE 30TH
15. 181 miles to Black Canyon of the Gunnison (1 night)
16. Salida/Buena Vista (2 night)
17. 169 miles to Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak (2nights)
18. 502 miles to Whichita, KS (family)(2 nights)
19. 442 miles to St. Louis, MI (2 nights)
20. 308 miles to Nasheville (1 night)
21. 334 miles to HOME! Arrive July 18th
Pasted from padredw in another thread:
Since you have reservations up to "13", I'll just comment on these stops along your route. As for 13, two stops would be better, either 1 night at Mesa Verde (assuming that you get there early enough in the day to drive into the park) and 2 nights in Durango, or vice versa. The big thing in Durango is the possiblity of taking the narrow guage train up to Silverton. If you do so (especially with children) I'd take the bus back rather than the two way train trip.
Gunnison is one of our favorite areas, but we have never stayed out at the Black Canyon. I would prefer to stop by the Black Canyon, then drive on into Gunnison for the night. There are several nice RV parks there: Mesa RV, KOA, and Tall Texan.
We have been visiting Buena Vista (BTW, locals do NOT use the Spanish pronunciation, but say Byouna Vista--'i' as in Sister) for over 50 years. We have spent many weeks there in RV parks: Arrowhead Point and KOA are our favorites.
IF you start right now you might be able to get a site in Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs. It is one of the nicest state parks we have ever stayed in, but solidly booked up in the Summer. Lots to do for the kids in Colorado Springs area. We enjoyed the zoo last Summer as well as Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls.
If I can be of help related to this area of your trip, you can send me a PM. We are very familiar with this part of the country.
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I will likely shorten Mesa Verde to two nights max.
I've had others say to be sure to do the train both ways. What is your thinking?
I've been hearing great things about Gunnison. As for staying in town, we actually prefer less amenities and more nature. I'm thinking we're inclined to stay in the park.
I will most definitely want more info on the Buena Vista and CS areas. Might be a bit before I get to the details on that point of the trip, but I'll remember to ask you. Thanks for the tip on Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
