Advice needed-Western US summer trip

I should also add that I have read a lot of comments about the huge crowds at the NP's during summer, especially Grand Canyon and Zion and Arches. I'd rather avoid the huge crowds if possible, but need full hookup camping.

OK that sounds like my pre-retirement trips. First settle on one area, you don't have time for more. We would push hard on the trip out and the return to maximize the time you have out west. Even doing 500-600 miles a day you will still spend 3-4 days going and coming.

I suggest planning on the North Rim of Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and maybe Mesa Verde. Moab (Arches) is Hotter than Hades in June. The North Rim has 1/10 th the visitors and is at high altitude. And altitude = cooler. So is Bryce. Zion will be hot but bearable and so will Mesa Verde. There are a number of smaller parks in the same area, I suggest Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in south Utah on the way to Zion/Bryce. The kids will love the dunes. Pipe Springs NM and Vermillion Cliffs are in the same area as the North Rim. There are easy trails that the kids can do with you.

A diversion to the South Rim/Sedona will cost you 3 days minimum. You can easily plan to drive thru Albuquerque. I suggest adding Carlsbad Caverns to your agenda. Another kid pleaser and adult pleaser too. Unless you are visiting someone in Austen I'm not sure what you expect to find there.

OK let me add one -very important- item. Carry much more water than you think you will need, 1 or 2 liters per person. The high temps and low humidity will suck the water right out of your body. Like us you think you are acclimated to the heat since we are Floridians, but what you'll face out west is nothing like the high humidity heat we have at home. So get all the kids a small backpack and put at least a 1 liter bottle of water in there for the smaller kids, 2 liters for bigger kids and adults.

I've seen young kids that were already red-faced and dazed being dragged by their parents up the trail to Delicate Arch in 110 degree heat. I like visiting Moab even in the summer, but please don't push the kids too hard.

Right, the first thing you need to do is work on reservations which may determine where you go.
If you go to Austin, San Antonio is probably a great stop. Take the kids to the Alamo and on a river ride.(SA has a great bus system to get around) Then I would go to Carlsbad Caverns if you haven't been as I'm sure the kids would enjoy the caves. The Grand Canyon is wonderful and they I would go to Monument Valley, and Arches and Canyonland.

Chromedome wrote:
I should also add that I have read a lot of comments about the huge crowds at the NP's during summer, especially Grand Canyon and Zion and Arches. I'd rather avoid the huge crowds if possible, but need full hookup camping.

Look this over for ideas This family did a lot often and loved it - my thought would be to pick a route and then just a couple locations on this first adventure, as long days and many miles often result in very Few Smiles.

JMHO,

Our reason for putting Austin and Albuquerque on the list is family stops, but they are not mandatory if they don't work out. Also someone told us of Dinosaur valley SP in Texas. My oldest has always loved dinosaurs. The problem I'm finding is a lot of the things that look interesting are off the freeways. So I can either explore more but not go as far, or get out to Utah which has always been on my bucket list, but not see much else. BTW I have about 10 years till retirement so this may be the only chance I get to spend a month on the road with the whole family. No pressure...

I second the idea of going to Bryce Canyon. It's a great place for the kids to hike. Be sure to go down to the bottom. Have you considered the Black Hills at all? It's a fantastic place for families. All kinds of stuff to do.You could easily spend a week or more there.

"A diversion to the South Rim/Sedona will cost you 3 days minimum."

This is what I was thinking after looking at maps. So now I'm torn between keeping my original destination, Utah, or making a new destination around Sedona. Thoughts?

If you go to the South Rim, try to stop by Meteor Crater.

If you go to the South Rim, try to stop by Meteor Crater. I think the South Rim has the most spectacular views.