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Warthwagon's avatar
Warthwagon
Explorer
Jan 28, 2016

Atl-Grand Canyon-Yellowstone-Rushmore-Atl

Planning a summer 6 week vacation with the family.

Atlanta to Grand Canyon on I-40
Grand Canyon to Yellowsrone on I-15
Yellowsrone to Rushmore on US 26
Rushmore to Nashville to Atlanta

Any suggestions or help is appreciated.
  • That averages 120 miles a day - every day. One lap around Yellowstone is 130 SLOW miles all by itself. And you can't do YNP justice in a drive thru. Grand Canyon is at least an overnight so that you can see it early morning and again in the evening, and that's your first stop (1900 miles). Yellowstone is another 1,000 miles. Another 500 miles to Rushmore. Then 1500 miles home. I'm not saying that it can't be done. But you have to consider this a "survey" to see where you want to spend more time on your next trip. And there will be a next trip. Take notes. I've lost track of the number of times I've visited Yellowstone and I don't think I've seen it all yet. YNP is larger than any of the smallest 11 states. Above all, take lots of pictures and keep a journal.
  • Warthwagon wrote:
    Planning a summer 6 week vacation with the family.

    Atlanta to Grand Canyon on I-40
    Grand Canyon to Yellowsrone on I-15
    Yellowsrone to Rushmore on US 26
    Rushmore to Nashville to Atlanta

    Any suggestions or help is appreciated.


    Help us out.

    Who, What, When and we have the Where, Think you need to include Utah and Colorado.

    What do you enjoy? are you Hikers, Bikers, Swimmers, Photographers..............

    Last If I were you, I'd break this down into three or four sections.

    Sounds like a great Adventure,



    These two, along with advice you will get, will give you plenty to chew on.

    BOL,
  • Since you are out to see the country; I would avoid the interstates when possible. In may areas the US routes are actually in better condition than the interstates.
  • My suggestion is to also try to see as much on the route as possible. You will be passing by Painted Desert/Petrified Forest NP on I-40. DW and I stopped by Sunset Crater NM and Wapatki NM and had a great time. Both are very near the Grand Canyon. We also love stopping by the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD. It only takes an hour or two, but well worth it just to see how they decorate the building using agriculture products.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Welcome to the forums. A moderator will move this to roads and routes for better exposure. From the G Canyon I'd go north on 89 for Zion and Bryce and then on to I-70 to I-15. North of SLC I'd get back on 89 to Jackson Hole/Tetons and then Ystone.

    From Ystone I'd take 12/20/16/I-90 although it would help to know what type of RV you are using.

    *Here is a post on Rushmore to Ystone.
  • I would opt for US highways and not interstates. Six weeks should give you ample time.
    How about hitting parts of the Old Route 66?
    What about Zion, Bryce and monument Valley?
    You missed the Grand Tetons by taking I-15!
  • Take plenty of patients.
    Take plenty of beer.
    Take plenty of food.
    Take a good sense of humor.
    Take hick-ups in your journey in stride.
    Take lots of photos.
    Take a good map.
    and most of all...
    Take LOTS of money!

    My suggestions! Have fun! Sounds like a great trip!

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