First trip out west from FL.... need help

flguppie wrote:
Well, we retired. :) DW and I haven't been out west and we have a 26' tt and a F150 We've been in the Smokies and WV but not out west.

As this is our first trip out west and we want to take 2 months to do it (May + June) we have questions.....

1. We are thinking about going I-40 to Flagstaff and down to Sedona AZ for a week. Then drive 89 & 89a to Page and then to the North Rim of the GC. I was able to book one night in the lodge at the north rim on May 22 (so far that is all I have booked). I couldn't get in the campground at the NP on the north rim sooooo.....Does anyone know if you can leave your truck and tt hooked up and just parked at the lodge parking lot while staying at the lodge (like cars do)? We could leave the fridge on propane and the battery should last one night (I think). But do they allow that? IF not where to go?

2. Once we pull out of the North Rim.....where to? Something near Zion and Bryce? She isn't for dry camping and we are using the tt as a mobile hotel...so staying in full hookups is what we look for.

3. After Bryce....best route home?

any help is appreciated. (sorry for the length of this post)

Right off the bat I might suggest Carlsbad Caverns and Canyon de Chelly. Both are interesting and will help fill in some of the time on the road with enjoyable stops.

For where to park the Truck and Trailer just call the Hotel/Lodge they will have the correct answer. If you need more info on spots along the North Rim I think you will need to be up near Kanab, UT to find sites. Zion and Bryce then up to Capital Reef and Goblins (just do a search on each of these areas for a ton of info) then Moab and Rt 128 to Colorado.

Now if you can extend a couple of weeks we can really Hook You Up in Colorado.

A list that I have gotten off the forum that just helps out.

• Don't let the mountains scare you.
  
  The main roads, such as you find in red in the Atlas, are more like our/eastern interstates. Unless I'm really hoov'ing it, I try to avoid the interstates west of the Mississippi.
  
  Not only is it more fun but most of the time it is smoother - no trucks.
  
  Lots of the smaller towns will have fair grounds or other type lots you can park for a small charge or free. Reservoirs are another great CG resource.
  
  Reservations are over rated and can be a real pain.
  
  Don't overplan.Two hours is all we usually have a firm plan for.
  For long trips, we select a few major sites/destinations and wing it between them.
  
  Good Weather and good Company, often make the Best memories no matter where you are.
  
  If you work on your rig think about bringing a creeper and Voltage tester - few tools - remember you can get what you need in a Wal*Mart or Home Depot along the way - and use their parking lot as your shop.
  
  I have also found that out West Wal*Mart gas and diesel is often the cheapest.;
  
  Hang your Keys on the Antennae crank - just so you remember to put it down.
  
  When you enter a state the welcome center will give you paper maps and CG info.
  
  At least drive through places along the way, even if you don't stop.
  
  Take THREE pictures every time you think one will due - Keep the Mirror out of the Picture - Clean the Windshield so you get good pictures. Sometimes the pictures through the front windshield will really tell a story.
  
  

Pictures of places along the way

Good Luck,