Another Grand Circle Planning forum!
Last year we had to cancel a planned 'Red Rock' or Grand Circle trip, and are now in the process of re-planning it :)
I have done a LOT of research, including reviewing 19 different RV.net forums on this same general subject, and 2 from Tripadvisor. And I purchased (on recommendation of a fellow RV.net member), "Land of the Canyons, A photographer's guide to Utah and Arizona".
Our main constraints are when we can start (Apr. 30, 2012), when we need to finish (by Memorial weekend), and the fact that we are being joined in the final week or so by friends in a 40' class A (we will be in our 29' 5er).
I have planned the trip knowing that there will be MANY things we can't see, yet have tried to 'squeeze in' as many sites as possible w/out having to drive too far off the main hwys (our F350 is a gas guzzler!). And I think I have provided enough 'slack' from day to day (minimum driving too) so that while I am off on my Mtn. bike exploring slot canyons and taking pics, my wife can stay back in camp and read (her passion!)
We live in NorCal and will drive to the KOA in Ely, Nv. for our 1st night on the road. And return that same way. As of now, not counting any side trips, we will be traveling at least 2,400 miles.
Here's a map of the route (Point "A" on the map is Ely, just off the map on the left).
And here is my planning spreadsheet;
At first we were going to do Zion and then Bryce, but since the CG at Bryce doesn't open until May 10th (and GC north May 15), we figured we could do them last...and then our friends from from NM can join us in the Moab area and go along over to the GC.
And if you're wondering, we've already been to Sedona (a week in condo last Jan and loved it!), and we've already been to Mesa Verde (my brother lived in Durango for a while).
Any thoughts/comments?
Thanks
Steve
I have done a LOT of research, including reviewing 19 different RV.net forums on this same general subject, and 2 from Tripadvisor. And I purchased (on recommendation of a fellow RV.net member), "Land of the Canyons, A photographer's guide to Utah and Arizona".
Our main constraints are when we can start (Apr. 30, 2012), when we need to finish (by Memorial weekend), and the fact that we are being joined in the final week or so by friends in a 40' class A (we will be in our 29' 5er).
I have planned the trip knowing that there will be MANY things we can't see, yet have tried to 'squeeze in' as many sites as possible w/out having to drive too far off the main hwys (our F350 is a gas guzzler!). And I think I have provided enough 'slack' from day to day (minimum driving too) so that while I am off on my Mtn. bike exploring slot canyons and taking pics, my wife can stay back in camp and read (her passion!)
We live in NorCal and will drive to the KOA in Ely, Nv. for our 1st night on the road. And return that same way. As of now, not counting any side trips, we will be traveling at least 2,400 miles.
Here's a map of the route (Point "A" on the map is Ely, just off the map on the left).
And here is my planning spreadsheet;
At first we were going to do Zion and then Bryce, but since the CG at Bryce doesn't open until May 10th (and GC north May 15), we figured we could do them last...and then our friends from from NM can join us in the Moab area and go along over to the GC.
And if you're wondering, we've already been to Sedona (a week in condo last Jan and loved it!), and we've already been to Mesa Verde (my brother lived in Durango for a while).
Any thoughts/comments?
Thanks
Steve
