August Crowds?

Honeybee8888 wrote:
I'm planning our trip for August this year (can't go in September as we have in the past.)

Can anyone share, have you been to big touristy places (specifically Yellowstone NP) in August, and if so, is it

1) brutally crowded and

2) very hot?

Also, what about northern California-- such as Shasta and Lassen?

We have more than a month and want to spend it out west, but

I'm hoping to avoid the heat a little bit, and I'm worried about the crowds--


we tend to travel without advance reservations.
we tend to travel without advance reservations.

Northern California is still on my "to visit" list;

we had a fabulous time in Yellowstone in September without any problems camping, but

I'm worried August is more of a problem.

Don't need hookups, so any advice would be appreciated.

And also any less well-known destinations!

Thanks--
Debbie

Debbie, et all,

Key to this is the fact that you Don't Need Hook Ups. If you can Boondock you can go anytime.

If crowds are an Issue then lets go where they aren't - which means we/you need to find something close to but just not in a National Park - IMO - close can be near distance wise or Near in Beauty wise, so let's think a little about what you like.

If you have ever read anything I've posted you might notice I'm partial to Colorado - For you I'll suggest - Planning on a direct drive from NJ to Golden, couple options, Clear Creek or Jeffco Park - really not critical whereas we will only stop to catch your breath after the long drive from Jersey. I will continue to suggest that you do the I's to Hannibal. MO and then try RT 36 to Denver - good road and is not as crowded with cars or trucks.

If you are really a go getter this will take at least 4 days (So we have now burned 8 days of your 30 = 22 left)

With 22 days you will have time to enjoy Colorado - which IMHO is as good as Yellowstone - just not as crowded and much more diverse - not to mention Large.

The State Park system in Colorado tends to be Filled on the reservation schedule ......but if you are persistent (Call or ask) you will usually find something that will work if needed.

Elevation is Key to Cooler weather, in Colorado and once in the mountains it may get into the 80's when the sun is out but will be cool and crisp when the sun sets.

Back to your trip (Or my suggestions for your trip) - out of Golden take RT 6 - it follows Clear Creek to Eisenhower tunnel - we will go from Golden to Idaho Springs - MAP - now when you get onto I-70 you are in the West, you are now in the Real Rockies.

From here I'll suggest I-70 to RT 91 to Leadville - 10,000 feet and cool - sights - trails - lakes - Camps.......let's find something that works for you - Turquoise Lake - Camp Hale - check with the locals for boondocking locations - but it's cool and you will need a sweater at night.(3-5 nights)

From there - Twin Lakes or Buena Vista/Collegiates - Just more Beauty of Colorado - Browns Canyon NM - Independence Pass in the TV or Toad as it is length restricted - Devils Punch Bowl - Twin Lakes - Independence Pass - Maroon Bells - Aspen .......(3-5) nights and you will need to plan to come back to see it all later, never enough time.

Now if we can pull you away we'll start towards the San Juan's - Ouray - Silverton - Telluride - Lake City - Ridgway - Once you get HERE you will need to plan as there is truly a lifetime of Places to visit.

Silverton is Heaven - Ouray is the Alps of Colorado - Telluride is the new Aspen - Trout Lake, Dunton, Lizard Head is a whole new world - 4x4 trails that never stop - sights and places you never imagined you could ever see or visit. Lake City is like stepping back in time...........you have arrived this is where you want to be, now and for a long time if you love the Rockies, IMHO this is as good as it Gets. (5-10 days)

Hopefully you will be the only one who reads this (LOL) as this is as Good as it Gets, if you have a 4x4 you may never leave, or this might be the only place you want to go. The trails are Epic, as are the sights - the Alpine flowers usually are in bloom in the fields in August so if need rent a 4X4 for a few trips.

Well I think I may have gotten a little carried away, but I Love Colorado, and if you have some adventure in your blood this might just work for you.

Hope this is of some help,

edit - Link to an older post - just more on Colorado

edit#2 - Colorado Images, Stan Parker