First Time Across Country to Grand Canyon
We are a family of four and we have had a used A class Warrior RV about a year now and have taken 4 -5 weekend trips. Our goal was to do this to learn "how camp in a RV" in preparation to drive acr...
Forum Discussion
4runnerguy wrote:
August? If it were me, I'd go no further than Mesa Verde. Consider staying in the mountains of Colorado where it will be much more tolerable in August. Plus, you'll save a lot of driving time that can be used sightseeing. If you want to see red rock country, stay in Ridgway SP and take a day trip to Moab and Canyonlands NP (which we like better than the Grand Canyon).
You mention a family of four but what ages are we talking about and what activities are you interested in? I can recommend places to visit real ghost towns, go river rafting, see amazing wildflower displays, ride a steam train through unbelievable scenery, and hike in mountains unlike anything you've ever seen in the east.
As for pets, leave the dog at home. Too restrictive on your activities. We camped for years with a couple of cats, but with a litter box, keeping them in the PUP for hours wasn't a problem, as long as we found a shady campsite.
So, how old is everyone and what do y'all like to do?
VA Family wrote:
4runnerguy,
We have a 11 and 14 year old.
We like to do so some average hiking,
sightseeing,
swimming and tend to like
historical places.
The kids tend to tire out in the heat so we limit our hike distance so that everyone is "happy".
My husband is always on the go.
When everyone else is relaxing on the beach, he is crabbing, boating, exploring and my
youngest is just like him.
We typically are never in a hotel room or RV during the day.
We are always doing something.
My youngest doesn't like horseback riding but the rest do.
I usually stay behind with her.
We have hiked at Lake Tahoe but we have been to this area.
Our travels have been on both sides of the coast but the middle of the country has been skipped.
Good news!
Talked to Grandma and she offered to keep the cat and dog. I didn't even have to ask. Our concern was leaving them for hours while out hiking and such. The dog is a bit of a shadow and not left often. Here the dogs are not restricted from hiking so much but we don't have so many ancient ruins and mules on the trails either!
Ideas from similar family that did this often.
Did this as a kid - Did this with My Kids, just not enough (sports/school were always competing) - Still do it - They still Do It - Will do it till........so a Few Thoughts -
Mission?
More time.
More thought into Location.
Focus on Less not More.
Leave on Friday right after Work - this gains you a good 1/2 day that is just so Valuable in the end.
Drive long and Hard to get to the Location.
Weather will Make or Break the trip and the Memories - So IMHO first trip should not start out with Heat as a strike against it. (Colorado just is so kid friendly)
Good choice on Clothes - Boots to Hike in (Good Boots will make it a lot less stress/work) - Good CAMERA - take lots of Pictures - more Pictures - more time - more fun.
Hope this Helps, let us know what and then after how it was.
Best of Luck,
