So the wife and I just finished our last summer trip and on the way home were discussing upcoming trips we'd like to do the next year or 2. We've got 13 and 10 year old girls and the years just seem to be going really fast. Southern Utah (Zion, Arches, Canyonland, Bryce), Grand Canyon National Parks are a must trip for us. We live in Louisville, KY by the way. I was telling her that everyone that responded on this website about traveling to this area during the summer cautioned about how hot it is during June and early July. This led us to this question: should we try a different time of the year. We know we will need more time to truly experience this area, and plan to do that later in life when our kids are grown. Right now we want to take the kids out there to see what a beautiful area it is and sports schedules, camp schedules, etc... don't allow for a month or two.So here are the options we were discussing:Option 1- Take about 18-21 days for this trip. We tow our 26' travel trailer. It's about 4 days out and 4 days back and we'd have about 10-14 days. That would likely be between mid-June to about the first week in July.Option 2- Our fall break is the 3rd week in October. We'd fly in to Vegas, rent a car, use hotel/airbnb instead of pulling our TT. We'd have about 9 days to drive a loop through Utah/Arizona. No camper. Quick trip. Not how we'd prefer to do the trip, but maybe not as hot/crowded and no 8 days of driving out and back, but we could still see most everything we want.Option 3- Similar as option 2, except go at spring break. Our spring break is the first week in April. I know there are a zillion variables to consider. We want to see Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches and however many other National Parks other beautiful areas in between. Opinions?

Come to the Pacific Northwest during the summer. The Oregon coast is unbeatable, plus we have Crater Lake, mountains, high desert, Willowa Lake, part of the Oregon Trail all crammed into one beautiful state. We have three diverse regions so weather and temps can vary widely. On top of all that there is lots to see and do in almost all of the state.

April may be too early for some of those locations with snow, rain, etc. Too wet. In my opinion, Fall mid to end September is the best time. Less crowds and perfect weather. October may be pushing it, but others who have visited that time of year can say better. Your better bet may be Option 1, but make reservations since that's the busy time of year.

Well Teacher, Vegas is a great bivouac for the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. (OK, do the dam tour. I just had to add that.) Find a charter flight with a tour group for cheap. While in Vegas, take them to a Cirque show. These are expensive, but none will regret it. Most of the others mentioned are a day+ trip, but you can do it. Louisville is a great starting place for the eastern part of the country, so don't pass up the things that are in range. Buy the book and do the Natchez Trace with a stop in Vicksburg.Run the Blue Ridge Parkway and make all the special stops.You have about 2~3 years before they will be self propelled and gone. Make the most of it. Matt

Although I am all for using the RV, that trip I would seriously consider the fly in/out trip in Oct. I think overall it would be more enjoyable and relaxing. And probably give you more sightseeing time not having to set up and break down camp and tow the TT every 2-3 days. And you might consider flying into Las Vegas and out of Salt Lake City to avoid having to double back to the point of origin. We have flown into one city and out another a number of times and the fare is little different that a same city flight. And rent car drop off charges are small, if any, when using major cities.

Those NP's are wonderful but are they as wonderful for teens as for parents? Have you asked the girls what they might like to see or where to go.Driving cross country doesn't seem like a kick for that age group.

When to go? Spring/Summer/Fall | Good Sam Community

kyteacher
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Dick_B wrote:
Those NP's are wonderful but are they as wonderful for teens as for parents? Have you asked the girls what they might like to see or where to go.
Driving cross country doesn't seem like a kick for that age group.

We did an 18 day trip last summer through badlands, devil's tower, yellowstone, tetons, rocky mtn, pikes peak. The girl's loved it and travel very well. They aren't huge on hiking so Uncle Tom's trail made me the villain for a day, but they both still talk about Notch Trail at the badlands.

This summer our adventures took us to Niagara Falls/Canada, Cedar Point, Nolin Lake in KY, Wisconsin Dells waterparks (to visit family), and Chicago/Indiana Dunes and seeing Hamilton.

We are very lucky that our girls share our love for travel.

Their dad teaches middle school science, so they don't have much of a choice!! ;)
rhagfo
Explorer III
Aug 03, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Come to the Pacific Northwest during the summer. The Oregon coast is unbeatable, plus we have Crater Lake, mountains, high desert, Willowa Lake, part of the Oregon Trail all crammed into one beautiful state. We have three diverse regions so weather and temps can vary widely. On top of all that there is lots to see and do in almost all of the state.

X2!
Many of the state parks on the coast are open year round, while it may rain, we spent several Christmas to New Years on the coast and had mild and mostly dry weather.
Dick_B
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
Those NP's are wonderful but are they as wonderful for teens as for parents? Have you asked the girls what they might like to see or where to go.
Driving cross country doesn't seem like a kick for that age group.
BB_TX
Nomad
Aug 03, 2018
Although I am all for using the RV, that trip I would seriously consider the fly in/out trip in Oct. I think overall it would be more enjoyable and relaxing. And probably give you more sightseeing time not having to set up and break down camp and tow the TT every 2-3 days. And you might consider flying into Las Vegas and out of Salt Lake City to avoid having to double back to the point of origin. We have flown into one city and out another a number of times and the fare is little different that a same city flight. And rent car drop off charges are small, if any, when using major cities.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
Well Teacher,

Vegas is a great bivouac for the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. (OK, do the dam tour. I just had to add that.) Find a charter flight with a tour group for cheap.

While in Vegas, take them to a Cirque show. These are expensive, but none will regret it.

Most of the others mentioned are a day+ trip, but you can do it.

Louisville is a great starting place for the eastern part of the country, so don't pass up the things that are in range.

Buy the book and do the Natchez Trace with a stop in Vicksburg.
Run the Blue Ridge Parkway and make all the special stops.

You have about 2~3 years before they will be self propelled and gone. Make the most of it.

Matt
ReneeG
Explorer
Aug 03, 2018
April may be too early for some of those locations with snow, rain, etc. Too wet. In my opinion, Fall mid to end September is the best time. Less crowds and perfect weather. October may be pushing it, but others who have visited that time of year can say better. Your better bet may be Option 1, but make reservations since that's the busy time of year.
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2018
Come to the Pacific Northwest during the summer. The Oregon coast is unbeatable, plus we have Crater Lake, mountains, high desert, Willowa Lake, part of the Oregon Trail all crammed into one beautiful state. We have three diverse regions so weather and temps can vary widely. On top of all that there is lots to see and do in almost all of the state.

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