I am wondering if you might have any ideas on a trip my husband and Iare looking into taking this year.We want to RV across the country toCalifornia and then north along the coast. We have traveled the lowereast to west sections starting in Florida and spending time inNational parks and state parks through Texas, Arizona up throughGrand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Dakotas, Wyoming and Colorado. But we never made it to the west coast to see the California Redwoods and all the other beautiful scenic areas. We are wondering if there is a good northern or mid route across the country starting from NC. It would rewarding to see places we have not visited.I always get the best rv trip ideas from rv people we have met, theyhave great input and love to share.ThanksFoxygal

The problem I run into when going across country is either going to and from the same way or making a loop South to go, middle route coming back.Since you've done the southern and middle routes your best option would be I-70 and I-90. I would go using I-90 and come back on I-70.I-65 north to I-74 (stop at Indy Speedway)then northwest to I-39 North to I-90 west up through South Dakota (Mt Rushmore to the south) and then in Wyoming hit the Devils Tower and on to Yellowstone. Continue on west using I-90 to reach the Washington coast and travel down to California. Once you get into the LA area take I-210 east to I-15 and head north through Las Vegas to I-70 to head back home.Sounds like a fun trip...

Agree with the Bear ... figure out what you want to see and take big loop so you cover maximum territory to/from your home base.Most people who haven't been to Calif don't understand how crowded it is .. reservations at popular spots can be PIA even in off season .. if your not a reservation fanatic then Oregon/Washington are easier places to follow your nose.

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Don't let people scare you away from Highway 1 unless you are in a motorhome over 40 feet. Highway 1 is a great drive all the way down the coast. There are sections that are steep and windy and some high cliffs along the route so if you aren't comfortable with that don't do it, but it's very doable in a RV if you're comfortable with your RV. If you're going to do Highway 1, I always tell people to take it from north to south. The reason being the vast majority of the turnouts are going to be on the ocean side of the road. Going north you don't be able to stop as much and enjoy the view.

Definitely do HWY 1. CA spends more money keeping that road nice than anywhere else in the state because the views are so great.101, 99, and 5 are never quite so good, 99 being mostly a truck route.

RV routes from NC to California and up the coast.

JohnG3
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2015
We live at the south end of the section of Hwy 1 that so many people are scared to travel. To second MSmith's post it's all about your comfort level with your rig and the roads. North bound has fewer pullouts to let traffic by. However southbound the passenger is looking down a 500+ foot cliff most of the way. Secondly,if you're looking at a spring time tour of the north coast, late spring and summer can be foggy from just north of Santa Barbara(Point Conception) to San Francisco.
aerbus32
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2015
You might want to do some research on this forum about Highway 1 before you venture out on it. There are definitely sections to avoid in an RV, especially in a bigger unit.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2015
Time of year departing? Time available?

A quick look at some of the attractions you want to see says at least a 4 month trip.

We have done MD to the West Coast twice. 4 months each time & did not cover near the sights you have listed.
sealevel_ram
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015
Deleted.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2015
Almost nothing in California closes for the winter with the exception of some mountain passes that you likely would not drive an RV over anyway. The only exception being Tioga pass through Yosemite which you can easily take an RV over, but it closes most of the Winter.
Foxygal
Explorer
Feb 16, 2015
One more questions, what time of the year is best for starting our trip from the South west NC area? I am uncertain when ares start opening up after the winter.
Foxygal
Foxygal
Explorer
Feb 16, 2015
Thank you for your suggestions, I definitely am a reservation person and I can see we will need to make them on this trip. I think we need to study the routes suggested.
Thank you,
Foxygal
Gonzo42
Explorer
Jan 29, 2015
Definitely do HWY 1. CA spends more money keeping that road nice than anywhere else in the state because the views are so great.

101, 99, and 5 are never quite so good, 99 being mostly a truck route.
msmith1199
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2015
Don't let people scare you away from Highway 1 unless you are in a motorhome over 40 feet. Highway 1 is a great drive all the way down the coast. There are sections that are steep and windy and some high cliffs along the route so if you aren't comfortable with that don't do it, but it's very doable in a RV if you're comfortable with your RV. If you're going to do Highway 1, I always tell people to take it from north to south. The reason being the vast majority of the turnouts are going to be on the ocean side of the road. Going north you don't be able to stop as much and enjoy the view.
1492
Moderator
Jan 28, 2015
Moved from Forum Technical Support