Rethinking 2 week visit out West
My DH and I planned to visit RMNP and then on to the National parks in Southern Utah then on to the Grand Canyon. Ok now we think that is way too much for a 2 week trip!! We dont want to spend our who...
Forum Discussion
Since hubby really wants to see Grand Canyon then it's a no-brainer. :) How about doing a tour of 3 gorgeous canyons on this trip?
Take I-40 to Flagstaff and head north on Hwy 89 about 20 miles. On the right will be a sign for Sunset Crater Volcano Nat'l Monument. Drive about 3 miles and just before the Monument gate is a beautiful national forest campground called Bonito. No hookups but this area has cool temps in the summer. From there enter the Monument and do the loop drive to the volcano area and tour Wupatki Nat'l Monument - a wonderful Indian dwelling. This would be a 2-night stop or if you've stopped near Flagstaff the previous night this loop drive can be done with your RV to save a 2-night stay.
Then continue north on 89 to Hwy 64 at Cameron, AZ and west to the Grand Canyon. Trailer Village is the only RV park with hookups in the park and is highly recommended. The free shuttle stops at the campground entrance close to the rim itself. Ride it all day, getting on & off wherever you want for short strolls along the rim or shopping or restaurants. 2-3 nights recommended at minimum.
Exit the park via the same road Hwy 64 and take Hwy 89 further north to Alt 89. Just beyond this intersection is a road closure right now to Page but Alt 89 is open and is a beautiful drive to Jacob Lake (& the North Rim of the Grand Canyon but no need to tour this if you've done the South Rim because of your timeframe). At Jacob Lake continue on Alt89 to Fredonia, AZ and go to Zion Nat'l Park via 389 toward Colorado City, AZ/Hurricane, UT. Stay in the park at Watchman campground (electric) or just outside the park in Springdale, and free shuttles to see the canyon.
Exit Zion via 9 to Mt. Carmel and Hwy 89. Continue north to Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park, staying either in the park - no hookups but cool weather or just outside the park at Ruby's with hookups.
That's probably all the time you'll have before having to return home via 89 North to I-70. You will have seen three gorgeous national parks all with completely different canyons. Whatever you decide, have a great trip even though it will be fast. If that's all the time you have just make the best of it and come back for more! It's better than not seeing these parks at all.
Take I-40 to Flagstaff and head north on Hwy 89 about 20 miles. On the right will be a sign for Sunset Crater Volcano Nat'l Monument. Drive about 3 miles and just before the Monument gate is a beautiful national forest campground called Bonito. No hookups but this area has cool temps in the summer. From there enter the Monument and do the loop drive to the volcano area and tour Wupatki Nat'l Monument - a wonderful Indian dwelling. This would be a 2-night stop or if you've stopped near Flagstaff the previous night this loop drive can be done with your RV to save a 2-night stay.
Then continue north on 89 to Hwy 64 at Cameron, AZ and west to the Grand Canyon. Trailer Village is the only RV park with hookups in the park and is highly recommended. The free shuttle stops at the campground entrance close to the rim itself. Ride it all day, getting on & off wherever you want for short strolls along the rim or shopping or restaurants. 2-3 nights recommended at minimum.
Exit the park via the same road Hwy 64 and take Hwy 89 further north to Alt 89. Just beyond this intersection is a road closure right now to Page but Alt 89 is open and is a beautiful drive to Jacob Lake (& the North Rim of the Grand Canyon but no need to tour this if you've done the South Rim because of your timeframe). At Jacob Lake continue on Alt89 to Fredonia, AZ and go to Zion Nat'l Park via 389 toward Colorado City, AZ/Hurricane, UT. Stay in the park at Watchman campground (electric) or just outside the park in Springdale, and free shuttles to see the canyon.
Exit Zion via 9 to Mt. Carmel and Hwy 89. Continue north to Bryce Canyon Nat'l Park, staying either in the park - no hookups but cool weather or just outside the park at Ruby's with hookups.
That's probably all the time you'll have before having to return home via 89 North to I-70. You will have seen three gorgeous national parks all with completely different canyons. Whatever you decide, have a great trip even though it will be fast. If that's all the time you have just make the best of it and come back for more! It's better than not seeing these parks at all.
