Trip planning input / help request

[Ranger431]

We're looking at planning a big trip for this coming summer and I was hoping to solicit some feedback about campgrounds or other things to see or do. We've done some long trips before - from TN to Ft. Wilderness, or TN to Canada, but nothing like what we're considering here.

A couple of things about us - my wife and I have 6 kids, but our oldest is in college and likely won't be with us. The others are 4 daughters (16, 10, and 7 yo twins) and a 13 yo son. We have 2 dogs as well, so we'd like to limit the legs of the trip to 8-10 hours max, and will have 1.5 - 2 weeks, probably going to take 2, but it depends on work.

We're looking at starting on I-40 and heading west to start out at the Grand Canyon. This first leg is by far the longest, so I'd like to find somewhere nice \ convenient along the way. If there is something interesting, that'd be a plus. Any recommendations as to where to stay at the GC, or things out of the norm to see?

Next leg is to head north to Yellowstone. I was thinking of a stop for a night (or two) in the middle - maybe near Salt Lake?? Any recommendations as to camp grounds near Salt Lake or Yellowstone?

After Yellowstone we'd like to swing by Mt. Rushmore - would like to get recommendations where to camp therAnywaytoo.

Not real sure where to stop between Rushmore and home, maybe north of Kansas City?

Anyway, I know these are very broad questions, but we're very early in the process (obviously) but want to get advice from others who have "been there, done that". Also want to try and get sites reserved as soon as possible.

Thanks!

[Johno02]

Let the kids watch "Close Encounters" then take them to Devils Tower. In the Rushmore area, Don't miss the Crazy Horse monument. Laser show at night. Rushmore, an all day trip, plus the nighttime show. Custer state park, whatever you do if there is a burro nearby DON'T roll down a window!! Funniest show in the park, someone trying to get a burro head out of a car.

[Two_Hands]

If you do decide you want to stay at Colter Bay RV Campground and Fishing Bridge RV Campground (the only ones with hookups in the parks) you need to make reservations now.

[OutdoorPhotogra]

Ranger431 wrote:
Appreciate all the feedback, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in these posts - thank you. Unfortunately, its too bad I have limited vacation 😉

Think I'll look at paring down the trip down a bit and focus on Yellowstone and GT this year, maybe follow up with separate trips the the GC and 4 surrounding areas & Rushmore / Custer for future stops. Kind of stinks you lose 2-3 days each way just getting there. We've made long pulls of 12 or so hours in a day on numerous occasions, but upon further consideration I don't think stringing 6-7 of these over a 2 week vacation would be real relaxing 😉
!

I think you can do more than Yellowstone/Grand Teton, just not as much as you had before. I've done three 30 day crosscountry trips with grand ambitions on stops. I had the advantage of not having to backtrack because they were part of military moves.

We did YNP/GT in four days. We had five planned a blowout cost a day and you need to plan for such things. I'll go back for two weeks one day but four let us see the major sites. We do run hard days. Out of campground by 8am and back after dark. I'm out earlier and come back for the family.

We weren't impressed with Rushmore but I want to give it a second chance given the folks here love it. We drove through Custer and it would have been real impressive had we not just left YNP.

Pick a bob and weave route to and from YNP and look for options along the way. Badlands, Cody, WY, etc. We try to do something local in every state we pass through if we haven't visited it before.

[ken56]

I agree with you have too much driving packed into all you want to see. The kids will get bored if all you do is pull into campgrounds late evenings and there is no time to relax and play, just have dinner and go to bed? Have you included them in the planning? Ask each one to pick out something they might want to see or do, it will be a good geography lesson disguised as trip planning help, let alone they may think you care about what THEY actually want. And YOU don't want grumpy kids.

[RGar974417]

You're trying to see too much in too short a time. While the Grand Canyon can be seen in a day,Yellowstone would take several days.There is also alot to see in the Black Hills.Badlands National Park,Wall Drug,Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore to name a few.

[Ranger431]

Appreciate all the feedback, and I think there's a lot of wisdom in these posts - thank you. Unfortunately, its too bad I have limited vacation 😉

Think I'll look at paring down the trip down a bit and focus on Yellowstone and GT this year, maybe follow up with separate trips the the GC and 4 surrounding areas & Rushmore / Custer for future stops. Kind of stinks you lose 2-3 days each way just getting there. We've made long pulls of 12 or so hours in a day on numerous occasions, but upon further consideration I don't think stringing 6-7 of these over a 2 week vacation would be real relaxing 😉

Seems like Colter Bay in GT is the place to stay - any other CG's I should consider?

As for Yellowstone, I seem to be leaning towards Fishing Bridge, but the earlier post about Grizzley seems interesting as well. But being "in the park" sure has its appeal

Our TT is 35' - as you might imagine having 6 kids...

Thanks again for all the help!

[Tjuice]

I agree with others---way too much for just 2 weeks. Add Painted Desert & Petrified Forest to the S. Utah / NE. AZ trip mentioned above and that would be my vote! We were just there in July and feel we could've spent way more time there alone.
We spent 2 weeks in the Mt. Rushmore area last year alone.
You really do need to break up your itinerary into multiple trips...

[Murphsmom]

We made the trip from the western edge of Idaho to the Rushmore area this past May. We had two overnight stops, one outside of West Yellowstone and one at Bighorn Battlefield. The winds across Montana and Wyoming kept our speed way down, just to keep safe. We spent several days touring the area between Custer City and Spearfish. It was our plan to drive out to the Badlands and Wall Drug for a day, but the winds were so high that I could hardly force the door of the pickup open to get inside, so we decided that was not a good idea.

I guess what I am trying to say is something similar to what others have said. This part of the country is HUGE. It takes way longer to get from one point to another and you really never can count on not having plans changed by weather. Even with the two of us (and no dogs on that trip), I can't imagine trying to get through the trip you are describing in two weeks.

[Busskipper]

Ranger431 wrote:
We're looking at planning a big trip for this coming summer and I was hoping to solicit some feedback about campgrounds or other things to see or do. We've done some long trips before - from TN to Ft. Wilderness, or TN to Canada, but nothing like what we're considering here.

A couple of things about us - my wife and I have 6 kids, but our oldest is in college and likely won't be with us. The others are 4 daughters (16, 10, and 7 yo twins) and a 13 yo son. We have 2 dogs as well, so we'd like to limit the legs of the trip to 8-10 hours max, and will have 1.5 - 2 weeks, probably going to take 2, but it depends on work.

We're looking at starting on I-40 and heading west to start out at the Grand Canyon. This first leg is by far the longest, so I'd like to find somewhere nice \ convenient along the way. If there is something interesting, that'd be a plus. Any recommendations as to where to stay at the GC, or things out of the norm to see?

Next leg is to head north to Yellowstone. I was thinking of a stop for a night (or two) in the middle - maybe near Salt Lake?? Any recommendations as to camp grounds near Salt Lake or Yellowstone?

After Yellowstone we'd like to swing by Mt. Rushmore - would like to get recommendations where to camp therAnywaytoo.

Not real sure where to stop between Rushmore and home, maybe north of Kansas City?

Anyway, I know these are very broad questions, but we're very early in the process (obviously) but want to get advice from others who have "been there, done that". Also want to try and get sites reserved as soon as possible.

Thanks!

OK as many have said -- slow down -- do less -- see more

here is a reply to a similar but 6 week trip;

Busskipper wrote:

texasAUtiger wrote:
Here is a first draft proposal of an itinerary for an epic 6 week-ish trip from home in TX up the Rockies and back. I welcome comments and suggestions since this is in the very early planning stages.

To provide some context: we are a family of 4 with two kids (who would be 10 and 7, both good travelers). We would be in the setup shown in my sig.

My criteria for a successful trip would be to not overdo it (so driving must be interspersed with sitting still to enjoy an area), but also try to take advantage and see the best things while in an area.

My constraints are we have AT MOST 6 weeks. Five weeks would be better, but I think we can swing six.

Let me know what you think based on your experience, especially if we are staying too long or not long enough somewhere... or if there is something I should include/exclude. Keep in mind that if days are added, then something needs to be taken out to stay within our 42 day constraint.

Thanks!

Mpond, just change the year to see more this is 2011 add 2012 and 2013 to see more this is someone who was not afraid to push the limits and will give you some insight. Just will give you ideas and perspective.

15 years of trips - Shows how great this can be for a family. Keep a good log and even better pictures.

San Parker has put together this well organized photo journal will allow you to see where you are headed and what not to miss. Just open up an area to see what’s there, Stan has created a great, easy, well organized album that I use to be sure to see the things in many areas of the country.

Your trip is really not me - I have never been able to make a reservation, just not my style but you have put together a GREAT TRIP.
You and the family are going to put together a lifetime of memories so go for it.

Couple of things that the Old Guys will tell you that you have already gotten in this post - travel speed on the interstate will be 50 so just multiply your MPH driving by.8 it will likely be right on for 4 lane roads. For the time you will be in the two lane or mountains you will need to use .6 (60x.8=48mph and 60x.6=36mph) these are real life numbers that require you to still be pushing it, so those are my suggestions for travel speed.

IMHO -- so here goes – I always suggest to people to start an EPIC journey on Friday after work and get 4-8 hours of driving in just on the adrenalin you will have from starting the trip (Walmart if not too hot that first night) get up early and push it again, arriving at a CG with a pool and some things for the kids to unwind and get worn out on so the next day is still doable. (not knowing anything about how you camp I’ll suggest you find a 2,000 watt generator – one of the supper quiet burn no gas ones I’ve had good luck with Ryobe and the price is right if you shop around. It will help with those dry camp spots that are sometimes necessary for flexible travel. The other thing is an 18 volt impact gun to put the jacks down on the trailer. Great time saver – and can be used for the repairs on the road. This will add a full day to the end of the trip – you will not be sorry.

When I look at your itinerary, it’s great, you are allowing yourself, time, in all the Great destinations. Just remember, along the way but there are many more spots that might be worth the Drive Bye, to see and plan the next trip. One of my bits of personal advice for summer trips is be prepared for CROWDS, you are going when, because of summer vacations, everyone goes so you will be with Thousands of your new Close friends. Just a heads up – stock up before you go into a big park (everything is now high $$$$) – try to time your travels EARLY (6-10) or during the Meal time in the evening (4-7). We would pack a cooler with meals and try not to be on the roads at rush hour 10-4 (Hiking time) From personal experience, my two boys and now the granddaughters, we have found that we remember the sites but the kids have more fun when they are near or in the water, after what I thought was and epic trip to Maroon Bells in Colorado, I asked my girls what was the best part of the trip, their reply “skipping rocks in the stream” Not the Golden Yellow Aspen, not the Giant Grey Alps or Red Cliffs, no the rocks on the stream is what they remembered, so keep the kids, in mind. With all the time in the Rockies, remember the need for layers = fleece – rain jackets that breath – shorts – shoes - REALKLY good shoes (that can get wet and still be hiked in for hours) fishing pole and a GOOD POINT AND SHOT ZOOM CAMERA with 5 times the memory you thought you needed.

Now for the advice on stops;

Durango is just a town, for my group one day to restock maybe take the train to Silverton then get me into the woods/streams/white water/fish – get me into the San Juan’s this is just a place I love – 4x4 trails – vista’s – lakes – Rivers - 14’ers- every minute is just better than the last. Out of town and into the mountains, just a guess but Rt145 not 550 to Ridgeway? Guessing you are trying to stay in the SP, Great spot kids will love. Just some name dropping here – Ouray, Telluride, Purgatory Ski Resort, Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, Dunton, Animas Forks, Alpine Loop, Trout Lake, 14’ers, Crested Butte, Redstone, Marble, No you will not be able to visit many but take a look this will be your next big Vacation, along with the rest of Colorado.

Now on the way to Flaming Gorge you will need to STOP in Dinosaur NM (kids 10 and 7 will never forget this side trip).Flaming Gorge go around the west side to the marina CG, again a chance to catch dinner. From here to Jackson and the Tetons, then into the park, never enough time, just too much to see and do. BOL, you’ll be back. I’ve only been a dozen or so times and have never gone and not been just surprised by things I’ve missed before. Be sure to walk into Yellowstone Lodge, once when we were with the kids, we were able to catch a cancelation and spend the night – my boys have never forgotten that. Some more name dropping. Red Lodge, Cody, Wind River Canyon, Nation Forest, Beartooth, Lakes, Madison River, you will be Back.

Now you are headed into what many believe is Heaven on Earth. Glacier and the Canadian Rockies are as wild and Beautiful as it gets, all I can say is good Luck it’s just so big, and it has such a short season, enjoy every minute. Again the Kids are going to remember the Lakes and Rivers and maybe that neat Red thing that took them over the mountain, no they will not be able to remember Going to the Sun Road. Depending on the Weather this part of the trip might be interspersed with crowds and times where you see no one.

Now when in Custer (Blackhills) remember to try to catch a Cave or two – some pretty neat things underground – Also the evening ceremony at Mount Rushmore is not to be missed. The state Park is not bad either.

So by now the trip is over whelming so it is almost impossible to do much more than drive and try to get home in time to get to work and recover.

Sorry this went on so long, but this sounds like a once in a lifetime trip – So have FUN, and take 2 pictures every time you think one will do.

BOL,

BOL,

[OutdoorPhotogra]

That's really ambiitous. I would choose between Yellowstone/Grand Teton and Custer State Park/Rushmore. Custer has buffalo, prong horns, etc. and is a pretty park. But, I would choose YNP/GTNPT in a heart beat. That plus Grand Canyon is a heck of a trip and still a lot of time on the road from TN.

[tragusa3]

I'm not as seasoned as most here, but I still have an opinion. 😉

We went from SC to the GCNP two years ago (see link in sig). I would suggest staying in the southern Utah parks for the whole trip. Easily enough to keep your jaw on the ground the whole time, and you cut your driving by a huge percentage.

We did petrified forest, walnut canyon, sunset crater, grand canyon, lake powell, zion, bryce, goblin valley, arches, canyon lands. All in that area. I remember commenting to my wife that at our 2 week point, we were in bryce and could have gone home that day and already had the trip of a lifetime. We had another 4 weeks that we went on to other things, but you don't.

Point, spend less time driving. Besides, the whole leg to GCNP would be a disappointment if all you saw was GCNP.

We're making the Yellowstone, Tetons, Badlands trip this coming year.

Also, you are not early to be figuring this out. Many places may already be booked.

[2gypsies1]

First, I would suggest leaving the dogs home for this trip. If you're visiting national parks they aren't allowed on any trails, including the boardwalks in Yellowstone that you need to do to see the wonderfull geysers, paint pots, etc.

Secondly, If you drive 8 hours a day it will take you 3-1/2 days each way. That's 7 days of solid driving. You've got approx. 1650 miles one way.

To get to Yellowstone the best way from western Tennessee will give your first stop just east of Kansas City on I-70. Then Lexington, Nebraska on I-80, then a stop around Lander, Wyoming on Hwy 287. Then take Hwy 26 into Grand Teton National Park - a must stop for at least 2 nights. Stay at Colter Bay RV or campground. They are right next to each other. Then go to West Yellowstone for your stay to tour Yellowstone and I'd allow at least 3-5 nights. So that takes up your 2 weeks. Fishing Bridge in the park is an ideal spot but you couldn't let the dogs in the RV all day while you're touring and you'll be limited as to where you walk while touring if you take them with you.

There's no reason to go through Salt Lake City.

With the 2 weeks you really don't have time for doing any major stops on the way home.

[agesilaus]

Johno02 wrote:
A bit ambitous for less than two weeks to see and enjoy all that much. Mt Rushmore and Grand Canyon need at least a week to let the kids see and do. with all the travel, its gonna have to fast in and out. from here in W Tennessee, there are a lot of quick things between here and there. The jolly green giant in Blue Earth, the Spam museum, Devils tower, Wall Drugs (nice campground there) The badlands, Painted desert, petrified forest, Pipestone National Monument, (good campground close), and finally Yellowstone and the Tetons. Yellowstone is BIG, Lots to see, trails to hike, and animals to see(not pet!!) lots of time needed just to drive from place to place, not counting picnics and such.

Way too ambitious IMO. Maybe the GCNP and some of the four corner parks might fit in 2 weeks. But you will probably spend 4 days each way on driving with that many kids and the dogs needing frequent stops. I'd do the north rim of GCNP, then Bryce and Zion. Or do Yellowstone and the South Dakota area. You won't have time for more.

[Ranger431]

Would you suggest Grizzly RV park over Fishing Bridge?

Yes, it will be quite a bit to squeeze in, and I've thought about trimming some out, but its hard to pick what not to do / see.

[kknowlton]

For Yellowstone, Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone is great. Close to the west entrance of the park. Expect LOTS of driving within the park - it's huge, and you'll need several full days there to see just the highlights.

1 1/2 - 2 weeks total time, you'll be hauling it. Distances out here are greater than they seem from a map. 🙂

x2 (3?) on the SLC KOA and Colter Bay RV Park for the Tetons.