Western Trip in the Planning Stages - RV-Dreams Community Forum

mailman01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Western Trip in the Planning Stages

Grant · RV-Dreams Family Member

My two cents worth:
"Then a little undecided about whether to go toward St George Ut and Zion or go towards Moab and Arches. Is Canyonland (Island in the Sky) one of those "must see" areas? "
Yes, Canyonland (Island in the Sky) and Arches are "must see" place but, so are Zion and Bryce Canyon. You are either in win - win or a lose - lose situation. No matter which way you go you are going to see some spectacular scenery but, also no matter which way you go you are going to miss some spectacular scenery.

If you are going from Grand Canyon to Utah especialy if you are headed to Moab, I would also recomend a stop in Monument Valley.

"Looks like Custer SP and Mt Rushmore are reasonably close together. "
The two parks literally touch each other and Wind Cave is just a few miles south of Custer SP southern boundry. Also in the area about 10 miles west of the town of Custer South Dakota is Jewel Cave National Monument. Jewel Cave is the sceond longest cavern in the world.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just to add to the confusion Mesa Verde National Park is also close to where you are going to be and very worthwhile. The whole southern Utah, southern Colorado, Northern Arizona (and don't forget New Mexico, "the Land of Enchantment") area is full of places to see and you will not have enough time but have to try. Just do not go to the lower elevations at that time of year, especially in Arizona, it is very hot.

travelinbob · RV-Dreams Family Member

Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley are a must see. Been there many times and would go there again tomorrow if possible. As Bill suggested Mesa Verde NP is also high on the list. Also Chaco Canyon in NM is on the same list but it's in the middle of nowhere but on the way to Mesa Verde from the south.
With all these special places so close to us, that's why we left the road as fulltimers and bought our dream home again in New Mexico. Within a days drive we can go to dozens of our special places. We plan to work the month of Sept at Chaco Canyon.
Bob

mailman01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you all for your voice of experience. So many places to see and so little time...Wish I could have started this 30 years ago. Thanks again, Marty Hill

gypsylarry · RV-Dreams Community Member

If you're going here, you must not pass up the sight of Horseshoe Bend. Its eight miles south of Page, AZ, a short 1/4 mile walk up to the photo site and unlike most places that are harsh sunlight in the afternoon, this time is good for here as the entire bend is in full light. You won't regret this journey , right on Rt. 89.

Tylersamma · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wow, you are covering way too many "must sees" in this vast territory. If you end up on I15, north of Las Vegas, then Valley of Fire State Park is definately on the list. Grand Canyon South Rim, stay at the campground inside the park. Wildlife is abundant and all services are nearby. Sedona AZ is just a bit south of Grand Canyon and is gorgeous redrock country. Definately Monument Valley and Moab. Lake Powell is fantastic, especially if you can get out on the river, like a houseboat trip. Yellowstone, I would suggest checking out construction zones. When they tear up the highway, they literally "tear it up". Sturgis isn't much, but Deadwood is a fun place. As a native of Utah, I could go on, but these are a few of my personal picks.

mailman01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

My list continues to grow thanks to all your suggestions. Now, if I were only doing this thing called "full-timing," now there's an idea... Thanks again everyone.