Cross Country Itinerary Feedback/Advice

[flintsters]

My wife and I are planning to bring our 3 daughters on a 7ish week cross country trip during the summer of 2018. When we go our girls will be 13, 11, and 6. We will be towing our Jay Feather Select 29L (33' bumper to hitch) with our 2015 crew cab Chevy 2500HD Duramax (20'). I know....lot's of estrogen in a really small space for a long time. Since we are both teachers and school is typically done mid-June that is when we would plan to be heading out.

I am by nature a planner. In fact, I am probably an over planner. I am trying to keep the spirit of flexibility and following the wants/needs of the family; if we are ready to get going a day earlier then let's go...if we want to stay another day then let's do that as well. There are some places, however, that it seems require reservations (Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Zion, Grand Canyon). Are there other places? Will I have trouble finding campgrounds or should I feed my over-planning instinct and make more reservations?

Below is our draft itinerary. The dates are tentative but will be within a few days on either end depending on the number of snow days we have during the winter. I kind of want to get it somewhat nailed down so that I know when to make reservations in a couple of months (I understand May 1 for GTNP and YNP). PLEASE give me feedback, advice, route suggestions, campground suggestions....whatever you can throw my way I will gladly accept.


Destination (Miles)
6/20/2018 Drive to St. Louis
6/21/2018 Arrive in St. Louis (1142 miles split between 2 LONG days)
6/22/2018 Visit City Museum, City Garden, Gateway Arch, get BBQ
6/23/2018
6/24/2018 Drive to Colorado Springs, Colorado
6/25/2018 Arrive in Colorado Springs, Colorado (833 miles between 2 days)
6/26/2018 Cog Railway, Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods
6/27/2018
6/28/2018 Drive to Arches National Park (422 miles)
6/29/2018 4x4 tour?
6/30/2018
7/1/2018
7/2/2018
7/3/2018 Drive to Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim (381 miles)
7/4/2018 stop at 4-corners on the way
7/5/2018
7/6/2018 Drive to Zion National Park (241 miles)
7/7/2018
7/8/2018
7/9/2018
7/10/2018 Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park - drive around tunnel (147 miles)
7/11/2018 horseride?
7/12/2018
7/13/2018 Drive to Grand Teton National Park/Jackson Hole (515 miles)
7/14/2018
7/15/2018
7/16/2018
7/17/2018 Drive to Yellowstone National Park (130 miles)
7/18/2018
7/19/2018
7/20/2018
7/21/2018
7/22/2018
7/23/2018 Drive to Glacier National Park (366 miles)
7/24/2018
7/25/2018
7/26/2018
7/27/2018
7/28/2018 Drive to Devil's Tower National Monument
7/29/2018 Arrive at Devil's Tower (630 miles between 2 days)
7/30/2018 Drive to Wind Caves National Park (152 miles)
7/31/2018 go on cave tour
8/1/2018
8/2/2018 Drive to Badlands (155 miles)
8/3/2018
8/4/2018 Drive to DeSmet, SD (275 miles)
8/5/2018 visit Little House on the Praire Homestead
8/6/2018 Drive to LaCross, WI (388 miles)
8/7/2018 Drive to Chicago (337 miles)
8/8/2018
8/9/2018
8/10/2018 Drive Home
8/11/2018 Arrive Home (833 miles over 2 days)

Total for Trip 6,947 miles over 52 days


I am not loving the return trip once we leave Badlands but I'm not sure how to improve it. I am not stuck on visiting any of those places so if you have a better suggestion then please throw it at me. I am also wondering if we are getting to Black Hills area too close to Sturgis. Lastly, I am thinking about not making the trip to the South Rim of CG and going to the North Rim. I know it isn't the same wow experience, but might shave off some miles and the time saved might give us more time other places. My wife and I have both been to the South Rim but the girls have not.

Okay...I think that's it. Now fire away!!!!!

[Kiawah]

- I have a 3 month trip planned this summer, a lot of the same route, but a number of other stops.
- I usually plan no more than 300 miles on any travel day.
- I plan some stops that have multiple days, both to allow for sightseeing and relaxing, but also allow for changes to the trip. You could have delays for weather, wind, illness, mechanical breakdown, etc.....where you could be delayed for a couple days. You need the ability to catch up to your schedule and not ruin the whole trip. There's a number of states that can have some high winds, and you may have to wait them out.
- Sometimes I leave early morning, and get all the driving done before noon, as the winds build during the day.
- You've got some mountainous areas, expect the possibility of some slow going.
- I've got some days I'm only planning 100 miles. Another option for flexibility in the schedule to catch up, or move forward in the schedule if it makes sense.
- Check the dates of Sturgis, and avoid the area week before and after.
- Good luck, have fun!

- Where is 'home', sending PM.

[RayJr]

I've done this trip twice in a DP towing a toad from NJ, the first time my wife and I the second with my 3 grand kids 3, 7 and 9 and their teacher parents. My first suggestion lose the dates on the list, good to have some idea as to what route and sights you'll want too see but keeping to a schedule is a hastel. #2 don't make any long term reservations that you'll find hard to keep, one miss step along the way and you'll be adjusting the entire plan. We did make reservations via cell the day before if we knew we would be some where. This will be the best trip in your family's life time, maybe we'll see you on the road, never can tell the gang is always asking me when were going west again.

[lynnmor]

Lose the dates, the last thing you want is a calendar full of appointments.

[flintsters]

I may not have been clear about the use of the dates in my planning. They are there to help get a sense about how much time we may want to plan on spending at various places. It was more of a planning tool to help either add or delete locations. There are only the 4 places that I mentioned where I am planning to make reservations, which I will obviously need some dates for. With that said, I appreciate your reminders about keeping the spirit of the adventure in tact. After all, that is the purpose, right?!

[Betr2Trvl]

We hit many of your main destinations last summer on a 90 day trip......

We had reservations at every destination other than over night "transit stops" but we did have options for for those mapped out beforehand as well. And we have almost everything locked down now for our big trip this year........

We are planners......... Not willing to do a major excursion and not be able to stay where we want to. Its really not that hard to plan for how many days you think you want to stay some place, with consideration to "add a day" at major sites to account for potential weather impacts, or simply a "down day".

When I mapped out the trip last summer originally, it was "clockwise" as you have, but once I realized the potential conflict with the weeks around the Sturgis bike rally, I reversed the course so we would be in badlands/black hills-Rushmore/Devils Tower early in the trip.

Good luck!

[oakcreekeric]

Wow.. super jealous of your trip.. I would love to do that with my kids..

Couple things...

While in St Louis.. Look at staying at Casino Queen RV Park... We are looking to go there over Memorial Day weekend

While at Yellowstone... we stayed at Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch.. It's a few miles from the south entrance..

Finally... If you have the chance to rearrange your timeline.. I would try to do Badlands, Custer, Wind Cave and Devils Tower earlier.. You're hitting the area at peak Sturgis times.. that is not necessarily a bad thing... as stereo-typical Sturgis is not what it once was/is.. but you could run into increased costs during that time.. also, campgrounds may not be as flexible with time slots..

Good luck and enjoy the ride !!

[oakcreekeric]

Another suggestion to your whimsical ways... Check out this thread.. I haven't joined, as we are still working stiff's and our travel plans call for highway driving, with limited time.. but I could see this maybe being a benefit for a trip like yours..

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f38/harve...ts-241075.html

I could see this being pretty cool, especially at "farms" with the kids.. It would be a neat break from the wallydock experience..

[j.smith]

I avoid getting mired down in plans, dates, and reservations. When we travel, we choose a destination we are interested in and head there seeing sights along the way. We try not to travel past 3 - 4 pm, prefer to stop in lesser developed camping areas (COE, state parks, etc), avoid staying in parking lots. Generally travel for two or three days, then stop for two to three days.

Once we arrive at our destination we decide the return trip as we go along. We stay at our destination until we are 'done', then start meandering home, hitting sights as we go along. If we run out of time, the sights we miss are closer to home so they could be possibly picked up on a long weekend.

Best way to ruin a vacation is to have a schedule that you become a slave to. You can find accommodations anywhere, anytime (and I don't mean Walmart). Slow down and smell the roses...

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by flintsters

My wife and I are planning to bring our 3 daughters on a 7ish week cross country trip during the summer of 2018. When we go our girls will be 13, 11, and 6. We will be towing our Jay Feather Select 29L (33' bumper to hitch) with our 2015 crew cab Chevy 2500HD Duramax (20'). I know....lot's of estrogen in a really small space for a long time. Since we are both teachers and school is typically done mid-June that is when we would plan to be heading out.

I am by nature a planner. In fact, I am probably an over planner. I am trying to keep the spirit of flexibility and following the wants/needs of the family; if we are ready to get going a day earlier then let's go...if we want to stay another day then let's do that as well. There are some places, however, that it seems require reservations (Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Zion, Grand Canyon). Are there other places? Will I have trouble finding campgrounds or should I feed my over-planning instinct and make more reservations?

Below is our draft itinerary. The dates are tentative but will be within a few days on either end depending on the number of snow days we have during the winter. I kind of want to get it somewhat nailed down so that I know when to make reservations in a couple of months (I understand May 1 for GTNP and YNP). PLEASE give me feedback, advice, route suggestions, campground suggestions....whatever you can throw my way I will gladly accept.


Destination (Miles)
6/20/2018 Drive to St. Louis
6/21/2018 Arrive in St. Louis (1142 miles split between 2 LONG days)
6/22/2018 Visit City Museum, City Garden, Gateway Arch, get BBQ
6/23/2018
6/24/2018 Drive to Colorado Springs, Colorado
6/25/2018 Arrive in Colorado Springs, Colorado (833 miles between 2 days)
6/26/2018 Cog Railway, Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods
6/27/2018
6/28/2018 Drive to Arches National Park (422 miles)
6/29/2018 4x4 tour?
6/30/2018
7/1/2018
7/2/2018
7/3/2018 Drive to Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim (381 miles)
7/4/2018 stop at 4-corners on the way
7/5/2018
7/6/2018 Drive to Zion National Park (241 miles)
7/7/2018
7/8/2018
7/9/2018
7/10/2018 Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park - drive around tunnel (147 miles)
7/11/2018 horseride?
7/12/2018
7/13/2018 Drive to Grand Teton National Park/Jackson Hole (515 miles)
7/14/2018
7/15/2018
7/16/2018
7/17/2018 Drive to Yellowstone National Park (130 miles)
7/18/2018
7/19/2018
7/20/2018
7/21/2018
7/22/2018
7/23/2018 Drive to Glacier National Park (366 miles)
7/24/2018
7/25/2018
7/26/2018
7/27/2018
7/28/2018 Drive to Devil's Tower National Monument
7/29/2018 Arrive at Devil's Tower (630 miles between 2 days)
7/30/2018 Drive to Wind Caves National Park (152 miles)
7/31/2018 go on cave tour
8/1/2018
8/2/2018 Drive to Badlands (155 miles)
8/3/2018
8/4/2018 Drive to DeSmet, SD (275 miles)
8/5/2018 visit Little House on the Praire Homestead
8/6/2018 Drive to LaCross, WI (388 miles)
8/7/2018 Drive to Chicago (337 miles)
8/8/2018
8/9/2018
8/10/2018 Drive Home
8/11/2018 Arrive Home (833 miles over 2 days)

Total for Trip 6,947 miles over 52 days


I am not loving the return trip once we leave Badlands but I'm not sure how to improve it. I am not stuck on visiting any of those places so if you have a better suggestion then please throw it at me. I am also wondering if we are getting to Black Hills area too close to Sturgis. Lastly, I am thinking about not making the trip to the South Rim of CG and going to the North Rim. I know it isn't the same wow experience, but might shave off some miles and the time saved might give us more time other places. My wife and I have both been to the South Rim but the girls have not.

Okay...I think that's it. Now fire away!!!!!

Salvo #1 - I can only assume by the lack on time you have devoted to Colorado that you have already spent a summer there. BUT if that is not the Case - instead of St Louis go the Hannibal, MO take RT 36 across the fly over states, Come into Colorado at Golden, then enjoy a drive into the Rockies that is second to none.

IMHO - Once you reach the Foothills the Mountains/Rockies of Colorado, are as amazing and diversified as any Nation Park!!!!!! They deserve a little more time/thought/study - not that the Springs are not good but ... so much more to see - Collegiates/Salida/Buena Vista - Leadville - Great Sand Dunes NP - Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP - Lake City - Ouray - Independence Pass - Maroon Bells/Aspen - Peak to Peak - Rocky Mountain NP - Steamboat Springs - Lake Granby - Colorado National Monument - Dinosaur NM - Mesa Verde NP - All the State Parks..........(sorry but Colorado is Amazing)

Salvo #2 - Don't try for the 1200 miles to St Louis in two days - Trust me (I have 6 Grandaughters) you do not want to even try to keep them in that Crew Cab for 10 hours much less 12+ . So as a suggestion - get everything ready - leave in the afternoon, the day before you planned on leaving - stop feed the girls - drive 6 + hours that first day/night - Let them sleep, drive as late as possible - punish only you - Wal*Mart it and go again in the morning. Plan for an hour or so at lunch to get out and unwind - then back at it, that first night will prove to be such a bonus as the kids will still love you, you will still have long boring days - just not too long.

I've been to Both the North and the South Rim - Personally I love the North Rim - but you/Girls, should see them both, just not on this trip.

Just a thought here - would it even be possible to consider TWO TRIPS????????

Weather (Utah is HOT, REALLY HOT in the summer) and Elevation (Colorado at 8,000' is so nice and cool) are a couple thoughts - I would suggest - Utah and Colorado as the focus of one trip and Yellowstone and Glacier as the focus of the other. This would allow you to Do more and PLAN less - Sure 7 weeks will give you time but unless you get out and - touch - feel - experience - all these beautiful sites you are just not being fair to yourself and the KIDS

Back to YOUR post - Don't let Bikes bother you - been there - Custer during the week - all the people I met were just like you and me - just they bring the Bikes - and most only do the Rally for a day or two - biggest problem we had were the bike jams - they just ride sooooo sloooow.

I could go on and on but I think you get MY message - slow down enjoy whatever you decide - it's a VACATION.

Hope this is of some help, Best of Luck,


ps. look these over - these will fill in a lot of the blanks

17 summers of RV road trip travels across the USA and Canada | Lolo's Extreme Cross Country RV Trips

Stan Parker's Photo Galleries at pbase.com

Your Girls will never forget these trips - you are good Parents.

[flintsters]

Lots of good stuff here....thanks everyone.

I was also considering reversing the route to hit the Badlands area first but worry a bit that Glacier will not be fully opened by the time we get there at the end of June/beginning July. Should that be a factor? I am also wondering/hoping that by going earlier in the summer to the hot spots in Utah that it would be slightly cooler than mid/late summer. It may not matter....hot is hot.

I really like the idea of Harvest Hosts for the occasional stops. They look like they won't be quite as convenient in terms of closeness to highways as Wal Mart, but I might actually sleep there and the kids would have a chance to get out explore something other than a parking lot.

I toyed with the idea about splitting this into 2 trips. We are also planning to do a West coast trip soon after this one. There are too many things to do and too little time (and money) with our kids! Much like I don't like the return trip, I also didn't feel like Colorado was getting the love it deserved. It's making me think that I should take Grand Canyon out of the plans and spend more time in CO.

[mricet1005]

If you like nature, make sure to find time to visit Custer State Park in Black Hills while you visit Wind Cave. Great scenery and lots of wildlife. Lots to do in Moab area in addition to Arches NP.

[twogypsies]

Only you know how well the family will do on those long days but some just seem too long such as Bryce to Grand Teton - 515 miles!

For St. Louis I'd recommend Edmund Babler State Park. It's close to the highway of the attractions you want to see and it's a huge, beautiful park with shade trees. The Casino RV is on hot pavement. Babler used to have a nice swimming pool, too.

You have a horseback ride for Bryce. I'd recommend saving it for Yellowstone or Grand Teton and do a breakfast ride where the cowboys will have a nice meal waiting for you out in the boonies. It's a fun time. Plan to take a gentle float trip down the Snake River in Grand Teton NP and you just might see a moose in the water with you. We did!

From the Grand Canyon to Zion and Zion to Bryce you state (around the tunnel). What road are you planning to take to go around? From Fredonia, AZ you could take 389 which becomes Utah 59 into Hurricane, UT then east on Hwy 9 to Zion. Leaving Zion head west on Hwy 9 to I-15 and go north to Hwy 20 and take it to 89 then south through Panguitch to Hwy 12 and Bryce. Do not take Hwy 14. It's very steep.

You didn't mention where you plan to stay but I'd highly recommend staying in the national parks themselves for the best overall experience and less driving. Take advantage as the ranger program and the campfire program in the evenings.

If you can dry camp, you won't need reservations for Grand Teton Nat'l Park. There are two campgrounds that don't even accept reservations and rarely fill because each has 300 sites Come in before 4pm and you'll definitely get a site. They are Gros Ventre which is closer to Jackson and our favorite because of the openness to the mountains and Colter Bay campground farther north toward Yellowstone. There's also Colter Bay RV right next door if you want hookups. Don't try to do Yellowstone from Grand Teton NP. It's too much driving. Stock up with groceries and do laundry in Jackson - nice big stores.

Each park has an excellent web site with things to do, road information, maps, hiking, special alerts and camping information. Check them out thoroughly.

I think you'll find that by the time you're finished with the great national parks, Custer and the Badlands will be blah to you.

Here's a good description of all the roads leading in and out of Yellowstone:

Road to Yellowstone


As much as we love Colorado I'd save the whole state for another trip and just do Colorado on that trip. It seems like this coming trip is planned for the national parks and that's what you should concentrate on. Give the kids a taste of these great national parks. They won't forget. Yes, it's a crammed trip but unless you plan to come west many more times during the children's years at home, don't give up on the trip you've got planned. Once the kids start high school... and sometimes even earlier, it will be harder and harder to get them away from sports, friends, jobs for traveling. Colorado is another whole different and would be a much more relaxing trip.

[DebbieMH]

We did a 5 month trip from April until October along most of the same route. Yes, don't listen to those who say not to make reservations. In the majority of places that we stayed, they were fully booked and lots of people calling or stopping in hoping to get a site, and they didn't. At least near the national parks, you do need to make reservations. It is amazing how many more people are rving now than were, even 4 years ago!

Next advice, slow down .. stay places a little longer so you can see the majority of the area. Even if you don't get to them all .... it will make for a more relaxing trip.

Have fun ... planning is a great part of it and part of the fun! BTW - when we head out again for the west, we will do the same, reservations and staying about a week in all of the great locations.