Western Trip

[RDNesbitt]

Hello to all. My wife and I are planning a trip to Sparks, NV starting in July. We leave Western NY through Ohio and KY and on to Branson. Then on to Oklahoma City. Then across I-40 to Kingman, AZ. Need info about the mountains that other have experienced. We would like to see Death Valley and Yosemite on the way to Sparks. I have a Winnebago Adventurer and tow a Chev. Max. I do have the Mountain Directory West and have done a search on this site. Leaving Sparks to Utah by way of RT 50 and seeing southern Utah and the canyons. Then on to the Grand Canyon and southern AZ. Then we will head east toward our winter home in Florida. Should get to Fl between Oct and Nov. Should be a good trip. Lets hope the price of gas doesn't get to high. If you don't spend it the goverment will take it so I'm spending it. Thanks and this site has helped me with lots of questions. This is the first place I go for Info. Thanks again

[GaryKD]

Hi RDNesbitt,
Sounds like a great trip. When do you pan to be in Death Valley?

[Chickadee]

RDNesbitt: G'morning from Tampa. Sounds like a great trip!! From your description of planned routes, for the most part you've picked the least mountainest route on your way to Sparks. From Kingman ya can wind your way up toward and through the Southern edge of Vegas and head over to Parhump, NV (just W. of Vegas and close to Death Valley). If ya DO venture into Death Valley, BE PREPARED for HOT!!!!!!

On your return through Zion, Bryce Canyon and maybe Moab and definitely Monument Valley, you'll run into some major downgrades as you leave the Bryce area and head over into the Moab area, but then going South into and beyond Monument Valley should be no problem. Follow Hwy. 160 just S. of Monument Valley SW over to Flagstaff and Williams area of AZ for your time at the Grand Canyon which is something ya might want to do on your way out to Sparks before Kingman...only you know. Williams, AZ is a great place to park rig and take your toad up to the Canyon....you'll see more at your leisure driving along and stopping at all the view points along the South rim. Up to you. Have a great trip. Steve & Lynette

[read & learn]

If you decide to visit the Grand Canyon go to the Grand Canyon Railroad web site as they have a couple of packages including the train ride from Williams to the Canyon.
At the canyon there is bus service for visiting the different locations.
Check price in Sept/Oct for best deals.
Chickadee I can hear the factory calling.
Joe

[RDNesbitt]

We plan on being in death vally about the middle of Aug.

[GaryKD]

We will be there the week after July 4. We'll leave some of the summer heat for you to experience.

[OldChief7155]

It will be over 110 every day and stay over 100 all night. Only hookups are at Stovepipe Wells or Panamint Springs.

There are significant up and down grades on 190 west going to Lone Pine.

If you walk 10 feet from your vehicle take water, wear a hat, and good shoes. People die there by not being prepared.

If you break down, stay with your vehicle. The CHP or ranger will eventually come to your aid.

This is a good place to carry a FULL water tank and run your generator and house air leaving the dash air off.

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDNesbitt We would like to see Death Valley and Yosemite on the way to Sparks.

Besides the fact that neither Death Valley nor Yosemite are "on the way to" Sparks, it will be extremely hot in Death Valley in August...it's possible for it to hit 120 degrees, or more, during the summer!

Quote:

Leaving Sparks to Utah by way of RT 50 and seeing southern Utah and the canyons. Then on to the Grand Canyon and southern AZ.

US-50 across Nevada is great...one of our favorite drives! While the Grand Canyon will be OK, there again, southern Arizona will be very hot in August. Just be sure your A/C is in great working order...you're going to need it!

[GaryKD]

Hi OldChief7155,
Thanks for your tips and concern. We've been there before and agree with you. I have made both mommies a list of what the Gkids need to bring. A wide brim hat and hiking shoes are on the list. We will all have water bottles and extra water in the toad. We tour in the toad. The coach will be at a CG to the East of Death Valley (Terribles CG in Nevada).

The first time we went, in the summer, I had all that was necessary except the hiking shoes. When one steps onto the valley floor in sneakers, in the middle of summer, the sneaker's sole may melt. The ground heat is transfered to the feet and the feet will burn!

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi OldChief7155, We will all have water bottles and extra water in the toad. We tour in the toad.

If you plan on doing any amount of hiking in Death Valley during the summer, I would advise lots more water than just a "bottle." Each person should carry at least 1 gallon with them, and I'd carry much more than that per person in the toad...you may very well need every drop if your toad breaks down while touring and you have to wait for a tow.

[GaryKD]

Hi LindaH,
There will be no hiking in Death Valley. We plan on driving to the various sights. See the site, take pictures and return to the toad. This will be a safe trip. Thank you for your concern and advice.