BUCKET LIST - If this were the last trip - what would you want to SEE Again?

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by richardgood

1. I would agree with Number 3.

The Durango Silverton railway and the railway museum in Durango are awesome. They should be on any railway buffs bucket list.

Creed is worth a visit as is Pagosa Springs. Don't ride the brakes on Wolf Creek pass, keep the speed way down.

If you visit Taos, visit the Taos Pueblo where the Tiwa have lived for 1000 years. The first massacre of Native Americans took place in the church here.

2. Sedona is magical and there is lots to see in the area, from the Verde Canyon Railway, to the ghost town of Jerome and Montezuma's well.

3. If you are in Southern Alberta, visit Head smashed in Buffalo Jump park. The views are beautiful and the museum is worth the visit. The dinosaur museum in Drumheller is probably the best in the world. Of course Banff.

4. On the East Coast, the Virginia state park system has some great campgrounds. Shenandoah River State park is beautiful, especially in summer when you can tube down the river.

Couple of Notes - Golden, Colorado also has a pretty good Railway Museum - https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/

The best way to Creed - IMHO is through Lake City over - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slumgullion_Pass - The north side has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado (9%) - Just Beautiful!

The interaction in Taos is much better now - just Buy From the Makers - Avoid Counterfeit - https://www.newmexico.org/nmmagazine...ative-jewelry/

Sedona is not only Majical it is truly a Special and Beautiful Spot - I can remember in the old days, with film, it was so hard to get the true Colors to come out - Now with Digital Imaging so much easier.

As for Canada my experience is limited - Seems we are usually trying to to enjoy Glacier - Both Sides - and never can imagine leaving, once the weather is right. The Images I've seen on Canada's Rockies - ProfDan's is enough to put it on my list.


When you mention the East Coast - well you are getting close to Home - Yes Virginia and the Blue Ridge along with the Corps Parks are great - But the Beach - That's what draws me to the East - The Coast - to see the Sun Rise on the Ocean is just Special.

Thanks for Sharing, and allowing me to take a trip with your Fav's -

[Betr2Trvl]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

The best way to Creed - IMHO is through Lake City over - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slumgullion_Pass - The north side has the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado (9%) - Just Beautiful!

At the crest of the north side, heading southbound in our GASSER with the Jeep hooked up, yes, in a gasser folks. (it flips the right way when you click on it, I’ve alway had problems with this photo.....)

No big deal, really .

Of course, before I headed down 149, I did seek the exalted busskipper’s advice beforehand .

We’ve hit most of those bucket list places mentioned, including some returns already such as East Glacier last summer after doing West Glacier in 2016. And we also got to do a winter trip to Yellowstone on late Jan. This year (not in the RV of course) so that was an interesting perspective vs. our summer visit there in 2016.

In any case, going to start on summer 2021 planning today, and at this point we’ll head west again. My first destination plug in is going to be Canyon de Chelly as that’s one we’ve missed on our 3 western trips to date, and plenty of time in CO again and make sure this time we get to the Black Canyon of Gunnison which we’ve seemed to miss along the way too.

Regards

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Betr2Trvl

At the crest of the north side, heading southbound in our GASSER with the Jeep hooked up, yes, in a gasser folks. (it flips the right way when you click on it, I’ve alway had problems with this photo.....)

No big deal, really .

Of course, before I headed down 149, I did seek the exalted busskipper’s advice beforehand .

We’ve hit most of those bucket list places mentioned, including some returns already such as East Glacier last summer after doing West Glacier in 2016. And we also got to do a winter trip to Yellowstone on late Jan. This year (not in the RV of course) so that was an interesting perspective vs. our summer visit there in 2016.

In any case, going to start on summer 2021 planning today, and at this point we’ll head west again. My first destination plug in is going to be Canyon de Chelly as that’s one we’ve missed on our 3 western trips to date, and plenty of time in CO again and make sure this time we get to the Black Canyon of Gunnison which we’ve seemed to miss along the way too.

Regards

If you right click on these - provided I saved them correctly - then they should all stay in the correct position - added Canyon de Chelly and Painted Wall at the Black Canyon

You all had no problem on the Steepest paved Road in Colorado - why do these guys in DP's need 600 HP.

Thanks for sharing,

[Melvo]

Canyon de Chelly is impressive and it is a big place. Definitely worth a visit. Also it is generally very busy. Chaco canyon is a lot different, very few visitors when we have been there. There are guides and everything has been left as it was found. There are a couple of commercial campgrounds if you want to use your toad. Can go in from north or south but both are very rough roads.

[JakenJo]

We are new at this (2 years and 20K miles) but will give top 10 to date a shot:

1. Grand Teton NP. Stayed at Colter Bay loved the reflections of mountains on lake each AM walk. Hike around lake north of Jenny. Raft float with elk and Moose. Way less crowded than Yellowstone.

2.Bryce Canyon NP. Enjoyed hike below rim through Hoodoos. Side trip to Kodachrome Basin SP.

3.Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock Climb/hike, Luckenbach visit Pacific War Museum all great.

4.Yellowstone. We were there in mid June and it was too crowded. Did not even go to Old Faithful or Prismatic except to drive by. Did enjoy other less famous thermal features and Grand Canyon Falls. Best parts of stay in West Yellowstone were side trip to Ennis MT(need to go back to fly fish) and Virginia City Montana historic town and our drive east out of park to Cody where we saw two grizzlies up close and personal by road (from coach) and Big Horn sheep right next to road also.

5. Grand Canyon. Busy but enjoyed staying in Trailer Village, rim hikes and lunch in historic hotel.

6. Sleeping Bear Dunes MI Amazingly huge dunes and water below looked like Abaco Bahamas.

7. Page/Lake Powell. Awesome photo tour of Antelope Canyon

8. Zion NP. Cool place but again so crowded and many trails closed a bad combo.

9. Vernal UT Dino NM. Quarry Exhibit amazing and fun to hike nearby and imagine finding dino fossil remains. Green River flooding so no chance to float there. Great ride form Vernal To Jackson WY via Flaming George with overnight next to Wind River Range.

10 Ft Robinson Nebraska SP. Fun stay among preserved buildings at old army fort where Crazy Horse and his band finally surrendered to US Calvary.

Just a beginners list of what we enjoyed so far and as many say, the best of all was really the getting there starting in S FL. Cant wait to add to it. PS Left out Sante Fe and Pagosa Springs to keep count down.

[JakenJo]

Originally Posted by Melvo

Canyon de Chelly is impressive and it is a big place. Definitely worth a visit. Also it is generally very busy. Chaco canyon is a lot different, very few visitors when we have been there. There are guides and everything has been left as it was found. There are a couple of commercial campgrounds if you want to use your toad. Can go in from north or south but both are very rough roads.

Melvo. Chaco is of great interest. We did a hike up Chimney Rock outside Pagosa Springs with a terrific guide who explained a lot about the Chaco Culture and said that Chaco Canyon was a place we had to go if we really wanted to see what those ancients were all about.

We plan to visit Sante Fe area again on next trip west. So can you park coach at nearby campgounds and visit in a non 4 wheel SUV? He said it was hard to get there but so worth it.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by JakenJo

We are new at this (2 years and 20K miles) but will give top 10 to date a shot:

1. Grand Teton NP. Stayed at Colter Bay loved the reflections of mountains on lake each AM walk. Hike around lake north of Jenny. Raft float with elk and Moose. Way less crowded than Yellowstone.

2.Bryce Canyon NP. Enjoyed hike below rim through Hoodoos. Side trip to Kodachrome Basin SP.

3.Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock Climb/hike, Luckenbach visit Pacific War Museum all great.

4.Yellowstone. We were there in mid June and it was too crowded. Did not even go to Old Faithful or Prismatic except to drive by. Did enjoy other less famous thermal features and Grand Canyon Falls. Best parts of stay in West Yellowstone were side trip to Ennis MT(need to go back to fly fish) and Virginia City Montana historic town and our drive east out of park to Cody where we saw two grizzlies up close and personal by road (from coach) and Big Horn sheep right next to road also.

5. Grand Canyon. Busy but enjoyed staying in Trailer Village, rim hikes and lunch in historic hotel.

6. Sleeping Bear Dunes MI Amazingly huge dunes and water below looked like Abaco Bahamas.

7. Page/Lake Powell. Awesome photo tour of Antelope Canyon

8. Zion NP. Cool place but again so crowded and many trails closed a bad combo.

9. Vernal UT Dino NM. Quarry Exhibit amazing and fun to hike nearby and imagine finding dino fossil remains. Green River flooding so no chance to float there. Great ride from Vernal To Jackson WY via Flaming Gorge with overnight next to Wind River Range.

10 Ft Robinson Nebraska SP. Fun stay among preserved buildings at old army fort where Crazy Horse and his band finally surrendered to US Calvary.

Just a beginners list of what we enjoyed so far and as many say, the best of all was really the getting there starting in S FL. Can't wait to add to it. PS Left out Sante Fe and Pagosa Springs to keep count down.

Jake, Not a bad start - for just 2 years and 20K miles! -

#1 Tetons from across the Lake - I can sit and stare for Days - and Days, it never gets old. -

Think you have learned that in Season, the more Popular spots are just Too Crowded - BUT - I applaud you for going Outside the Box and expanding your Boundaries, exploring and Discovering that around these Great National Parks there are still great and Interesting Adventures. Also discovering that the State Parks can fill in a good bit if you are willing to give them a Try.

You also Understand that you are spending your non Vacation days in a Spot many only dream of Being. - so Life is Good.

Your #9 is a drive that when we take it usually will last for over a week - so much between - Dino NM to Cody - Dino has many roads and trails and the Green River if not Flooded is exceptional - then Flaming Gorge - the High Cliffs, the Mountain Goats, then to find a CG on the Lake is IMHO pretty awesome. Then if you drive up towards Cody - so many just neat little Reservoirs with CG's and while usually full on the weekends often almost empty during the week, as we would bump along on up to Shoshoni to stay on the Wind River just as you stat into the Canyon going to the Hot Springs in Thermopolis, just before getting to Cody/Buffalo Bill SP/Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth/Red Lodge....and the Wal*Mart before slipping into YNP.

#7 Glad you were able to enjoy Page and the area around Lake Powell - it is an awesome area - It's large enough that even in the height of the Season you can get to spots, if you search just a bit, that are all to yourself.

A Question - can you do any of this in the winter or shoulder seasons? - many of the places mentioned are so different then, and can be less crowded.

Be sure to take Hundreds of Images of all these spots, as COVID-19 is showing it may not always be easy to get out and Explore, the images will allow you to relive these memories again and again. Last Note is you appear to have discovered that the Trip to these Places can be pretty Good too.

Thanks for sharing,

As I also love the Tetons - not always crowded - Images below

[JakenJo]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Jake, Not a bad start - for just 2 years and 20K miles! -

#1 Tetons from across the Lake - I can sit and stare for Days - and Days, it never gets old. -

Think you have learned that in Season, the more Popular spots are just Too Crowded - BUT - I applaud you for going Outside the Box and expanding your Boundaries, exploring and Discovering that around these Great National Parks there are still great and Interesting Adventures. Also discovering that the State Parks can fill in a good bit if you are willing to give them a Try.

You also Understand that you are spending your non Vacation days in a Spot many only dream of Being. - so Life is Good.

Your #9 is a drive that when we take it usually will last for over a week - so much between - Dino NM to Cody - Dino has many roads and trails and the Green River if not Flooded is exceptional - then Flaming Gorge - the High Cliffs, the Mountain Goats, then to find a CG on the Lake is IMHO pretty awesome. Then if you drive up towards Cody - so many just neat little Reservoirs with CG's and while usually full on the weekends often almost empty during the week, as we would bump along on up to Shoshoni to stay on the Wind River just as you stat into the Canyon going to the Hot Springs in Thermopolis, just before getting to Cody/Buffalo Bill SP/Chief Joseph Highway/Beartooth/Red Lodge....and the Wal*Mart before slipping into YNP.

#7 Glad you were able to enjoy Page and the area around Lake Powell - it is an awesome area - It's large enough that even in the height of the Season you can get to spots, if you search just a bit, that are all to yourself.

A Question - can you do any of this in the winter or shoulder seasons? - many of the places mentioned are so different then, and can be less crowded.

Be sure to take Hundreds of Images of all these spots, as COVID-19 is showing it may not always be easy to get out and Explore, the images will allow you to relive these memories again and again. Last Note is you appear to have discovered that the Trip to these Places can be pretty Good too.

Thanks for sharing,

As I also love the Tetons - not always crowded - Images below

Bus. We have now pretty much retired so will expand travels to shoulder season. Not sure about winter. Hoping to maybe make a trip in September if things clear up. Just had to cancel reservations at Malibu and Sequoia to visit daughter in LA at the end of this month.

Took a ton of pics prior trips just trying to remember how to post a few.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by JakenJo

Bus. We have now pretty much retired so will expand travels to shoulder season. Not sure about winter. Hoping to maybe make a trip in September if things clear up. Just had to cancel reservations at Malibu and Sequoia to visit daughter in LA at the end of this month.

Took a ton of pics prior trips just trying to remember how to post a few.

Retired is Good - Locate the pictures - Edit them - Then Save the edited version - then Locate on the disc to Post them - Using the Attach Files below, in the Additional options

[JakenJo]

I have uploaded pics but not sure how to fix the sideways ones. Antelope, Bryce , Jenny Lake GTNP, Norris Geyser Basin YSNP

[JakenJo]

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Dino, Big Horn sheep in Zion and Horseshoe Bend at sunrise

[JakenJo]

A few more. Flowering cactus in KodachromeSP , Antelope Canyon, Mesa Verde and Chimney Rock from Kiva at summit.

[Issaquahiker]

Fun topic. I would go to the places we have not gone to yet. Each of these would be multiple months with many other stops along the way. Or I have mapped it out as a great big circle if want to go back to full timing.

1. TX/NM - Big Big, Carlsbad, Guadalupe Mtns, White Sands NP
2. California Sierra Nevada range - hitting all the NP's, Lk Tahoe, up to Crater Lake Oregon
3. Canadian NPs in BC & Alberta - Banff, Jasper, Yono, etc
4. Alaska
5. Eastern Canada - New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador
6. New England - NY Adirondacks, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
7. South Florida - Keys, Everglades area
8. The Canadian side of the Great Lakes


And where we have been but not for long enough

9. Utah NP's/Grand Circle plus Great Basin NP
10. Yellowstone/Grand Teton NP's

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Busskipper

Retired is Good - Locate the pictures - Edit them - Then Save the edited version - then Locate on the disc to Post them - Using the Attach Files below, in the Additional options

There you go key is to rotate then and then save them as Rotated. -

Beautiful Images!