Favorite Western Must See

[Graniteman]

We are planning a 3 week trip out west after my daughter graduates this spring. I want this to be one of those special family trips that we all remember for many years to come. So I am looking for input from experienced campers.

Please post only one to each of the following;

1. The one site you would see west of the Mississippi and why.

2. Favorite campground there (especially if Big Rig Friendly)

3. The one place you would avoid and why.

Thanks is advance.

[MRUSA14]

You want me to pick just ONE? Are you NUTS?

Okay, if I have to, it would be Grand Teton National Park. Colter Bay RV Park has full hookups and handles Big Rigs. Sells out fast, reservations needed well in advance.

Next would be Bryce Canyon National Park. Ruby's campground is just okay, but very convenient.

A very close third: Zion National Park. Watchman Campground is just inside the park, adjacent to park headquarters and the park shuttle. Some sites have electric and water, no sewer but has dump station. The lovely town of Springdale just one mile away has great restaurants, shops etc.

[Highway 4x4]

The Oregon coast. Fort Stevens. Then on the way back stay at Zion River RV in Utah and see Zion, Bryce, then go over to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Avoid the big cities.

[PeaceOwl]

Yosemite is just stunning with the waterfalls, meadows surrounded by sheer rock walls of all colors, rock climbers to observe at half dome. Dry camped Upper Pine campground, close to buses and amenities. Most enjoyable by younger people as well. We rode our bikes to some of the falls. Very hot mid summer. Mid June is beautiful weather. We go often, being 6 hours away. One place you won't get tired of. Check online for reservations 6 weeks before.

[mga60tw]

I would stop in Moab, Utah and enjoy the National Parks! Fun place to visit

[Alan_Barb]

X2 Grand Teton National Park.

Then (in no particular order) Zion NP, Sedona AZ, Arches NP....

[D in Davie]

Another vote for the Tetons and Colter Bay RV park. If you can I would also do Yellowstone and then head back out the east gate to Cody Wy and stay at the Ponderosa Campground. I would avoid going to Arizona in the summer and driving I 10 but thats just me.

[GunnyClark]

Gila Bend Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico

[Ramets]

Oh, definately Yellowstone. But if planned correctly you can make a loop by say hitting Bryce , then up to Yellowstone, then north to Glacier NP, then east through the Dakotas to Rushmore, and back home. With only 3wks. it'll take some planning.

[smlranger]

Wow, tough question since there is so much beautiful country to see. Just driving there thru the mountains will be stunning.

Of the things we've seen on three trips out West, I would put them in this order in terms of pure beauty:

1. Zion National Park
2. Yellowstone/Grand Teton
3. Monument Valley
4. Grand Canyon, South Rim
5. Black Hills, Mount Rushmore/Custer/Needles Highway

If you have sufficient time and plan it right, you can see a number of places coming and going, unless you want to drive to a particular destination and stay there for most of your available time.


You've probably heard this before but it is true...' If you want to see what man has made, go East. If you want to see what God has made, go West.'

[spritz]

There is a rest stop in Wyoming that has a boulder,rock but you can climb it Very easy climb (no ropes or climbing gear required).
It was 1/2 ways to Cal. or east-coast back in the day of horse drawn wagon's. Hundreds of etchings,writings from years and years ago.
I remember when we were on top we looked @ our semi that was parked and it looked like a match-car...
You can still see the wheel marks from the wagons in both directions.
N. of Lusk Wy on 18/85 or West out of Hot Springs S.D. on 18 too 18/85, First rest area in Wy. Pretty Neat,
Tim
ps, I agree to many cool places in the west too just pick one..

[JFNM]

Originally Posted by smlranger

'If you want to see what man has made, go East. If you want to see what God has made, go West.'

Totally agree - well said!

I'm afraid it may be worth taking a look at a map - 'west of the Mississippi' encompasses an area that is about 2/3 of our country (excluding Alaska and Hawaii - probably 4/5 or more including them). This is a HUGE area - there are hundreds/thousands of fantastic things to see. I'd suggest narrowing the search a little or else you'll spend a lot of time driving.

Being a "westerner", I'm probably a bit of a "super-fan". Being an aviator, I have seen a good portion of the west from a perspective that few get and I think it is an amazing place. The "not worth seeing" spots are VERY few and far between. Especially if you are looking at the right times (typically sunrise when the colors pop). Even places like the salt flats of Utah are amazing in size and absolute "barrenness".

My favorite camping spots are on forest service or BLM land - far from anybody else. I bet you get to experience camping with people back east - try something different! Get off the Interstates and away from the RV parks.

All the places/national parks you've heard about are amazing - Yellowstone, Glacier, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands etc... All the places in between are only slightly less amazing.

Does your family want any particular type of entertainment?? Mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, water skiing, etc...??

[Bilgerat]

Originally Posted by spritz

There is a rest stop in Wyoming that has a boulder,rock but you can climb it Very easy climb (no ropes or climbing gear required).
It was 1/2 ways to Cal. or east-coast back in the day of horse drawn wagon's. Hundreds of etchings,writings from years and years ago.
I remember when we were on top we looked @ our semi that was parked and it looked like a match-car...
You can still see the wheel marks from the wagons in both directions.
N. of Lusk Wy on 18/85 or West out of Hot Springs S.D. on 18 too 18/85, First rest area in Wy. Pretty Neat,
Tim
ps, I agree to many cool places in the west too just pick one..

Independence Rock.
Settlers (1800's RVers) heading west needed to be at or west of "The Rock" by 4th of July so they would not get caught in the mountain passes winter snows. The writings were from folks leaving messages for those coming behind them. It was also the main fork of the wagon train trails heading west.
Every Destination Listed Above Is Awesome! I'm sure which ever one you select will be Great. In 2001 I let my son pick one "He Wanted", that's where we went. Good Luck

[pagosajoe]

Best place - Mesa Verde. Take the special, limited ranger guided tours to places the public normally doesn't get to see, limited to a handful of people. Get your tickets early. Amazing!

Mesa Verde RV Resort is right across highway 160 from the entrance. They offer a 20% military discount.

Avoid? Can't think of any....