thinking of summer '06 road trip: have several questions ...

So this summer is, in many ways, my last "free" summer for a very long time :( (school and such) ... SO, I've always wanted to take a "road trip" of sorts and "see america".

I enjoy camping, hiking, and enjoying nature in all her beauty! and am hoping to experience just that (and avoid big cities if at all possible). My first question is west or east (I'd be starting out in Arkansas)? I've been to the Rocky Mtns and Yellowstone and have really enjoyed the scenery, the "openness" (if that's the right word), and the wildlife. I have little experience with the east, except parts of South Carolina and Gulf Shores. It was nice, but I felt it didn't compare to the west; however, it's not much of a fair comparison given my past experience.

So given that, west is preferred, BUT: to see what I want to see (Redwood forests, west coast, Grand Canyon [and others I'm forgetting]) seems like a long way to drive. I'm use to 2-4 hour stretches, and have driven around 8 hours at a time on other vacations, but never 7k-8k miles, making a giant loop around the western United States. It has me worried a bit, so I'm wondering what people think. The distance factor, obviously, is much less heading east; but then again, I think I'd enjoy the west more!

Any comments are appreciated.

I'd most likely be doing this solo; i've camped for a week by myself and had a great time hiking and exploring the state park I was at, but, of course, what I'm thinking about would take much longer.

So I guess I'm also asking if it seems feasible, from other's experiences, that this would be enjoyable and relaxing (cause I'll need it!).

Finally, I'm still searching and searching and have just now found this site, but are there any sites and/or books that have a good list of national parks, state parks, natural-related "attractions", and the less obvious road-side treasurers that can be found? I've already requested travel "guides" for most of the states on my list (free of course), but I suspect those attractions that will be listed will be the more $$ producing attractions, not necessarily what I'm looking for!

I know I had other questions, but I can't think of them now (besides, the above is plenty). Anywho, any comments are appreciated.

-Chris

Maybe you shouldn't go as far west as you planned. Maybe keep it to Arizona as the farthest point west & Utah as the farthest point north. There are so many national parks and national monuments in these two states alone!

I-40 is a nice drive. Just west of Albuquerque is Petroglyphs National Monument. From Gallup, NM you might go north a little on 491 then take Hwy 264 to Window Rock, AZ and on to Ganado. See the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site before heading north on Hwy 191 to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. There is a really nice campground set in Cottonwood trees. Best part is this campground is FREE! Take one of the guide tours into the canyon.

From here make your way north to Monument Valley before going to the Grand Canyon. The go north to Lake Powell , Zion National Park (two nice campgrounds) and Bryce National Park (two nice campgrounds one, you have to have reservations). Work your way up north on scenic Hwy 12 to Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park and the Fruita Campgrounds is one of our favorites. From here make your way to Moab, Utah where you will find Canyonlands & Arches National Park and tons of other places to see. From Moab make sure you take scenic Hwy 128 back up to I-70. Colorado National Monument is near Grand Junction Colorado (nice campground). From Grand Junction head south on Hwy 50 to Montrose and near by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (nice campground). From there head south on Hwy 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) through Ouray & Silverton to Durango. Make a side trip to Mesa Verde National Park and Morfield Campground is another one of our favorites. From here you can make your way down to Farmington, NM and Chaco Culture National Historic Park which has a campground but we've never stayed there.

If you still have time you can make your way down to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM & Guadalupe National Parks, TX.

Here are a few good links
http://www.desertusa.com/park.html
http://www.americansouthwest.net/

Utahtea

Thanks for the reply!

The more I think about, the more I have to agree with you. Maybe because I don't know that area of the country very well, but there really wasn't anything big on my list to see in California, and cutting it and the west coast out would eliminate (if my math is right) around 1.5k miles. I guess the only thing I'd miss is the Redwood National Forest, Mount Saint Helens, and whatever else I'm forgetting about! Do you think these are worth driving the extra distance for (I say extra, but it's quite a ways over)?

-Chris

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Originally Posted by han0522

..but there really wasn't anything big on my list to see in California,

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Well, you would be cutting out several national parks and some of the most scenic drives in the world -- but there is much to recommend focusing your attention on Arizona and Utah as Utahtea has suggested.

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I guess the only thing I'd miss is the Redwood National Forest, Mount Saint Helens,

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Mt. St.Helens is not in California.

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

Well, you would be cutting out several national parks and some of the most scenic drives in the world -- but there is much to recommend focusing your attention on Arizona and Utah as Utahtea has suggested. Mt. St.Helens is not in California.

Mark

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I meant in cutting out the west coast; heading north from Arizona to Utah and then making my way back to Arkansas, I would miss the Redwoods, Mt. Saint Helens, and everything else Oregon and Washington has to offer ...

... but trying to squeeze in the entire west (west of the Mississippi) is far too much and I'd probably feel hurried, so you're right, I'd be better off focusing a little more. I guess I could make WA and OR its own trip at some later date, but, gosh, to be that close (and close is, of course, relative compared to Arkansas) ...

... but I am glad I found this website and I've found all of the links, guides and FAQs very helpful, as well as your comments here.

Thanks!

-Chris

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Originally Posted by han0522

So this summer is, in many ways, my last "free" summer for a very long time

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I re-read your original post and I don't see a time frame for this adventure. So, how long will you have before you have to go home? Arkansas, by the way, is one of my favorite states in the union.

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and have driven around 8 hours at a time on other vacations, but never 7k-8k miles, making a giant loop around the western United States. It has me worried a bit, so I'm wondering what people think.

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Generally, I suggest that a solo roadtripper stick to travel days of less than eight hours to prevent the cumulative effects of too many hours in the saddle (although I have certainly done plenty of those pesky 14-hour days in my career). Here are some tips about that.

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Finally, I'm still searching and searching and have just now found this site, but are there any sites and/or books that have a good list of national parks, state parks, natural-related "attractions", and the less obvious road-side treasurers that can be found?

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We try and stay current with the best of the best in terms of roadtrip guides. Here are some of our recommendations for roadside americana.

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

I re-read your original post and I don't see a time frame for this adventure. So, how long will you have before you have to go home? Arkansas, by the way, is one of my favorite states in the union. Generally, I suggest that a solo roadtripper stick to travel days of less than eight hours to prevent the cumulative effects of too many hours in the saddle (although I have certainly done plenty of those pesky 14-hour days in my career). Here are some tips about that.
We try and stay current with the best of the best in terms of roadtrip guides. Here are some of our recommendations for roadside americana.

Mark

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I love Arkansas as well. So many of my friends were so eager to leave this state after High School and College; I just couldn't understand it ...

I've been advised by many to take the summer off from school because next year will be insane, so I'm going to do that. Classes end May 12 and will resume around August 2. I need to be here for most of July to prepare.

So that leaves half of May and all of June. That said, my plan isn't necessarily to fill this time with this road trip; rather, this is the timeframe around which I have to travel. I'm also trying to leave things as open as possible if I take longer than I had anticipated.

Honestly, I'm not sure how long it will take; I've never done anything quite like this, so I can only guess: 3-4 weeks at the most? I'm not sure. But I'm trying to be flexible to allow less or more time, and still have a great time.

-Chris

P.S. Excellent links. I read through a whole bunch of them last night (and loaded up my bookmarks) and found them all very helpful. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by han0522

I love Arkansas as well.

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I spent about six weeks one late spring zig-zagging around your state. A state with near perfect attributes (except for those blasted chiggers....)

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I need to be here for most of July to prepare.

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What kind of school/training are you about to engage in? I think someone has got to be "pulling your leg" about whatever it is you will be starting later in the summer.

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Honestly, I'm not sure how long it will take; I've never done anything quite like this, so I can only guess: 3-4 weeks at the most?

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One of the realities about time, is that is fully elastic (that is it will expand to fill whatever time you have allocated). To do a compete circuit as described in your first post would require 4-5 years of daily travel. However, four weeks is a good length of time to explore much of the west.

{Sorry, I have to rest my paw -- I have a damaged thumb and typing is a bit slow}

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

I spent about six weeks one late spring zig-zagging around your state. A state with near perfect attributes (except for those blasted chiggers....)

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Agreed. Chiggers are lots of fun ...

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Originally Posted by Editor

What kind of school/training are you about to engage in? I think someone has got to be "pulling your leg" about whatever it is you will be starting later in the summer.

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I wish they were. I'm close to finishing my first year in medical school. Surprisingly (for me at least) we have 2.5 months off for the summer. First years tend to work, do research, reconnect with family, and/or relax. Unfortunately, the second year is very tough compared to the first year; more class time, preparation for the USMLE Step 1, and preparation for the clinical portion of our education (third and fourth year).

The summers from now on look like this:

Between 1st and 2nd: Somewhat open
Between 2nd and 3rd: All time spent studying for the USMLE Step 1 (May and June) and "rounds" in the hospital begin in early July
Between 3rd and 4th: Have about a week off at the end of June; rounds begin again the first week of July
After 4th: Work at whatever hospital you matched at for residency

Given this, second, third, fourth year students, and some physicians have suggested (not only to me) that we take time and relax, because things are about to get crazy.

For me, I need a break. I'm not as stressed as some, but I definitely need some time off to prepare (mentally and psychologically) for the second year. July, for the most part, will be spent ordering textbooks, registering, paying for school (ugh, debt), shadowing in the hospital, and reviewing the first year material before the second year starts.

So I have this nice 1.5 month window open where I'd like to see as much of the scenic beauty the western US has to offer (but of course not all).

But, I'm very inexperienced in this area, so I found this site and decided I'd ask and hear (okay, read) people's thoughts, so here I am :) ...

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Originally Posted by Editor

One of the realities about time, is that is fully elastic (that is it will expand to fill whatever time you have allocated). To do a compete circuit as described in your first post would require 4-5 years of daily travel. However, four weeks is a good length of time to explore much of the west.

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Agreed. I'm still thinking and reading about it, but I'm starting to lean closer to the "skip the western most US states" side, leave that for another time. There's just so much to see!

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Originally Posted by Editor

{Sorry, I have to rest my paw -- I have a damaged thumb and typing is a bit slow}

Mark

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Thanks for your reply, and please take care of your thumb!

-Chris

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Originally Posted by han0522

...I'm not as stressed as some, but I definitely need some time off to prepare

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Medical school hazing -- I suppose it makes some sense -- but very little. Some of it, maybe all of it, is designed to toughen young doctor's psyches -- but I still wonder at the relatively inefficiency of the process.

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So I have this nice 1.5 month window open where I'd like to see as much of the scenic beauty

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What I would suggest is that you travel for three weeks and sleep for the other three...

I would suggest you fly to Phoenix, make a three week cruise around Arizona, Utah, Colorado & New Mexico and fly home again.

Mark

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Originally Posted by Editor

Medical school hazing -- I suppose it makes some sense -- but very little. Some of it, maybe all of it, is designed to toughen young doctor's psyches -- but I still wonder at the relatively inefficiency of the process. What I would suggest is that you travel for three weeks and sleep for the other three...

I would suggest you fly to Phoenix, make a three week cruise around Arizona, Utah, Colorado & New Mexico and fly home again.

Mark

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Thanks for the response.

I've not considered the idea of flying in until reading your post. A quick glance through Travelocity looks like flying in and back would cost roughly $200, with car rental costs around $600. So, without tax (and whatever else I'm forgetting), it looks like +$800 for flying in. So, for $800 I'd get 2k miles off driving ...

... the problem (and, I'm sort of thinking out loud here) is that would place a static start and end on the trip. I'm afraid I'd feel hurried, and wouldn't be able to spend extra time at some locations if I wanted to, or even come back early if I needed to, without some sort of penalty. Plus, I've enjoyed driving around AR, the scenery, people, etc., and I was hoping I'd enjoy the same while driving through OK and TX.

I don't know. I appreciate your reply and will continue to think through all the different options. Flying in certainly has its benefits, but I'm thinking the costs might be too much.

Again, thanks!

-Chris

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Originally Posted by han0522

... the problem (and, I'm sort of thinking out loud here) is that would place a static start and end on the trip. I'm afraid I'd feel hurried, and wouldn't be able to spend extra time at some locations if I wanted to, or even come back early if I needed to, without some sort of penalty. Plus, I've enjoyed driving around AR, the scenery, people, etc., and I was hoping I'd enjoy the same while driving through OK and TX.

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Chris, OK -- as long as we have now identified your preferences -- I much prefer and recommend the Mosey Style whenever possible, (here are some other popular styles). So I would now suggest that you limit this trip to exclusively Oklahoma and Texas. Both states have more than enough amazing places to explore than you have time for. Save the rest of the west for another time.

The site I use whenever I have some "free time" for Texas Exploration is this one. And you can follow a goodly chunk of historic Route 66 as well!

Mark

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... but trying to squeeze in the entire west (west of the Mississippi) is far too much and I'd probably feel hurried, so you're right, I'd be better off focusing a little more. I guess I could make WA and OR its own trip at some later date, but, gosh, to be that close (and close is, of course, relative compared to Arkansas) ...

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Yes, there is a lot worth seeing in California, Washington and Oregon but I think you would be so much better off saving them for another trip. If you can spare the 4 weeks, I'd shoot for that time frame.

Late May will be your best time to start this trip to avoid the heat in AZ & Utah. Also the crowds won't be as bad this time of the year...so the earlier you start on this trip, the better.

Utahtea

I wanted to ask one other thing:

I loved the wildlife in Yellowstone and I'm wondering whether wildlife "viewing" is possible (that is, wildlife is around) in the national parks in CA, AZ, UT, CO, NM. This is probably a dumb question, but I thought I'd ask anyway!

-Chris

Certainly there is the chance of seeing wildlife at pretty much any national park. Of course wildlife is wild, so what and how much wildlife you actual see during a visit is simply a matter of luck.

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Originally Posted by Utahtea

Maybe you shouldn't go as far west as you planned. Maybe keep it to Arizona as the farthest point west & Utah as the farthest point north. There are so many national parks and national monuments in these two states alone!

I-40 is a nice drive. Just west of Albuquerque is Petroglyphs National Monument. From Gallup, NM you might go north a little on 491 then take Hwy 264 to Window Rock, AZ and on to Ganado. See the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site before heading north on Hwy 191 to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. There is a really nice campground set in Cottonwood trees. Best part is this campground is FREE! Take one of the guide tours into the canyon.

From here make your way north to Monument Valley before going to the Grand Canyon. The go north to Lake Powell , Zion National Park (two nice campgrounds) and Bryce National Park (two nice campgrounds one, you have to have reservations). Work your way up north on scenic Hwy 12 to Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park and the Fruita Campgrounds is one of our favorites. From here make your way to Moab, Utah where you will find Canyonlands & Arches National Park and tons of other places to see. From Moab make sure you take scenic Hwy 128 back up to I-70. Colorado National Monument is near Grand Junction Colorado (nice campground). From Grand Junction head south on Hwy 50 to Montrose and near by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (nice campground). From there head south on Hwy 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) through Ouray & Silverton to Durango. Make a side trip to Mesa Verde National Park and Morfield Campground is another one of our favorites. From here you can make your way down to Farmington, NM and Chaco Culture National Historic Park which has a campground but we've never stayed there.

If you still have time you can make your way down to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM & Guadalupe National Parks, TX.

Here are a few good links
http://www.desertusa.com/park.html
http://www.americansouthwest.net/

Utahtea

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Thanks Utahtea, Editor, and Midwest Michael for your help and comments.

It seems like mid-May is the best time to set out. I'm planning on a 3-5 week excursion, wanting to hit the major National and State parks as well as camp along the way.

What I'm thinking right now:

May 15: Leave Little Rock, AR
May 18: Arrive in the Grand Canyon. Spend 2-3 days
Drive to Sequoia NP (spending one night between GC and Sequoia, perhaps at a motel/hotel for the hot shower, maybe). Spend 2 days at Sequoia.
Drive to Hoover Dam, camping nearby.
Drive to Zion NP or Bryce NP and camp 2 days (not sure which, suggestions?)
Drive to and camp at Canyonlands for 1-2 days.
Drive through Arches NP and stop at Colorado Nat'l Mon.
Continue on to Rocky Mtn Natl Park, camp there 2-3 days.
....

This is as far as I've gotten. I'm still "researching" scenic areas in CO, but ultimately, after this, I'll drive to NM, spend a few days there, and then drive back to Little Rock, AR.

(Thanks Utahtea for the excellent suggestions quoted and the links provided; I'm still going through them!)

I'd like comments/criticisms on the above first draft of my agenda. Also, I'm trying to decide on the South or the North rim at the Grand Canyon. There's a 200-mile drive between them, so I'm thinking I'll want to choose either one or the other. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, so I'm thinking South since it seems like it has more of the "touristy" stuff. But according to Utahtea's link the North is more peaceful and maybe more scenic?

My next question is about Sequoia. Of the National Parks that I want to see on this trip, Sequoia is among the top of the list; however, I realize that I'm driving a good distance just for this area; is this a bad idea? Is Sequoia worth the 1-2 days of driving? If it's a scenic drive with good stops on the way (not researched it yet), I'd be inclined to say it is, but I definitely want to hear everyone's opinion.

I'm stuck between Zion NP and Bryce. Perhaps I should add a day or so and stay in both?

Is the Durango area a must-see for CO? I've heard others say so, but, again, wanted to hear other's opinions.

As always, I really appreciate the comments and suggestions.

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Certainly there is the chance of seeing wildlife at pretty much any national park. Of course wildlife is wild, so what and how much wildlife you actual see during a visit is simply a matter of luck.

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Makes sense.

-Chris

I can only ad what I know. I have been to Bryce and Zion Natl parks in Utah, and both are real good. I liked Bryce better of the two. I hear, and this has been mixed reviews, that The Grand Canyon, while beautiful is one of those places people should see, but unless you are hiking down below the rim (nasty in summer) then it isn't one of the best bangs for the buck. Southern Colorado is nice. I really liked Sand Dunes Nat'l Monument.

Other Natl parks that I think need mentioning, even if it makes your decision harder, include Yosemite-Simply Amazing. Also has Sequias in a few areas of the park. Olympic Natl Park, one of the best I have been to, Equally as impressive as Yellowstone/Teton. Mt. Rainier is also amazing!

Keep in mind that Most places far south will be very dry, even in June and I find it saps my energy and when combined with sun and/or elevation, a lot of people find they need a mid-day nap...especially when driving a great deal.

Sunglasses, Sunblock and lib balm!

Good luck!!!

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It seems like mid-May is the best time to set out. I'm planning on a 3-5 week excursion, wanting to hit the major National and State parks as well as camp along the way.

What I'm thinking right now:

May 15: Leave Little Rock, AR
May 18: Arrive in the Grand Canyon. Spend 2-3 days
Drive to Sequoia NP (spending one night between GC and Sequoia, perhaps at a motel/hotel for the hot shower, maybe). Spend 2 days at Sequoia.
Drive to Hoover Dam, camping nearby.
Drive to Zion NP or Bryce NP and camp 2 days (not sure which, suggestions?)
Drive to and camp at Canyonlands for 1-2 days.
Drive through Arches NP and stop at Colorado Nat'l Mon.
Continue on to Rocky Mtn Natl Park, camp there 2-3 days.
....

This is as far as I've gotten. I'm still "researching" scenic areas in CO, but ultimately, after this, I'll drive to NM, spend a few days there, and then drive back to Little Rock, AR.

(Thanks Utahtea for the excellent suggestions quoted and the links provided; I'm still going through them!)

I'd like comments/criticisms on the above first draft of my agenda. Also, I'm trying to decide on the South or the North rim at the Grand Canyon. There's a 200-mile drive between them, so I'm thinking I'll want to choose either one or the other. I've never been to the Grand Canyon, so I'm thinking South since it seems like it has more of the "touristy" stuff. But according to Utahtea's link the North is more peaceful and maybe more scenic?

My next question is about Sequoia. Of the National Parks that I want to see on this trip, Sequoia is among the top of the list; however, I realize that I'm driving a good distance just for this area; is this a bad idea? Is Sequoia worth the 1-2 days of driving? If it's a scenic drive with good stops on the way (not researched it yet), I'd be inclined to say it is, but I definitely want to hear everyone's opinion.

I'm stuck between Zion NP and Bryce. Perhaps I should add a day or so and stay in both?

Is the Durango area a must-see for CO? I've heard others say so, but, again, wanted to hear other's opinions.

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Got another link for you! http://www.so-utah.com/

I think the S. Rim, Grand Canyon has the better views. It will have more crowds and it will NOT be a place to be over the Memorial Day weekend!!!!

Two days at the S. Rim Grand Canyon will be plenty, unless you hike down to the bottom and spend a night. You will need reservations to stay at Phatom Ranch at the bottom. I think two nights, one full day is enough for the N. Rim.

Sequoia is 624 miles from the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon and then another 560 miles back to Zion. Maybe it's just because I've seen so many giant sequoia's in my lifetime, but I really don't think this would be worth it this trip. Maybe save Sequioa and Yosemite for another trip.

Instead of the Hoover Dam, check out the Glen Canyon dam in Page, AZ at Glen Canyon National Recreational area (Lake Powell)

If you could squeeze enough time, I'd spend two nights in Zion and one night in Bryce. You can leave Zion early one morning and be in Bryce in 2 hours. Both parks have nice campgrounds. If you are going to be at either of these places over Memorial day weekend, then make reservations! When you leave Bryce take scenic hwy 12 to Torrey, Utah and pass Capitol Reef National Park which also has an excellent campground.

Plan at least one day for Canyonlands and one for Arches. You can't drive through Arches. The scenic drive dead ends at Devil's Garden. When you leave Moab, Utah, you will want to take hwy 128 to Cisco, Ut and pick up interstate 70 here. This is a scenic drive that you will not want to miss!

You asked about Durango. If you don't mind back tracking a little from Rocky Mountain National Park , then I'd take the Million Dollar Highway (hwy 550) south from Montrose to Durango. This is a very scenic drive. If you could spare two more nights and one full day, then make it over to Mesa Verde National Park. Morefield campground in the park is very nice.

Have you considered Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico?

Wildlife: Deer in Zion, Bryce & Capitol Reef. Not much in Arches and Canyonlands, unless you count lizards! Rocky Mts will have more.

Utahtea

Thanks for the replies and suggestions Troy McClure and Utahtea.

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I can only ad what I know. I have been to Bryce and Zion Natl parks in Utah, and both are real good. I liked Bryce better of the two. I hear, and this has been mixed reviews, that The Grand Canyon, while beautiful is one of those places people should see, but unless you are hiking down below the rim (nasty in summer) then it isn't one of the best bangs for the buck. Southern Colorado is nice. I really liked Sand Dunes Nat'l Monument.

Other Natl parks that I think need mentioning, even if it makes your decision harder, include Yosemite-Simply Amazing. Also has Sequias in a few areas of the park. Olympic Natl Park, one of the best I have been to, Equally as impressive as Yellowstone/Teton. Mt. Rainier is also amazing!

Keep in mind that Most places far south will be very dry, even in June and I find it saps my energy and when combined with sun and/or elevation, a lot of people find they need a mid-day nap...especially when driving a great deal.

Sunglasses, Sunblock and lib balm!

Good luck!!!

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Excellent suggestions. I will keep these in mind as I continue planning!

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Got another link for you! http://www.so-utah.com/

I think the S. Rim, Grand Canyon has the better views. It will have more crowds and it will NOT be a place to be over the Memorial Day weekend!!!!

Two days at the S. Rim Grand Canyon will be plenty, unless you hike down to the bottom and spend a night. You will need reservations to stay at Phatom Ranch at the bottom. I think two nights, one full day is enough for the N. Rim.

Sequoia is 624 miles from the S. Rim of the Grand Canyon and then another 560 miles back to Zion. Maybe it's just because I've seen so many giant sequoia's in my lifetime, but I really don't think this would be worth it this trip. Maybe save Sequioa and Yosemite for another trip.

Instead of the Hoover Dam, check out the Glen Canyon dam in Page, AZ at Glen Canyon National Recreational area (Lake Powell)

If you could squeeze enough time, I'd spend two nights in Zion and one night in Bryce. You can leave Zion early one morning and be in Bryce in 2 hours. Both parks have nice campgrounds. If you are going to be at either of these places over Memorial day weekend, then make reservations! When you leave Bryce take scenic hwy 12 to Torrey, Utah and pass Capitol Reef National Park which also has an excellent campground.

Plan at least one day for Canyonlands and one for Arches. You can't drive through Arches. The scenic drive dead ends at Devil's Garden. When you leave Moab, Utah, you will want to take hwy 128 to Cisco, Ut and pick up interstate 70 here. This is a scenic drive that you will not want to miss!

You asked about Durango. If you don't mind back tracking a little from Rocky Mountain National Park , then I'd take the Million Dollar Highway (hwy 550) south from Montrose to Durango. This is a very scenic drive. If you could spare two more nights and one full day, then make it over to Mesa Verde National Park. Morefield campground in the park is very nice.

Have you considered Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico?

Wildlife: Deer in Zion, Bryce & Capitol Reef. Not much in Arches and Canyonlands, unless you count lizards! Rocky Mts will have more.

Utahtea

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I honestly didn't even think about Memorial Day weekend until I read your post in the other thread. I'll definitely be out of the Grand Canyon by May 26-29, but I need to think about where I need to be during these four days ...

Yeah, Sequoia is a long way. It would add on two strenuous days of driving and I was already feeling uneasy about that; I guess I was needing someone with more experience to tell me that, even though it's an awesome NP, it's not worth the costs. I still need to think through it, but I'm pretty sure I'll cut that portion out and leave it, Yosemite, and everything else CA has to offer to a separate, CA-dedicated trip.

This would also allow some time to camp at the North rim. The problem before was driving from the South Rim -> Sequoia, obviously leaving the North Rim out. But now that might be an option.

Hoover Dam was more of a "Hey, that's on the way to Zion!" type of response :).

It looks like, from my trusty US atlas, that the best way from the Grand Canyon to Zion would be 89 North, probably stopping at Page (I think you mentioned it here and in another thread). However, I think you said to avoid Page, AZ on memorial day as well, so I'll need to plan this carefully. Should Zion also be overrun then? or should I expect any National or State park to be overrun from the 26th to the 29th and just make my reservations appropriately?

Thank you for the CO and NM suggestions. I've honestly not had a chance to look over what I'll want to do in CO, but I'll do that over the weekend and do some searches to answer questions. I think the time saved from potentially removing the Sequoia portion would be best spent in CO. I really enjoyed a vacation a few years back in Colorado Springs and I think I'll have a great time in CO.

-Chris