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We have two weeks travel leaving LA in October 2003 in RV. Thought we might go via Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas San Francisco & back to LA. Any suggestions to include, sites to see, places to stay or even an alternative route. All ideas appreciated
> We have two weeks travel leaving LA in October <BR>
> 2003 in RV. Thought we might go via Phoenix, <BR>
> Grand Canyon, Las Vegas San Francisco & back to <BR>
> LA. Any suggestions to include, sites to see, <BR>
> places to stay or even an alternative route. All <BR>
> ideas appreciated <BR>
<BR>
> We have two weeks travel leaving LA in October <BR>
> 2003 in RV. Thought we might go via Phoenix, <BR>
> Grand Canyon, Las Vegas San Francisco & back to <BR>
> LA. Any suggestions to include, sites to see, <BR>
> places to stay or even an alternative route. All <BR>
> ideas appreciated <BR>
<BR>
We did a similar trip in early October a couple of years ago. North of Phoenix you might want to stop at Montezuma's Castle National Monument just north of Camp Verde, AZ on I-17 and then a stop in Sedona & Oakcreek Canyon, AZ. A lot of TV commericals are shot in Sedona so you will probably reconize it.
Spend 2 or 3 nights at the Grand Canyon. We were there in early October and didn't need to make reservations at the Mather Campground which does not have any hookups. If you want full hookup in the park then you might want to make reservations at the Grand Canyon Trailer park. Even if you don't do a lot of hiking there is much to see. We spent two days riding the shuttle to Hermits Rest and either hiking between shuttle stops along the rim (which is a very easy walk) and just getting off at all the shuttle stops to enjoy the views. Take rain gear because we had a wonderful thunderstorm roll in while we were at a stop and we just sat under a park sign and watched the storm roll by.
Exit the Grand Canyon on Hwy 64 going east to Cameron. There are many wonderful vistas to stop at before you leave the park. The drive is scenic even after you leave the park. The painted desert is everywhere. Travel north on Hwy 89 to Page, AZ and Glen Canyon National Recreational Area (Lake Powell) Spend a couple of nights here and take a day boat tour or rent a boat and go to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
From Lake Powell take Hwy 89 to Mt. Carmel Junction and if the weather is nice go on up to Hwy 12 and go to Bryce Canyon National Park and spend a few nights there. This park is at a higher elevation and will be cooler.
From Bryce come back to Hwy 89 and go south to Mt. Carmel Junction and take Hwy 9 into Zion National Park. You will have to go thought the Zion Tunnel most RV's are over the size limit and there is a $10. fee and they stop the two way traffic so the RV can go thought the tunnel. We've done it many times and it's not a problem.
Zion National Park has two very nice campgrounds. South is a first come first serve with no hookups. Watchman Campground and it has electrical hook ups only and they takes reservations. Even in October they fill up by evening. If you want to stay in the park I recommend making reservations. Just outside the park in Springdale is another campground with full hookups. Please spend a couple of nights here. It is so relaxing and in such a scenic location.
From Zion to Las Vegas is just a short drive. The whole trip I described is about 1500 miles round trip.
Happy Road Trip!
Utahtea
In addition to those places already recommended, I'd add Jerome, AZ and the Verde Canyon RR, if you have time. Jerome is an old mining town, then ghost town, then like the phoenix bird, risen from its own ashes and growing into as an new age artist's community. It is on the side of Mingus Mountain about 100 miles north of Phoenix, west of I-17. The railroad trip starts from the Cottonwood/Clarkdale area nearby (Jerome). It is a scenic ride through the red rock canyon country of north-central Arizona and I've heard is well worth the time (about 1/2 day, I think). You can find it on the web, for further info.
we did the a similar trip when i was younger through utah and arizona to california. i had the flu really really bad so i didnt get out of the motorhome much but i did get out at both Zion and Bryce parks. They are absolutely beautiful and recommend seeing both. the only other place i really remember is the yuma territory prison museum. i locked my little sister in the confinement cave and totally traumitized her!!!! anyway have fun
Kristy,
The photos on this page should bring back memories: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/yuma.htm Just disregard the odd-looking "prisoner" at the bottom of that page!
thanks mark for the memories i love history stuff so it was one of the few places i managed to visit. i find it fascinating i would love to lock my kids up oops i mean take me kids there one day too lol thanks again
Thanks for the replies, just a couple of other questions...what, how & where is the best place to get hold of the right maps & RV park/camp grounds. Preferably now before we leave so we can plan a bit better.
Jenny
Well, you could use the resources and recommendations of this editors of this site. Campgrounds at: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/read/campguides.htm and Maps at: http://www.roadtripamerica.com/maps/maps.htm
At Home:
For planning I love to use my "Microsoft Street & Trip" planning software. It's great for planning the route.
I don't know if you have to be a member of Good Sam to look up campgrounds on their website. I'm a member and it's very helpful. http://www.goodsamclub.com/start.cfm
On the road:
My all time FAVORITE maps are those from AAA. They are just the best for reading and they show rest stops. If you want free maps for each of the states just e-mail the states tourism council. http://www.tourstates.com/
I always have a copy of "Trailer Life Campground Directory" that I keep under my seat in the motorhome for find campgrouds while we are traveling.
A few years back I got a free copy of a book called the "Exit Authority". If you are going to be doing a lot of traveling on interstates then this book is great. It shows all the facilities within one mile of all the exits on the interstates. Gas stations, campgrounds, resturants, grocery stores, malls, motels,etc. And everything is listed by it's name. i.e. Shell Gas, Safeway Groceries, McDonalds.
Utahtea