RV trip Denver - South Dakota - Yellowstone - Grand Canyon

[stephendenmark]

I am travelling over to the States with my wife and kids (three boys ages 13, 11 & 8) this summer for our DREAM VACATION. A few days in NY and then we fly out to Denver and pick up our RV. This is a first for us. We have never tried a road trip, never travelled in an RV, and I guess we could do with a little advice.

We have 21 full days. Starting point Denver and we fly back to Europe from Phoenix. Our basic itinerary (please let us know what you think) is: travel up to South Dakota, taking in Rocky Mountain NP; Badlands; Black Hills, Mount Rushmore; travel over to Yellowstone (where should we visit on the way?); 2 - 3 days in Yellowstone; down to Utah(again where would you recommend between Yellowstone and Moab?); Moab - Arches NP and Canyonlands NP; Bryce; Zion; Grand Canyon; and then how best should we travel from Grand Canyon to Phoenix.

How does all this sound? Any obvious places I've missed out? Am I being too ambitious? My wife keeps saying, ''Don't overdo it, I don't want to spend all the time driving." And I know she's right, but at the same time, I don't know if we will do this again, and I want to see it all!

Also, any advice re. travelling with an RV? And do we need to book campsites? I'd like to be as free as possible and not have to book ahead too much, but am I right in thinking it would be necessary at Yellowstone and Grand Canyon? Are there campsites outside the NPs that would be easier to get in at?

Hoping someone out there can help.
Thanks,

Stephen

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am travelling over to the States with my wife and kids (three boys ages 13, 11 & 8) this summer for our DREAM VACATION.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! Sounds like a fantastic trip you have planned. We wrote some articles that were "built" with you in mind... First, here is an article about renting RVs -- types and etc. And this one, written by Mark Helmlinger, should be printed out and taken with you when you go to pick-up your RV.

We have 21 full days. Starting point Denver and we fly back to Europe from Phoenix.

Denver makes a good hub for exploring. One thing I would suggest is to took at the Trip Planner provided by Tracks & Trails.

Our basic itinerary (please let us know what you think) is: travel up to South Dakota, taking in Rocky Mountain NP; Badlands; Black Hills, Mount Rushmore; travel over to Yellowstone (where should we visit on the way?); 2 - 3 days in Yellowstone; down to Utah(again where would you recommend between Yellowstone and Moab?); Moab - Arches NP and Canyonlands NP; Bryce; Zion; Grand Canyon; and then how best should we travel from Grand Canyon to Phoenix.

That is a lot of ground to cover. I think your wife's counsel should be heeded. Less is usually more when on a family vacation. Here is an excellent article about travels in South Dakota.

Also, any advice re. travelling with an RV? And do we need to book campsites? I'd like to be as free as possible and not have to book ahead too much, but am I right in thinking it would be necessary at Yellowstone and Grand Canyon? Are there campsites outside the NPs that would be easier to get in at?

Traveling in RV does afford a little more freedom from reservations -- but camping places in national parks are at premium in the summer. Here are some tips about finding camping places.

Happy Planning!

[stephendenmark]

Thanks for your reply and the advice. I've given our itinerary a bit of thought and have decided to basically head from Yellowstone south to Bryce, Zion and then the Grand Canyon, missing out Moab, Arches and Canyonlands. Does that sound more reasonable to you?

Any suggestions for routes from Salt Lake City down to Bryce and Zion and places to see in between (and perhaps a good overnight spot)?

Thanks for the site - it really is excellent!

Stephen