Colorado, Utah and Idaho Trip August 2011

[cjsrq]

I am planning on taking the family on a road trip out West next summer (early August 2011). I am planning to drive from Boulder, CO to Moab, UT then north to Sun Valley, ID stopping in Park City, UT along the way. I have two boys (ages 7 & 11) and wanted some input regarding nice (scenic & fun) places to stop. Thanks!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

You clearly have some objectives in mind (Arches National Park and skiing for example) but a few lesser known attractions on your route would include Colorado National Monument, the LDS Temple and the Great Salt Lake in Salt lake City, and the Thousand Springs of the Snake River Valley.

AZBuck

[Southwest Dave]

How long have you got for this trip ? Are you returning to Boulder from Park City ? There is quite a lot to choose from depending on what your, and the kid's interests are [?] and how far "off track" you can venture within your time limitations.

[Foy]

Hello cjsrq,

There's a section of the Colorado River just above Moab which is run on big rafts on a day-trip basis out of Moab. Further on, there's a nice section of the Green River immediately below Flaming Gorge Dam. While it's not whitewater to a heavy extent, the trip moves quickly and many of the rafters do a fair amount of swimming and (nonlethal) jumping off of low outcrops along the way. I think boys of your's age would be seriously impressed by putting in at the base of the dam, too. These trips are largely out of Dutch John, UT.

The Park City area has innumerable miles of foot trails and single track MTB trails. There's a rails-to-trails section to the north and east of PC. At that time of year, one can drive a conventional automobile over Guardsman Pass into the Big Cottonwood Canyon, past Brighton and Solitude ski areas, and on down that canyon into SLC. There are a handful of geology pull-outs and signs as you go down the canyon.

On the far side of the SLC basin lies Bingham Canyon, one of the largest open-pit mines anywhere on the planet. There's an observation platform at the upper end of the mine, and the view down into the pit is astounding, and again, probably right up a young boy's alley.

Have fun planning and taking your RoadTrip!

Foy

[UK]

Dead Horse Point State Park has a view not to be missed near Moab.

My kids still enthuse about the zip line ride and the toboggan run at Park City.

The Craters of the Moon in Idaho and trecking through the lava tubes was also a hit with the kids.

[Foy]

Dead Horse Point State Park has a view not to be missed near Moab.

My kids still enthuse about the zip line ride and the toboggan run at Park City.

The Craters of the Moon in Idaho and trecking through the lava tubes was also a hit with the kids.

Oh yes, the zip line at Park City Mountain is a great thrill. While I haven't done it, the Toboggan Run at the Olympic Park is a must (an EXPENSIVE must, but a must nonetheless). The Tubes at Craters of the Moon are a great stop, too.

Foy

[travelingman]

Have your kids seen the Tim Allen movie GALAXY QUEST? In one scene, they were on a planet with a surreal rocky landscape and ran into fierce creatures that looked like cute little babies at first. Well, the planet is Earth, and the place is GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK. The only monsters are the many unusual rock formations that your kids can explore for hours. If you have a GPS unit, then geocaching can add to the fun! They have a small but very nice campground too.

Arches National Park is wonderful. But rather than entering Moab by expressway, get off I-70 and take scenic route 128. It is a wonderful, breathtaking riverside drive through a deep redrock canyon. There are even campgrounds along the way. If you take this route, you can also visit the Fisher Towers. They are surreal in the shadows as the sun rises. The kids might even want to venture past the towers where the trail involves a couple short ladders for excitement.

http://geology.utah.gov/surveynotes/...shertowers.htm

As you head west on I-70, you might want to head into the San Rafael Swell and see it before it becomes our newest NATIONAL MONUMENT!

http://www.sanrafaelswell.org/indexnew.html

It is mostly dirt and gravel roads, many that are easily driven by car (unless it rains). It is wonderful but remote. Hours might go by before you pass another car. One fantastic stop is the Cedar Mountain Picnic Area. The view is great and the picnic areas very unique.

http://www.360cities.net/image/cedar...1.80,5.20,33.8

There is a detailed map with a brochure that describes what to see along different roads. There are canyons, mountains, abandoned mining camps, ancient petroglyphs, a dinosaur quarry, and ever-changing scenery. The map is huge, and can be picked up at gas stations or they can mail it to you. But the Guide and Map can be found here online.

http://www.emerycounty.com/travel

I noticed that you're heading north. If you have the time, I'm sure your kids would really enjoy Bryce National Park and Zion National Park. These were two places my father took us back to many times on vacation, and I did the same with my family.