san francisco to Denver in 25 days

[melanie79]

My boyfriend and I are planning a roadtrip in june.
We would like to spend 2 days in San Francisco and travel to Denver passing Yosemite-Death Valley-Las Vegas -Supai (Havasu Falls) - Sedona - Monument Valley - Canyonlands - Mesa Verde - Boulder - Denver

We love nature, want to spend some time in parks (camping) so input on nice routes and beautifull camping spots is very welcome. Any advice about nice places on the route is welcome too.

Thanks!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome back to the RTA Forum! Did you ever go on your last trip?

You've got a very nice outline for a trip.

One idea you might look at doing is more of a zig-zag through Utah. You could go from the Grand Canyon, up to Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks, heading onto Arches/Canyonlands/Moab, then back down to Monument Valley perhaps via Natural Bridges and/or the Moki Dugway. After MV, you can head to Colorado via the 4 corners. Between Mesa Verde and Boulder, I'd suggest heading up the Million Dollar Highway near Durango towards Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and through Rocky Mountain NP to Boulder.

One note about Supai, that is not part of Grand Canyon National Park, it is located on Indian Reservation lands. It is an extremely remote area, and I'm not sure of the condition of the 70 mile road that takes you from Peach Springs back to the trailhead. Just make sure you are really doing your research for this part of the trip, as it isn't as straightforward as visiting a National Park.

[AZBuck]

...to the many great suggestions Michael has offered, I would suggest these as well. After Mesa Verde and on your way north on the Million Dollar Highway (and only if your vehicle has relatively high ground clearance and you are used to being a bit 'off road') head back up into Animas Forks, a mining ghost town in a truly spectacular setting. As you get closer to Denver check out both Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the road up to the top of Pike's Peak. And all along the way, stop in at the ranger stations of the many National Forests in the region and ask about any hikes they might recommend that would suit your tastes.

AZBuck

[Midwest Michael]

I agree with Buck that Animas Forks is a great spot that I just visited this past summer.

The concern I would have is that I don't believe you'd be able to get there in a rental car without violating the typical rental car contract. I drove up there in my own small 4wd SUV, and nearly all the other vehicles up there were Jeeps and/or ATVs. There are some maps that indicate you can get there with 2wd, however, there are signs along the road warning that 4wd is required/recommended. I don't think I ever needed all 4 wheels moving, but there were several spots where high clearance was important.

[melanie79]

thank you so much for your replies.

I guess Animas Forks will be too difficult with a rental car although the landscape looks amazing.
I would like to know more about Havasu. Anyone ever been there?

Is it possible to reach Hualapai Hilltop with a rental car?
Is mid june not too hot?
Is there any possibility to take a guide once arrived or should a guided tour be prepared with a travel agency beforehand?

Thank you so much!

[glc]

Is it possible to reach Hualapai Hilltop with a rental car?

Yes, if you take Indian Road 18 in from old 66. It's paved all the way. It meets 66 7 miles east of Peach Springs.

From there, it's 8 miles to the Supai village, and there are 3 ways in - hike, horseback, or helicopter.