Ideas for a 2011 road trip

[jgillott]

After an eventful 2010, the wife and I are kicking around the idea of a major road trip next summer. Crossing our fingers that everything falls in to place, we are looking at sometime between early June and mid July 2011. Now, we have discussed the basic route which will be western PA to Sacramento CA to visit some family and back again. We know that we want to hit Mt. Rushmore and the Grand Canyon somewhere in the mix. Maybe southern CA and Disneyland with our 5 year old. So I guess the basics would be I-90/80 west on the Mt. Rushmore/Sacramento leg, I-5 south to Anaheim, and then I-40 back east again catching the Grand Canyon along the way.



Not that those places aren't enough to fill an agenda, but I'm sure that there are many of those "I would have never known that was there unless someone told me" things along that route that you all have seen or experienced. So, since we have all winter to fill in the rest of the details, what do you suggest? Anything that you consider a "must do" in what could be a once in a lifetime trip? There is no way to see everything, but we would like to make a nice agenda.



Oh, I should add that after looking on and off for the last year or so, we are most likely going to pull the trigger on our first RV before the trip. We both agree that we want something small. It is most likely going to be an Arctic Fox 22H. We have also kicked around the idea of a light slide in truck camper, something like a Lance 865 or similar. That topic isn't necessarily the point of this thread, but if those of you with experience in this type of trip would like to help with that decision, feel free to chime in. I'd appreciate the insight.



So let's hear them. What are those places I need to plan to see RV or not? Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas and experiences.

 

[Jim W]

We camped two years ago in SD. and visited MT Rushmore. I would suggest staying at least a week in this area. You can see Deadwood, Mt Rushmore, the Needles Highway (ST RT 87) and Custard Park. We stated in Hill City SD. at the Rafter J Bar Ranch excellent camp ground. Small camping islands of 20 to 30 sites and then wide open area with another camping island again, I believe there are at least five of them.



You also need to see Kearney NB. this is where most of the wagon trains of the 1870's-1880 started out or pass through. Wagon wheel routs are still visible and there is a museum now that spans over interstate 80.



St Louis on the way back. There is the gate-way to the west arch that you can go up in to see out over the west and eastern sides. There is also a visitor center that shows off the wester expansion.



Just a few of the places you can see and visit.



Jim

 

[jeepit]

Check out Ole's Big Game Bar in Paxton Nebraska I 80 exit 145. Worth the stop and good food.

 

[jgillott]

Thanks. These are exactly the type of ideas I am looking for.

 

[Tractorat]

Its a little out of your way. But, if you are on I-90 going thru Deadwood anyway, (and going thru Gillette Wy, you might find Custers Last Stand monument to be pretty interesting. You can hear the story from the white eyes point of view, as well as the indians point of view.

 

[Ram4Sam]

When in Sacto, be sure to day(or two) trip to Lake Tahoe and Stateline. Lots to see and do, the lake is a must see. Also, take the one of the ski lifts in South Lake Tahoe to the top for an amazing view.



In addition to D-land, Knott's Berry Farm is fun for the kids and is a short drive from Disneyland. Also, Seaworld in San Diego is worth the drive from Anaheim.



Sam

 

[jgillott]

Its a little out of your way. But, if you are on I-90 going thru Deadwood anyway, (and going thru Gillette Wy, you might find Custers Last Stand monument to be pretty interesting. You can hear the story from the white eyes point of view, as well as the indians point of view.

I really don't mind the idea of spending a few days in this area. I really had no knowledge of this area except for Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. I'm a huge American History buff. I just love these kind of things.



The campground that Jim W mentioned in that area looks like a great place to stay over a few days.

 

[jgillott]

When in Sacto, be sure to day(or two) trip to Lake Tahoe and Stateline. Lots to see and do, the lake is a must see. Also, take the one of the ski lifts in South Lake Tahoe to the top for an amazing view.



In addition to D-land, Knott's Berry Farm is fun for the kids and is a short drive from Disneyland. Also, Seaworld in San Diego is worth the drive from Anaheim.



Sam

I wasn't aware of the Knott's Berry Farm park. Thanks.



My wife and I were in Tahoe something like 12 or 13 years ago now. I remember having lunch at a resturant on top of one of the Casinos there that had a great view of the lake. I think that we were there in early June the last time and if I'm not mistaking, there was still snow sides of the road on the way down to Sacramento. I plan on heading through this area for sure.

 

[Grizzly]

jgillott,



It sounds like you maybe going very near Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. If you've never been there, they are a must. You mentioned the Grand Canyon NP, also a must.



Since you'll be passing through Albuquerque on the return trip, let me know, by PM, if I can help you with anything, like restaurants, Campsites, best place for diesel or whatever.



An Arctic Fox is a wise choice for an RV. As a suggestion, consider a small 5th wheel. Tows much easier.



george

 

[jgillott]

jgillott,



It sounds like you maybe going very near Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. If you've never been there, they are a must. You mentioned the Grand Canyon NP, also a must.



Since you'll be passing through Albuquerque on the return trip, let me know, by PM, if I can help you with anything, like restaurants, Campsites, best place for diesel or whatever.



An Arctic Fox is a wise choice for an RV. As a suggestion, consider a small 5th wheel. Tows much easier.



george

Thanks. I'll keep you in mind when we get in the Albuquerque area. I am hoping to at least hit Yellowstone. I never really considered Glacier, but it would make sense to include it while we are in the area. I've never been to either.



That's good to hear about the AF. We've looked at them several times over the last year or so and keep coming back to them as our top choice. We have one Northwood dealer here locally (if you can call 250 miles away local :-laf ) that we have been to several times. They have a new 2011 22H on the lot that we are very interested in. They also just got in a used 2005 that the dealer claims to be very nice. I'm hoping to get up there this weekend, if all goes well, to take a look at it. At the price they are asking for it, I doubt it will still be there Saturday if it is in the shape that it appears to be in the pictures they sent me.



I have thought about a small 5th wheel. The Northwood dealer I mentioned doesn't have any small 5th wheels on the lot and we simply can't find one locally to look at. If I could find something like a Nash 21-5 locally, I'd be all over it. We have a lot of local RV places but everything they have in stock is either very poor quality or too big for our needs. I certainly could order something similar in, but I feel uneasy choosing one without actually seeing it in person.



Like I said, we are planning to take the trip whether or not we end up with an RV or if we are staying in hotels. It's something I've always wanted to do.

 

[gtoli]

jgillott,

Since you'll be passing through Albuquerque on the return trip, let me know, by PM, if I can help you with anything, like restaurants, Campsites, best place for diesel or whatever.

george

The same goes for here in Northern AZ. You might consider Meteor Crater, exit 233 off of I-40. Meteor Crater



If you have time to stop here in Winslow, would be happy to share a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, etc.



Gene

 

[jgillott]

The same goes for here in Northern AZ. You might consider Meteor Crater, exit 233 off of I-40. Meteor Crater



If you have time to stop here in Winslow, would be happy to share a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, etc.



Gene

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.



Hey, on a side note, how do you like your 2010? I bought a 2010 1500 Crew last spring that I use for work. I just love the interior of that thing.

 

[BIGNASTY]

While in calif

You cant go wrong by going to Yosemite and Sequoia Nat parks

 

[Grizzly]

jgillott, there are several Nash and Arctic Fox dealers near the Northwood Mfg plant in La Grande, which is in Northeastern Oregon. You can generally get a better deal at a dealer near the factory because of no or little transport fee. We ordered and purchased our AF from a dealer in Pinehurst, Idaho, which was about 200 miles from La Grande. We drove the truck with provision minus food, which we purchase in nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and made a long vacation from there. We ordered our 5th wheel without ever being inside one. Ours is still the only AF 5er we've been in and we have no regrets. The Pinehurst Dealer didn't survive the economic downturn, however they made us a heck of a deal.



Hope this helps, george

 

[DAN V]

Oregon

If you decide to come to Oregon you would love STUBB STEWART STATE PARK. The place is awesome. It has only been around for a few years. Over 1700 acres of forest and 3 areas I believe to RV. Cabins and also a place for horses. Hiking trails are amazing.

 

[RVTRKN]

I-70 through Utah from Grand Junction, CO to I-15. It will take you through the North East end of Brice Canyon and every bend in the road is another great picture, you can also detour to Brice and Zion National parks. You will also know what kind of power your cummins has, when you climb out of the Green River Gorge.

 

[jgillott]

When we first started talking about this, my gut reaction was to order something through Thunder RV in La Grande and pick it up as part of our trip, stop by the Northwood factory etc. Not sure that I want to go through that process, but you never know how things will work out.

 

[macdaddy]

Taking I40 home will be Africa hot!!!



Make sure your cooling system is good to go, and your tires on ur RV. I would go I 15 to get up above St George Utah (cooler) then I 70 to Colorado (nice).



Living in this S*** hole, it's hard to believe anyone would vacation here. Be sure to carry protection, and never turn on your turn signal and expect anyone to let you over#@$%!. Always turn your blinker on at the same time you begin your lane change.



Mac

 

[BIGNASTY]

Hot for sure

As macdaddy said if your going I 40 make sure your AC is working because your going to need it. read and heed his driving tips So Cal is full of some of the worst drivers you will ever see. If they even think you have insurance watch out

 

[ewcmr2]

I'll add Mt. st. Helens to your list. We went to the pacific NW in '09 and liked it so much we decided to go back again this past summer. The destruction still visible is amazing! Mt. Rainier to play in the snow while you're in the area too.

+ 1 on the SoCal bad drivers...