Recommendations: 3 Month Cross Country National Park Roadtrip starting 3/19

[jasperkins]

We have been full-timing since 9/1/13. Wow how time flies- 6 months already?? Circumstances just worked out at this stage in our lives (both in our 40's, with a child on the way), that we have the opportunity to travel comfortably. Now we are getting ready to leave on a cross country road trip starting 3/19 for 12 weeks.

I am looking for any recommendations, things to bring, places to see, etc., given our planned route. Our goal is to stay at Parks, and family in Oregon / Washington. Here is our route- across country via the southern route, and back via a northern route. The last stop being AlumaPalooza :-)

Depart York SC.
Chattanooga / Memphis / Arlington / Big Bend National Park / Grand Canyon / Yosemite / Oregon / Tacoma / Spokane / Yellowstone / Grand Tetons / Mount Rushmore / Iowa / AlumaPalooza (Ohio)


I am in the process of throwing up a website, however I just might use Facebook as its easy and everyone has an app for that.

[afneill]

As you are probably aware, BBNP can get really hot in the summer time. Any time after 4/15 can be unseasonably hot, exceeding 100 degrees F. Not always that hot but not unusual for it to be that hot during that time. They have a limit on trailer length in the Basin where the elevation is about 5000' so temp is more bearable and hikes are nice too. I am not discouraging you, in fact I would encourage you to make it there. Just be aware of the heat you may encounter and prepare. Enjoy your trip.

[karenjude]

If you end up going to Big Bend ( which I loved) you may want to add Marfa to your trip. It may be on your way. Cute, funky, artsy town - a good one day stop. Check out the Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour - opens at 9:30 at night. You'll think you entered another universe re food and decor. As I said funky, but fun! We stayed at the Tumbleweed inn campground which we liked. Nothing special though. Check out the Marfa lights too Marfa lights - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[ggoat!!!]

Rt 12...Utah!!!

You have GOT to explore all of Rt 12 in Utah. One of the last true stretches of wilderness in the country. It is breathtakingly beautiful, and SO MUCH to see and do...

Kodachrome, Escalante, Calf Creek, Boulder Mountain, Long Canyon, Waterpocket Fold, Hell's Backbone, Red Canyon Campground...just amazing!!! When you're in that area you've GOT to see Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, the Henry Mountains, Hite, Panguitch...take 14 over the mountains and on over to St. George...just a mindnumbingly beautiful area.

I once pulled my Airstream all the way there just to see how my SSR would handle towing it up the Hogsback...several miles of 14% climbs 1000ft straight down on either side with no shoulder or guardrail is a TRUE test of a tow vehicle! Ahhh....

[Laurel62]

I agree! US 12 Scenic Byway is stunning!! We camped at Calf Creek (back when we were tenting) and thought it was one of the best campgrounds ever! The hiking in UT is outstanding, especially in Escalante. We are even talking about a return trip at the end of the month. Snow Canyon State Park (St George) is nice too. Have fun!