Touring Western US

[nige]

I'm planning on driving from southern ontario to seattle/vancouver/victoria area for a vacation near the end of may and I was hoping to incorporate GONE moab meet into my trip. I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions for the best places to visit/things to do in the northern az/southern utah area, and between Moab and Seattle. I should be entering that area via interstate 40, and i haven't decided which route i will take to get to victoria, bc. I wouldn't mind to keep heading west and see the pacific coast instead of montana, wyoming and idaho, but I want to take some scenic roads and see some of the numerous parks in the area, as well as the trails around moab. I'm open to stop and meet anyone from NPORA along the way too! Here are a few of the parks i want to see:

 

Monument Valley

Canyonlands

Yellowstone

Zion

Yosemite

Arches

That park with the orange, wind blown gorges cut through the sand stone (not sure what it's called, but i want to see it)

 

I would like to camp, swim, hike, shoot, wheel, and take pictures in natural areas, and hopefully see some wildlife too. I'd also check out some aquariums and cool museums or other natural displays. I'll be traveling solo, roughing it, and can spend about a week and a half stateside before making my to victoria bc and back to ontario eastward through canada. I should be entering that area via interstate 40, but i haven't decided which route i will take from the 4 corners area to victoria, bc.

 

I'll be using my pathfinder to do the tour, and it will be loaded with all the camping, saftey and recovery gear that i normally take with me to go wheeling in southern ontario. I have GPS, laptop and phone service as well. I'm not trying to do it cheap by camping and roughing it, i would just rather do that than stay in a cushy ($40-$70) hotel alone. I just haven't really made a set route or itinerary yet, but I am content wandering in a general direction. I can comfortably drive about 500-600 miles a day, but i can do more with little breaks, cat naps, snacks, coffee and redbull.

Edited January 21, 2010 by nige

[Precise1]

Bryce Canyon is what you are talking aboot, right?? I walked 1/2 of the lower trail looking up, that was cool. I hit arches, Zion, Mesa Verde and a few other places on that trip. Be prepared to not see much of everything with that time table, but I suppose it is better than nothing.

 

If you roll Mono lake/Yosemite you may want to head to the coast and check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I haven't been there for years, but it is a pretty damn cool place. If you decide to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, I'm about 50 miles north of that and would be up for anything between a handshake to putting you up in the spare bedroom.

Just let me know...

 

Highway 1 is a nice trip up into Oregon with plenty of camping and wildlife. From there I'd have to look on a map to see what to recommend along whatever direction you need to go. I love rambing road trips, the record so far was a solo 6000 mile/6 week motorcycle trip!!

 

B

[adamzan]

I want to come, haha.

[beastpath]

I'll look up a few things for az(grand canyon of course). let me know about when youll be in az and ill drive up north to meet you!

[k9sar]

if you are shooting across 40, consider Canyon De Chelly (just inside AZ from NM on the north side of 40) and Meteor crater in Winslow AZ.

[Soccerstudd5]

If you're going to be around I-40, there's always VEGAS! Quite an enjoyable place, but be sure to do it on the way back cause it has a way of keeping you longer than you want and leaving you with less money. But that sounds like a great trip you got planned, make sure you post some pics of all the wheeling and scenery!

[nige]

Be prepared to not see much of everything with that time table, but I suppose it is better than nothing.

 

If you roll Mono lake/Yosemite you may want to head to the coast and check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I haven't been there for years, but it is a pretty damn cool place. If you decide to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, I'm about 50 miles north of that and would be up for anything between a handshake to putting you up in the spare bedroom.

Just let me know...

 

Thanks for the hospitality B, i would love to stop and chat. Maybe you could make me one of those Gorgonzola burgers with extra portabello . I'm not really on any time constraint so I figure i can spare a couple days to stay somewhere i really like. I have a feeling that I will be simply driving through some of these parks, without actually getting out to hike something. I am really into aquariums so maybe it's worth drive to the coast near SF to check it out. There is also the possibility of going to the big aquarium in Vancouver too, although i'm not sure which one is better for sharks and otters (my 2 favorite marine animals to watch). Have you driven/rode highway 101 up along the coast of California? I would also like to see some of those huge sequoia trees too. Sounds like I am leaning more towards the Nevada-Cali-Oregon-Washington route. I would most likely follow hwy 70/50 across the rest of utah, to carson city, sacramento and then SF. How long do you recon it takes to travel that distance? Do you think it's a good route, or should I cross nevada via hwy 6, further south to see Mono Lake and Yellowstone? i don't really care for big cities and neon lights. I am actually looking forward to seeing the stars at night once i get in the AZ/Utah area.

 

I would love to see both Yellowstone and the California coast but it would make planning a route to see both difficult, because once i'm back in Canada, I don't really want to cross the border on the way home.

 

I'll look up a few things for az(grand canyon of course). let me know about when youll be in az and ill drive up north to meet you!

 

Cool BP, i think I will be in AZ either a little bit before GONE Moab or right when it starts. I plan on staying in moab for 2 or 3 nights.

 

if you are shooting across 40, consider Canyon De Chelly (just inside AZ from NM on the north side of 40) and Meteor crater in Winslow AZ.

Thanks for the suggestion K9, that park is also easy on the eyes, and i like how it's free.

 

Speaking of which, most parks cost money to gain access, and i'm not sure how much each of these will cost to see. I was thinking of buying this annual national park pass for $80 (it's good for the federal national parks only) Just so I can pay everything up front and not have any suprises when I get to the park gates. Annual NP Pass

Now i know it only covers the entry fee to the park, so I would also like to know approx costs/night to camp there (at a registered or unregistered site) I will weigh that in when driving and sleep in the day at rest areas where it's safer than just sleeping in the truck in some random parking lot at night.

Edited January 23, 2010 by nige

[packie88]

zion national park is pretty cool

[Mr.510]

If you're going through Northern California headed North I have a suggestion. Turn West at Redding and take the best paved road on Earth out through Weaverville to the Redwoods. If you have three or four hours to spare do the hike down into the Tall Trees Grove where the world's tallest tree resides. It is well worth the time to see the Tall Trees up close! It's an easy hike but you do have to get the gate combination from the Ranger station. They limit the number of visitors per day so I suggest being there during the week. Then go North and drive 101 along the coast all the way to the tip of the Olympic Penninsula here in Washington. Everyone should drive the length of the Oregon Coast at least once in their life! When I used to go to the annual Mt.Shasta All Datsun meet I spent 3 days doing the above on the return trip every year. Epic fun drive.

[Precise1]

Thanks for the hospitality B, i would love to stop and chat. Maybe you could make me one of those Gorgonzola burgers with extra portabello . I'm not really on any time constraint so I figure i can spare a couple days to stay somewhere i really like. I have a feeling that I will be simply driving through some of these parks, without actually getting out to hike something. I am really into aquariums so maybe it's worth drive to the coast near SF to check it out. There is also the possibility of going to the big aquarium in Vancouver too, although i'm not sure which one is better for sharks and otters (my 2 favorite marine animals to watch). Have you driven/rode highway 101 up along the coast of California? I would also like to see some of those huge sequoia trees too. Sounds like I am leaning more towards the Nevada-Cali-Oregon-Washington route. I would most likely follow hwy 70/50 across the rest of utah, to carson city, sacramento and then SF. How long do you recon it takes to travel that distance? Do you think it's a good route, or should I cross nevada via hwy 6, further south to see Mono Lake and Yellowstone? i don't really care for big cities and neon lights. I am actually looking forward to seeing the stars at night once i get in the AZ/Utah area.

 

I would love to see both Yellowstone and the California coast but it would make planning a route to see both difficult, because once i'm back in Canada, I don't really want to cross the border on the way home.

 

 

Speaking of which, most parks cost money to gain access, and i'm not sure how much each of these will cost to see. I was thinking of buying this annual national park pass for $80 (it's good for the federal national parks only) Just so I can pay everything up front and not have any suprises when I get to the park gates. Annual NP Pass

Now i know it only covers the entry fee to the park, so I would also like to know approx costs/night to camp there (at a registered or unregistered site) I will weigh that in when driving and sleep in the day at rest areas where it's safer than just sleeping in the truck in some random parking lot at night.

 

Hell yeah, I just made some Friday night, and if you drop by, it's on the menu...

 

Yeah, even if you just drive through and pull over a few minutes, it is worth the trouble and gives you a better idea of what to do next time...

 

Haha, if you like sharks and otters, here... http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

They have both as you will see on that web page. Monterey is where I did my open water SCUBA certification dive and I still remember the little otter pup leaving the kelp bed and swimming directly towards me to check me out and maybe play. Momma wasn't going for that and got him turned around about 50 feet from me. If you think they are cool to watch, try it from the water!!!

This place has the Steinhart Aquarium and would be on the way also, but if you had to choose one it should be the MBA. http://www.calacademy.org/

 

Yes, I have been up most of the Cali/Oregon/Warshington coast a few times. In some instances, I can even tell you good places to camp. Here is a trick. Every time you enter a state, there will be a visitors center. Stop and get free maps of roads and camping facitities. Camping on the west coast is fairly abundant and will run you anywhere from $12 for a patch of dirt, a fire pit and a picnic table to $28 for a place with a store. Oregon had the nicest state parks that were mid range in price and some even had untimed hot water showers. A real blessing on a road trip!!

I doubt you'll ever need to sleep at a rest stop unless you want to.

 

Let me look at a map and get back to you about suggested routes. I have been through all of those states, but need a refresher. Damn, now you have given me the itch even though I took a 10 day tour of northern Cali and Oregon last summer. ROAD TRIP!!

 

B

[nige]

ok some things have changed since last time i was here. I'll be coming into moab most likely from the north, maybe denver area. GONE Nissan will be the first thing I do, then i plan on going south to the AZ/UT border. See the grand canyon and then into NV. I don't think i'll be there long, just skirt around Las Vegas (maybe play 25c in one slot machine to say "i gambled in vegas" lol). From Vegas area, i think i will go through Death Valley (but i would also make a detour to the Mojave Desert if it's really worth seeing. From there on, i will drive through Yosemite and over to the coast to head through SF and check out an aquarium or go swimmin' with otters. After that, i think it will take Mr510's advice and see Redwoods. What's the name of the road? Hwy 299, right?

[GrimGreg]

Yep, 299, it takes you right through Willow Creek, CA's Bigfoot capitol, and on out to Arcata, the land of the hippys. As you go up the coast, stop in "Trees of Mystery", it looks like one of those corny road side "fake wonder shows", but they actually have a good variety of natural redwood growths, they also have a lift that will take you to a mountain lookout where you can overview the forest and see some nice eagle nests. http://www.treesofmystery.net/

 

If you have a couple hours to waste when you hit Arcata, turn south and follow the signs to Ferndale, it is where "Outbreak" and "Salem's Lot" were filmed, among a few other moives, and a neet little victorian town, with a very interesting cemetery.

[RJSquirrel]

Arches National Park near Moab has a pretty good 4x4 trail in it. Lots of sand, however, and impassable at times. Its quite an adventure to be in the river bottom when it starts to rain! You can drive almost all the way to Tower arch. The staircase will be a test of your driving skill. If you are in the Moab area, consider the Durango-Ouray-Gunnison areas in Colorado.

[Slick]

i see how you are........... bypassing indiana....... *sniffle* mmmmmHmmmm

[nige]

ok, after spending the week in moab wheeling and checking out arches and canyonlands parks, i've headed down to monument valley, missed antelope canyon by an hour (oh well), spent a night in zion national park and checked out the grand canyon. i'm currently "roughing it" in a hotel in las vegas. I don't really care for nevada and out of everywhere i've been so far, I feel the least comfortable around the people here. I have death valley, yosemite and mono lake on my plate for today, and should be heading into san francisco or redwoods park by the end of the day. B, i will pm you my contact info, as I have a blackberry and very basic internet support on the road.

 

The pathfinder is taking the abuse quite well so far, i've only had to stop for a broken midpipe in moab (thanks to steve @ Moab 4x4 Outpost for helping me out on such short notice) I've managed to wear out my upper ball joints, blow a CV boot, slightly mash a rear lower control arm mount and the fuel pump is sometimes a bit vocal, but otherwise the truck is fine albeit filthy. I've blown a bulb in one of my ipf lights, so hopefully the LV 4wheelparts store is open today and I can get some replacements. Those lights have been very helpful for spotting deer crossing the road

[Simon]

Have you blown all your trip funds in a casino in Vegas yet?

 

Glad to hear the trip is going well Nige. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

[nige]

hahaha believe it or not, i have yet to set foot in a gambling establishment, and it will probably stay that way. i would rather blow the money on gas, smokes and beef jerky

[Simon]

hahaha believe it or not, i have yet to set foot in a gambling establishment, and it will probably stay that way. i would rather blow the money on gas, smokes and beef jerky

Probably a wise choice!

[RedPath88]

Not a bad choice at all!

 

Good to hear things are going relatively well

[Precise1]

I have death valley, yosemite and mono lake on my plate for today, and should be heading into san francisco or redwoods park by the end of the day. B, i will pm you my contact info, as I have a blackberry and very basic internet support on the road.

 

Well now, that's quite a bit to digest in a day, but hey...

 

About to answer the PM and try to contact you.

 

B

[nige]

Well now, that's quite a bit to digest in a day, but hey...

 

About to answer the PM and try to contact you.

 

B

Yep, I agree, I was slow out of the gate this morning and the garmin dicked me around on the way to death valley. The sun just slipped behind the sierras and I am still about an hour away from Yosemite. There's no way I'm driving that park at night so I will try to find somewhere close to shut her down tonight.

 

Is there somewhere closer to you I can get a couple upper ball joints and a fuel pump?

 

The I'm got a bit louder after I crossed the inyo mountains. I would like to have a spare on me when the inevitable d'oh occurs. >.<

Edited June 1, 2010 by nige

[bigred07]

If you brought some guns, you did say shoot right?, Be careful going through CA, I know AZ you wont have any problems. I just know CA has some weird laws with transportation of firearms and i'd hate to see you get in trouble from a normal traffic stop and being from out of country with guns not storred the proper way. Also in AZ the guns shouldn't be a problem but make sure you have your identification, and proof of whatever they do between the can/us border, with the sb 1070...

[Precise1]

Is there somewhere closer to you I can get a couple upper ball joints and a fuel pump?

 

Um, my driveway?? There are plenty of auto parts stores near by and a Pick and Pull wrecker aboot 10 miles up the road the direction you will be heading. I'm sure we can get something figured out...

 

B

[nige]

nope, too hard to get a gun in the people's republic of ontario i was just gonna rent one at the range.

 

B, hwy 120 was closed, so i had to do a big detour up to hwy 108 which added 2 or 3 hours to my route. i've left a message on yoour phone, but i borrowed a computer from a nice coffee shop girl to let you know i will probably be way too late coming into santa rosa tonight. i will save that for tomorrow and give you a call or post up here then. there is hardly any phone service up here so you may not have much luck trying to get a hold of me. i'll find somewhere to stay around here, so don't worry about me. talk to you later

[Northernpathy]

nope, too hard to get a gun in the people's republic of ontario i was just gonna rent one at the range.

 

Actually it is very easy to get your license and then purchase one. Not worth it to bring it to the US though, as the ATF and State Department are a pain in the ass, and the only way you can bring one down now is to have paperwork from an event in the US stating that you will be attending it. You also have to apply 3 months in advance to the ATF to bring your gun(s) and get authorization for a certain time period when you will be bringing it down. You cannot just bring a gun into the US without a good reason as the US government sees everyone who is not a US citizen as a possible terrorist. As I said before, it is not worth it. Just rent one at the range, or borrow one from a friend while at the range.

 

Good luck on the trip. Sounds like you are having fun!