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Started By
Message
Western US road trip need suggestions
Posted on 8/27/24 at 9:02 pm
Posted on 8/27/24 at 9:02 pm
First I am not a stranger here, I had an account of 11 years that got banned a couple of years ago and during that time posted a number of trip reviews.
I am about to take a long road trip to see the western US, think North Dakota down to Kansas and Washington to Arizona and ending in Oklahoma, and all states in-between.
I have no time frame for this trip can spend months if needed. I intend to start in the northern state before winter sets in. I just bought a Subaru Outback for the trip and have all the gear I need to hike/camp.
Please give me your must see places national parks, national forests, must see sites, and anything you think is worth visiting. I spent three weeks in July in Cambodia and three weeks of this month in Costa Rica.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
I plan on posting photos of my journey along the way, if all goes well it will be a massive post.
I am about to take a long road trip to see the western US, think North Dakota down to Kansas and Washington to Arizona and ending in Oklahoma, and all states in-between.
I have no time frame for this trip can spend months if needed. I intend to start in the northern state before winter sets in. I just bought a Subaru Outback for the trip and have all the gear I need to hike/camp.
Please give me your must see places national parks, national forests, must see sites, and anything you think is worth visiting. I spent three weeks in July in Cambodia and three weeks of this month in Costa Rica.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
I plan on posting photos of my journey along the way, if all goes well it will be a massive post.
This post was edited on 8/27/24 at 10:13 pm
8
Posted on 8/27/24 at 11:00 pm to travelgamer
I presume you are starting in OK as well as ending there.
We’ve done 4 pure road trips to the western states from NC. And two fly & drive a few thousand miles & fly home; seen many of the western NP.
Get the National Park Service app; it has info for all the Nat. Parks, Seashores, Lakeshores, Monuments, Battlefields, etc. Get a travel app such as GuideAlong (was called Gypsie Guide). The app is free but you have to buy the specific routes. They have many NP drives for sale. It narrates your drive based on your location.
Get off the interstates as much as you can and stay at least two nights frequently. Identify specific drives you want to take such as Beartooth Highway or Utah Hwy 12.
Don’t overlook state parks and wildlife refuges. Check in at the visitor centers to find out what’s going on. In the NP they usually have two handouts - the useful one (a ranger called it that) made with low grade paper and the pretty one on glossy paper.
Talk to the locals; they can tell you what’s happening and suggest places to eat.
As far as what to see that’s kinda hard to say without a more specific route. My suggestion is to plot all the NP on a map in the states you want to visit and then design a route. And then look for other sights to see that are not too far off your route.
We’ve done 4 pure road trips to the western states from NC. And two fly & drive a few thousand miles & fly home; seen many of the western NP.
Get the National Park Service app; it has info for all the Nat. Parks, Seashores, Lakeshores, Monuments, Battlefields, etc. Get a travel app such as GuideAlong (was called Gypsie Guide). The app is free but you have to buy the specific routes. They have many NP drives for sale. It narrates your drive based on your location.
Get off the interstates as much as you can and stay at least two nights frequently. Identify specific drives you want to take such as Beartooth Highway or Utah Hwy 12.
Don’t overlook state parks and wildlife refuges. Check in at the visitor centers to find out what’s going on. In the NP they usually have two handouts - the useful one (a ranger called it that) made with low grade paper and the pretty one on glossy paper.
Talk to the locals; they can tell you what’s happening and suggest places to eat.
As far as what to see that’s kinda hard to say without a more specific route. My suggestion is to plot all the NP on a map in the states you want to visit and then design a route. And then look for other sights to see that are not too far off your route.
Posted on 8/27/24 at 11:05 pm to nctiger71
Great info, thank you! I am starting in OK. I love off the beaten path stuff, I will hit the big ones like Rushmore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and such. I am also looking forward to the painted desert, red rock and the like. Does anyone know of a good travel planning software where you can build a trip like this?
Area 51 is a must....
Area 51 is a must....
Posted on 8/27/24 at 11:41 pm to travelgamer
Are you retired? Independently wealthy?
Posted on 8/27/24 at 11:59 pm to xBirdx
I like to travel.
Posted on 8/28/24 at 12:55 am to travelgamer
Some of my favorite hikes and places. I know Washington best, but have been around the west quite a bit.
Washington
Heather Pass Maple Loop hike (incredible if you can time it right with the larches)
Chain Lakes Loop Mt Baker
Railroad Grade/Park Butte Mt Baker
Hidden Lake (North Cascades)
Sahale Arm
Colchuck Lake for an easier hike, Enchantments Loop for a hardcore hike (park at the end and hire a shuttle to drive you to the trailhead in the morning)
Snow Lake (go down to the lake at minimum. Gem Lake and Wright Mountain as a stretch goal)
Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
Panorama Point Overlook
Mount Storm King
Second Beach
Ozette Triangle
Cape Flattery
Ape Caves
Utah
West Rim Trail in Zion
The Narrows in Zion
Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Navajo Loop in Bryce
Corona Arch in Moab
Devil's Garden Primitive Trail in Arches
Red Pine Lake near SLC
Lake Blanche near SLC
Other States
Kane Lake in Idaho (beautiful secluded drive)
Saddleback Lakes in Idaho (take the ferry from Redfish Lodge to the trailhead)
Gotta check out the Oregon Coast and Crater Lakes
Yosemite has a ton of incredible hikes
Lost Coast in Northern California (look into the shuttle option if you want do the through hike)
Redwood Forest
You could spend a lifetime of West and not hit the same spot twice. Those were some of my favorite of the top of my head.
Washington
Heather Pass Maple Loop hike (incredible if you can time it right with the larches)
Chain Lakes Loop Mt Baker
Railroad Grade/Park Butte Mt Baker
Hidden Lake (North Cascades)
Sahale Arm
Colchuck Lake for an easier hike, Enchantments Loop for a hardcore hike (park at the end and hire a shuttle to drive you to the trailhead in the morning)
Snow Lake (go down to the lake at minimum. Gem Lake and Wright Mountain as a stretch goal)
Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
Panorama Point Overlook
Mount Storm King
Second Beach
Ozette Triangle
Cape Flattery
Ape Caves
Utah
West Rim Trail in Zion
The Narrows in Zion
Wall Street, Queens Garden, and Navajo Loop in Bryce
Corona Arch in Moab
Devil's Garden Primitive Trail in Arches
Red Pine Lake near SLC
Lake Blanche near SLC
Other States
Kane Lake in Idaho (beautiful secluded drive)
Saddleback Lakes in Idaho (take the ferry from Redfish Lodge to the trailhead)
Gotta check out the Oregon Coast and Crater Lakes
Yosemite has a ton of incredible hikes
Lost Coast in Northern California (look into the shuttle option if you want do the through hike)
Redwood Forest
You could spend a lifetime of West and not hit the same spot twice. Those were some of my favorite of the top of my head.
This post was edited on 8/28/24 at 1:06 am
Posted on 8/28/24 at 7:01 am to travelgamer
quote:
Does anyone know of a good travel planning software where you can build a trip like this?
Ever used ChatGPT? It can be great for these types of use cases. I plugged your question into it and this is the response. Of course you can tailor the details by providing more specific info.
Your road trip sounds like an incredible adventure! Here's a mix of must-see national parks, forests, and off-the-beaten-path sites across the western US. I've tailored it to your interests, focusing on natural landscapes and unique spots that might not be on everyone's radar.
North Dakota
-Theodore Roosevelt National Park: A lesser-known gem, this park offers stunning badlands, wildlife like bison and wild horses, and plenty of hiking opportunities. The Painted Canyon Overlook is a must-see.
-Maah Daah Hey Trail: A 144-mile trail through the badlands, perfect for hiking or mountain biking.
Montana
-Glacier National Park: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. Consider driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road for stunning views.
-Flathead National Forest: Offers beautiful scenery with fewer crowds than Glacier. Great for hiking and camping.
Wyoming
-Grand Teton National Park: Iconic jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and excellent hiking. Try the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
-Wind River Range: A less-crowded alternative to the Tetons with equally stunning scenery. Perfect for serious hikers.
South Dakota
-Badlands National Park: Otherworldly landscapes with unique rock formations and abundant wildlife. Great for a scenic drive or a hike.
-Black Hills National Forest: Explore Custer State Park for its scenic drives, and hike up to Black Elk Peak for panoramic views.
Idaho
-Sawtooth National Recreation Area: A rugged, remote area with stunning peaks, alpine lakes, and miles of trails.
-Craters of the Moon National Monument: An unusual volcanic landscape with caves to explore and unique hiking opportunities.
Washington
-North Cascades National Park: One of the most remote and rugged national parks with stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and deep valleys.
-Olympic National Park: Diverse ecosystems ranging from rugged coastline to lush rainforests and alpine peaks. The Hoh Rainforest is a must-see.
Oregon
-Crater Lake National Park: The deepest lake in the US with stunning blue water, surrounded by cliffs and forests. A boat ride to Wizard Island is highly recommended.
-John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Unique landscapes with colorful rock formations and fascinating paleontological history.
California
-Lassen Volcanic National Park: Offers geothermal features like fumaroles and boiling springs, along with beautiful mountain scenery.
-Redwood National and State Parks: Walk among the ancient giant trees and explore the rugged Northern California coastline.
Nevada
-Great Basin National Park: A hidden gem with ancient bristlecone pines, caves, and high-altitude hiking.
-Valley of Fire State Park: Stunning red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs, perfect for a day trip.
Utah
-Arches National Park: Famous for its natural stone arches, dramatic rock formations, and stunning sunsets.
-Canyonlands National Park: A vast, rugged area with deep canyons and mesas, offering plenty of solitude and hiking opportunities.
-Capitol Reef National Park: Less crowded than Zion and Bryce, with unique rock formations, canyons, and orchards.
-Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Remote and rugged, with slot canyons, arches, and endless hiking opportunities.
Arizona
-Petrified Forest National Park: Explore the ancient petrified wood and the colorful Painted Desert.
-Sedona: Known for its red rock formations, vortex sites, and excellent hiking trails.
-Monument Valley: Iconic landscapes with towering sandstone buttes. Consider a guided tour for a deeper experience.
New Mexico
-White Sands National Park: Explore the vast gypsum dune field, a surreal landscape perfect for hiking or sledding down the dunes.
-Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Descend into one of the largest and most beautiful cave systems in the world.
-Gila Wilderness: One of the first designated wilderness areas in the US, offering rugged beauty and solitude.
Colorado
-Rocky Mountain National Park: Famous for its high peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife. Drive the Trail Ridge Road for spectacular views.
-San Juan Mountains: Explore the rugged beauty of the San Juans, with plenty of off-the-beaten-path hikes and drives, like the Million Dollar
Highway.
Kansas
-Monument Rocks: Also known as the Chalk Pyramids, these unique rock formations rise dramatically from the plains, offering a surreal landscape.
-Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: A rare remnant of the tallgrass prairie that once covered much of the Midwest, perfect for a quiet hike and some wildlife spotting.
These destinations will give you a rich experience of the natural beauty and diversity of the western US. With your flexible schedule, you can take your time exploring each location, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying the solitude and majesty of these landscapes. Safe travels!
Posted on 8/28/24 at 7:02 am to HeadyMurphey
Then I asked this:
Here's a detailed itinerary for your road trip, starting from Oklahoma City on October 1st, 2024. This plan balances popular spots with off-the-beaten-path destinations, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy each location.
Day 1-3: Oklahoma City, OK to Black Hills, SD
Day 1: Drive from Oklahoma City to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota (about 11 hours, 740 miles).
Overnight: Camp in Badlands National Park.
Day 2: Explore Badlands National Park. Take the Notch Trail for great views and drive the Badlands Loop Road.
Overnight: Another night in Badlands.
Day 3: Drive to the Black Hills (about 1.5 hours).
Visit: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.
Overnight: Camp in Custer State Park.
Day 4-5: Black Hills, SD to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Day 4: Drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (about 4.5 hours).
Explore: The South Unit of the park, including Painted Canyon Overlook and the Scenic Loop Drive.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 5: Explore the North Unit of the park.
Hike: The Caprock Coulee Trail for beautiful views.
Overnight: Another night in the park.
Day 6-7: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND to Glacier National Park, MT
Day 6: Drive to Glacier National Park (about 9 hours).
Overnight: Camp near the park's entrance.
Day 7: Explore Glacier National Park.
Drive: Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Hike: The Hidden Lake Trail or Avalanche Lake Trail.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 8-10: Glacier National Park, MT to Yellowstone National Park, WY
Day 8: Drive to Yellowstone National Park (about 7.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in Yellowstone.
Day 9-10: Explore Yellowstone National Park.
Day 9: Visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Upper Geyser Basin.
Day 10: Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley.
Overnight: Continue camping in the park.
Day 11-13: Yellowstone, WY to Grand Teton National Park, WY
Day 11: Drive to Grand Teton National Park (about 1 hour).
Explore: The scenic drives, including Jenny Lake and Snake River Overlook.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 12: Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Overnight: Another night in the park.
Day 13: Optional day for additional exploration or relaxation.
Overnight: Continue camping in Grand Teton.
Day 14-16: Grand Teton, WY to Sawtooth National Recreation Area, ID
Day 14: Drive to Sawtooth National Recreation Area (about 6.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp near Stanley, ID.
Day 15-16: Explore the Sawtooth Mountains.
Hike: Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake for stunning views.
Overnight: Continue camping in the area.
Day 17-19: Sawtooth, ID to Crater Lake National Park, OR
Day 17: Drive to Crater Lake National Park (about 9 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 18: Explore Crater Lake National Park.
Drive: Rim Drive for incredible views of the lake.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 19: Optional day to hike or relax at Crater Lake.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 20-23: Crater Lake, OR to Redwood National Park, CA
Day 20: Drive to Redwood National and State Parks (about 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 21-22: Explore Redwood National and State Parks.
Hike: The Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 23: Optional day to explore more of the park or the nearby coastline.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 24-26: Redwood, CA to Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Day 24: Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park (about 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 25-26: Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hike: The Bumpass Hell Trail and explore the geothermal features.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 27-29: Lassen, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA
Day 27: Drive to Yosemite National Park (about 5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 28-29: Explore Yosemite National Park.
Hike: Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, visit Glacier Point, and explore Yosemite Valley.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 30-32: Yosemite, CA to Zion National Park, UT
Day 30: Drive to Zion National Park (about 8 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 31-32: Explore Zion National Park.
Hike: The Narrows or Angels Landing.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 33-35: Zion, UT to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Day 33: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (about 4 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 34-35: Explore the Grand Canyon.
Hike: Bright Angel Trail or Rim Trail.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 36-38: Grand Canyon, AZ to Sedona, AZ
Day 36: Drive to Sedona (about 2.5 hours).
Explore: The red rock formations and vortex sites.
Overnight: Camp in the area.
Day 37-38: Hike the Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge Trail.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 39-41: Sedona, AZ to Monument Valley, AZ/UT
Day 39: Drive to Monument Valley (about 3.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp near the valley.
Day 40-41: Explore Monument Valley.
Consider: A guided tour for a deeper experience.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 42-45: Monument Valley, AZ/UT to Moab, UT
Day 42: Drive to Moab, UT (about 3 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near Arches National Park.
Day 43-44: Explore Arches National Park.
Hike: Delicate Arch and Devil's Garden.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 45: Explore Canyonlands National Park.
Visit: Island in the Sky and the Needles District.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 46-48: Moab, UT to Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Day 46: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 47-48: Explore Capitol Reef National Park.
Hike: The Hickman Bridge and Capitol Gorge.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 49-51: Capitol Reef, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Day 49: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 50-51: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park.
Hike: The Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 52-54: Bryce Canyon, UT to Great Basin National Park, NV
Day 52: Drive to Great Basin National Park (about 4 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 53-54: Explore Great Basin National Park.
Hike: Wheeler Peak and visit the Lehman Caves.
Overnight: Continue camping.
It keeps going and going. Try it out!
quote:
can you detail out an itinerary starting in oklahoma city, ok on October 1st 2024
Here's a detailed itinerary for your road trip, starting from Oklahoma City on October 1st, 2024. This plan balances popular spots with off-the-beaten-path destinations, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy each location.
Day 1-3: Oklahoma City, OK to Black Hills, SD
Day 1: Drive from Oklahoma City to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota (about 11 hours, 740 miles).
Overnight: Camp in Badlands National Park.
Day 2: Explore Badlands National Park. Take the Notch Trail for great views and drive the Badlands Loop Road.
Overnight: Another night in Badlands.
Day 3: Drive to the Black Hills (about 1.5 hours).
Visit: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park.
Overnight: Camp in Custer State Park.
Day 4-5: Black Hills, SD to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Day 4: Drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park (about 4.5 hours).
Explore: The South Unit of the park, including Painted Canyon Overlook and the Scenic Loop Drive.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 5: Explore the North Unit of the park.
Hike: The Caprock Coulee Trail for beautiful views.
Overnight: Another night in the park.
Day 6-7: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND to Glacier National Park, MT
Day 6: Drive to Glacier National Park (about 9 hours).
Overnight: Camp near the park's entrance.
Day 7: Explore Glacier National Park.
Drive: Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Hike: The Hidden Lake Trail or Avalanche Lake Trail.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 8-10: Glacier National Park, MT to Yellowstone National Park, WY
Day 8: Drive to Yellowstone National Park (about 7.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in Yellowstone.
Day 9-10: Explore Yellowstone National Park.
Day 9: Visit Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Upper Geyser Basin.
Day 10: Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lamar Valley.
Overnight: Continue camping in the park.
Day 11-13: Yellowstone, WY to Grand Teton National Park, WY
Day 11: Drive to Grand Teton National Park (about 1 hour).
Explore: The scenic drives, including Jenny Lake and Snake River Overlook.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 12: Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
Overnight: Another night in the park.
Day 13: Optional day for additional exploration or relaxation.
Overnight: Continue camping in Grand Teton.
Day 14-16: Grand Teton, WY to Sawtooth National Recreation Area, ID
Day 14: Drive to Sawtooth National Recreation Area (about 6.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp near Stanley, ID.
Day 15-16: Explore the Sawtooth Mountains.
Hike: Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake for stunning views.
Overnight: Continue camping in the area.
Day 17-19: Sawtooth, ID to Crater Lake National Park, OR
Day 17: Drive to Crater Lake National Park (about 9 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 18: Explore Crater Lake National Park.
Drive: Rim Drive for incredible views of the lake.
Overnight: Camp in the park.
Day 19: Optional day to hike or relax at Crater Lake.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 20-23: Crater Lake, OR to Redwood National Park, CA
Day 20: Drive to Redwood National and State Parks (about 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 21-22: Explore Redwood National and State Parks.
Hike: The Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 23: Optional day to explore more of the park or the nearby coastline.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 24-26: Redwood, CA to Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Day 24: Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park (about 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 25-26: Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hike: The Bumpass Hell Trail and explore the geothermal features.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 27-29: Lassen, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA
Day 27: Drive to Yosemite National Park (about 5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 28-29: Explore Yosemite National Park.
Hike: Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, visit Glacier Point, and explore Yosemite Valley.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 30-32: Yosemite, CA to Zion National Park, UT
Day 30: Drive to Zion National Park (about 8 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 31-32: Explore Zion National Park.
Hike: The Narrows or Angels Landing.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 33-35: Zion, UT to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Day 33: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (about 4 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 34-35: Explore the Grand Canyon.
Hike: Bright Angel Trail or Rim Trail.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 36-38: Grand Canyon, AZ to Sedona, AZ
Day 36: Drive to Sedona (about 2.5 hours).
Explore: The red rock formations and vortex sites.
Overnight: Camp in the area.
Day 37-38: Hike the Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge Trail.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 39-41: Sedona, AZ to Monument Valley, AZ/UT
Day 39: Drive to Monument Valley (about 3.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp near the valley.
Day 40-41: Explore Monument Valley.
Consider: A guided tour for a deeper experience.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 42-45: Monument Valley, AZ/UT to Moab, UT
Day 42: Drive to Moab, UT (about 3 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near Arches National Park.
Day 43-44: Explore Arches National Park.
Hike: Delicate Arch and Devil's Garden.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 45: Explore Canyonlands National Park.
Visit: Island in the Sky and the Needles District.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 46-48: Moab, UT to Capitol Reef National Park, UT
Day 46: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 47-48: Explore Capitol Reef National Park.
Hike: The Hickman Bridge and Capitol Gorge.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 49-51: Capitol Reef, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Day 49: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (about 2.5 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 50-51: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park.
Hike: The Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop.
Overnight: Continue camping.
Day 52-54: Bryce Canyon, UT to Great Basin National Park, NV
Day 52: Drive to Great Basin National Park (about 4 hours).
Overnight: Camp in or near the park.
Day 53-54: Explore Great Basin National Park.
Hike: Wheeler Peak and visit the Lehman Caves.
Overnight: Continue camping.
It keeps going and going. Try it out!
Posted on 8/28/24 at 10:04 am to travelgamer
.
This post was edited on 8/28/24 at 10:06 am
Posted on 8/28/24 at 11:19 am to Hermit Crab
Get a National Parks Pass! If you are old enough(lol) you can get a senior pass if you are 62+. Lifetime Pass for all National Parks is $80. Many other options so check what fits you on line, 
South Dakota will surprise you in a positive way.
South Dakota will surprise you in a positive way.
This post was edited on 8/28/24 at 11:21 am
Posted on 8/28/24 at 1:35 pm to HeadyMurphey
quote:
Then I asked this:
can you detail out an itinerary starting in oklahoma city, ok on October 1st 2024
Can you tell me specifically how you got it to give you those results? What did you ask, I have never used chatgpt.
I am leaving from Tulsa on the Sept 1st.
Posted on 8/28/24 at 1:45 pm to travelgamer
I really enjoyed Carlsbad Caverns NP if you have never been I'd highly recommend.
I'd dive head first into state parks as there are tons of really cool places to visit that just aren't big enough to be a national park.
You can camp anytime in National Forest pretty much anywhere, so I'd do a lot of research into them and places you can pull off to the side of the road and camp. Lots of really great places to camp on National Forest land, recent story related to that is Gabby Petito the florida girl murdered by her BF.
I'd dive head first into state parks as there are tons of really cool places to visit that just aren't big enough to be a national park.
You can camp anytime in National Forest pretty much anywhere, so I'd do a lot of research into them and places you can pull off to the side of the road and camp. Lots of really great places to camp on National Forest land, recent story related to that is Gabby Petito the florida girl murdered by her BF.
Posted on 8/28/24 at 1:51 pm to travelgamer
A hidden gem in OK is Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Area which has bison roaming around.
Posted on 8/28/24 at 2:04 pm to sstig
quote:
Get a National Parks Pass!
I got a lifetime pass for veterans for $10
Posted on 8/28/24 at 2:16 pm to travelgamer
quote:
Can you tell me specifically how you got it to give you those results?
Say something like " Give me a 4 month road trip itinerary for the western us starting in oklahoma on september 1. States to include ND, SD, Montana, wyoming, colorado, utah, new mexico, arizona, california, washington, oregon, nevada, texas. Focus on national and state parks and outdoor activities."
copy and paste that, then you can tell it to adjust different things. talk to it like a travel agent.
Posted on 8/28/24 at 6:38 pm to travelgamer
Went to South Dakota in late May of last year and it definitely did not disappoint. Stayed around the Badlands one night then stayed in the Black Hills/Custer for a few nights. Highly recommend!!
Posted on 8/29/24 at 11:22 am to HokadayTiger12
Found my starting point in near Lebanon KS.
traveling to
from there I will really start.
traveling to
from there I will really start.
Posted on 8/29/24 at 3:50 pm to TDawg1313
quote:
Kane Lake in Idaho (beautiful secluded drive)
trail creek summit and the copper basin are beautiful and secluded, for sure. the drive back to sun valley down the rocky, one-lane road with only occasional pullouts and certain-death exposure with no guardrail can be nerve racking
coming off trail creek road to the turn off for kane lake is a narrow jeep road. then a 4 mile hike to kane lake with a giant boulder field. caught some monster cutties out of the lake though.
the 12-mile hike to goat, bettie, and baptie lakes in the copper basin is on my list. have you ever done that one?
quote:
Saddleback Lakes in Idaho (take the ferry from Redfish Lodge to the trailhead)
half of stanley is under evacuation orders for the wapiti fire, and the bench lake fire burned a good bit of the forest around redfish lake. and idaho 21, the "back" way to stanley and sun valley is closed for the fire that is at 90,000 acres and zero percent contained. just an FYI to the OP if he passed through central idaho.
Posted on 8/30/24 at 10:56 pm to Bunsbert Montcroff
So frustrated, do to shipping of gear I have to wait to leave until Tuesday, first world problems I know. My recent trips have been marred with difficulty. Guess this is my life...First world problems.
Posted on 9/1/24 at 9:52 am to travelgamer
It sounds like you are not afraid of camping, I would recommend trying to spend as much time sleeping outdoors, weather permitting, as possible.
You will be in some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, a perfect weather window (post bug season, post monsoon season, cooler nights), in remote areas with spectacular night skies, and within spitting distance of millions of acres of public lands that offer free or near free camping.
iOverlander is a great resource for crowdsourced and usually recent information about places to stay.
Obviously get hotels as needed for comfort and hot showers/bed/TV but you will remember nights slept under the stars years from now while nights in hotels often become a blur.
Safe travels.
Edit: I see Bunsbert's post about fires, yes it is fire season in the PNW and California. There is an app called Watch Duty that is a great resource, shows every fire on a map with details at a click. A good reference to have as you are working through your itinerary, in case you need to pivot to a Plan B at some point.
The map can be overwhelming with so many fires but most are just little ones that have no impact. For the larger fires it is wise to check the agency website (USFS, BLM, etc) for closure notices and even local news sites for evacuation notices.
You will be in some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, a perfect weather window (post bug season, post monsoon season, cooler nights), in remote areas with spectacular night skies, and within spitting distance of millions of acres of public lands that offer free or near free camping.
iOverlander is a great resource for crowdsourced and usually recent information about places to stay.
Obviously get hotels as needed for comfort and hot showers/bed/TV but you will remember nights slept under the stars years from now while nights in hotels often become a blur.
Safe travels.
Edit: I see Bunsbert's post about fires, yes it is fire season in the PNW and California. There is an app called Watch Duty that is a great resource, shows every fire on a map with details at a click. A good reference to have as you are working through your itinerary, in case you need to pivot to a Plan B at some point.
The map can be overwhelming with so many fires but most are just little ones that have no impact. For the larger fires it is wise to check the agency website (USFS, BLM, etc) for closure notices and even local news sites for evacuation notices.
This post was edited on 9/1/24 at 10:00 am
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