Family Trip from Florida to Yellowstone/GC. Need Ideas...

[ptjeff04]

My wife and I have been RV'ing for about 7 years. I am not retired (46) and we have 2 children 11 and 9. We want to take an RV trip this summer from Florida to Grand Canyon via stops at Gateway arch (if recommended), Mt Rushmore, Yellowstone, to Grand Canyon and any other stops recommended. I have a rough route drawn out but am looking for ideas of places to see or stop in. Keep in mind I have children so I am trying to keep them interested as well. They love to travel so should be a blast. Thanks in advance for nay ideas, tips, etc.

[mcalister66]

If you head to CO be sure to take the Cog Train to the top of Pikes Peak! Don't miss Devil's Tower as you will drive right by. Not sure you will find anything in Cody rodeo related unless your timing is perfect but the Buffalo Bill museum is something not to be missed. However, it's a bit overwhelming and it takes 2 4-5 hour days to get a really good look at much of the stuff (not all). Maybe you have better stamina than I but dang, it's so much information to absorb you will go brain dead before your legs wear out.

Just a quick note about Rodeo in Cody. There is a full time regular rodeo crew that puts on a very nice performance every night in Cody during the summer.

[oscarpower]

I agree with Bill. Always travel thinking that you will be able to visit again, don't try to see all in one shot.... but do enjoy where you go. I guess you are used to driving so many hours on a day, but believe me, you are going to be exhausted! The vacation should be for you too, not just for the kids, so take it easy and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Definitely you need more time in Cody, it will be fun for the kids. So is Yellowstone. Close to Mt. Rushmore are a couple of caves that seem very interesting. We are going this summer. Jewel Cave is the second longest in the world and Wind Cave the fourth. I've heard that night laser lights show at Mt. Rushmore and Crazy horse monument are great, And there too is a 1880 Train ride and lots of bison to see. Research: TRAVELSD.COM. I usually go to the tourism website of the states I plan to visit and request the free maps and brochures that they have on their "vacation" sites.

Drive safely, rest!

[ptjeff04]

Great feedback, Thanks!! We did a similar trip 2 years ago when we went to Bar Harbor Maine. It wasn't bad but it was only 3 1/2 weeks. I am trying to see as much as I can. The trip now went from 30 days to about 40 days. We really want some time in the West so we are not doing much on way there. Now the first 2/3rd of the trip is as follows:

1. June 26th-Florida to Cartersville, GA (Overnight stay only)

2. June 27th-Cartersville to Casino Queens (Overnight only) We may change to another campground. Will see the arch at later date being its not far.

3. June 28th-Casion Queens St Louis to Lincoln NE (Overnight)

4. June 29th-Lincoln Nebraska to Great River Platt Highway Museum (only 2.5 hour drive) Stop for few hours, tour. The continue 1.3 hours to Holiday RV Park Nebraska

5.June 30th- to Mt Rushmore KOA. We should arrive by 1 pm. Set up site and relax few hours. The head to Mt Rushmore late afternoon to see it in daylight and night show. Spend next day touring area.

6.July 2--5- to Cody. Spending two full days. I spoke to representative here. Gun fights downtown every night (kids will love) Rodeo every night with July 4th being awesome. Tour museum etc. Spending two days there after arrival.

7. July 5-10-to Glacier National Park. Spoke to rep there also. Doing 1/2 day horseback ride, some hiking, driving the Road tot the Sun, and more scenic things. Spending 4 full days there after we arrive.

8. July 10-15 to Grizzly RV Park. Could not get in at Fishing Bridge. Spending 4 full days here, but this may change as we could not get into the Tetons until the 17th so I have 2 days to place somewhere. Ideas? Want to drive Beartooth also so I need to add this somewhere. May add day to Cody and back them all up one day. Not sure but I have 2 more days at this general time.

9. July 17-21. to Colter RV Park at Tetons. Doing a Whitewater rafting trip, Breakfast Boat cruise to Elk Island and some hiking. Spending 3 full days here.

10. July 21-22 to Fillmore KOA (Overnight)

11. July 22-25. to Grand Canyon South Rim. I know it is only 2 full days (This may change) but a lot of people have told me more time in Glacier / Yellowstone and less in GC. So we booked a mule ride and will do some hiking.

12. July 25-28 to Mesa Verde KOA-Tour ruins and light hiking. On the way stopping at 4 corners. Spoke to rep here also. Said we can see most things in one day. We may add another. Not set in stone (pun)

13. July 28-?? Arches National Park. Maybe one full day, maybe 2.

14. ?? Maybe Cog Train over Pikes Peak

Should I stop at Bryce?? Zion??

That's what I have now. Again I have a few extra days around Yellowstone I may be adding so if you have ideas there Id appreciate it. Per Bill's comments above: I was looking at the Cog over Pike's Peak. Is it worth the stop or will we feel like we have seen a lot of the same views by then? The website looked pretty amazing so it was being considered. Thanks!! I really don't think stamina will be an issue. Driving 6-7 hours is no issue for me. Above 7 sometimes I get a little bored but according my GPS I am at 6 hours or less once I get passed the first 3 days leaving home. I have young, and may I say ENERGETIC kids!! My wife and I are also very Type A and athletic so I feel we will LOVE this trip. I would love to split the stops up more but I don't think I can be away from my business more than 40 days max. If any of you are traveling in a similar area let me know!! Email is ptjeff04@hotmail.com. Thanks again. Getting close!!

[hermanmullins]

The KOA in Cody is a nice park. On our visit in 2007 it cost $48.00 per night. They have a pancake breakfast each morning. Sausage cost extra. If you have time see the shoot out in the evening. The Museum is great for adults, however it may get tiresome for little ones. I also see that you have an evening set for Mt Rushmore, it is an unbelievable sight.

Sounds like you will have a wonderful trip for you and the children.

Good luck and enjoy.

Herman

[jlsnyder]

I almost hate to chime in here as everyone has pretty much covered it all, but we've traveled in some of these areas several times so I'll add my thoughts.

Mt. Rushmore - We stayed at the KOA and it is a very nice campground. The Mt. Rushmore nighttime program is great too. As mentioned above, a visit to Custer State Park should be considered. Lots of bison, beautiful scenery and there are several cave tours available at Jewel Cave Natl Monument and Wind Cave NP. Also consider the Crazy Horse Memorial nearby. We took a motorcycle ride to Devil's Tower when attending the Sturgis Bike Rally...all we did was look at it and leave.

Cody - We love this little town and we've attended a rodeo twice. Unless things have changed they have a nightly rodeo. Just a short day trip visit to Cody is not enough time as the museum is definitely a must...and you mentioned your family likes a rodeo. We stay at the Ponderosa campground.

Yellowstone - Driving to and from Yellowstone everyday is not a good option as Yellowstone is huge, driving is slow, and you'll want to stop and look at every animal, geiser, river, etc. that you see! I'm glad you've selected Fishing Bridge RV Park (you have a reservation, right? Otherwise...no bueno). While many folks don't like this campground, we've always liked it for convenience of getting around the park and it has hook-ups.

Grand Tetons - Haven't paid much attention to your route but if passing through the Tetons I think one long day should be good for sightseeing with an overnight somewhere in that area (unless you have a day to kill driving in and out of Yellowstone to Tetons). A quick trip to Jackson Square is fun and be sure to stop at the visitors center in Jackson. There are many areas outside of the main touristy spots in the Tetons (Jackson and Jenny Lakes) that are beautiful if you are willing to drive some dirt roads in your tow. We have seen moose every trip in the Tetons. We have found that we find some really exciting things off the beaten path

Mesa Verde NP is a must if in the area. We love the Durango area and the Durango & Silverton Railroad ride is a very fun thing to do but it takes all day and is not cheap. Our last visit in Durango we took a guided off-road jeep tour that was fun.

Grand Canyon - We have not stopped at the North Rim but I must say I think you'll miss out if you do not stay at the South Rim. If possible try to get into the Trailer Village campground inside the park. It's very hot in the summer and the campground has hook-ups. But the best part is being walking distance to the park shuttle buses. You can catch a bus at the campground which takes you to the village from which all the FREE shuttle buses depart. It just makes everything so much easier.

I understand from above that you're looking at long days of driving. We have found that driving more than 400 miles a day is just pushing it. You just don't know what things you might encounter along the way that may really slow you down. Even driving 400 miles a day we find that after a couple of days of driving those long days consecutively we need a break for a day or two of just some down time. But...we are getting old

No matter what, you are going to have a wonderful trip that your family will remember for a lifetime. You'll want to go back! Just remember to take the time to enjoy it all.

[jlsnyder]

Me again. For some reason I missed some of the later posts, so sorry about that.

As to Fishing Bridge (and Trailer Village at the South Rim?), I would suggest you keep checking everyday for cancellations. I have always been very successful in getting reservations this way. I think two days at the Grand Canyon should be sufficient, but the mule ride takes most of a day, right? Just be sure to make time for all the free shuttle bus routes.

We finally made it to Glacier NP two summers ago and loved it. We took the Red Bus Jammers tour which was great and saved us the stress of driving the road ourselves. We stayed outside both ends of the park, West Glacier KOA and the East Glacier KOA. Definitely liked the west side better but we did something really cool on the east side. We drove the tow into Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park in Canada (need passports) for a day trip. Then we took the boat ride across the lake which landed at Goat Haunt, the USA border crossing and ranger station, and then back.

I think just an overnight at Mesa Verde NP is sufficient...and consider the train ride in Durango if possible! We have ridden the train twice but, as I already stated, it is a long day. Our last trip we took the train up to Silverton and a bus back and it was better.

We live in CA and I could do the western portions of your trip every year and never get tired of it...but we are going to try a cross-country trip in the opposite direction this summer/fall! Wish us luck

[akadeadeye]

We have been to both the South Rim (stayed at Trailer Village RV Park in the Park), and the North Rim. Both are wonderful. If I were to choose just one it would definitely be the South Rim.

Have fun. You are planning too much in my opinion but you can adjust as you go. If you keep to your schedule you will be rushed to get to the next place without fully enjoying the place you just left. Been there, done that.

Have fun. It is great you are going to have a memorable family vacation. Hope your name isn't Griswald!

Don

[Howde]

Here's my two cents: 4 days of travel in the beginning of your trip can burn all of you out before you get started on your sightseeing. Taking a day or two break in there, it would probably help everyone. It's a vacation, enjoy the journey.

Have a safe and wonderful trip.

[aztec7fan]

A couple of things to consider:

Due to fires last summer, royal gorge in CO may be closed. Call before you visit it.

DO take the Durango/silverton train! Lots of fun and very scenic. If you are pressed for time take the train to Silverton, and the bus ride back to Durango. While in the area, drive the million dollar highway over red mountain pass (us 550). Very scenic! Also, if you have time, have a jeep company take you over Black Bear Road into Telluride. Not to be missed!

In Yellowstone, try reserving a site in Bridge Bay campground. No hookups, but more room between sites than Fishing Bridge campground, and the ranger program is great. My two boys, 10 & 14 really enjoyed it.

[davidormsby]

We found some interesting spots in your area. In Chattanooga the aquarium is a very interesting place, and great for the kids, in addition to the tram to Lookout Mt. Also, in Southern Tennessee is the Shilo Battlefield, which is a very interesting historical venue. Yellowstone is very interesting, and quite time consuming if you take time to visit all of its features. As you go South from there, the Air Force museum at Ogden, Ut. is quite interesting, free, and entertaining. The National Parks in Utah are numerous and quite beautiful. Arches (East), Bryce Canyon (Central) and Zion are all beautiful places to see. I also recommend, that if you are going South, take time to drive into and visit the north rim of the Grand Canyon, which we found to be more spectacular than the south rim.

There are so many things to see that it is almost impossible to see them all in a limited amount of time. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[tomcypress]

We live in WPB Fl went to Yellowstone 2 yrs ago, a lot to see there! We went the first week in June & hit snow! We have a 37' A class towing a car.

I'm planning on going to Maine this summer, What roads did you take?

Tom --- WPB Fl.