Suggestions for summer vacation out west
Nov 30th, 2003, 05:01 AM
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Suggestions for summer vacation out west
My family (wife and children 9 and 13) are ready to begin planning our 9 day summer vacation. Last year we toured around Colorado, two years ago we went to Seattle, Vancouver and Whistler, and 4 years ago we went to Lake Tahoo, Napa Valley and San Francisco. We like mountains, hiking, bike riding, lake areas, general sightseeing (hoping to see wild life), swimming (if warm enough) and fun/interesting towns. We are not campers. We live in Florida so we need to be able to fly in and to be able to reach the destination within a 2-3 hours drive. We have been told to consider Oregon, Jachson Hole Wyoming, and Banf Canada area. We are on a moderate budget. Your ideas are appreciated.
Nov 30th, 2003, 07:19 AM
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I would second the Oregon idea. Then you would have to decide between coastal or mountain areas. Both areas are beautiful with lots of places for hiking. Sisters,Crater Lake,Rogue River,Columbia Gorge,Mt. Hood are just a few places you might visit inland.
Northern Cali is nice as well with Mt. Shasta ,Redwoods, Mammoth Etc.
Have you considered the SouthWest?
There have been alot of recent trip reports from Arizona and Utah that are great.
Northern Cali is nice as well with Mt. Shasta ,Redwoods, Mammoth Etc.
Have you considered the SouthWest?
There have been alot of recent trip reports from Arizona and Utah that are great.
Nov 30th, 2003, 11:00 AM
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My two recommendations would be Yellowstone & Grand Tetons OR Jasper and Banff in Canada. Both are beautiful areas with so much to see and do and tons of wildlife!
If you are going to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons I would not make Jackson, WY my base for the whole time. I would recommend dividing the time between cabins in Yellowstone or motel at the West Entrance and a couple nights at the Grand Tetons.
For Banff and Jasper, I would recommend staying in two different locations also. We always camp in our RV, so it's hard to say which would be the best places to stay.
My two boys loved both of these destinations.
Utahtea
If you are going to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons I would not make Jackson, WY my base for the whole time. I would recommend dividing the time between cabins in Yellowstone or motel at the West Entrance and a couple nights at the Grand Tetons.
For Banff and Jasper, I would recommend staying in two different locations also. We always camp in our RV, so it's hard to say which would be the best places to stay.
My two boys loved both of these destinations.
Utahtea
Nov 30th, 2003, 04:03 PM
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Having visited several places in the west I would recommend Yellowstone and the Tetons. We flew into Salt Lake City. Jackson Hole is close, but flights were very expensive. We drove from Salt Lake to West Yellowstone, MT. It took about 5 hours, but was an interesting drive. We were able to get a flight into Salt Lake before noon so arrived in West Yellowstone before dark. We really enjoyed visiting the wolf and grizzly discovery center in West Yellowstone. Life you we enjoy seeing wildlife. We did not see any bears or wolves at Yellowstone, but did see lots of buffalo and elk. Lodging in Yellowstone, like all national parks we have visited, is pretty expensive for the quality. Yellowstone is so large that staying in the park for at least part of your trip is good.
We next went to the Tetons. We stayed at a cabin at Coulter Bay, which was clean, but nothing extravagent for the price. While in the Tetons we took an afternoon float trip on the Snake River that was quite enjoyable. Did not see any large animals, but did see a bald eagle. When we left the visitor center we took a back road into Jackson Hole and saw 2 moose. Jackson Hole is a tourist trap and everything is expensive. We also saw moose with binoculars from the balcony at one of the lodges in the Tetons (can't remember the name).
Our second favorite trip was northern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and the southwest corner of Colorado. Again due to the cost of tickets, we flew into Phoenix. We arrived early in the day and drove to Monument Valley. We enjoy western movies and Monument Valley looks just like I expected from the movies. Many people stay at Goulding's, but I didn't think it was worth the price. We stayed in nearby Mexican Hat, UT at the San Juan Inn. It was a very clean place for the price. From Mexican Hat we drove through the Valley of the Gods, stopped at Goosenecks state park, and then drove the Mogi Dugway (we had rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle) and went to Natural Bridges. From Natural Bridges we traveled to Moab, UT, stopping first at the Needles district of Canyonlands, which is south of Moab. Needles is not nearly as impressive as Island in the Sky, which is north of Moab. Also while in Moab we went to Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. All were wonderful places to visit and offer great hiking opportunities, although we don't hike very much. From Moab we went to Mesa Verde in the southwest corner of Colorado and spent the night in Cortez, CO. I thought the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde were one of the most impressive places I have ever visited. We took the tour of Cliff Palace. I was a little nervous about climbing the ladders, but it was okay. Seeing this dwelling up close is awesome. I wasn't up to touring Balcony House, I think it involves crawling through passages. Spruce Tree House wasn't open yet when we were there just before Memorial Day. From Cortez we stopped at Four Corners, which is nothing great, except for a photo opportunity, but the $3 per person fee isn't worth it. From there we went to Canyon de Chelly, which is also quite beautiful, but not nearly as spectacular as Mesa Verde. I would have also liked to visit Hovenweep, but didn't have time. We drove through the painted desert/petrified forest, which was okay, and spent the night in Holbrook, AZ. Not much there. That is where the historic tepee motel is located, but didn't stay there. From Holbrook we drove back to Flagstaff and then took the highway through Sedona. It is a beautiful area, but appears to be a tourist trap. We then stopped at Montezuma's castle. It is just one cliff dwelling, but is quite interesting. From there we continued on back to Phoenix for our flight home.
I think either of these trips would include most of what you would like to do.
We next went to the Tetons. We stayed at a cabin at Coulter Bay, which was clean, but nothing extravagent for the price. While in the Tetons we took an afternoon float trip on the Snake River that was quite enjoyable. Did not see any large animals, but did see a bald eagle. When we left the visitor center we took a back road into Jackson Hole and saw 2 moose. Jackson Hole is a tourist trap and everything is expensive. We also saw moose with binoculars from the balcony at one of the lodges in the Tetons (can't remember the name).
Our second favorite trip was northern Arizona, southeastern Utah, and the southwest corner of Colorado. Again due to the cost of tickets, we flew into Phoenix. We arrived early in the day and drove to Monument Valley. We enjoy western movies and Monument Valley looks just like I expected from the movies. Many people stay at Goulding's, but I didn't think it was worth the price. We stayed in nearby Mexican Hat, UT at the San Juan Inn. It was a very clean place for the price. From Mexican Hat we drove through the Valley of the Gods, stopped at Goosenecks state park, and then drove the Mogi Dugway (we had rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle) and went to Natural Bridges. From Natural Bridges we traveled to Moab, UT, stopping first at the Needles district of Canyonlands, which is south of Moab. Needles is not nearly as impressive as Island in the Sky, which is north of Moab. Also while in Moab we went to Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. All were wonderful places to visit and offer great hiking opportunities, although we don't hike very much. From Moab we went to Mesa Verde in the southwest corner of Colorado and spent the night in Cortez, CO. I thought the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde were one of the most impressive places I have ever visited. We took the tour of Cliff Palace. I was a little nervous about climbing the ladders, but it was okay. Seeing this dwelling up close is awesome. I wasn't up to touring Balcony House, I think it involves crawling through passages. Spruce Tree House wasn't open yet when we were there just before Memorial Day. From Cortez we stopped at Four Corners, which is nothing great, except for a photo opportunity, but the $3 per person fee isn't worth it. From there we went to Canyon de Chelly, which is also quite beautiful, but not nearly as spectacular as Mesa Verde. I would have also liked to visit Hovenweep, but didn't have time. We drove through the painted desert/petrified forest, which was okay, and spent the night in Holbrook, AZ. Not much there. That is where the historic tepee motel is located, but didn't stay there. From Holbrook we drove back to Flagstaff and then took the highway through Sedona. It is a beautiful area, but appears to be a tourist trap. We then stopped at Montezuma's castle. It is just one cliff dwelling, but is quite interesting. From there we continued on back to Phoenix for our flight home.
I think either of these trips would include most of what you would like to do.
Dec 1st, 2003, 04:35 AM
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We loved the Canadian Rockies, and combined that trip with Glacier NP in the US. We flew into Calgary, then made a huge circle. I would recommend the southwest b/c it's has wonderful, unique scenery. Flying into Vegas and taking in Zion, Bryce, Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon is a great itinery.
But you know, Oregon is wonderful, too. You can have the mountains and the ocean all within a short drive of Portland. Let us know what you decide.
But you know, Oregon is wonderful, too. You can have the mountains and the ocean all within a short drive of Portland. Let us know what you decide.
Dec 1st, 2003, 07:17 AM
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I thank everyone, to date, for their great suggestions. Arizona and Utah will be a different trip and maybe at a different time of year. I still want to focus on the Oregon/Canada/Wyoming options.
Dec 5th, 2003, 12:21 PM
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mrt - you are wise to avoid the southwest in the summer. It is, to me, intolerably hot. I love the area - the red rock scenery, amazing vistas, interesting geology, Indian history and petroglyphs, unique hiking, etc. It does draw you back. But we were in Moab last July and it was 105 and just too uncomfortable to really enjoy the great scenery.
I doubt you would regret chosing Oregon. Portland's a neat city; the Columbia River Gorge is close by which is one of my favorite places in the country. The hiking is great - lots of waterfalls.
I doubt you would regret chosing Oregon. Portland's a neat city; the Columbia River Gorge is close by which is one of my favorite places in the country. The hiking is great - lots of waterfalls.
Dec 5th, 2003, 07:07 PM
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What part of CO. did you tour last year? We have been to lots of the other places mentioned except OREGON..all of them are beautiful, but we still have returned to SUMMIT COUNTY Colorado almost every year for 15 yrs. because we love hiking & biking also...the area around KEYSTONE, BRECKINRIDGE, COPPER MTN has one of the most extensive paved bike trail paths in the country, not to mention breathtaking scenary and Lake Dillion..The other key word you mentioned was budget minded. This was the other big reason we have always returned here..VERY afforadable, with lots of choices. We have always stayed in the Keystone section as its not as built up and have rented thru private owners at www.vrbo.com Denver has a nice big airport or do as we did, drive out with bikes in tow (we rode everyday,the boys have now graduated from paved trails to mtn. biking down the ski trails...tons of hiking all so close by and we had a bear out the back door this summer even..shopping near by, great weather, tons of cute historic towns& tours about..We love this area cuz it does not require you to be in the car forever driving around..your about a 90min drive from the airport only..Everything is right out your door..Jackson Hole is nice, expensive,and more of a day trip, you would much rather be in the 2 parks. BANFF is unbelievable, but lots of riding in the car to see the sights. Do the kids want to be out on bikes?
Dec 10th, 2003, 01:17 PM
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disneynan: We spent two days in Boulder visiting friends. Then we spent 3 days in Aspen (we had connections and stayed at the Ritz carltion condos in Aspen Highlands) then we spent 4 days in Copper Village at Copper Mountain. We did bike ride from Copper through Frisco and around lake Dillon to the dam area. it was graet ride but it rained and froze us for a while. We also spent a little time in breckenridge including checking out the Alpine slide.
Dec 10th, 2003, 01:57 PM
#14
Can I suggest an itinerary?
Fly to Spokane, WA, then head north through the beautiful country around Metaline Falls, and over the border to Nelson BC (cute town featured in movies) in the Kootenays. North (including crossing the Columbia on a free ferry) to the Trans Canada Hwy at Revelstoke, then visit Banff and Jasper NPs. Return to Spokane via Glacier Park if time allows, otherwise rapidly via Calgary. Great 9-day itinerary, which you can add to with a detour to Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State or Helena/Missoula in Montana. Definite Rocky Mountain high.
Fly to Spokane, WA, then head north through the beautiful country around Metaline Falls, and over the border to Nelson BC (cute town featured in movies) in the Kootenays. North (including crossing the Columbia on a free ferry) to the Trans Canada Hwy at Revelstoke, then visit Banff and Jasper NPs. Return to Spokane via Glacier Park if time allows, otherwise rapidly via Calgary. Great 9-day itinerary, which you can add to with a detour to Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State or Helena/Missoula in Montana. Definite Rocky Mountain high.
