7 DAYS IN WESTERN UNITED STATES
Jan 14th, 2001, 01:54 PM
#1
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7 DAYS IN WESTERN UNITED STATES
This is a very broad question. My sister and I (I'm 31, she's 18) want to see some of the west this summer but we only have 7 or 8 days to do so. We plan to fly into any city and drive , drive, and drive some more. What would be a good loop to drive so that we see some good sights. We both like the outdoors (hiking, rafting, biking) and dont really care where we start or what we see. Obviously we dont plan to spend much time in one place. We've already done the whole Lake Tahoe area and Las Vegas so those areas are out. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Jan 14th, 2001, 04:17 PM
#2
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I'd concentrate on Oregon and possibly Washington. From Portland you can travel down the coast as far as the redwoods just over the border in California, then up to Grant's Pass area for some great rafting on the Rogue River and/or caving at Oregon Caves. Swing up to Crater Lake for a night at the lodge and a boat trip out to the incredible little island in the lake for a hike. You can do a loop of waterfall hikes on your way from there back up to Portland. This may be all you'd have time for, but it would be nice to drive out along the Columbia River to Mt. Hood area as well before returning to Portland.
Jan 14th, 2001, 04:37 PM
#3
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I think Patrick has made a fabulous suggestion. The Oregon Coast is great.
The Redwoods are stupendous. Crater Lake is beautiful, although I do NOT suggest that you take the boat ride on the lake. I did once and was disappointed. You are looking up from the bottom of a hole!! The views are better from the rim.
I suggest that you drive the Oregon Coast from south to north so that the sun will not be shining in your eyes so much as it reflects off of the ocean.
In Portland, go to the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park on the mountain side west of downtown. The roses are the best. Gorgeous.
Then there is Mount Ranier north of Portland, closer to Seattle. And also Mount St. Helens is an attraction.
As an alternative, you might consider flying into Salt Lake City and making a loop tour through the desert parks of southern Utah and western Colorado. The list of attractions includes these National Parks:
Bryce Canyon
Zion Canyon,
Arches
Canyon Lands
Capitol Reefs
Mesa Verde
And these National Monuments
Escalante
Colorodo
Cedar Breaks
There are also several interesting state parks including the Goose Necks of the San Juan river and Dead Horse Point whic is located very near the northern section of Canyonlands NP.
Two cautions. Some of those parks are HOT in the summer , and Bryce and Zion are crowded!! In fact both have placed a shuttle bus system into effect and limit parking.
Alternatively you could drive north from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Those two parks alone could eat up 6 days. But accommodations in Yellowstone in the summer are limited.
You did not say if you were moteling or camping.
The Redwoods are stupendous. Crater Lake is beautiful, although I do NOT suggest that you take the boat ride on the lake. I did once and was disappointed. You are looking up from the bottom of a hole!! The views are better from the rim.
I suggest that you drive the Oregon Coast from south to north so that the sun will not be shining in your eyes so much as it reflects off of the ocean.
In Portland, go to the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park on the mountain side west of downtown. The roses are the best. Gorgeous.
Then there is Mount Ranier north of Portland, closer to Seattle. And also Mount St. Helens is an attraction.
As an alternative, you might consider flying into Salt Lake City and making a loop tour through the desert parks of southern Utah and western Colorado. The list of attractions includes these National Parks:
Bryce Canyon
Zion Canyon,
Arches
Canyon Lands
Capitol Reefs
Mesa Verde
And these National Monuments
Escalante
Colorodo
Cedar Breaks
There are also several interesting state parks including the Goose Necks of the San Juan river and Dead Horse Point whic is located very near the northern section of Canyonlands NP.
Two cautions. Some of those parks are HOT in the summer , and Bryce and Zion are crowded!! In fact both have placed a shuttle bus system into effect and limit parking.
Alternatively you could drive north from Salt Lake City to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Those two parks alone could eat up 6 days. But accommodations in Yellowstone in the summer are limited.
You did not say if you were moteling or camping.
Jan 15th, 2001, 07:18 AM
#6
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Bob, what an interesting observation regarding the Crater Lake boat ride. I was always told that "you haven't experienced Crater Lake" until you take the boat trip on the lake and get off at the little island. We stayed at Crater Lake Lodge for two nights a couple of years ago and were horribly disappointed that the boats weren't operating that year. This year we will be in Ashland for the Shakespeare Festival for four nights and had planned to do a day trip up to the lake just to finally do the boat ride. Are you saying we shouldn't? Regarding the other comments about Portland, yes I passed over its merits. The rose gardens are a must and the entire city has more small parks and green spaces than anywhere I can imagine. Portland deserves accolades for doing urban development the way it should be done.
Jan 15th, 2001, 10:21 AM
#7
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I also enthusiastically recommend Oregon and endorse what has been said so far (no opinion on the island in Crater Lake). If you want to see as much as possible, you could include Seattle and a couple of days on the Olympic Peninsula, then down the coast to Oregon, continuing down its coast partway (or down the interstate through the college towns of Corvallis and Eugene, then over to the coast in order to drive north as Bob recommends).
You wouldn't have time to see any redwoods, and you might have to cut out Crater Lake. I've seen Crater Lake and it was beautiful, but I think I would choose the Olympic Peninsula over it.
The Utah alternative (either north to Yellowstone, the Tetons and Jackson or south to the many beautiful parks in southern Utah) is also good. It will be very hot in southern Utah, but you could include the northern rim of the Grand Canyon for a cool interlude (much cooler than the south rim). Don't fret about what nameless-person said about the Mormons. It's not a cult, just a Christian religion. Nameless-person must have gotten a piece of cholla cactus up his rear end! I live in the Washington, D.C., area and they even give our morning traffic report referring to the beautiful, oz-like Mormon temple ("the beltway is slow between River road and the Temple. . . "). I've been to their visitor center there, and the people are pleasant and very friendly.
Oh, yes--they're having the winter olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 2002. I'm sure the Mormons will kidnap all the ice skaters! Duh!
You wouldn't have time to see any redwoods, and you might have to cut out Crater Lake. I've seen Crater Lake and it was beautiful, but I think I would choose the Olympic Peninsula over it.
The Utah alternative (either north to Yellowstone, the Tetons and Jackson or south to the many beautiful parks in southern Utah) is also good. It will be very hot in southern Utah, but you could include the northern rim of the Grand Canyon for a cool interlude (much cooler than the south rim). Don't fret about what nameless-person said about the Mormons. It's not a cult, just a Christian religion. Nameless-person must have gotten a piece of cholla cactus up his rear end! I live in the Washington, D.C., area and they even give our morning traffic report referring to the beautiful, oz-like Mormon temple ("the beltway is slow between River road and the Temple. . . "). I've been to their visitor center there, and the people are pleasant and very friendly.
Oh, yes--they're having the winter olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 2002. I'm sure the Mormons will kidnap all the ice skaters! Duh!
Jan 15th, 2001, 10:31 AM
#8
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Margaret: The crack about the Mormons is a lot of nonsense. Even Salt Lake City is not 100% Mormon. I was in the LDS hospital in Salt Lake City as a patient last summer (nothing serious fortunately)and no one even mentioned the church. After I got home, I received no solicitations. I was out there in 1998 for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships. We visited the Mormon center and were taken on a tour inside the Tabernacle (NOT the Temple; that is for Mormons only.) Since we returned, no one has called to convert us.
My chief recall of the visit is that Salt Lake City is an ok place, but I was a little disappointed that the Utah gymnastics fans felt compelled to boo loudly the Georgia gymnasts. True, Georgia won the title, but I don't understand booing the young ladies.
As for the ride on Crater Lake, I did not feel a sense of awe. I felt like I was looking at the sky most of the time.
There is a little of a tale that surrounds the ride. We walked down to the dock and found out that there were no tickets to be had, even though the sign at the top said there were some.
I guess I sounded off a little about the situation to the effect that if the tickets are all gone why not change the sign at the top so that people don't walk all the way down and then back up for nothing. It was a non trivial climb.
Well, as it turned out, a couple in line who heard me turned to us and said that they could not wait any longer and sold us their two tickets. We got on the boat, passing by and handing our tickets to this relatively ugly character who seemed to be in charge. After we were on the boat, he announced that the count was off and claimed that my wife and I had somehow gotten onto the boat without paying. I responded that the only way was to swim or pass by him. I was not wet so the only other alternative was that I had gone right past him. I even handed him my tickets.
I also said we bought tickets from someone who left because they could not wait any longer and that I resented the allegation of dishonesty on my part.
Even if that testy experience had not occurred I still don't think the boat ride shows you much. You are after all looking up from the bottom of a funnel.
You see vertical rock walls, water, and sky.
My chief recall of the visit is that Salt Lake City is an ok place, but I was a little disappointed that the Utah gymnastics fans felt compelled to boo loudly the Georgia gymnasts. True, Georgia won the title, but I don't understand booing the young ladies.
As for the ride on Crater Lake, I did not feel a sense of awe. I felt like I was looking at the sky most of the time.
There is a little of a tale that surrounds the ride. We walked down to the dock and found out that there were no tickets to be had, even though the sign at the top said there were some.
I guess I sounded off a little about the situation to the effect that if the tickets are all gone why not change the sign at the top so that people don't walk all the way down and then back up for nothing. It was a non trivial climb.
Well, as it turned out, a couple in line who heard me turned to us and said that they could not wait any longer and sold us their two tickets. We got on the boat, passing by and handing our tickets to this relatively ugly character who seemed to be in charge. After we were on the boat, he announced that the count was off and claimed that my wife and I had somehow gotten onto the boat without paying. I responded that the only way was to swim or pass by him. I was not wet so the only other alternative was that I had gone right past him. I even handed him my tickets.
I also said we bought tickets from someone who left because they could not wait any longer and that I resented the allegation of dishonesty on my part.
Even if that testy experience had not occurred I still don't think the boat ride shows you much. You are after all looking up from the bottom of a funnel.
You see vertical rock walls, water, and sky.
Jan 15th, 2001, 01:53 PM
#10
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Hmm. I am not sure an uninformed attempt at humor deserves a serious comment, but in this case perhaps it does. First, Utah has one of the most successful collegiate gymnatics programs in the nation. Over the years the Utes have won several national championships, and this year they should rival UCLA and Georgia. I fully expect to see both the Utes and the Bruins in Athens for the nationals in April. Second, your remark does not explain why only Georgia of the 10 other teams drew derisive cheers.
Jan 15th, 2001, 03:28 PM
#11
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Margaret
As has been said before, don't pay any attention whatsoever to the Mormon remark. I have been all over that state and met nothing but nice people. The suggestion that you start in Salt Lake City is, to me, the best idea. The drive to Yellowstone, from Salt Lake City, is one fantastic scenic drive. I would not suggest at all Oregon. The tourist trap people can spot a tourist a mile away and in the summer they are out in force. You will not find that on the Salt Lake trip. Utah doesn't have to depend on tourists dollars. There are good rafting rivers there also.
As has been said before, don't pay any attention whatsoever to the Mormon remark. I have been all over that state and met nothing but nice people. The suggestion that you start in Salt Lake City is, to me, the best idea. The drive to Yellowstone, from Salt Lake City, is one fantastic scenic drive. I would not suggest at all Oregon. The tourist trap people can spot a tourist a mile away and in the summer they are out in force. You will not find that on the Salt Lake trip. Utah doesn't have to depend on tourists dollars. There are good rafting rivers there also.
Jan 15th, 2001, 04:33 PM
#12
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I love this question. How fun. Planning should be half the fun. I may have to give >1 answer.... Good suggestions so far...
#1. (stretch)
Fly into Phoenix. Drive to S. Rim of Grand Canyon.
Continue 'around' to North rim area. Visit Southern Utah Parks (as many as possible, including Bryce, Zion, Arches...)
Continue N. on I-15 to Salt Lake.
From Salt Lake, stop by Park City (45 min detour) before continuing N to Jackson Hole.
Continue to and through Yellowstone, the exit West.
Head towards Seattle and fly home.
Granted, you'd be driving a lot and may have to pay a premium on the rental return at a different airport, but you really would see many parts of the west.
#1. (stretch)
Fly into Phoenix. Drive to S. Rim of Grand Canyon.
Continue 'around' to North rim area. Visit Southern Utah Parks (as many as possible, including Bryce, Zion, Arches...)
Continue N. on I-15 to Salt Lake.
From Salt Lake, stop by Park City (45 min detour) before continuing N to Jackson Hole.
Continue to and through Yellowstone, the exit West.
Head towards Seattle and fly home.
Granted, you'd be driving a lot and may have to pay a premium on the rental return at a different airport, but you really would see many parts of the west.
Jan 16th, 2001, 10:23 AM
#14
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Here's another alternative:
Fly into Santa Fe. Drive to Taos, then to Chaco Canyon (great idian ruins in the middle of NOWHERE, but worth the drive.)(It'll be easy to spend a day or two in Santa Fe and Taos. There's great hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and good white water rafting.) Then, drive to Durango, Colorado. Spend a day at Mesa Verda (another faboulous Indian ruin site.) Take 550 through the San Juans, through Silverton and Ouray. this is a truly scenic drive. At Ridgeway, you can head south to see Telluride. Then head back to Santa Fe, or head north to Grand Junction, and fly out of there back home. Have fun.
Fly into Santa Fe. Drive to Taos, then to Chaco Canyon (great idian ruins in the middle of NOWHERE, but worth the drive.)(It'll be easy to spend a day or two in Santa Fe and Taos. There's great hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and good white water rafting.) Then, drive to Durango, Colorado. Spend a day at Mesa Verda (another faboulous Indian ruin site.) Take 550 through the San Juans, through Silverton and Ouray. this is a truly scenic drive. At Ridgeway, you can head south to see Telluride. Then head back to Santa Fe, or head north to Grand Junction, and fly out of there back home. Have fun.
Jan 16th, 2001, 12:07 PM
#15
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Alas, poor Margaret, have we totally overwhelmed you yet? Guess you two will just have to take a year off and do all of the above!!! I have just reviewed all of the above, virtually all of which I've done, by the way, and I go back to my original post. I still stand by the Oregon idea (minus the boat trip on Crater Lake or maybe even minus Crater Lake all together) with the addition of the Northern California redwoods and either Columbia River/Mt. Hood, or either Mt. St. Helens or Ranier. Many of the other suggestions were great, but they tend to involve far too much driving for a week's total trip and most include places that you really need a lot more time to enjoy.
Jan 16th, 2001, 01:05 PM
#16
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Margaret, I think we need to look hard at the logistics of the situation. You mentioned drive, drive, drive. But some of the destinations that we have recommended are stop and see type of attractions. I would hate to think that all you did at Bryce Canyon was take a peek over the rim, say "Big red hole," jump back in your car and move on.
Of the places mentioned, Yellowstone is the most difficult in terms of balancing the time needed to see the major attractions and finding a place to stay at night. The lodges in the park are already full for June, July, August, and most of ,if not all, of September. West Yellowstone has regular motels, but in the peak months, they fill up too. Another aspect of Yellowstone is what you are there to see. Quite a bit of walking is required. I can wander for days in the geyser basins and babysit geysers waiting for them to erupt. My wife and I spent a beautiful evening watching Grand Geyser erupt by moonlight at 2 AM. We sat there and watched the stars for over an hour, listened to the other geysers spew and sputter, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. But I am reminded of a family that came by me while I was waiting once in the day light for Grand Geyser to erupt. The oldest daughter, about 17, was totally bored with geysers and the like -- one of those who should have been left home because she spoiled it for everybody else.
In terms of being able to stay constantly on the go and see the sights, the Oregon Coast, Redwood idea is one that takes you along routes with commercial accommodations. I would not, however, just assume that a place to sleep for the night will appear when you want it. It will take some planning.
Having driven the Oregon Coast twice, I never felt that I was a tourist sheep being shorn. Perhaps it is because I know what to avoid, like the Sea Lion place. But much of the coastal drive goes past state parks which are open to the public. Some of them may charge a small fee, but it is for maintenance. The redwood groves are either in Redwood National Park or California state parks.
The southern Utah swing will take you to areas that are not heavily populated.
I would not expect to visit Zion without knowing where I would sleep that night.
The same is true of Arches and Canyonlands. Moab is the closest large town, with quite a few motels. But it can fill up in the peak summer season.
I know you want to see what you can, but after you get there it will take some time to see it. It is not like walking past pictures in an art gallery.
So you should get a good set of maps, pick your objectives, and figure out where you will spend each night. Reservations at some places are in order or you will be taking a major chance of not finding a place other than your car.
Of the places mentioned, Yellowstone is the most difficult in terms of balancing the time needed to see the major attractions and finding a place to stay at night. The lodges in the park are already full for June, July, August, and most of ,if not all, of September. West Yellowstone has regular motels, but in the peak months, they fill up too. Another aspect of Yellowstone is what you are there to see. Quite a bit of walking is required. I can wander for days in the geyser basins and babysit geysers waiting for them to erupt. My wife and I spent a beautiful evening watching Grand Geyser erupt by moonlight at 2 AM. We sat there and watched the stars for over an hour, listened to the other geysers spew and sputter, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. But I am reminded of a family that came by me while I was waiting once in the day light for Grand Geyser to erupt. The oldest daughter, about 17, was totally bored with geysers and the like -- one of those who should have been left home because she spoiled it for everybody else.
In terms of being able to stay constantly on the go and see the sights, the Oregon Coast, Redwood idea is one that takes you along routes with commercial accommodations. I would not, however, just assume that a place to sleep for the night will appear when you want it. It will take some planning.
Having driven the Oregon Coast twice, I never felt that I was a tourist sheep being shorn. Perhaps it is because I know what to avoid, like the Sea Lion place. But much of the coastal drive goes past state parks which are open to the public. Some of them may charge a small fee, but it is for maintenance. The redwood groves are either in Redwood National Park or California state parks.
The southern Utah swing will take you to areas that are not heavily populated.
I would not expect to visit Zion without knowing where I would sleep that night.
The same is true of Arches and Canyonlands. Moab is the closest large town, with quite a few motels. But it can fill up in the peak summer season.
I know you want to see what you can, but after you get there it will take some time to see it. It is not like walking past pictures in an art gallery.
So you should get a good set of maps, pick your objectives, and figure out where you will spend each night. Reservations at some places are in order or you will be taking a major chance of not finding a place other than your car.
Jan 19th, 2001, 12:37 PM
#19
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Margaret -- I spent 7 days in Arizona last August and really recommend it. I flew into Phoenix, rented a car, and spent 3 nights in Sedona and 3 at the Grand Canyon. The hiking around Sedona was terrific but the highlight of the trip was taking an overnight mule ride into the Grand Canyon -- truly the experience of a lifetime. I think you'd have a really memorable time and see some amazing scenery. If you do a search, you can find my trip report from last September with all the details. If you want to drive even more, there's also Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, which I did not have time to get to on this trip.
The Pacific Northwest would be cooler than Arizona in the summertime, although I lucked out with terrific (not too hot) weather last August, so you never can tell.
The Pacific Northwest would be cooler than Arizona in the summertime, although I lucked out with terrific (not too hot) weather last August, so you never can tell.
