I'm a 48 year old widow - retiring from my first career - and not yet ready to start my second. I'm planning to spend September and October traveling (driving)from Baltimore to Seattle, south to San Diego and back to Baltimore - with an emphasis on National Parks, hiking, kayaking and seeing American up close. I've already made plans to visit Badlands, Glacier NP, Olympic NP, Crater Lake, Yosemite, Zion and Bryce. What advice can you offer?

A trimode cell phone is a must for security. Companies are now coming up with national calling plans that will enable you to stay in touch anywhere in the country with no roaming or long distance. Don't leave home without one.

Have Fun!!!! (I did a 1/2 somewhat similar trip 2 years ago...SF (where I live) to SD to Sedona, AZ to Colo. Springs, Denver, Jackson Holw, Glacier, Winnepeg, Ft. Frances, Duluth, Milwaukee, Chi and back.) I'd be remiss if I didn't say go to Arches and, particularly, Canyonlands NPs...and then you get to drive thru Monument Valley (Breathtakingly Spectacular!!!). then go west to Flagstaff, and north thru The Painted Desert (UNBELIEVABLE!!) to Bryce/Zion.

You might also add Death Valley to your agenda. I've never been, but I understand it too is trés cool.

I would add Custer State Park in Black Hills area of South Dakota, especially if you are camping. It will be on your way and we found it great after the a few days in the heat of the Badlands.

Also Flathead Lakes near Glacier a good spot to camp before getting to the park.

Thanks for the suggestions. I won't be camping - maybe its all these years in Baltimore, but I just wouldn't feel safe camping alone. While wonderful, quaint lodging would be wonderful, I'll settle for clean and safe. Since this is a long trip, cost is somewhat of an issue. Any more advice?

As a woman traveling alone, you should make sure your car is in great shape and also learn as much about it as you can. Unfortunately, it seems too many mechanics regard a lone traveling woman, especially if she seems upset, as an easy mark.

Great advice Doug! Donna, maybe you could find a travel companion. Be careful. Stay in well populated areas. Sounds like a great trip. What about the Grand Canyon, and white water rafting?

I hope it was only a typo of yours that your itinerary, with an emphasis on national parks and including the Badlands and Glacier, does not include Yellowstone. With a POSSIBLE exception of Yosemite, that national park is superior BY FAR to all other Parks you listed.

If you actually were thinking of skipping it -- DON'T!!!

Thanks for the suggestions. No, I didn't forget Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. I spend a week in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in 1998 and spend another week in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon in 1997. Those trips are part of the reason for this trip. Just standing in the middle of those magnificant wonders puts so many things into proper perspective. While I've seen much of the country, it's always been by flying in, seeing the sites, and flying back. In addition to seeing some of the more remote sites, I want to reconnect with America.
Regarding a traveling companion - several friends are going to fly out and meet me for various legs of the trip - but I'm the only one going from beginning to end.