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RE: Western states must sees.
I would vote for Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and Lake Powell. Check out www.grandcircle.org for some inspiration.
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5ina5er
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07/08/09 08:57pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip report
I really enjoyed your pictures. Thanks for posting them. We are hoping to go to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons next summer.
You could make a very nice trip by combining the Grand Canyon with Lake Powell, Zion, Bryce, and Arches.
Several years ago we also looked into doing a multi-day raft trip, but they are quite expensive. We found a half day float trip that leaves from Page, AZ and goes to Lee's Ferry that we really enjoyed. Here is a link Colorado River Discovery. There is no white water but the scenery was incredible. If you are a good hiker the hike to the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch is beautiful too.
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5ina5er
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06/24/09 09:43pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Campground in vicinity of Green Dragon Flea market
I know that some people dry camp in their parking lot the night before. If you want to do that try contacting the Green Dragon office for info. I have camped at Oak Creek, Sun Valley and Lake in Wood. They are all in the Bowmansville area just a few miles away from there. I would recommend any of those it just depends on what you want in a campground. Here are their reviews on RVparkreviews.
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5ina5er
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06/23/09 08:04am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
My husband and I have been to the bottom twice staying at Phantom Ranch each time. The first time from the south rim and back and the second time from the north rim to the south rim. You don't need a tour guide to go but please make sure you are physically prepared for the hike. It is a difficult hike especially in the heat of the summer but it is one of my favorite places on earth. The two main trails from the south rim are the South Kaibab trail which is steeper and has great views and the Bright Angel trail which is longer but has more shade and water sources. I think most people hike down the South Kaibab and up the Bright Angel. You will need to make your reservations as soon as you can. Here is a link to Phantom Ranch reservation info. Plan to stay two nights on the bottom if you can. Here is another useful website about Phantom Ranch. Good luck and have a great trip.
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5ina5er
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06/10/09 09:57pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
If you really want to take the train then this may be a good place to stay. I love being at the Grand Canyon and we stayed in the Grand Canyon Trailer Village for a few days in 2007. The train just didn't give enough time at the canyon. I like to be there to watch the sunset after all the tour buses of daytrippers have gone. Its a lot less crowded then.
We checked out this campground because we just wanted to spend a few more days in the area to visit some other sites and drive down to Sedona for a day. We drove by and decided to stay at the KOA instead. We have kids and a dog and the Railway Park looked like a big HOT parking lot.
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5ina5er
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03/13/09 09:22pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: smokie mountain getaway
We have camped at both Twin Creek and Smoky Bear. Twin Creek is closer to town and the park. There was some road noise and traffic thru the campground. I felt that it was overpriced and a bit snooty (trying too hard to be a 'resort'). Last summer we camped at Smoky Bear. It is several miles outside of Gatlinburg, much quiter and more relaxing. The owners were very nice and helpful when we had some mechanical issues. The campground was very clean and less expensive. If we go back to the area we would either stay at Smokey Bear or try somewhere in Townsend.
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5ina5er
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03/11/09 08:38pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Grand Canyon rim to rim hike
My husband and I have done several hikes in the Grand Canyon. It is one of my favorite places. In 2000 we did the rim to rim hike from the North Rim to the South Rim. As others have mentioned you need to get reservations at Phantom Ranch as soon as they are available 13 months out. Xanterras website has info on getting your dorm and meal reservations. Plan to stay 2 nights if you can. We enjoyed relaxing at the bottom and taking some side hikes.
When I was planning our trip most people said that it was easier to hike from the North Rim to the South Rim for three reasons. The Bright Angel Trail is shorter, has less elevation change and more available water than the North Kaibab trail. The only benefit of going out the North Rim is less people to dodge on the trail but by the time we got near the top we were dirty and smelly so most people moved for us.
You can park your car on one side of the canyon and take Transcanyon Shuttle to the other side to start your hike. It's season runs from 5/15 to 10/15.
You mentioned that you are good hikers so I assume you will be training for the hike. Its mostly flat around here so I did most of my training in the gym or on the stair towers in my office building. The best exercise for preparing was the stairs, real ones! We would go up 5 floors down 4 and kept repeating until we reached the 25th floor or ran out of time (usually done on my lunch hour - my building had locker rooms with showers). The biggest benefit to real stairs is that it also works the muscles you will use to go down hill. The down hill part can be really hard on your knees if you are not careful.
Have a great trip! If you have any other questions just send me a PM, I love remembering that trip. We hope to do it again when our kids are old enough to come along.
Horsedoc - there are two bridges across the bottom of the canyon for hikers and mules to get across the Colorado River.
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5ina5er
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03/09/09 02:20pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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