CanadianTRD's Western USA Trip 2012

[CanadianTRD]

Hello all! :cowboy:

I am planning a trip to Scottsdale for December 7-15, 2012. Our company has a condo right in Scottsdale, and I have booked it for that week.

I have NEVER been the USA as a 21+ Adult (6 years now) and have NEVER been the USA completely on my own. I want to see all the great outdoor landmarks, have ZERO interest in commerce/shopping/etc. Hopefully I can bring a canoe/kayak and a mountain bike as my main forms of entertainment.

I was really hoping for the advice I KNOW can trust from you guys, what are some spots I should DEFINITELY not miss out on? Grand Canyon obviously, the PCH, Vegas, and Pikes Peak are my main thoughts but I am clueless! I have been to Seattle, LA, and San Francisco when I was around 13, so that should count a little. Other than that, It's a fresh slate!

Something like this on the way down?

And more of a straight shot on the way back up:

Obviously those routes are just a rough idea, open to suggestions!

Thanks so much guys, hopefully I meet a few of you in person as well!

:thanks:

 

[farmerjon]

Coming back - you MUST hit Colorado, then Grand Teton, then Yellowstone, then Glacier National Parks...

so I would suggest you go up until you hit the interstate that takes you to Albuquerque, then go straight up through Colorado (and visit Estes Park (lots of elk) and Rocky Mountain National Park), then stay on I-25 until you hit Sheridan, then exit, cross the Bighorns, visit Bighorn Canyon, then Yellowstone/Grand Teton, then straight shoot up until you hit Glacier and then cross into Canada from there...

More info here: hiking - Thinking about a road trip out West - The Great Outdoors Beta - Stack Exchange

(Everything after Sheridan is valid for you, if you take the route suggest above...)

ANY questions, please let me know! I know the area well and have driven lots of places too. I also have a 4Runner, so if you swing by, let me know and maybe we'll meet up!

Do note that December is COLD for Montana/Wyoming/Colorado, so keep that in mind. Thought it is usually a lot worse in February/March.

(btw, to notify me of a reply, either PM or like my previous post on this thread, hard to keep up with everything )

 

[CanadianTRD]

Coming back - you MUST hit Colorado, then Grand Teton, then Yellowstone, then Glacier National Parks...

so I would suggest you go up until you hit the interstate that takes you to Albuquerque, then go straight up through Colorado (and visit Estes Park (lots of elk) and Rocky Mountain National Park), then stay on I-25 until you hit Sheridan, then exit, cross the Bighorns, visit Bighorn Canyon, then Yellowstone/Grand Teton, then straight shoot up until you hit Glacier and then cross into Canada from there...

More info here: hiking - Thinking about a road trip out West - The Great Outdoors Beta - Stack Exchange

(Everything after Sheridan is valid for you, if you take the route suggest above...)

ANY questions, please let me know! I know the area well and have driven lots of places too. I also have a 4Runner, so if you swing by, let me know and maybe we'll meet up!

Do note that December is COLD for Montana/Wyoming/Colorado, so keep that in mind. Thought it is usually a lot worse in February/March.

(btw, to notify me of a reply, either PM or like my previous post on this thread, hard to keep up with everything )

I'm going to digest all that information and get back to you!
Thanks a bunch for the tips, I figured I was going to hear it from the CO guys I just really wanted to drive up Pikes Peak! :driving:

As far as the cold goes, I'm used to that eh! And I should have the 285 Duratracs and some good old fashioned might to get me through :frog:

 

[farmerjon]

NOT a Colorado guy (as in, I like Colorado, but don't live there ). And Duratracs will do you good, they are supposed to be awesome in snow. Cheers and any questions/thoughts, let me know!

Keep in mind that Yellowstone might be closed (or parts of it)

 

[Shibby!]

Consider the Continental Divide Trail back? Just finished it on my XR650R, did it in 14 days riding every day with detours. Started in Phoenix went down to Silver City then up. Camped every day.


Skip Yellowstone if short on time. Old Faithful is really the only interesting thing that you can't see around here.

Grand Teton is pretty nice.

Check out Mesa Verde. Don't skip Moab. Do the Colorado passes if you can (Imogene is a pretty easy, Engineer's pass a bit more technical at the start, finishes pretty easy, etc). There are plenty of passes, but Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray are neat little towns. Like Canmore, only better and open to offroad use.

Grand Canyon is cool, but if you have seen it in pictures, you've seen it. Still do it though.

Waterton you can do on any given weekend. It's worth doing if you haven't. Road to the Sun if you have time.

Thing you have to remember is we have it pretty good here. This gives you the opportunity to see things new and different. Check out the coast, especially in Oregon and south. You don't see anything north of Oregon unless doing the passes in Washington, etc. Check out the redwoods. It's touristy but a must see.

Colorado is much like here, but open to offroad and outdoor use. You won't see jail time for driving a vehicle into national forests. Rivers are beside the roads, mountain passes can be driven easily, towns cater to the industry. People are friendly. I liked it down there.

Enjoy the trip!

Edit. I didn't see you were doing this in December. Some of those options aren't available. Moab can still be ok. CO still has nice little ski towns even if you can't drive the passes.

 

[CanadianTRD]

Consider the Continental Divide Trail back? Just finished it on my XR650R, did it in 14 days riding every day with detours. Started in Phoenix went down to Silver City then up. Camped every day.


Skip Yellowstone if short on time. Old Faithful is really the only interesting thing that you can't see around here.

Grand Teton is pretty nice.

Check out Mesa Verde. Don't skip Moab. Do the Colorado passes if you can (Imogene is a pretty easy, Engineer's pass a bit more technical at the start, finishes pretty easy, etc). There are plenty of passes, but Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray are neat little towns. Like Canmore, only better and open to offroad use.

Grand Canyon is cool, but if you have seen it in pictures, you've seen it. Still do it though.

Waterton you can do on any given weekend. It's worth doing if you haven't. Road to the Sun if you have time.

Thing you have to remember is we have it pretty good here. This gives you the opportunity to see things new and different. Check out the coast, especially in Oregon and south. You don't see anything north of Oregon unless doing the passes in Washington, etc. Check out the redwoods. It's touristy but a must see.

Colorado is much like here, but open to offroad and outdoor use. You won't see jail time for driving a vehicle into national forests. Rivers are beside the roads, mountain passes can be driven easily, towns cater to the industry. People are friendly. I liked it down there.

Enjoy the trip!

Edit. I didn't see you were doing this in December. Some of those options aren't available. Moab can still be ok. CO still has nice little ski towns even if you can't drive the passes.

Wow, that is a MASSIVE ride on your bike! I can see why you would camp so often lol. Ill look up that Continental Divide trip, sounds interesting! I know i am missing out on some epic wheeling doing the trip in the winter, but it had to be december logistically, and I had this logic: I can wheel all 4 seasons in our backyard, i want to see and experience something unique and memorable...and warm! So emphasis on Cali/Nevada/Arizona etc. I also hear Moab is legendary, so cant miss that one!

I think ill get the most joy out of simply "driving and seeing" as many must-see sights as possible. That and meeting some cool 4runner lovers, its a good fraternity. Cant wait! Did you do your trip alone or with friends? How did you carry all that camping gear!?

 

[Jungoes]

Awesome trip plan CanTRD, i want to do something like that next year but from fort mcmurray

stupid question: since vehicles in alberta don't require smog testing, is there any risk of fines or some weird regulation for driving a non-smog tested vehicle through california?

 

[fish0281]

i would definitely recommend going to the redwoods & driving down the coast of northern California. Joshua tree national park is cool, zion is ridiculous & definitely worth it.

 

[Shibby!]

Wow, that is a MASSIVE ride on your bike! I can see why you would camp so often lol.

It was the return leg of my trip when I rode down to Guatemala. So to me, it was a short ride =)

In total about 4.5 months of riding through the US, Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. About 24,000 km. Much of that solo off-road or way off the beaten path.

Check out ADVrider.com for lots of ride reports of people doing everything from a weekend trip, to traveling on a motorcycle for 5+ years. To sum up most ride reports check out JediMaster or JamminJay's ride reports for some of the best RR's in other countries.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Hi,

I have lived in California my whole life. In the route you have planned, you are really missing about everything that is great in the state of CA. My strong advice: don't take the I-5 or 99 down through this state, at least below the "bay area". It is extremely boring, lacking ANY scenery and very flat. I am from Northern CA but have lived in "SoCal" for last 8 years.


(Option 1)
You should come down the coast of California towards San Francisco. Make San Francisco, see the Golden Gate, or make in the Santa Cruz mountains. Then go down the Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH) and drive through the coast along Carmel and by Big Basin national park. Keep going and see Santa Barbara then cut over to AZ after that.


(Option 2)
Or go east from Sacramento towards the Sierra Nevada mountains (which are in CA) and Lake Tahoe then drive through Yosemite and from there down to AZ.


(Option REGRET)
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT TAKE THE I5 or 99 SOUTH THROUGH THE STATE -- IT VISUALLY (AND EVERY OTHER WAY) SUCKS FOR ABOUT 400+ MILES. Imagine barren farmland, straight flat roads with no mountains or lakes, lots of truck stops, crappy fast food && Bakersfield.

:boink:

 

[farmerjon]

Awesome trip plan CanTRD, i want to do something like that next year but from fort mcmurray

stupid question: since vehicles in alberta don't require smog testing, is there any risk of fines or some weird regulation for driving a non-smog tested vehicle through california?

No, they can't really give you issues if you're not living in/registered in California.

For example, if I live in Montana and I drive in California, they can't inspect my vehicle or smog test it, even if they pull me over for speeding.

So don't worry about it and have fun!

 

[CanadianTRD]

Hi,

I have lived in California my whole life. In the route you have planned, you are really missing about everything that is great in the state of CA. My strong advice: don't take the I-5 or 99 down through this state, at least below the "bay area". It is extremely boring, lacking ANY scenery and very flat. I am from Northern CA but have lived in "SoCal" for last 8 years.


(Option 1)
You should come down the coast of California towards San Francisco. Make San Francisco, see the Golden Gate, or make in the Santa Cruz mountains. Then go down the Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH) and drive through the coast along Carmel and by Big Basin national park. Keep going and see Santa Barbara then cut over to AZ after that.


(Option 2)
Or go east from Sacramento towards the Sierra Nevada mountains (which are in CA) and Lake Tahoe then drive through Yosemite and from there down to AZ.


(Option REGRET)
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT TAKE THE I5 or 99 SOUTH THROUGH THE STATE -- IT VISUALLY (AND EVERY OTHER WAY) SUCKS FOR ABOUT 400+ MILES. Imagine barren farmland, straight flat roads with no mountains or lakes, lots of truck stops, crappy fast food && Bakersfield.

:boink:

Lol, message received! No Interstate!
I had plans on the PCH without a doubt, so i will follow your tips here and enjoy the view! Definitely will get more enjoyment out of beaches and wineries rather than truck stops and farmland!

Great news is i am requesting 2 weeks off now, so in theory i have 17 full days available to enjoy the trip

 

[theizzardking]

this covers, the snake river,coeur d'alene, bend Oregon, a massive orv park or if you want part of the Oregon back country discovery route (300 miles or more off road traveling teh direction you want to go or skip it and stay on the hiway) also takes you through Yosemite valley, the pch, hiway 1, and the redwoods down to san fran along teh coast to LA then through joshua tree and the desert to pheonix, when you come back go through UT,WY,MT and on home stopping at yellowstone,glacier,zion,arches,moab,black butte and the rest on the way back.....biggest tip i could give you is to change the scale of your map; zoom in way closer there are lots and lots of small roads that will take you to fantastic places on your way down here , i've basically done that same loop 4~5 times and have never taken the same way or spent more than 1/2 a day on a major interstate, pick up the scenic bypasses and small dirt roads that connect the major roads for teh true sense of adventure and being out there, some of those places you'll be going through will be desolate........i love desolation.



16 Ave NE/Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 E to I-10 E - Google Maps
<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=16+Ave+NE%2FTrans-Canada+Hwy%2FAB-1+E&daddr=46.47166,-116.76882+to:44.06018,-121.30721+to:41.26276,-120.50395+to:40.39012,-123.23266+to:39.28968,-123.79449+to:38.4287,-122.71521+to:34.81186,-115.19065+to:I-10+E&hl=en&geocode=FQo4CwMdosIz-Q%3BFewZxQIdzD8K-Sm5--JKcjigVDF85ViXlN4Pjg%3BFRROoAIdtv_E-Ck9fi05nsi4VDHxqYuuDw5hwg%3BFaiedQIdckHR-CkZFuvP4XvLVDGCFMop3iW4QA%3BFehNaAIdbJ6n-CnZkmMUNXLTVDFWBVmmI2tB9g%3BFVCDVwIdxguf-Cl_GXB7q7KBgDEmShf6400H7g%3BFRxgSgIdtoOv-CmRC14qA0iEgDGatbVMg4-pnA%3BFdQvEwIdhlQi-SkZYpRf9sPPgDH5gw5dI80ZJw%3BFUKV_gEdQI5R-Q&sll=37.649034,-112.434082&sspn=14.925151,28.54248&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=7&sz=6&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&ie=UTF8&ll=41.376809,-113.203125&spn=23.04538,37.353516&z=4&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=16+Ave+NE%2FTrans-Canada+Hwy%2FAB-1+E&daddr=46.47166,-116.76882+to:44.06018,-121.30721+to:41.26276,-120.50395+to:40.39012,-123.23266+to:39.28968,-123.79449+to:38.4287,-122.71521+to:34.81186,-115.19065+to:I-10+E&hl=en&geocode=FQo4CwMdosIz-Q%3BFewZxQIdzD8K-Sm5--JKcjigVDF85ViXlN4Pjg%3BFRROoAIdtv_E-Ck9fi05nsi4VDHxqYuuDw5hwg%3BFaiedQIdckHR-CkZFuvP4XvLVDGCFMop3iW4QA%3BFehNaAIdbJ6n-CnZkmMUNXLTVDFWBVmmI2tB9g%3BFVCDVwIdxguf-Cl_GXB7q7KBgDEmShf6400H7g%3BFRxgSgIdtoOv-CmRC14qA0iEgDGatbVMg4-pnA%3BFdQvEwIdhlQi-SkZYpRf9sPPgDH5gw5dI80ZJw%3BFUKV_gEdQI5R-Q&sll=37.649034,-112.434082&sspn=14.925151,28.54248&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=7&sz=6&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7&ie=UTF8&ll=41.376809,-113.203125&spn=23.04538,37.353516&z=4" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>


this is not an exact route, google the places i mentioned and connect the dots, here's the OBCDR as that's harder to find info on.
http://www.oohva.org/Back Country/BCDRmain.html
http://www.treknow.com/obcdr/
here;s a write up of the off road route, as done by motorbike
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755028

and done by a grand cherokee and tacoma
http://www.comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6126

 

[CanadianTRD]

i've basically done that same loop 4~5 times and have never taken the same way or spent more than 1/2 a day on a major interstate, pick up the scenic bypasses and small dirt roads that connect the major roads for teh true sense of adventure and being out there, some of those places you'll be going through will be desolate........i love desolation.

I can't wait to do this route!!!! :bluejump: Thank you so much.

I think it's a perfect path, and I feel the exact same way about desolate, so quiet you can REALLY hear yourself think. More so than you can ever achieve while in the cities thinking about work and responsibilities even when you don't want to be. It's really cool to know you are the only thing for miles around, sort of a "personal outdoor playground" effect.

It's fun to zoom in on that route you made in SAT mode and "feel" the drive as it really is rather than robot map mode with lines and squares.

My request was approved, so basically 9 days of time off before my condo even opens up in Scottsdale, PERFECT amount of time to really soak in all the sights along the way. :surfer:

 

[theizzardking]

I can't wait to do this route!!!! :bluejump: Thank you so much.

I think it's a perfect path, and I feel the exact same way about desolate, so quiet you can REALLY hear yourself think. More so than you can ever achieve while in the cities thinking about work and responsibilities even when you don't want to be. It's really cool to know you are the only thing for miles around, sort of a "personal outdoor playground" effect.

It's fun to zoom in on that route you made in SAT mode and "feel" the drive as it really is rather than robot map mode with lines and squares.

My request was approved, so basically 9 days of time off before my condo even opens up in Scottsdale, PERFECT amount of time to really soak in all the sights along the way. :surfer:

hey no worries, though i was just eyeballing it you gotta zoom in and flush it out a bit, keep the sat. mode on and keep an eye out for connecting logging roads and orv parks, i basically just look for large bits of green and away from cities and just drag the drop point out through those places, i'm driving back down to UT sometime this fall and am thinking of heading out to WY before i drop down and head back....it really is fun to just kind of cruise also if your moving to the states for long term pick up a cell phone with verizon and 3g or 4g, i hardly ever pay for camping as i can just find small trails and logging roads with google earth and just sleep there.

have fun on the wander man!

 

[rickashay]

Sounds like you have an awesome trip planned. I did the same thing, for the most part, a few years ago. I pretty much stuck to the PCH from Portland down to San Diego. Although in California (forget exactly where) the PCH actually goes inland and I stuck to the small and windy road that stayed on the edge of the ocean for the whole distance. We got nowhere quick but it was worth it! I wish I would have done more research before I went instead of just "winging it" but I would definitely hit up the Oregon coast as it is absolutely stunning. Other than that, the Redwoods were a MUST and I really really enjoyed San Fran. I Ended up running out of time and after hitting Vegas, had to blast home to Alberta in a single day.

 

[theizzardking]

Sounds like you have an awesome trip planned. I did the same thing, for the most part, a few years ago. I pretty much stuck to the PCH from Portland down to San Diego. Although in California (forget exactly where) the PCH actually goes inland and I stuck to the small and windy road that stayed on the edge of the ocean for the whole distance. We got nowhere quick but it was worth it! I wish I would have done more research before I went instead of just "winging it" but I would definitely hit up the Oregon coast as it is absolutely stunning. Other than that, the Redwoods were a MUST and I really really enjoyed San Fran. I Ended up running out of time and after hitting Vegas, had to blast home to Alberta in a single day.

the little road you were on was hiway-1 , it breaks off from the 101 in the north and kicks the crap out of the 101, a much much better route if your only doing one go.....
California State Route 1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and while out that way swing through Leggett and check out the chandelier tree
Chandelier Tree - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

troll the ave of giants as well (one of the scenic byways i was talking about)
Avenue of the Giants - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

basically cruise the 101 for a bit and take some fo teh scenic byways and then when you get bored of trees and such catch state route 1/hiway 1 the rest of the way down to san fran then head out and back.

ect ect ect

the coast of Oregon is beautiful but you're not going to miss much unless you hit up the astoria,cannon beach stretch, as that bits cool with all of the rocks in the water and they filmed goonies there but beyond that somewhere just before Lincoln city it all turns into the same coast line that you be seeing in cali on the way down to san fran and such and the hiway-1 drive is much better than that southern Oregon stretch of coast.... plus if going that way you're going to miss Yosemite,bend, Oregon orv parks, tahoe and a bunch of other stuff, plus you gotta drive through spokane and south eastern,wa where there is nothing......though maybe catching the Columbia gorge to the coast is a pretty awesome drive....yeah but anyways, there's infinite options , you can spend a lifetime and never catch any of the really cool stuff, like i said, i'm not a wheeler/rock guy, i like to explore, this sort of thing is what i love to do, you'll have a blast no matter which way you go, enjoy it im jealous, i don't get to do a proper trip until this winter....back down to las vegas and then back up, let me know what you stumble upon on your journey's some of the best stuff are things that you just trip over and really have no idea where your at or how you found it, lol

 

[CanadianTRD]

the little road you were on was hiway-1 , it breaks off from the 101 in the north and kicks the crap out of the 101, a much much better route if your only doing one go.....
California State Route 1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and while out that way swing through Leggett and check out the chandelier tree
Chandelier Tree - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

troll the ave of giants as well (one of the scenic byways i was talking about)
Avenue of the Giants - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

basically cruise the 101 for a bit and take some fo teh scenic byways and then when you get bored of trees and such catch state route 1/hiway 1 the rest of the way down to san fran then head out and back.

ect ect ect

the coast of Oregon is beautiful but you're not going to miss much unless you hit up the astoria,cannon beach stretch, as that bits cool with all of the rocks in the water and they filmed goonies there but beyond that somewhere just before Lincoln city it all turns into the same coast line that you be seeing in cali on the way down to san fran and such and the hiway-1 drive is much better than that southern Oregon stretch of coast.... plus if going that way you're going to miss Yosemite,bend, Oregon orv parks, tahoe and a bunch of other stuff, plus you gotta drive through spokane and south eastern,wa where there is nothing......though maybe catching the Columbia gorge to the coast is a pretty awesome drive....yeah but anyways, there's infinite options , you can spend a lifetime and never catch any of the really cool stuff, like i said, i'm not a wheeler/rock guy, i like to explore, this sort of thing is what i love to do, you'll have a blast no matter which way you go, enjoy it im jealous, i don't get to do a proper trip until this winter....back down to las vegas and then back up, let me know what you stumble upon on your journey's some of the best stuff are things that you just trip over and really have no idea where your at or how you found it, lol

All added to the list! :artist:
So Highway 1 is the way to go, the only special thing I'll be missing on the Oregon coast is the "no trash" phenomenon. I think all those parks will be much more interesting. I'll have 3 days of California coast to soak up, that should flog the ole log sufficiently.

Don't worry, I plan on intentionally getting lost at least once or twice. Just mark my GPS...twice, then turn it off and drive. :driving:

 

[CanadianTRD]

Drive-Through Tree
Avenue of the Giants features three trees in Northern California that visitors can drive through. The southernmost of these trees, Chandelier Tree, is located in Drive-Thru Tree Park in the town of Leggett. Shrine Drive-Thru Tree is near the town of Myers Flat and Klamath Tour Thru Tree, the northernmost of the three trees, is located in the town of Klamath, California. Each tree is privately owned and charges $5 or more to drive through.

$5 to drive through a tree!? Seems a little..... :frisky:
For $5 I better get some fries with that.