Griswold Vacation with Family and 4Runner

[PRBond]

So, my daughter is 6 and really wants to go camping and see some of the national parks. (In fact, so does the wife and I.)

So, a big part of my motivation behind buying the 4Runner was to give my daughter some extra room without trying to stuff her into the extra cab of my Tacoma. And since I refuse to sell my Tacoma, the only logical choice was to buy a gently used 4Runner and have 2 trucks! (I really wanted an FJ Cruiser, but I can't justify paying $25,000+ for a truck that I'll only use on trips and weekends.)

Anyway, we're doing a mini-camping trip with some friends for Memorial Day weekend. This will be my daughter's first time camping to give her a taste of it... However, next month I've planned the total Griswold-style vacation to take the family for 3 days of camping at the Grand Canyon followed by a day up at Zion National park and 2 more days at Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks in southern Utah. Thus, I'm not really wasting any time before I put the 4Runner to use.

I haven't been to the Grand Canyon in over a decade, and as crazy as it sounds I can't wait to take the week off from work and get out of town for a few days with the family and the 4Runner.

I'm just wondering if any of you guys have made that trip recently and if there is anything I should be aware of?

 

[shootmymime]

i love it there, we go 4wheeling around cedar breaks and snowmobiling in the winter because we have a place right there in brianhead. if you able to, check this place out: there is a 3ish mile hike and a 150ft waterfall at the end with a swimming hole about 2 hours north east of where your going to be at. be sure to bring lots of water.

its called calf creek falls, google it and get some more information, thats my fav place.
calf creek falls - Google Search

cedar breaks just 10 min from brianhead, the peak is in the picture off in the distance to the top left.

 

[BucknutBob]

I haven't been to the Grand Canyon in over a decade, and as crazy as it sounds I can't wait to take the week off from work and get out of town for a few days with the family and the 4Runner.

Doesn't sound crazy in THIS crowd, friend! You WILL have fun out there!

 

[Quatre Coureur]

Having done ALOT of camping/roadtrips with my sons, be prepared for stops for pottybreaks, lunch, etc. Kids get antsy on long trips, so have something for her to do. We had PSPs for my sons and that helped stop the 'are we there yet?' moments. With boys I could stop almost anywhere to let 'em wee, but u won't be so lucky.

 

[blizz86]

Having done ALOT of camping/roadtrips with my sons, be prepared for stops for pottybreaks, lunch, etc. Kids get antsy on long trips, so have something for her to do. We had PSPs for my sons and that helped stop the 'are we there yet?' moments. With boys I could stop almost anywhere to let 'em wee, but u won't be so lucky.

THIS. I remember long trips as a kid.. make sure you have activities that dont cause eye strain because it will make her car sick.

As for the last part.. well theres nothing like early training for outdoor bathroom activities

 

[PRBond]

@ Shootmymine - Beautiful pic man, I'm looking forward to seeing views like that on the trip.

@ Quatre Coureur - Yeah, I hear ya about the bathroom stops. I anticipate at least 3 of those during the drive out from San Diego to the GC.

Honestly, I'm just really jazzed up to do this trip. I'm starting to get what Griswold is talking about when he says that all he wants is a nice family vacation. In fact, the 4Runner may be re-named the "Family Truckster" before the trip is over with.

...Is the work week over yet?