Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2017 22:44:27 -0700
Reply-To: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Wunrow <VW@ERICWUNROW.COM>
Subject: Re: Roadtrip advice for Southwest US trip
In-Reply-To: <CAOMLKhF+VUsRJGTiHT3704kpjfwu+5QGkd41bsjJAcYMPtSJqw@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi, Ned:
My primary, general advice in having been raised an "Easterner" (Midwest, really) would be to spend as much time as possible in the west.
I don't have a map in front of me, but for what it's worth my family and I hit 44 states by 10 in 1970, in a '65 splitty, and since '78 the Missus and I have traveled about 100 days a year and then full-time for 3.5 years as of the end of January. Self-employed in the arts since 1975, we decided in 1987 to turn our travels. climbing, and backpacking into a living, so I've been mostly a wilderness and travel photographer since about 1990.
Sorry for the long preface, I say all this because many friends routinely call and have me plan their trips.
I'd personally recommend following Route 66 from Chicago most or all the way west, any more-northern route will likely be far too wintry.
The coast is great, but slow going and can have tons of expense and attitude in places. Worth seeing regardless.
With our having been to every major park in the States, Death Valley is our favorite (Shameless Plug: see our Death Valley Impressions book). Your itinerary reminds me of a famed Galen Rowell quote, when asked "What would you do if you only had a day in Yosemite?" to which Galen replied, "I'd cry..." — and this is the way we feel about Death Valley. (his quote may have been about Banff, but you get the idea...)
Peak flowers are typically end of February to middle of March, and though we've been there for every major bloom since 1995, my gut tells me this year could be epic. I've yet to preview their rain patterns closely as we're heading there end of February, but have been east and south of there all year and there's been lots of rain in the Southwest. Last year was a great bloom, and with all those seeds this could be even better. The campground in Texas Springs is pretty spartan and dry camping sans generators, but with a lovely view of the valley from camp — and easy access to Furnace Creek for things. Stovepipe Wells is pretty spartan and parking lot-like, but the Mesquite dunes are a kid's playground for young or old. Panamint Springs was far better in the old days of prior ownership, but if on your way it's worth stopping for an hour on the dry lake just west as your odds for a private fighter jet show are extremely good… and mind-blowing. Overall we've made over 50 trips to DV since 1986, totaling well over 600 days in total, and are due for more. It's that surreal… and the only mountain in the Lower 48 that rises more in vertical feet than Telescope Peak is Mount Rainier (Telescope's rise is 11,331 feet, Rainier maybe 11,600 but from a town quite a ways away).
On the way to DV from Santa Barbara, I'd stop for a night in Lone Pine. The view up the eastern Sierra is sublime, and one of the highest vertical gains in the lower 48. There's a great campground at Tuttle Creek at $5 a night (!), or some motels that are reasonable enough, it'll be brisk at Tuttle possibly but dawn light on the Sierra is a stunner. The Alabama Hills Cafe in town has perhaps the world's greatest chicken-friend steak if you like that, though $15 it'll feed at least two… if there tell Pam the Colorado couple with the Westy referred you.
Mojave Preserve is really lovely, but tough in a RV and even the paved roads are rough. If only one night could be spent there, I'd recommend Kelso dunes or Mid Hills campground, the latter will be a bit taxing getting there and a bit cold, but site 25 is epic. Sans offense to anyone, I personally find Joshua Tree to be way overrated unless one rock climbs, but that's on the personal taste end. Death Valley is much more varied.
On the Grand Canyon, I think odds for the North Rim being open then are 10% at best. The South Rim can be done in a long day, and overall with all you're trying to do my recommendation is to do sunsets at many places, and drive an hour or two after to get a jump on your tomorrows. One could easily kill a year on your route, and still leave unturned stones. Always worthwhile. Try not to miss Zion!
My number's below if desired, would be happy to help however I can.
Sorry for the lengthy note. :-)
Happy Travels.
Eric
Eric Wunrow Pictures
303. 988. 8717
VW@EricWunrow.com (for this list's emails)
EW@EricWunrow.com (for private messages)
On Feb 3, 2017, at 1:43 PM, Ned Savoie <ned@HARBOURLIGHT.COM> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My wife, 5 year old son and I are doing a road trip, and would love to get
> some advice on places to see, time needed, and any other words of wisdom.
> Unfortunately the VW's are going to have to stay home for this one.
>
> We are picking up a 25' RV in Chicago and we will have it for about 18
> days. We need to drop it off in Las Vegas. We are leaving Chicago on Feb
> 16, probably in the later afternoon, so not sure how far we will get that
> first day.
>
> My first thought was to head down to Nashville, Memphis, and then head
> towards Austin, but my wife thinks we may want to spend more time out in
> Arizona and the Grand Canyon and that those few extra days would be better
> spent further west.
>
> How long do you think we need at the Grand Canyon? Some itineraries say 10
> days. Is it going to be too cold to do a lot? What are must see attractions?
>
> From the GC we will head to Southern Cal to spend a few days with family.
> From there, my hope is to head north on RT 1 to Santa Barbara, and then
> head east across Death Valley (and hope our timing is right for the
> wildflower bloom). Finally, we'll head to Las Vegas to spend a day, and
> then return the truck.
>
> Any great places to camp around Santa Barbara and Las Vegas? Any advice
> will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Ned Savoie
> Creative Director
>
> Harbour Light Strategic Marketing
> Savvy Software, Inc.
> 621A Islington Street
> Portsmouth, NH 03801
>
> [Telephone] 603.427.2821 <(603)%20427-2821>
> [Facsimile] 603.427.0938 <(603)%20427-0938>
> [Mobile] 603.828.2400 <(603)%20828-2400>
>
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