TW's active 4runner builders BS thread

The falls were on our list for this past trip, but we didn't have the time to allot to spending a few days there, which I think you would want to do, looks amazing. No permit for day hikes in the GC, just to camp below the rim.

 

@Wishbone Runner

Seeing as you’re from CO, any recommended parks or campsites to go to when we’re there? Someone recommended Nederlands but that’s all I’ve got so far. Same conditions as far as no off-roading apply. The more scenic, the better. I’ll probably be posting in a CO BS thread as well

 

Oh man, so many options lol. If you are just trying to get through and spend one night, and end up in Moab, I would head out I70 and take a side trip to Ouray. That would add 4 hours round trip. Depending on when you got to Denver there are a ton of places, including Ned, that are within an hours drive to camp. So you could camp near denver, then the next day head out to Ouray and camp near there, then be in Moab at a decent hour the following day.

 

I'd get across everything east of Colorado as fast as you can. It sucks. If you guys are up to it you could switch driving while the other sleeps and make it across pretty quick.

Once you get to denver you are getting into the mountains. I-70 is very scenic. You can take that across the Rockies and down to Ouray where you can drive the million dollar highway. You could stay the night near Ouray like wishbone said, and then drive to Arches/Moab in the morning.

Arches is cool with lots of hiking trails. You can probably check out some of Canyonlands NP also. The Shafer switchbacks are really cool, and when I was there the road was in great shape for that portion. Check with a ranger about road conditions, or just check for yourself. If it's like it was when I was there you'd be fine in her Hyundai.

From there I would go to Torrey, Utah and check out Capitol Reef NP. There's a few hiking trails there, but a nice scenic drive through the park too. Then you can take Utah Highway 12 across that part of the state. It's super scenic, and labeled the "Scenic Byway" or something. You pass through a few small towns, but the scenery is huge. I just drove that a couple days ago. It was night, but the moon was bright and it was still spectacular.

From there you can go to Bryce Canyon NP and then Zion NP. I saw Bison at some private ranch along the highway between Zion and Bryce. Zion is huge for hiking. I wouldn't recommend going on a weekend if you can. I wanted to hike Angels Landing when I was there but didn't have the time.

From Bryce Canyon you can actually see the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Zion puts you really close to the north rim so I'd go there next.

I know it won't get you there as fast as possible, but those stops really are worth it. I don't think you'd regret it at all.

From the grand canyon to San Francisco you could drive through death valley on the highway, if her cooling system is working well that is... That's a pretty scenic road. You could also hit Sequoia, King's Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks up in the mountains to get a break from the summer heat.

If you plan on going to more than 2 national parks pay the $80 and get the year long pass. It's a great deal. The parks each cost $30 a car at least, some are more. That pass gets you into any national park, monument, etc for $80 for a year. I saved literally hundreds of dollars on my trip by buying that pass at the first park.

That's roughly what I would do if I were you. Let me know if you have any questions or anything.

 

The goal is to get to CO in 2 days and spend night number to somewhere in CO. Not sure if that'll be up near Denver or Ouray, but probably not both since they're somewhat close to each-other and we're on a time crunch. That's kind of where the planning actually begins though because it's the part we care about.

I just sent her a link for the rest of what you said so I'll talk to her about what she wants to do. With her being into hiking and backpacking, I'm sure she won't mind an of that part but again, time crunch.

I think I still have your number too so I may shoot you a few texts with some questions as well. Thanks man.

 

Sure thing. I just passed through that whole area so it's all fresh on my mind. If I had to choose between Denver or Ouray I'd shoot for ouray. Way less light pollution at night.

Feel free to text me, or if you don't have my number PM me and I'll send it to you

 

So Havasupai is on our list and we'll be spending at least a day there. For the two times you went, were there any spots that you found that can't be found in a google search? For the cliff jumping, is this at Beaver Falls or elsewhere? Any guess on how big the jumps are?
If we get in late, do they let you hike late? Or do they really only want you hiking when it's light out?

@SixthSnail Any input as well?

 

Hi Lexi...

 

sup betch

 

Looks like you got your bitch(matt) on lock...

 

I only did the point. Never done the hike. On the bucket list.

 

This place looks awesome. I'm gonna have to add this to the bucket list.

 

Damn dude, that is badass, definitely on the bucket list.

 

Just looked into it more, seems rates and rule have changed a bit in the past year. No day trips and it’s pretty pricey, the lodge is cheaper than camping, and a helicopter ride is cheap than a donkey. Figure that one out.

 

@dtaco06 you know of a third gen for sale right?

 

FUCK

 

My roommate is looking for a deal on an old 4Runner

 

Will do man

 

1300 miles on that GTI in the first week of ownership = time to daily the 4Runner this week haha. I miss driving a boat on land

 

Escondido to Oceanside 4 days, and then to Phoenix, around Phoenix, and then back to Escondido. It was a long week