Driving out West to Utah

I technically have 17 days that I can use for the trip. I'm thinking of fours days to get there and four days to get back (maybe a few more days for the way back). I know the drive out won't be fun, but trying to make it fit in the time I have. My thinking right now is to use the way back to stop along the way and enjoy the sites.

I'd go at another time of year, but the kids would have to miss to much school to do a road trip.

 

Oh, 17 days, that sure opens up possibilites.

 

Part of the fun of a road trip with family is what's in between the starting point and the destination. I've done both kinds of trips a few times: 1) Just get there as fast as we can. 2) Take our time and enjoy whatever we come across.

#2 was definitely the most enjoyable. I did that 2 times the last two summers. One was a 3 week trip. The other ran just over a month. The joys of being a teacher.

 

Definitely agree that taking in what's in between is a great part of the trip. We're planning on doing that on the way back . Been doing some research planning the way out and the way back.

My wife's a teacher so I know exactly what you mean when it comes to summer.

 

Yes and the way out may be a little fast but hoping to make up for that on the way back.

 

In 2016 we drove from NW GA and pulled into the campground at the Grand Canyon in time to set up camp and walk to the rim to see the sunset on the 3rd day. I've spent some time in Arches and the Moab area, but SW Utah is a lot better in my opinion. We liked Zion NP much better. Bryce Canyon is nearby. We drove several miles into the desert near Kodachrome Canyon too. We hiked a slot canyon.

 

What was the reason you liked Zion more? Was there more to do there than Arches?

 

So been planning my drive out and decided to give myself a few more days to get to Arches. By doing this I'll only have two days where I need to drive for 8 hrs rather than having to do 10 hour days. Now I'm starting to plan the way back and was thinking of coming back through Colorado. Anyone have any suggestions on the best way back going through Colorado? Would like to stop and sees some things on the way back.

Note: This is what will be taking us on this journey

 

Interstate 70 is beautiful going through the Rockies. When in the summer are you going again? If you're going later in the summer you should try and make a stop in the San Juan Mountains around Telluride. You can cut across the southwestern corner of the state from Moab to get on I-40 in Albuquerque.

 

I agree with @Unner . I-70 through the Rockies is a great drive.

• If you are a music lover, Red Rocks is a cool place to visit. Amazing venue.
  
• Golden, CO is a nice little town to see.
  
• Garden of the Gods is a great place. A little touristy, but still cool. You can walk some easy trails, and the kids can do a little "rock climbing" to burn some energy after sitting in the truck.
• Seven Falls is cool too. A nice leisurely walk up to a nice waterfall and views. There's zip-lining for the kids, and a huge staircase that can kick your ass.
  
• The first time I was out there, we went to Mt. Evans (a 14er). Spectacular drive up to the peak. Well...almost. The road ends about 100 feet or so below the peak. You have to hike the rest. If you do that, have cans of oxygen, and drink plenty of water. It will help with the headaches

There's a lot more, but these just came to mind.

 

Thanks and I'll be out there the second week in June.

 

Thank you!

 

I did Moab driving from the DFW area when we lived there in 2009. It is a long trip but going through Colorado was really nice. My wife and I went to Mountain bike in May that year for our 15 anniversary. You will not be biking past 11am maybe 10am given the month you are choosing. It's beyond hot in summer and snows in winter. We also hired a guide and more then got our monies worth as the guide took us to the trails we wanted including slick rock. You could just buy a book but having a local guide was way more valuable, especially if you have never been and bringing kids.
Stop in Telluride if you can and bike there too if you can. Also the Dallas area has some of the best single-track you will ever find.
I can't wait to go back but it's a long haul from Florida.

 

Red rocks, garden of the gods, and estes park are some of the "you should probably do this" if you have a few days in Colorado. We have been here 3 years and haven't seen 90% of the state, but those were the first things we were told to do. You won't regret it.

Edit: Even with the changes to parking, the hanging lake hike is another "I'm here, I have to do this"...it's on your way back from Utah on 70, near Vail...ish. If you get there at sunrise, you can be back in your truck by lunch and on your way, easily if it's a weekday w/o crowds

 

@xmadcowx Great picture. I'm going to be in CO this summer. I am going to have to visit Hanging Lake.

I'll be in Denver in a couple of weeks, but it's only for a long weekend. Hope to visit somewhere new for a day.

 

Wow!! I'll be planning my way back this weeknd so I'll look to see how I can fit this in. Thanks!

 

Update: I have planned my trip out to Arches and from Arches to Colorado Springs (Will finalize the rest of the way back next week). I have gotten a lot of recommendations for things to do, but unfortunately I can't fit all in . I guess I'll have to another trip . Was thinking of starting a separate thread in the travel forum to document the trip. Should I do that or should I just keep using this thread?

 

NiceI! I'd do a separate thread in the trip reports section. I really need to work on mine from my last trip which sadly was nearly a year ago.

 

A separate thread would be great. It won't get lost in this one.

Since you'll be in Colorado Springs, definitely check out Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls. It'll be a good way for the kids to stretch the legs. Manitou Springs is just around the corner if you're in the mood for a little touristy, sort of hippie town. Just don't mind the homeless.

 

I'll be flying to Denver this Friday for a few days. Hopefully, I find something new to explore this summer.