Op again! Thank you all! At least the first part of our trip is taking shape, We’ll be starting with the Michigan upper peninsula area, then drive to Mount Rushmore area. That would take about 2 weeks.

I read about the crowds over the summer at Yellowstone, and that we’d spend more time in the car in Yellowstone than in nature. And here I wonder whether to go with Yellowstone, Grand Teton, & then north to Montana glacier park (and stay in cooler climates I guess), or as pp suggested Colorado & New Mexico.

If anyone has been to both, where would there be more diverse activities for kids (there is so much hiking they can do I guess).

Grand Canyon, Tetons

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two cents-

You need to pick either the northern parks (Yellowstone, grand Tetons, badlands) or the Southern Parks (CO, UT, NH). CA/WA/OR require a longer trip or a fly to CA and drive trip.

We did the southern trip a couple of years ago. Took a month.

Thanks. Will check out both. What’s NH?

Sorry, NM

If you go CO and places south, I recommend City Museum in STL. Cahokia Mounds (not open daily). Black Canyon of the Gunnison , Great Sand Dunes (in the spring snow melt), and Mesa Verde in CO. UT parks obviously. Swing down into NM for food, art, music, pueblos.

You might check out roadtrippers.com it will show you accommodations and activities along your route.

If you go northern route, 90W is a more pleasant drive than 80W

Thanks PP!

Thanks PP, this looks like a great plan to build the itinerary around.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My two cents-

You need to pick either the northern parks (Yellowstone, grand Tetons, badlands) or the Southern Parks (CO, UT, NH). CA/WA/OR require a longer trip or a fly to CA and drive trip.

We did the southern trip a couple of years ago. Took a month.

Thanks. Will check out both. What’s NH?

Sorry, NM

If you go CO and places south, I recommend City Museum in STL. Cahokia Mounds (not open daily). Black Canyon of the Gunnison , Great Sand Dunes (in the spring snow melt), and Mesa Verde in CO. UT parks obviously. Swing down into NM for food, art, music, pueblos.

You might check out roadtrippers.com it will show you accommodations and activities along your route.

If you go northern route, 90W is a more pleasant drive than 80W

I think you should focus on South Dakota, Colorado, and New Mexico because it gives you a wide variety.

In South Dakota you could choose a base like rapid city or a cabin in Custer State Park. You can drive Pinnacles Highway, see the Badlands, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Minuteman Missile, and Mount Rushmore. There is a lot of wildlife in the area and natural attractions. The NPS sites will have guided tours and ranger talks you can attend.

Then go to Colorado. Denver is not terribly interesting for tourists, but you could check out the usual big city stuff. Head west through Glenwood Canyon on I-70 and spend a bit of time in Glenwood Springs at the largest natural hot springs pool. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is worth a visit. Head south into Telluride or Ouray. Go river rafting and hike the mountains. Spend some time at Mesa Verde.

Last will be New Mexico. Make Santa Fe your base. Enjoy the rich food tradition, explore the museums, go on a hike. There are several nice resorts in the Santa Fe area.

https://www.hotspringspool.com/
https://aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/itineraries/santa-fe-family-adventure/

Anonymous wrote:My two cents-

You need to pick either the northern parks (Yellowstone, grand Tetons, badlands) or the Southern Parks (CO, UT, NH). CA/WA/OR require a longer trip or a fly to CA and drive trip.

We did the southern trip a couple of years ago. Took a month.

Thanks. Will check out both. What’s NH?