Sorry for the delay (editing day 10). I'm in progress to write a trip report on our 16 days camping trip out west. Here is the list of attraction we have visited during our 16 days, 7151 miles trip.
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| Our new camping setup |
Summer Camping trip for 2018.
1. Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Dr2. Blue Ridge Parkway
3. Smoky Mountain National Park - Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN
4. Route 66 - Start from OK to AZ
5. Musical Highway - Tijeras NM
6. Petroglyph National Monument - Alberquerque NM
7. El Malpais National Monument - Grants, NM
8. Petrified Forest National Park - AZ
9. Sedona AZ - Offroad at Schnebly Hill Rd
10. Slide Rock State Park
11. Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
12. HorseShoe Bend
13. Page AZ
14. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
15. Lone Rock State Park
16. Bryce Canyon National Park
17. Utah Scenic By-way 12
18. Capital Reef National Park
19. Canyonland National Park - Offroad on Shafer Trail & Potash Rd
20. Dead Horse State Park
21. Arches National Park - Hike to Delicate Arch
22. Moab UT
23. Mesa Verde National Park
24. Ouray CO - Offroad to Engineer Pass & Ouray Hot Springs
25. Rocky Mountain National Park
26. Kansas City - BBQ
27. St Louis - Gateway Arch
28. Mammoth Cave National Park - Cave tour (historic cave tour)
29. Flight 93 National Memorial
From the original plan, we seems to miss a lot but we also add a lot of interesting visit. The 16 days is jammed pack with long travel days and visit. Some area, we wish to stay longer and spend more time.
July 14 - Day 1
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| Day 1 Route |
Our plan is to depart on July 14 0600am. Due to some snafu prior night, our official departure time was 1700. 11 hours behind the scheduled departure. Lost time is hard to make up. We will try to stick with the plan as much possible and skip some stop as needed.
We plan to head south before westbound. I have some plan to visit Shenandoah National Park & Smoky Mountain National Park.
All remaining 7 hours, we drive a lot and only stop for essential.
To keep expenses low, I try my best to minimize fuel cost. If I can save 5 cent per gallon for travel extra miles or early fill up, I will take it. I use a specific app, gas buddy, to find the cheapest fuel on the route. Gas is cheaper in MA. Fill up before leaving. Between NY & PA, exit 1 in NY has many gas station in NJ. Used to be cheaper gas, but now it’s the same price as in PA. But you get perk like full service as in NJ.
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| This app can help you save $$ on Gas. Find the cheapest gas station surround you. |
We encounter a nasty severe thunderstorm in PA. We are on I-84 , 20 miles before wilkes barre PA. Heavy down pour cause poor visibility. Truck and tires performing well above expectation.
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| Ready to roll out |
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| Our pass to US National Park |
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| On our way |
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| Rest stop in NY |
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| Where are we? Take a guest. |
July 15 - Day 2
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| Day 2 Route |
The ride is smooth and we are driving down I-81S. To catch up time, I need to burn midnight oil. I was debating to stop at Shenandoah National Park or just continue to drive. The skies seems to clear out when we entering West Virginia. Hence the decision is made. We will drive through Shenandoah National Park and hope to capture some photos.
I arrived Front Royal VA around 2am. I filled up gas and find our way to the entrance of Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Dr is about 100+ miles long. I spend the next several hours drive through skyline dr. Since it’s 2am, the gate is wide open and no one check your entrance.
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| Refilled Dino Juice |
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| Our ride in the Darkness on Skyline Drive |
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| Front Royal VA |
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| We arrived the entrance to Shenandoah National Park |
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| Dark road need bright fog light. Our LED fog light can brighten our path |
The end of skyline dr also meant the beginning of Blue Ridge Parkway. Both offer similar ridge road and view. But Blue Ridge Parkway is 400+ miles long and end at Smoky Mountain National Park, NC. I was hoping to drive the whole Blue Ridge Parkway, but due to time limit, I have to cut short the time at Blue Ridge Parkway. I still managed to drive about 100 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway. From Blue Ridge Parkway, we head down the mountain and back to the valley. It’s a 9% downhill grade for 4 miles. I almost smoke the brakes getting down the twisty road.
We hop onto I-81S and head toward Roanoke. We need to get to TN, where the entrance to northern part of Smoky Mountain National Park.
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| Beautiful foreground and background. |
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| Pre-Sunrise |
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| Entering a tunnel |
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| Blue Mountain Range |
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| Blue Mountain Range |
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| Look at the blue Mountain Range |
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| Shenandoah NP Visitor Center |
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| Wildlife abundant in Skyline Drive |
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| We are Leaving Shenandoah National Park |
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| We are entering Blue Ridge Parkway |
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| Decision, Decision. North or South |
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| A pullout viewpoint |
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| Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center |
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| Rest stop on Blue Ridge Parkway |
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| Blue Ridge Parkway - 2 way one lane traffic |
We hop onto I-81S and head toward Roanoke. We need to get to TN, where the entrance to northern part of Smoky Mountain National Park.
After 4+hrs driving on I-81/I-40, we finally reach TN. Due to time limit, we didn’t stay long at SMNF. I was hoping to drive to Cades Cove. When we visited the visitor center, I asked a ranger if I need to spend 2 hrs, what is the recommendation? Ranger give me a trail and hike to waterfall. The ranger told me a round trip to Cades Coves will take 5 hrs. Instead, we drive over the gap to the southern part of SMNF. We got lost around Cherokee, NC. Hoping for a short detour, it turn into a huge detour to get back on I-40. We stop by a walmart in Clyde, NC and pick up some dinner. We had our dinner at the parking lot outside the walmart. After dinner, we decide to burn more midnight oil to catch up lost time.
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| Visit Buena Vista to I-81 |
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| Co-pilot taking over |
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| Cross |
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| We are in Tennessee |
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| Almost there. |
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| Posing as a model |
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| We are at Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
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| Gaitlinburg TN |
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| Tunnel in GSMNP |
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| Smoky Mountain seen in the far distance |
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| Smoky Mountain seen in the far distance |
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| Carfie |
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| Carfie |
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| Is the mountain smoky? |
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| Sign saying NC/TN state line |
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| Founder and co-founder taking picture |
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| Daughter and Mommy posing at the State Line |
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| Appalachian Trail info |
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| Trailer also served as relax chair |
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| Snack |
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| More Dino Juice |
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| Tunnel in Great Smoky Mountain National Park |
How many hours can you drive? Not try to make the record, but I finally exhausted and we stop at a truck stop off the highway before Knoxville TN.
July 16 Day 3
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| Day 3 Route |
I’m exhausted and pull off at a truckstop off I40W before Knoxville TN. I got about 3+ hours of sleep. Some good rest is needed. I’m able to continue the drive for the day. I pull out of the truckstop at 4am and continue I-40 westbound. Since it’s early morning, the traffic is non exist. We drove through Knoxville TN and notice we gained extra hour to spend. We are now officially in Central Standard Time Zone. On our way to Nashville TN.
We arrived Nashville TN around 7am. Traffic start to build up but it’s not too bad. We are able to drive through Nashville TN easily and head toward Memphis TN. In between Nashville and Memphis, we stop at another rest area and everyone wake up and freshen up. Got breakfast made. I made some peanut butter sandwich.
We are crossing Memphis TN around noon time. Capture some pics of Memphis downtown and saw the iconic pyramid shape building, Basspro Shop. We cross a bridge and we are now in Arkansas driving toward Little Rock AR.
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| Entering Nashville TN |
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| Passing through Nashville |
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| I40W Rest Area |
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| I40W Rest Area |
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| I40W Rest Area |
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| Rest area |
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| Road sign |
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| Pass through Memphis and see this signature Bass Pro Shop |
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| We are entering Arkansas |
Fast forward as there is no plan to stop in AR. On our way to Oklahoma, we encounter some storm on our path. We got dump with some heavy rain, but the truck handle fine with water. We need to get through Arkansas to Oklahoma. Since we got no reservation, we are making decision as we drive.
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| Nasty Storm Ahead. Possible Tornado. |
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| Rain start to dump on us |
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| Nice rainbow behind our Rig |
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| We just crossed into Oklahoma |
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| Hungry rig need dino juice |
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| Fill up |
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| Full service? |
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| great sunset picture |
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| great sunset picture |
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| Arriving Oklahoma City |
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| No idea what is this |
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| great sunset picture |
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| great sunset picture |
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| great sunset picture |
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| great sunset picture |
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| Sunset |
One of our trip itinerary is to visit Route 66. The historical route that start from Chicago to Santa Monica. Route 66 pass through Oklahoma. As usual, we are running late. After all the searching, we settled to stay in a hotel tonight. I reserved a room at Hilton Hampton Inn at Clinton OK. Arrived in Clinton OK and check in the hotel around 10pm. Everyone can settle down and have a fresh hot shower if needed. I snoze as quickly to catch up with all the missing sleep hours.
July 17 Day 4
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| Day 4 Route |
With a hotel room, we are able to refresh with clean clothes and hot showers. In additional, we got free breakfast. We all looking refresh and ready for adventure. Since yesterday is travel day, we got to sit in our truck for most time. We stretch as needed, but still not fun to sit tight. It’s a relieved after 3 days on the road.
After hearty breakfast, we rolled out. I did research this area before we decide to stay. There is a Route 66 museum down the street near the hotel. Our first stop, Oklahoma Route 66 museum. We paid $24 for entrance fee and we learn lots of history of Route 66. We stayed about 1 hours at the museum before we move on to our next stop, Walmart. We need to resupply and get lunch. I also need to feed the truck.
While feeding the truck with dinosaur oil, I got some compliment of my truck setup. Definitely not the first, but it’s been some good compliment about my truck. I take pride on building my truck. So many sweat, swear and blood has flow through the build process. A little compliment is a fuel to motivate me for further build.
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| Hampton Inn, Clinton OK |
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| Hampton Inn Clinton OK |
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| Sunrise |
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| Arriving OK Route 66 museum |
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| Route 66 sign |
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| Route 66 sign |
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| Oklahoma Route 66 Museum |
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| Route 66 signature road sign |
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| Classic truck with route 66 sign |
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| Me & Route 66 sign |
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| My partner in crime selfie with route 66 sign |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| I love classic gas pump |
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| I love classic metal sign |
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| V8 vroom |
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| Another classic metal sign |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| moar classic metal sign |
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| Juke box and classic diner setup |
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| Route 66 info |
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| Chevy Chase mobile? |
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| Classic Vbug |
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| Route 66 sing |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| Route 66 soda? I got to have some |
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| Classic Coke cooler |
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| Classic juke box |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| Another classic soda cooler |
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| Classic gas pump |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| Route 66 IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AZ, CA = US Route 66 |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| Route 66 attraction in OK |
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| Route 66 attraction info for OK |
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| OK Route 66 museum |
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| Classic Gas pump |
As we continue our adventure for the day, we slowly go through a lot of historic town. I try to stop at most Route 66 historic sites/towns. Some worth picture for memories and some not worth to mention. We can see how devastate a town suffer from the high time in the 60’s/70’s. The construction of interstate highway that detour away from the historic route bring down lots of towns. Some sad moment.
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| Route 66 National Museum |
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| Route 66 National Museum |
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| Route 66 attraction |
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| The old route 66 |
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| Route 66 road sign |
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| Route 66 attraction |
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| Route 66 attraction |
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| Crossing into Texas |
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| Route 66 Root beer |
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| Route 66 soda |
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| Route 66 water? |
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| My kind of root beer |
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| Route 66 attraction in Shamrock TX |
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| Texas |
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| We are in Texas |
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| Waiting for full gas service |
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| Filling up cheal 0.10 gas |
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| Carfie |
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| At Visitor Center in TX |
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| Visitor Center in TX. Big in size. Very Texan |
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| Texas lone star |
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| Inside Texas Visitor Center |
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| Texas highway I-40W |
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| Catch up driving |
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| Route 66 road sign |
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| Route 66 |
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| Cross |
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| Hallelujah |
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| Vbug Ranch, a copy of cadillac ranch |
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| Vbug ranch |
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| Vdub and CampwithChin |
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| Yee Haw !!! |
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| We are hangry !!!! |
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| info regards the steakhouse |
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| 72 oz steak |
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| Single hand? Watch for recoil |
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| Grip need some work |
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| Zombies invation |
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| Killing some zombies |
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| Sharp shooter training start young |
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| Left eye dominant? |
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| Good hood ornament |
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| Hall of fame |
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| Steakhouse menu |
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| Are you ready for challenge? This is the set where it's begin |
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| Fancy Kid meal |
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| Ribeye steak |
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| My T-bone steak |
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| YeeHaw....!!! |
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| Pappy the fortune teller |
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| The famous 72 oz steak and side |
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| Family selfie |
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| I eat a 72 oz steak !!!! |
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| Access to Cadillac ranch |
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| Me selfie with cadillac row |
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| Cadillac Ranch |
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| Found some left over spray cans |
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| The artist |
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| More spray paint fun |
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| Our CampWithChin sticker is working the magic. Find our sticker |
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| Our CampWithChin sticker is working the magic |
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| Find our sticker? Contact us and we'll send some free sticker to you |
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| We crossed into New Mexico |
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| Tent deployed and ready |
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| Tent deployed and setup |
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| We decide to stay at this town |
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| Tent setup and ready |
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| Our free campsite at the town park |
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| Town of San Jon |
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| Route 66 NM sign |
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| Play board game before heading to bed |
One of the highlight from visiting Route 66 historic town/sites. We visited Cadillac ranch, VW big ranch, big Texan steak ranch. At Amarillo TX, we stop at a highlight site. The ad from this restaurant/giftstore is as far as Arkansas. This remind me Wall Drug in SD. Except, this place served great steaks. The kids want to eat so we sit down and enjoyed a good Texan steak dinner. Steak is awesome. If you have the appetite, you can also opt for the 72 oz steak challenge. If you can finished a 72 oz steak according to their regulation, you will be listed on the Hall of Fame and your dinner will be free of charge. Looking the massive size of the sirlion steak, I have no doubt I can finished the steak. The problem is the side dishes. You have dinner roll, a baked potatoes, cocktail shrimp and a bowl of salad. You need to finish all items within 60 mins. Instead of taking the challenge, I opt for a 36 oz t-bone steak. I can finished the steak with no problem, just not the bake sweet potato. For anyone travelling through Amarillo TX, I highly recommend this steak house. The steak was cook to my like and one of the best steak I have had.
We can’t stop. We are way behind schedule. We continue our drive into New Mexico. We earn another hour to spend as we are now in Mountain Standard Timezone. I found a free campsite not far after we entered New Mexico. We settled down in a San Jon NM town park. The town allowed overnight stay at their town park. With light, BBQ pits and flowing toilet. It’s a great deal as it’s free. Thank to San Jon NM. We pitched our tent up and enjoyed a quiet cool night.
July 18 Day 5
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| Day 5 Route |
Late log. I lost tracked of my blogging.
After spending a low key night at San Jon NM, we continue our journey. Another thanks to town of San Jon. Free accommodation and some Pokémon time. I was able to walk around the town and hit all Pokémon stop and gym. 
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| prepping breakfast |
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| Temperature wasn't too bad at nightfall. In the morning, it's 3 digits. |
We are on our journey to Sedona AZ. We have to drive through Albuquerque NM. Along the way, I usually exit and drive I-40 business route, aka Route 66. Nothing much interesting. Prior reaching Albuquerque NM, we detour a bit and visit the Musical Highway. Driving at the old 66 with 45mph and going though this section of highway (eastbound) at Tijeras NM. If you drive through this section (eastbound) with 45mph, you will hear "America the beautiful" music from the highway.
When we passing through Albuquerque NM, I found some interesting site to visit. It’s off highway and easy access. We visiting the Petroglyph National Monument. It was a hot day of 102. We selected a short trail to hike and see some petroglyphs. The kids learn a lot and very participate on finding Petroglyph on the rock despite of scorching heat. We need to move on.
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Route 66 Attraction |
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| Petroglyph National Monument in Alberqueque NM |
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| Cactus |
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| Cactus |
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| Petroglyph |
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| Petroglyph |
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| Petroglyph |
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| Petroglyph |
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| Petroglyph |
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| Petroglyph |
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| No trailer parking at the hiking trail. I have to park outside and walk in. |
As being a tourist, we got fooled by all the bill board ads. Somewhere in NM, we exited and visited a trading post. We were intrigued by the massive ads board. All I can say, it’s a interesting trading post with DQ and gas station.
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| Lots of Highway billboard sign |
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| Lots of Highway billboard sign |
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| Opps, you trapped us. We are tourist. |
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| M150 anyone? |
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| Fireworks |
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| Fireworks |
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| love this sign |
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| I come in for restroom ONLY !!! |
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| Interesting |
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| Artistic? |
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| Amen |
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| Cross |
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| Cross |
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| Revolver Light |
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| Lots of Cross selection |
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| Another sign I want to buy |
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| Yup. |
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| Wine Anyone? |
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| Wine Anyone? |
Before entering AZ, we found another interesting place, El Malpias National Monument. We stop and learn about some of the NM offering. Lot of interesting site offered by NPS. We will be returning to NM in the future for more exploration.
We arrived around Flagstaff AZ after 8pm. Along I-40 in AZ, there are tons of ads board and trading post. We skip all. We are lucky to have about 20 mins of visiting to Petrified Forest National Park. The park is closing at 6pm. As we approching, our time is showing 6:30pm MST. Due to some area, Hopi reservation, in AZ don't observed DST, it's actually 5:30pm MST. In Navajo reservation, they observed DST. We lucked out and able to enter the National Park. Since it's only 20 mins, we only able to drive to several viewpoint, snap a few pics before exiting the National Park. I received some map when I passed through the gate. There is an unfortunate RV'er arrived late after 6:20pm. They are from CA going to NC. They ask if I can share some map as they are collecting map/info, I gave the map/newsletter to them. Back onto our journey to Sedona AZ. Prior to exit the park, we saw some small dust storm/mini tornado a few miles away. The wind does pick up rapidly and the cloud/lightning/thunder is some distance away. We hop onto the highway and speed away.
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| El Malpais National Monument |
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| Continental Divide in NM |
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| El Malpais National Monument |
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| El Malpais National Monument |
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| El Malpais National Monument |
We arrived around Flagstaff AZ after 8pm. Along I-40 in AZ, there are tons of ads board and trading post. We skip all. We are lucky to have about 20 mins of visiting to Petrified Forest National Park. The park is closing at 6pm. As we approching, our time is showing 6:30pm MST. Due to some area, Hopi reservation, in AZ don't observed DST, it's actually 5:30pm MST. In Navajo reservation, they observed DST. We lucked out and able to enter the National Park. Since it's only 20 mins, we only able to drive to several viewpoint, snap a few pics before exiting the National Park. I received some map when I passed through the gate. There is an unfortunate RV'er arrived late after 6:20pm. They are from CA going to NC. They ask if I can share some map as they are collecting map/info, I gave the map/newsletter to them. Back onto our journey to Sedona AZ. Prior to exit the park, we saw some small dust storm/mini tornado a few miles away. The wind does pick up rapidly and the cloud/lightning/thunder is some distance away. We hop onto the highway and speed away.
Prior to arrival Flagstaff AZ, we got a glimpse on the mountain range. We were surprised with a beautiful, colorful sunset with mountain range background. Enclosed some photos below for you to judge. Our destination is Sedona AZ. We need to continue to our destination. From reading blog and forum, we found a great camping spot. To access the camping area, from I-17 take the exit to Schnebly Hill Rd. Drive up and you can camp anywhere off the road. On any forest managed by BLM, Bureau of Land Management, everyone can camp up to 14 days with some regulations.
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| We are entering Arizona |
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| Continental divide in NM before entering AZ |
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| Try to avoid storm as we approaching Petrified Forest NP |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Like Badland National Park, but in the South |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Petrified Forest National Park |
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| Stop near a view point |
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| Meh |
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| Ops, what is popping out |
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| The color shift so fast |
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| AZ Sunset. I'm in love. |
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| Sunset photo, I pull off to take some picture |
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| Sunset picture |
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| Cherie capturing sunset picture prior arriving Flagstaff AZ |
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| Pulling into camp site in dark. |
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| Schnebly hill road |
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| Setting up basecamp in dark |
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| Tent is open and ready |
A little info about dispersed camping, boondocking, free campsite, overlanding... whichever term you use to refer your camping styles, it’s all about the ability to sustain your travel with minimal expense and allow more exploration/travel lifestyle. In additional, a group of people preferred to protect this privilege from being destroyed. As usual, privilege can be taken away. A lot of unresponsible peoples abused this privilege.
My moto is always similar to Boy Scout moto by leave no trace. I clean up my camp spot and leave it in similar or better condition than previously. I packed all trash out. I’m now promote this behavior. I hope you do the same.
July 19 Day 6
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| Day 6 Route |
I wake up early due to uncomfortable sleeping arrangement in the RTT. We are still getting comfortable with our new equipment setup. What a treat, I discovered the cloudy sky is now open up to a clear starry sky. 4am AZ timezone. I quickly grab my camera and equipment and start taking some photos. I got a few photos before the dark sky disappeared and the sun is rising from the horizon. I got about 1/2 hrs of photos op. Capture a few good pics to share.
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| Capturing Milky way |
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| With some foreground |
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| With tent as foreground |
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| With rig on foreground |
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| You might notice sun light is coming out of horizon |
As the sky turning bright, the surrounding view also open up. This is where I discovered the beauty surround us. What a great camp site. We pull into the campsite around 10pm. It was pitch dark and we were just try to get rest as fast as possible. My first sight of Sedona red mountain, I fall in love. Quickly, I switch equipment from camera to drone. Start up the drone for a few flight out. Also it’s time to get coffee/breakfast ready.
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| Sunrise soon |
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| My trusted Canon 5dMarkIV |
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| What is the red mountain? |
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| That was our view in the morning. |
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| Aerial of our camping spot |
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| Aerial of our camping spot |
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| Aerial of our camping spot with background |
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| Aerial of our camping spot with background |
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| Aerial of our camping spot with background |
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| Aerial of our camping spot with background |
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| Beautiful red rock mountain range |
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| Not one, but 2 pics for your enjoyment |
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| Capturing sunrise |
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| Ray of light start to hit the peak |
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| Ray of light start to hit the peak |
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| Ray of light start to hit the peak |
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| Ray of light start to hit the peak |
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| My drone co-pilot |
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| Prepping breakfast |
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| Udon Noodle, Veg... |
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| Breakfast with a view |
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| Sun break out |
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| Prep lunch too |
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| Full view of the area in brighter sun |
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| View from the tent |
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| View from the tent |
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| View from the tent |
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| View from the tent (me relaxing) |
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| View from the tent |
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| My drone 2nd co-pilot |
I can’t put the scenery in word. I’ll let the drone video and photos show you.
Once breakfast ready, we get the kids wake up and prep for departure. We have a long day of exploration. We quickly take down all setup. We will be visiting Sedona for a few hours before we plan the rest of the trip. As we depart our fav camp spot, we continue the road to Sedona AZ. We quickly realized that we are so luck out on choose a camp spot as a miles from our camp spot, there is no camping warning sign. All the online research quickly give me indication that we are now leaving the National Forest. As we decending down the road, there is some expectation from online information. I know about the rough road ahead. But, am I ready to off-roading adventure? This is my real first test.
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| AZ Cactus |
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| Tree |
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| Leaving National Forest |
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| National Forest behind |
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| Ready to visit Sedona AZ |
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| Sign of prohibit camping (don't do it) |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| CampWithChin group photo |
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| Rig + Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Schnebly hill road |
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| Schnebly hill road |
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| Another rig + red rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona hoodoos |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Sedona Red Rocks |
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| Decending Schnebly Hill Rd |
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| Bottom of Schnebly Hill Rd |
Schnebly Hill Rd is no joke. We are in for our first taste of off-roading. I would rate this trail as hard (joking). As a noob, I do a lot of mistakes. I learn from the mistakes and applied it for the next trail run. I was challenged with the drive down to Sedona. As we slowly make our way down the hill, we meet a lot of Jeep tour. Some jokes are exchanged, but it’s all good. I have a good laugh of it. I admit that this is my first off-roading with my family. I’m scared for my life. The whole drive down the hill is full of obstacles and some narrow section. I just drive slowly and we made it down the hill and into the heart of Sedona.
We stop by Chapel of the Holy Cross and take some photos. We didn’t enter the chapel as trailer parking is non existed at the chapel. Instead, we head to town and hangout at the town area. Sitting at Starbuck and having some Cold Stone ice cream. A very relax time after several days of intense travel. I plan for our next move. We also have lunch (leftover from morning).
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| Chapel of the Holy Cross |
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| Sedona red dust |
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| Starbucks Frappacino at Sedona town |
As we say goodbye to Sedona, we head to our next activities. We will be hanging out at Slide Rock State Park. This is about 7 miles from the town. This state park offer a unique swimming fun. To enter the state park, it's $20 per vehicle (include 4 adult + no limit of children). There is a water slide at the creek, made with natural rocks and fuel by algae. I know this from Watching Facebook video. It was a must stop location if you plan to be in Sedona. We spend about 3+ hrs here as kids having fun sliding down the water slide and jumping into the water hole.
Sliding down the river
Diving into the Swimming hole
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| State Park sign |
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| Chill down at the river |
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| Surrounding Red Rocks |
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| Surrounding Red Rocks |
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| Slide Rock State Park |
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| Cool down from the AZ heat |
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| Advertisement of CampWithChin |
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| Arriving Grand Canyon National Park |
As we are way behind our schedule, we need to find our next accommodation. I have a choice of driving to Grand Canyon (either north rim or south rim). As we continue, we opt for south rim. After making a brief stop at Flagstaff AZ, we make way to South Rim. I already have some research around this area and know where we can set camp. We reach our camping area around 9pm and we found our camp spot. We quickly deploy the tent and get prep to rest. We have a eventful day and ready to rest.
July 20 Day 7
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| Day 7 Route |
I wake up early again, the sky is filled with stars, but our camp spot surrounded with tall trees. So I didn’t take any great photos. Continue to nap till the sky light up. I setup the drone and launch it. When I fly over the treeline, I started to see our camp surrounding and a huge canyon about 2 miles away. That’s a massive canyon. Guess what, it’s the Grand Canyon.
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| Fire !!! Don't burn down the forest ! |
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| Campfire started |
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| Chair + Campfire |
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| Sunrise in Kaibab NF |
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| It's a chill, warming up |
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| Prep breakfast |
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| Sausage, potato, squash, pepper |
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| Breakfast |
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| Our camp spot |
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| Our camp spot |
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| Drone Co-pilot |
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| Grand Canyon View |
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| Grand Canyon View |
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| Grand Canyon View |
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| Kaibab National Forest |
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| Grand Canyon National Park Entrance |
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| Dirt Road fun |
As usual, you don’t want to miss the view of the great 7 wonders of the world. Breathtaking view of colorful canyon and the Colorado river run through the canyon.
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| No Parking Zone |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon |
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| use your imagination |
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| Alien? |
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| Add caption |
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| This is alien |
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| Smoking? |
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| Monstah? |
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| This is BBQ |
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| See something? |
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| See something? |
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| The scene is getting bored |
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| Just another canyon |
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| Weather is awesome |
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| Time for Ice Cream |
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| Where is CampWithChin? |
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| I just jinx it. Thunderstorm coming |
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| Got a break from the storm |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| Mini Grand Canyon |
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| On the road, again. |
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| Somewhere in AZ |
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| Somewhere in AZ |
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| CampWithChin is here |
We explored the area until 2pm before we head out to Page AZ. At the visitor center at Grand Canyon National Park, we found a good water source. There is a few spigot with pure spring water. It's great. We took all our water jerry can and tank. We filled up with about 25 gallon of spring water which we consumed for the rest of our journey. Consider it cost me $1 for a gallon of distilled water, I save at least $25. Free spring water is good !!!!
Prior to Page, we stop by the horseshoe bend state park and see another breathtaking view. The temperature was 104 and it’s felt like 120. We carry a lots of water and start our trek to the viewpoint. The viewpoint is about 0.6 miles from the parking area.
Prior of horseshoe bend visit, we got lured into a canyon lookout area which is owned by Navajo Tribe. Entering the lookout required donation. I donated $10 so we can checkout the outlook and shop at the local navajo stall for some native indian craftwork. This area is call Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. I post a few Canyon pics above. They offer a view of deep canyon with Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. We spend about 30 mins here. A storm was nearby and we can see lightning and hear thunder.
As we continue to Horseshoe bend on Highway 89, we stop at a overlook area after the junction of Highway 89A. We are climbing higher and there is some native shop setup near an overlook. Wife and kids went shopping and I just take a glimpse at the overlook. You can see the valley and more plateau in the distance. I put a sticker on the highway rail here.
Prior to Page, we stop by the horseshoe bend state park and see another breathtaking view. The temperature was 104 and it’s felt like 120. We carry a lots of water and start our trek to the viewpoint. The viewpoint is about 0.6 miles from the parking area.
Prior of horseshoe bend visit, we got lured into a canyon lookout area which is owned by Navajo Tribe. Entering the lookout required donation. I donated $10 so we can checkout the outlook and shop at the local navajo stall for some native indian craftwork. This area is call Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. I post a few Canyon pics above. They offer a view of deep canyon with Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. We spend about 30 mins here. A storm was nearby and we can see lightning and hear thunder.
As we continue to Horseshoe bend on Highway 89, we stop at a overlook area after the junction of Highway 89A. We are climbing higher and there is some native shop setup near an overlook. Wife and kids went shopping and I just take a glimpse at the overlook. You can see the valley and more plateau in the distance. I put a sticker on the highway rail here.
Horseshoe bend view is just beautiful. The shear cliff is another story. I’m not a fan of height. I can tell you that I’m afraid of walking near the cliff edge. There is some construction on site and in progress. In the near future, I think they will use transportation for people who have problem with heat and distance hike. Also, I think there will be food/drink available.
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| Horseshoe Bend |
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| Horseshoe Bend lookout from distance |
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| Moar Horseshoe Bend |
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| Got enough of Horseshoe Bend? |
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| Did I say it's beautiful? Horseshoe Bend. |
After some heated hike, we went to Page and stop by McDonald. Had some meal and cold drinks to reenergize our body. We head north off Page and hope to find a camp spot. I opt to stay at Lake Powell as the night is falling. We selected Lone Rock State Park and camp on the beach of Lone Rock.
As we look for a camp spot near the lake, I managed to get our truck and trailer stuck on the soft sand. I was lucky enough to have assistant from a local. He was assisting me to get our rig unstuck and back onto solid ground. I was tested again. Some more rookies mistake that I’m learning. I learn the capability of our rig. I also learn some beach driving techniques.
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| Driving on water? |
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| Got stuck in soft sand. |
Once we are on a solid ground, we make camp on the beach. Another eventful day and we are all exhausted.
We paid a price to camp in Lone Rock beach. $15 per night. We didn't expected the incident happen last night and also never expecting high temp heat. At 12am, the heat still as high as 3 digit. My rig registered as 99. Kids get tired but also not comfortable to sleep in high temp heat. We just snooze off inside the vehicle with AC on. Only Chris brave the heat and sleep inside the tent. He has the whole tent for himself. We hung out inside the rig with AC running for the whole night.
I wake up early as the engine is running and I'm extra careful about carbon monoxide. I make sure the girls can sleep comfortable. Waking up early is not a bad thing. I was hoping the cloud dissappear, but it's stay around. So no astro-photography session. During sunrise, the light break through the sky and open up some colorful sky. I setup my go pro and cell phone. I started to capture some slow-motion video of the sunrise.
Since we didn't have dinner last night, we wake up and very hungry. We quickly pack up and prep for departure. Tent closed up and we are ready to roll out of Lone Rock State Park. We head back to Page AZ and found Denny's for breakfast. Denny's breakfast as usual is good and we are all fuel up for a long day. We started our journey to Moab UT. There are only 2 routes to Moab UT. We can either swing east and head North or we can swing west and head south. We can't cover every location which we like to visit. Hence we cut short and just choose one route. I prefer to swing east and head North. This route will take us through Kanab UT into Zion National Park vicinity. We hope to swing by Bryce Canyon National Park and also Capital Reef National Park. In additional, we can drive the scenic Utah by-way 12.
Along the way to Kanab, we stop by the Glen Canyon Dam. We arrived in Kanab UT area around noon time. Since the temp is triple digit, I opt to stop at McDonald for some ice cream sundae. The east bound is complete at Kanab. We will have to head north and west again. As we close to Zion National Park area, I opt not to visit the National Park. Today is Sat and it's weekend in Zion National Park. This translate to full crowd within the National Park. We ignore the turn and continue our journey north. Just about 10-15 mins from the junction of Zion National Park, we stop at a rock shop. Wife and daughter is curious and want to see some gems stone, fossils and rocks. It was an unique shop. We probably hang around the shop for 1 1/2 hours before we continue our journey to Bryce Canyon National Park.
We arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park around 4:00pm. We have a trailer hence it's limit us from travel to any view point within Bryce Canyon National Park. All view point prohibit trailer, but allow Class A,B,C RV. I have the option of either left the trailer unhitch at the trailer parking area near the visitor center. The weather is looking bad, rain drop started. We decide to just hang out at the visitor center. Kids can do Junior Ranger Program. We also visit the museum within the visitor center. We hung out a bit till 6:00pm and it's time to head out. We are about 2 1/2 hrs from Capital Reef National Park.
We arrived Capital Reef National Park around 8:30pm. Since it's getting dark, I opt to just take a drive in the scenic route. We drove on the scenic route to end of pavement. Here is the start of dirt road which I hope to drive on, but due to limited time, I have to leave and come back a different time. We have to continue our journey to Moab.
It's about 9:30pm and I have some decision to make. I can either find a camp site outside Capital Reef National Park or drive the extra 3 hrs to Canyonland National Park. I made a decision to drive the extra 3 hours to Canyonland National Park area. I have a confident camp spot coordinate given by a friend. I will just drove straight to this camp site.
We arrived Moab area around 12:30am. I need to fill up gas before head to Canyonland area for our camp spot. I filled up at a gas station prior turning toward Canyonland National Park. FYI, there is no service station in Canyonland National Park. After filled up gas, he head out to find our camp spot. We found our camp spot around 1am and we are all tired. I quickly get the tent setup while the kids asleep inside the car. After a few setup, I’m now pretty proficient on setting up the tent and trailer. In less than 10 mins, I got the trailer and tent setup and ready for sleep. Wake up the wife and kids. We just roll up to the tent and have a restful night. The temperature wasn’t too bad. It’s around 76 degree. Comparing to triple digit temperature in Page AZ.
July 21 Day 8
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| Day 8 Route |
We paid a price to camp in Lone Rock beach. $15 per night. We didn't expected the incident happen last night and also never expecting high temp heat. At 12am, the heat still as high as 3 digit. My rig registered as 99. Kids get tired but also not comfortable to sleep in high temp heat. We just snooze off inside the vehicle with AC on. Only Chris brave the heat and sleep inside the tent. He has the whole tent for himself. We hung out inside the rig with AC running for the whole night.
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Lake Powell Info |
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| Lake Powell Info |
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| Lake Powell Info |
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| Lake Powell Info |
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| Good morning from Lake Powell |
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| Morning view from the tent |
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| Morning view from the tent |
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| Morning view from the tent |
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| Morning view from the tent |
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| My morning view |
I wake up early as the engine is running and I'm extra careful about carbon monoxide. I make sure the girls can sleep comfortable. Waking up early is not a bad thing. I was hoping the cloud dissappear, but it's stay around. So no astro-photography session. During sunrise, the light break through the sky and open up some colorful sky. I setup my go pro and cell phone. I started to capture some slow-motion video of the sunrise.
Since we didn't have dinner last night, we wake up and very hungry. We quickly pack up and prep for departure. Tent closed up and we are ready to roll out of Lone Rock State Park. We head back to Page AZ and found Denny's for breakfast. Denny's breakfast as usual is good and we are all fuel up for a long day. We started our journey to Moab UT. There are only 2 routes to Moab UT. We can either swing east and head North or we can swing west and head south. We can't cover every location which we like to visit. Hence we cut short and just choose one route. I prefer to swing east and head North. This route will take us through Kanab UT into Zion National Park vicinity. We hope to swing by Bryce Canyon National Park and also Capital Reef National Park. In additional, we can drive the scenic Utah by-way 12.
Along the way to Kanab, we stop by the Glen Canyon Dam. We arrived in Kanab UT area around noon time. Since the temp is triple digit, I opt to stop at McDonald for some ice cream sundae. The east bound is complete at Kanab. We will have to head north and west again. As we close to Zion National Park area, I opt not to visit the National Park. Today is Sat and it's weekend in Zion National Park. This translate to full crowd within the National Park. We ignore the turn and continue our journey north. Just about 10-15 mins from the junction of Zion National Park, we stop at a rock shop. Wife and daughter is curious and want to see some gems stone, fossils and rocks. It was an unique shop. We probably hang around the shop for 1 1/2 hours before we continue our journey to Bryce Canyon National Park.
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| Rocks |
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| Quartz? |
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| Fossil |
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| More rocks |
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| Fossils |
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| Fossil Teeth |
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| Tooth |
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| Poop |
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| Poop |
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| Rocks |
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| Crystal |
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| crystal |
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| crystal |
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| crystal |
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| Plug? |
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| Gold |
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| Raptor |
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| Rock Shop in Orderville UT |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Family Picture |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Junior Ranger Program |
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| Bryce Canyon National Park |
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| Utah Scenic By-way 12 |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
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| Capitol Reef National Park |
We arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park around 4:00pm. We have a trailer hence it's limit us from travel to any view point within Bryce Canyon National Park. All view point prohibit trailer, but allow Class A,B,C RV. I have the option of either left the trailer unhitch at the trailer parking area near the visitor center. The weather is looking bad, rain drop started. We decide to just hang out at the visitor center. Kids can do Junior Ranger Program. We also visit the museum within the visitor center. We hung out a bit till 6:00pm and it's time to head out. We are about 2 1/2 hrs from Capital Reef National Park.
We arrived Capital Reef National Park around 8:30pm. Since it's getting dark, I opt to just take a drive in the scenic route. We drove on the scenic route to end of pavement. Here is the start of dirt road which I hope to drive on, but due to limited time, I have to leave and come back a different time. We have to continue our journey to Moab.
It's about 9:30pm and I have some decision to make. I can either find a camp site outside Capital Reef National Park or drive the extra 3 hrs to Canyonland National Park. I made a decision to drive the extra 3 hours to Canyonland National Park area. I have a confident camp spot coordinate given by a friend. I will just drove straight to this camp site.
July 22 Day 9
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| Day 9 Route |
We arrived Moab area around 12:30am. I need to fill up gas before head to Canyonland area for our camp spot. I filled up at a gas station prior turning toward Canyonland National Park. FYI, there is no service station in Canyonland National Park. After filled up gas, he head out to find our camp spot. We found our camp spot around 1am and we are all tired. I quickly get the tent setup while the kids asleep inside the car. After a few setup, I’m now pretty proficient on setting up the tent and trailer. In less than 10 mins, I got the trailer and tent setup and ready for sleep. Wake up the wife and kids. We just roll up to the tent and have a restful night. The temperature wasn’t too bad. It’s around 76 degree. Comparing to triple digit temperature in Page AZ.
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| Dispersed camp spot outside Canyonland National Park |
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| Dispersed camp spot outside Canyonland National Park |
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| Another sunrise in AZ |
I got a few hours of good rest. I wake up early as usual as I’m still in EST time zone. It’s not bad as it give me a chance to see the sunrise. When I got out of the tent, it was still dusk. I got my camera setup and start capture some sunrise video. As the sun arise from the horizon, the view of our surrounding become more visible. Another beautiful scenery which I’m not expecting. When we pull in last night, it was pitch dark and I can’t see the surrounding. Not having any expectation, I was amazed the scenery. We are actually camping on a big rock near the ridge of a canyon. Red rock hoodoos and deep canyon just a few feet’s from us. I got the drone and start my flight out to the canyon. I can’t express much except I’ll let you judge from my drone video.
After capturing some video, I start to prep breakfast and my most important morning coffee. A good cup of joe will wake me up and provide me energy for the day. The plan for today is to visit Dead Horse Poing State Park and Canyonland National Park. Also we prep for lunch. Guess what is for breakfast? We finally had the chance to cook the steak that we packed inside the fridge and prepped from home. We have a new love on our ARB element fridge/freezer. This fridge able to keep our meat, vegetables and drink all cool and preserved for the last few travel days. 10 days marinated steak still good for comsumed. I cooked the steak, saute some peppers and onion.
As the sun rise from horizontal, so do the temperature. It is getting hot and the sun is hitting us directly. We quickly pack up the tent and ready to roll out the camp spot around 10:30am.
Our first stop is Dead Horse Point State Park. This state park is very close to our camp spot. We paid the entrance fee $20, which is good for 3 days. The state park has 2 campground. I actually have reservation at this state park, but have to cancel due to our early departure date.
Regards Dead Horse Point State Park, it's main attraction is mountain bike trail and a horse shoe view point where colorado river flow through the Canyon. The state park is also very close to Canyonland National Park, so there are several view point of Canyonland National Park can be found within the Park. We went to the horse shoe/Goose neck view point where we had lunch at the area.
I think we spend too much time here. We spend 2 hrs at the visitor center. Mostly clean up and refreshed our self due to the clean restroom. Wife and kids also spend time at the gift shop and have some ice cream. Then, we had lunch at the view point. It's 2:00pm, We need to head out to Canyonland National Park.
We drive to Canyonland National Park and take the scenic route. We drove all the way to Grand View Point. The scenery is beautiful here. From this view point, we can see the canyon/valley below. There is a road can be seen which follow the rim of the canyon. This is the famous White Rim Trail. I have a plan to drive on White Rim Trail, but due to limit time, I have to wait till next visit. We didn't stay too long at Canyonland National Park as we need to head to Moab and check into our hotel. We have a night reserved at the Homewood Suite in Moab. It's time for us to relax and get some laundry done. We head out and hop on to Shafer Trail. I know there is a short cut to reach Moab from Canyonland National Park via some offroad and sharp switchback turn.
All I can say is Shafer Trail is a must do. From Shafer Trail, we turn to Potash Road. This is a 18.3 miles point-to-point route. I'll let the video/picture show how much I enjoyed driving Shafer Trail.
We arrived to our hotel around 6pm. Due to the hotel is in the downtown vicinity, the parking is limited and not trailer friendly. I have to detach my trailer and park into it's own spot and my rig need to be parked at the different spot. Once we get to our room, we are ready to head out again. We want to visit Arches National Park before the sunset. Once our luggage settles in the room, we head out. The temperature in the late afternoon still registered as high as 104.
We head up to Arches National Park from Moab. It's actually just a few miles north of Moab downtown area. Since it's over 6pm, the gate for the National Park is wide open. We only have a goal, hike to delicate arch at Arches National Park. As we drive around the park road, we see lots of butte. No wonder Arches National Park is a must visit. We park our car at the trail head, packed ourself with many waters and start our hike to Delicate Arch. According to sign, this is a 3 miles roundtrip.
Hiking in 104 degree is not fun. I have to carry extra waters. We completed the hike and I'm very proud of my kids, especially the youngest one, for complete the hike. Today, We have so many activities that it's hard to write down all the detail.
We left Arches National Park around 9:45pm and head back to Hotel. It's dark and the moon is shining. We luck out since the moon light actually help our return hike from Delicate arch.
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| Steak for breakfast |
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| Marinated steak |
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| Sauteed Onion |
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| Red peppers and onion. |
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| ARB Element Fridge |
As the sun rise from horizontal, so do the temperature. It is getting hot and the sun is hitting us directly. We quickly pack up the tent and ready to roll out the camp spot around 10:30am.
Our first stop is Dead Horse Point State Park. This state park is very close to our camp spot. We paid the entrance fee $20, which is good for 3 days. The state park has 2 campground. I actually have reservation at this state park, but have to cancel due to our early departure date.
Regards Dead Horse Point State Park, it's main attraction is mountain bike trail and a horse shoe view point where colorado river flow through the Canyon. The state park is also very close to Canyonland National Park, so there are several view point of Canyonland National Park can be found within the Park. We went to the horse shoe/Goose neck view point where we had lunch at the area.
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| Dead Horse Point State Park |
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| Dead Horse Point State Park |
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| Dead Horse Point State Park |
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| Enjoying the view at Dead Horse Point State Park |
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| Lunch at Dead Horse State Park |
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| Dead Horse State Park |
I think we spend too much time here. We spend 2 hrs at the visitor center. Mostly clean up and refreshed our self due to the clean restroom. Wife and kids also spend time at the gift shop and have some ice cream. Then, we had lunch at the view point. It's 2:00pm, We need to head out to Canyonland National Park.
We drive to Canyonland National Park and take the scenic route. We drove all the way to Grand View Point. The scenery is beautiful here. From this view point, we can see the canyon/valley below. There is a road can be seen which follow the rim of the canyon. This is the famous White Rim Trail. I have a plan to drive on White Rim Trail, but due to limit time, I have to wait till next visit. We didn't stay too long at Canyonland National Park as we need to head to Moab and check into our hotel. We have a night reserved at the Homewood Suite in Moab. It's time for us to relax and get some laundry done. We head out and hop on to Shafer Trail. I know there is a short cut to reach Moab from Canyonland National Park via some offroad and sharp switchback turn.
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| Entering Canyonlands National Park |
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| Beautiful view |
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| The white canyon edge is white rim trail |
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| More beautiful View |
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| Grand View Point |
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| Beautiful view off grandview point |
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| Chin family picture |
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| Shafer Trail |
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| On Shafer Trail |
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| On Shafer Trail |
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| On Shafer Trail |
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| On Shafer Trail |
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| On Shafer Trail |
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| On Potash Rd |
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| On Potash Rd |
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| Air up after Potash Rd |
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| Before entering town of Moab |
All I can say is Shafer Trail is a must do. From Shafer Trail, we turn to Potash Road. This is a 18.3 miles point-to-point route. I'll let the video/picture show how much I enjoyed driving Shafer Trail.
We arrived to our hotel around 6pm. Due to the hotel is in the downtown vicinity, the parking is limited and not trailer friendly. I have to detach my trailer and park into it's own spot and my rig need to be parked at the different spot. Once we get to our room, we are ready to head out again. We want to visit Arches National Park before the sunset. Once our luggage settles in the room, we head out. The temperature in the late afternoon still registered as high as 104.
We head up to Arches National Park from Moab. It's actually just a few miles north of Moab downtown area. Since it's over 6pm, the gate for the National Park is wide open. We only have a goal, hike to delicate arch at Arches National Park. As we drive around the park road, we see lots of butte. No wonder Arches National Park is a must visit. We park our car at the trail head, packed ourself with many waters and start our hike to Delicate Arch. According to sign, this is a 3 miles roundtrip.
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Arches National Park |
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| Balanced Rock |
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| Hiking to Delicate Arch |
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| Hiking to Delicate Arch |
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| One down |
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| Hiking to Delicate Arch |
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| Trail to Delicate Arch |
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| Hiking to Delicate Arch |
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| Delicate Arch |
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| Delicate Arch |
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| Selfie |
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| Chin Family Group picture |
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| Delicate Arch |
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| Keep Hydrate |
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| Hot |
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| Delicate Arch |
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| Delicate Arch |
Hiking in 104 degree is not fun. I have to carry extra waters. We completed the hike and I'm very proud of my kids, especially the youngest one, for complete the hike. Today, We have so many activities that it's hard to write down all the detail.
We left Arches National Park around 9:45pm and head back to Hotel. It's dark and the moon is shining. We luck out since the moon light actually help our return hike from Delicate arch.
July 23 Day 10
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| Day 10 Route |
Due to overload activities yesterday, today we will try to relax a bit before we head out to CO. We are staying at Homewood Suite in Moab. This was original planned as we need to refresh after several days dispersed camping and need laundry access. We wake up a little late than usual. At 8:30am, We head down to hotel lobby for our breakfast. After breakfast, I went outside for a walk/exercise/play pokemon go game. The hotel is located at the heart of the downtown area. I just walk up/down the main street. After some window shopping on Main Street and catching some pokemon, I head back up to the room and prepare for departure. We all freshen up and we are doing some laundry chores. We packup our luggage and start checkout process. We left at 11:00am as that's our checkout time. Since we still have some remaining laundry chores, we stay till 11:30am to finish up the remaining task. We wrapped up and start loading our luggage back to the truck. We start heading out around 12pm.
Our first stop actually in Cortez CO. My truck need to get gas and we need to get lunch. The gas is much cheaper here so I opt to fill up here. After fill up, we found a walmart. We got our lunch and grocery refresh at the Walmart. Since we are not too far from Mesa Verde National Park, we bring our lunch and eat outside the visitor center of Mesa Verde.
We arrived Mesa Verde National Park around 2pm. I was trying to get ticket to see cliff dwelling. But due to late arrival, all ticket for the day sold out. I'm pretty bum about this as I swear the ticket booth was still open and people still getting in line to purchase ticket 15 mins ago (prior lunch break). Oh well, I just need to move forward.
Here is some info about Mesa Verde National Park. The cliff dwelling is actually 20+ miles inside the park loop road. No trailer is allow inside the park loop road. I have to unhitch the trailer at the trailer parking lot (prior to the gate) and drive 20 miles up twisty, steep road to get to the area.
Even without any tour ticket, Mesa Verde National Park didn't let us down. We drove the road to the view point. We wishes to spend more time here, but we are short on time. We did manage to walk to a few view point and also visit the museum at Chapin Mesa. There is a self tour guide at the spruce tree house, but due to erosion, the NP close our chance to step near ruin. We spend our time here until the park close at 6pm. We went back to the parking lot and hitch up the trailer and continue our drive to Ouray CO.
On our drive to Ouray, we need to drive through the million dollar hwy, aka US Route 550. Million dollar highway, US Route 550, from Durango through Silverton to Ouray CO, is one of the most dangerous highway. Here, I experienced one of the most dangerous drive. Twisty switchback, dark highway filled with wildlife like deers, moose and elks. I can't count how many deers and elks we seen near the roadside. If I spook the deers or elks and they jump into my path, I'm surely will hit the animals. We also have a chance to see a moose, a young moose, near the roadside. To know more about Million Dollar Highway, you can read more from https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html
We arrived Ouray and head toward our campground at Ridgway State Park. Ridgway state Park is about 15 miles north of Ouray. Once we found our reserved camp spot, we quickly setup our tent and get a late meal before we end the day.
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| Downtown Moab |
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| Downtown Moab |
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| Our hotel |
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| Decoration inside the hotel |
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| Electric Charger for EV at the hotel |
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| Our trailer parked at the hotel parking lot |
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| Our Rig parked under the hotel parking |
Our first stop actually in Cortez CO. My truck need to get gas and we need to get lunch. The gas is much cheaper here so I opt to fill up here. After fill up, we found a walmart. We got our lunch and grocery refresh at the Walmart. Since we are not too far from Mesa Verde National Park, we bring our lunch and eat outside the visitor center of Mesa Verde.
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| UT, In route to CO |
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| UT, in route to CO |
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| Welcome to CO |
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| road sign |
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| Somewhere in CO |
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| Family Selfie |
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| Mesa Verde Sculpture |
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| Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center |
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| Sign outside visitor center |
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| Visitor Center |
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| Visitor Center |
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| Visitor Center |
We arrived Mesa Verde National Park around 2pm. I was trying to get ticket to see cliff dwelling. But due to late arrival, all ticket for the day sold out. I'm pretty bum about this as I swear the ticket booth was still open and people still getting in line to purchase ticket 15 mins ago (prior lunch break). Oh well, I just need to move forward.
Here is some info about Mesa Verde National Park. The cliff dwelling is actually 20+ miles inside the park loop road. No trailer is allow inside the park loop road. I have to unhitch the trailer at the trailer parking lot (prior to the gate) and drive 20 miles up twisty, steep road to get to the area.
Even without any tour ticket, Mesa Verde National Park didn't let us down. We drove the road to the view point. We wishes to spend more time here, but we are short on time. We did manage to walk to a few view point and also visit the museum at Chapin Mesa. There is a self tour guide at the spruce tree house, but due to erosion, the NP close our chance to step near ruin. We spend our time here until the park close at 6pm. We went back to the parking lot and hitch up the trailer and continue our drive to Ouray CO.
On our drive to Ouray, we need to drive through the million dollar hwy, aka US Route 550. Million dollar highway, US Route 550, from Durango through Silverton to Ouray CO, is one of the most dangerous highway. Here, I experienced one of the most dangerous drive. Twisty switchback, dark highway filled with wildlife like deers, moose and elks. I can't count how many deers and elks we seen near the roadside. If I spook the deers or elks and they jump into my path, I'm surely will hit the animals. We also have a chance to see a moose, a young moose, near the roadside. To know more about Million Dollar Highway, you can read more from https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/635-million-dollar-highway-usa.html
We arrived Ouray and head toward our campground at Ridgway State Park. Ridgway state Park is about 15 miles north of Ouray. Once we found our reserved camp spot, we quickly setup our tent and get a late meal before we end the day.
July 24 Day 11
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| Day 11 Route |
As we arrived Ridgway State Park campground late, we quietly setup our tent and rest up as early as possible. In the morning, we start to see the surrounding of the camp site. Ridgway State Park campground is actually located near a reservoir. It's beautiful campground with multiple loop. I reserved on loop A which is close to the Highway 550. We can hear truck went by. The noise don't bother us, but just want to share our experience. We have 3 nights reservation at this campground. I'm using this as our base camp before our last leg of driving back to MA.
Today, we plan to drive the famous Alpine Loop. After breakfast, we head out. Our first stop is to fuel up. We stop at a gas station near Ouray CO. After fuel up, we slowly drive through the town, Ouray. Ouray CO, a small town located at a 7800 feet elevation. Some people will experience altitude sickness, but we are luck out. We don't experience any unpleasant since our arrival.
As we leaving Ouray downtown area, we are heading uphill with switchback turn.
Today, we plan to drive the famous Alpine Loop. After breakfast, we head out. Our first stop is to fuel up. We stop at a gas station near Ouray CO. After fuel up, we slowly drive through the town, Ouray. Ouray CO, a small town located at a 7800 feet elevation. Some people will experience altitude sickness, but we are luck out. We don't experience any unpleasant since our arrival.
As we leaving Ouray downtown area, we are heading uphill with switchback turn.
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| Breakfast at the campground |
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| Heading to Ouray |
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| Near Ouray |
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| Ouray Downtown |
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| Begin the switchback climb after Ouray |
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| Looking back to Ouray |
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| US 550 |
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| US 550 |
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| Waterfall |
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| Ouray - Start of Alpine Loop |
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| Me at Alpine Loop sign |
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| 4x4 only - Not kidding |
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| Windshield view |
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| Let's GO !!! |
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| Ascending to Engineer Mountain |
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| Another shot |
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| Narrow road with 2 way traffic |
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| Narrow trail with steep drop |
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| no room for error |
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| driver side view of the trail |
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| abandoned mine |
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| Passing a abandoned mine |
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| Continue ascending |
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| Another view of abandoned mine |
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| an open area |
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| Still ascending |
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| abandoned building |
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| Junction |
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| Driver view |
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| are we there yet? |
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| Alpine loop sign |
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| Running board got scratches |
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| Still going strong |
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| The view !!!! |
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| Odom point, aka Oh! Point. |
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| We arrived at the top of Engineer Pass |
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| Long ride and many obsticles, we are here |
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| This beast is just awesome |
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| Engineer Pass Sign |
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| 12600 feet elevation. Altitude sickness beware. |
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| Another shot at Engineer Pass |
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| Leave our sticker as proof |
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| Quick bite at Engineer Pass |
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| Time for Selfie. |
July 25 Day 12
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| Day 12 Route |
Today, it is an easy day. Wake up late, prep breakfast and take time to get out the campground. There is no set schedule, but the kids really looking forward for Hot Springs. I opt to go back to Ouray Hot Springs due to the swimming pool, pool slide and more relax setting. There is a fee to use the facility. $18 for adult and $12 for child. There are also $3 extra if you plan to use the pool slide and obstacles course. In order to use the extras, children under 12 need to have swim test. We packed up our swim wear and towel and head to Ouray.
It's a 20 mins drive from Ridgway State Park to Ouray Hot Springs.
We stayed at the hotspring and relax. Around 1pm, there was a thunderstorm rolling through the area. Seems like rain storm is very common in Ouray area during the summer time. If there is any Thunder and Lightning happen, the facility will execute safety precaution protocol to evacuate all guests. Ouray is about 7800 feets above sea level. When lightning strike, you know it's going to hit the ground or any ground object. All guest got evacuate off the pool and into the facility. You have the option to either get a re-entry stamp and return when it's open or you can wait out the storm. I was hoping to maybe visit Yankee boy basin, but the kids opt to stay at the pool. So we stayed. I'm do miss doing trail run, but dipping in hot springs is relaxing too.
We stayed till 6pm where the kids wear out or get sun burned. We head down to town and look for dinner. I got recommendation from a friend regards a mexican restaurant Buen Tiempo. I highly recommend this restaurant if you looking for an authentic mexican food. The chips and salsa is the best. After dinner, we head back to campground and call it the day. Tomorrow, we will have a 4 days journey eastbound.
It's a 20 mins drive from Ridgway State Park to Ouray Hot Springs.
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| Lazy to wake up |
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| Breakfast chef |
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| On the way to Ouray |
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| Ouray sign |
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| CampWithChin Groupie |
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| Carfie |
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| Swim test |
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| pool view |
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| pool view |
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| pool view |
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| pool view |
We stayed at the hotspring and relax. Around 1pm, there was a thunderstorm rolling through the area. Seems like rain storm is very common in Ouray area during the summer time. If there is any Thunder and Lightning happen, the facility will execute safety precaution protocol to evacuate all guests. Ouray is about 7800 feets above sea level. When lightning strike, you know it's going to hit the ground or any ground object. All guest got evacuate off the pool and into the facility. You have the option to either get a re-entry stamp and return when it's open or you can wait out the storm. I was hoping to maybe visit Yankee boy basin, but the kids opt to stay at the pool. So we stayed. I'm do miss doing trail run, but dipping in hot springs is relaxing too.
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| Cool rigs owned by Beaumont Hotel |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Flower & wasp |
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| Beaumont Hotel |
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| Recommended Mexican Restaurant |
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| Chips & Salsa |
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| Got dollar? |
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| Wings |
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| Taco |
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| Chicken |
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| Taco |
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| Chili |
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| nom nom nom |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
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| Downtown Ouray |
We stayed till 6pm where the kids wear out or get sun burned. We head down to town and look for dinner. I got recommendation from a friend regards a mexican restaurant Buen Tiempo. I highly recommend this restaurant if you looking for an authentic mexican food. The chips and salsa is the best. After dinner, we head back to campground and call it the day. Tomorrow, we will have a 4 days journey eastbound.
July 26 Day 13
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| Day 13 Route |
July 27 Day 14
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| Day 14 Route |
July 28 Day 15
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| Day 15 Route |
July 29 Day 16
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| Day 16 Route |
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