Going on a trip… where should we stop and enjoy the scenery?

[WILDHOBO]

I’m definitely looking at Yellowstone If we can get in. 4 corners would be cool. Might be able to work in Mesa Verde as well while in the area. Mt. Rushmore is something I remember as being amazing but I’ve heard it’s hard to get into these days.I have to look up the mammoth cave. That sounds amazing.

I wouldn’t make a special trip to four corners, unless you’re nearby anyway. Neat, but nothing epic.

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[Jteakus]

Silverton, CO and Moab, UT, Monument Valley, AZ
So many things to see, Route dependent.

 

[Gvsukids]

Silverton, CO

We'll be there end of July.

 

[danimal2000]

If you're near Mt Rushmore and South Dakota: badlands natl park, and custer state park.

Badlands is like another planet. Custer a hidden gem imo, great hiking and a large herd of bison

 

[Mad Mac]

In the interest of time
allow me to suggest
concentrating on the eastern portion.
Visit your people while they still live
and the mines where they worked.
I was fortunate enough
to be able to do that
for my wife with her family
who were West Virginia coal miners.

Drive long hard days in the west
where you can make time.
Plan to visit the west later
when you can take a week off
here and there.
One can see a lot in 9 or 10 days.

Yellowstone and Monument Valley
will always be there.
Your people, relatives, not so much.

In the meantime
ride with me on my western tour.

 

[23Blue]

Since you are heading to NC; Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a must see. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Just enjoy your time and try to be a little spontaneous along the way. Your kids will cherish the trip and time with you, no matter what you do.

 

[RMWV]

If you mske it fsr enough east, try the New River Gorge Bridge. and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine You can walk the inspection catwalk under the bridge and you ride a man car into the exhibition mine. there is also excellent w'hite water rafting in the gorge.

 

[DylanM]

I wouldn’t make a special trip to four corners, unless you’re nearby anyway. Neat, but nothing epic.

Agreed, the Four Corners Monument in and of itself isn't that great, it's the numerous ancient ruins and cliff dwellings in that region that really make the area worth visiting. For a history and culture buff, one really shouldn't pass up the opportunity to visit sites like Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Hovenweep, and Canyon de Chelly.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Agreed, the Four Corners Monument in and of itself isn't that great, it's the numerous ancient ruins and cliff dwellings in that region that really make the area worth visiting. For a history and culture buff, one really shouldn't pass up the opportunity to visit sites like Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Hovenweep, and Canyon de Chelly.

 

[Dickies Outdoor's]

Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Lots of wild Bison and wild horses this time of year. 30 Mile scenic loop through the south unit out of Medora into the Badlands overlook. Easy access to I-94 as well as North / South exits. Depending on where you are going after that, on your way into or out of there, hit Dickinson ND. Great dinosaur museum with lots of dinosaurs that were harvested from the surrounding areas There were LOTS of dinosaurs in ND, T-Rex's, velociraptors etc. Its a BEAUTIFUL drive through the badlands that you will NEVER regret hitting. The new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential library opens July 4th... I have taken a pre opening tour and it's freaking amazing!

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I wouldn’t make a special trip to four corners, unless you’re nearby anyway. Neat, but nothing epic.

And miss the rows of vendors selling weird stuff??!!

 

[GI Grandpa]

Maybe I missed it, but where are you starting from? It's a two day drive from Yellowstone to Mesa Verde for instance, so zig zagging across the country

I will be going from West coast to East coast in a couple of month, camping our way as we go. It’s going to be my 10 almost 11 year old kid and myself. I want to make this trip a true memory for her. Show her places she won’t get to see again as a kid.
I only have 2 weeks to get there and back.
I would love ideas from folks who have been places recently and know how they actually are, because the last time I on this kind of trip I was about 6 years old and that was half a century ago. Things have changed. She loves history, fossils, nature and culture. Mining is in her bones and blood.

Maybe I missed it, but where are you starting from? 14 days isn't enough time to zigzag across the country to hit say Mesa Verde and Yellowstone as it is a long days drive between them. You could take one route out and another back, but stops like Mesa Verde or Yellowstone are a full day or more to see everything.

 

[T-Rock]

Mesa Verde (2nd that)
- Petrified Forest NP can be a relatively quick stop & memorable if you just drive the loop and take a short walk to see the forest of petrified trees on the ground.
- Also do the junior ranger passport and get stamps at any National Parks you can hit along the way.
- If going the northern route, then the Bison Range and or Black Hills/Mt Rushmore are awesome
- St. Louis Arch - I think you can still go up inside, that is an experience she will remember
- Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch (Seymour, MO) if you want some offroad options AND get to see a lot of horses. It is a working horse ranch with nice camping and trails. There is a Jeep Badge of Honor trail there
- Lots of options along the 40 in the midwest/east if you take that route
- Also agree with previous comment about focus on the east coast since you don't get out there often. Blue Ridge Parkway, Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home - monticello.org) and Salem are often overlooked but also memorable

 

[Jteakus]

Gateway Arch is well worth the stop.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Gateway Arch is well worth the stop.

And Union Station!!!! Used to be a good Hooters there….

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