Originally Posted by
Sjoerd
Some easy hikes on some days, and see the scenery and the landscapes. We don't mind driving, however obviously we don't want to spend the entire 10 days behind the steering wheel. Rental car + motels/hotels.
Questions:
1) what would you suggest in terms of national parks to see and tour? (suggested itinerary)
2) how crowded is June 16-27 in this part of the US? Would you recommend to reserve hotels in advance or will it be easy to secure accommodation on the spot?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
You will need to reserve hotels in advance.....especially the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone/Grand Teton Area.
Same true for Bryce canyon, Estes Park, Cortez, Kayenta, Torrey, and Moab.
In ssome areas if you wait till the last second you may have to drive an hr or more away to find someplace to stay.
With the other areas you have numerous hotel options but on weekends it will be more difficult than weekends because many "local" weekend travelers will be competing with you for hotel space.
Places not near a national Parks you will find places.
With the Grand Canyon if you cant find a spot in a lodge or the best wetern/Holiday InnExpress just outside of the south rim entrance tthe next hotels will be in Williams, Flagstaff, or Tuba City.
With Yellowstone if you cant find a lodge or a hotel in West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cooke City you have to look at Cody, Idaho Falls, or Bozeman/Livingston, MT.
At this time of year you have the option to camp which will open up more options for you....or some places like a KOA or other similar places allow you to rent a cabin with beds but you need to bring your own sleeping bag.
If you do Bryce/Zion/Page/North Rim of the Grand Canyon ...Kanab is a good place you can use to stay 3-4 nights and then drive to each of these locations for the day.
Same with Cortez, CO....you can do Mesa Verde but also do day trips through the mountains on US 550/CO 123 through Ouray and telluride and then do another day trip to Canyon de Chiele and Monument Valley, another one to Chaco Canyon.
In Rapid City, SC you can use that as a base to stay while you visit the Black Hills area.
In this area most hotels have laundry facilities you can use.