An RV Trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville

Monty November 15, 2012
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Picture of the Birdsong Hollow Bridge

The Birdsong Hollow Bridge

Hopping in your RV for a winter trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway is something you need to plan in the coming months. This 444-mile drive offers unbelievable scenery and plenty of American history. The “Old Trace” is a path that involved Indians, settlers and presidents. Outdoor recreation is abundant too!

Start out in Nashville, TN and stay awhile to enjoy the sights to see in “Music City.” Before you begin your travels along the parkway, you will want to get caught up in all Nashville has to offer the visitor. There is always a huge calendar of events which showcases the best musical experiences you can imagine.

There is no doubt that your first stop should be the Grand Ole Opry House on Opryland Drive. Pick up a concert schedule and get tickets to see some of the best country music artists around. This spot has launched many careers. Then visit the Hermitage to see exhibits, a film about the history of President Andrew Jackson. This Antebellum plantation is now restored and is a fabulous museum.

More history is waiting for you at the Belle Meade Plantation where you get a true flavor of the historic American south. Then head over to 5th Avenue South to take in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s entertainment district. You will find many treasures that will bring back memories of country music as it used to be. Then at the Tennessee State Museum experience a long list of historic displays that highlight periods in Tennessee from prehistoric times to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

In the evening, you will want to spend some time on the General Jackson Showboat. This 300-foot-long paddlewheel riverboat is styled just like those that moved up and down the waterways in the south in the 1800s. Have a delicious dinner, dance on the deck under the stars and relax. You can also enjoy a cruise in the daylight hours.

Now you are ready to take off on the Natchez Trace Parkway and travel south out of Nashville. This is a year round drive that is sure to please any RVer. However, you must make it a point to fill up before leaving Nashville as there is only one gas station on the Parkway. It is located at mile 193. Stop along the way to hike, fish or take part in special events. Rangers can give you schedules so you can plan your itinerary.

When you come to Birdsong Hollow, stop near the arched bridge and take in the view. You can see its innovative design from north of the bridge at the parking area, or taking the exit ramp just south of the bridge which takes you to Highway 96. From here you will be looking up at the entire length. Be sure to have your camera handy.

When you come to Tennessee Valley Divide you will be at milepost 423.9 and can stop for some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the views. Then you will want to visit the Phosphate Mine for a real treat. You can hike for five minutes to a railroad bed and collapsed mineshaft for a unique experience. As you drive on and move south of the Tennessee State line, there are opportunities for short walks, stops at prehistoric mound sites and other historical points of interest. At Colbert Ferry in Alabama you can park in the parking area and walk a short distance up a small path to see Colbert’s stand where travelers stopped for shelter. Add on another twenty minutes of walking and you will come to a bluff overlook.

You will come to the Bear Creek Mound and Village Site before leaving Alabama and entering Mississippi. This was a ceremonial site in 1100 to 1300 A.D. This is at milepost 308.8 and is free of charge to view. Another great stop is the Twentymile Bottom Overlook. You may see other places to pull over and enjoy the Mississippi weather.

Tupelo, Mississippi is a wonderful place to stop off to do some shopping and to see the birthplace of Elvis Presley. You will also like to visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. You will find the Natchez Trace RV Park is just south of Tupelo and offers wonderful RV camping.

You will finally reach Natchez, Mississippi which is the end of your trip. This is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi. Be sure to allot some time to stay here a while so you can wind down from your drive and enjoy some browsing in the shops and grab some incredibly good food.

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Delve into Death Valley on an RV Adventure

Monty November 6, 2012
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Picture of Sand Dunes in Death Valley

Sand Dunes in Death Valley

Death Valley is enchanting – and HOT! But in the fall and winter months you will find a trip to Death Valley much more enjoyable than the hotter summer months. In fact, in the winter it can get quite cold. At trip in an RV is the perfect way to experience your getaway into the desert landscapes. Start out in Olancha, California and head to Death Valley Junction which is about a 130-mile trip. Depending on how often you stop and for how long, you can expect the drive to take about three hours.

Driving through Death Valley National Park you will see amazing vistas of desert and mountains, and have the chance to see some unusual sights. There are 3.4 million acres in the park and of course, you won’t see it all – but you’ll see enough to fulfill your desires to see this striking desert land and the wildlife living here.

The Furnace Creek area holds many wonders you won’t want to miss. From golden canyons and volcanic hills to eroded rock spans and the lowest point in North America, you have to see it to believe it. Make a point to stop and visit the Borax Museum and see the history of Borax in the valley. At Zabriskie Point there is a view that is said to be the park’s most famous one. Head here to see a sunset with beautiful colors painting the sky.

When you visit the Stovepipe Wells area you will see the patterns of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes as well as the polished marble walls of Mosaic Canyon. Take the wood boardwalk at Salt Creek and walk past some reflective pools. Titus Canyon will be tricky to access with an RV but you can do it via a dirt road from outside the park. This is one of the most scenic of all drives, and you’ll want to see the ghost town.

At Scotty’s Castle area you will stop at Scotty’s Castle & Visitor Center to see the Spanish-style mansion and pick up a snack at the visitor center snack bar. The Ubehebe Crater was created by a huge volcanic explosion and you’ll want to explore the area to learn more about Earth’s history.

In this area of Scotty’s Castle, you can also visit the fascinating Eureka Dunes. They rise 700 feet and are noted as being the highest dunes in California. The colors alone are incredible, and you will definitely want your camera to hand so you can capture some of this beauty.

The Panamint Springs area offers more miracles of the desert, such as Darwin Falls and the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. These ten kilns were built back in 1876 to provide fuel for processing silver and lead ore. Don’t miss the Lee Flat Joshua Trees while you are here.

If you love hiking, there are a number of trails you can take into the canyons. Try Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail (PDF) for an easy two-mile hike through a lovely canyon. Two others are Desolation Canyon which is three miles round trip and Natural Bridge Canyon, beginning in the Natural Bridge parking lot.

What a trip! Death Valley is a wonderful place to explore. An RV vacation here is something to remember for many years to come.

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An RV Trip to Redwoods National Park

Monty November 2, 2012
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Picture of Redwood TreesRedwood trees are truly a wonder of nature. Some species of redwoods are the tallest and largest trees in the world. So a trip in an RV to Redwoods National Park isn’t just a vacation, it’s a nature experience. Fall is the perfect time, with average highs between 60 to 75 degrees and lows from the 50s to as low as 30 degrees. Although you may find some rain storms at times, the warm days and cooler nights make a getaway extremely pleasurable.

Take either the Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 101 out of San Francisco. Both offer great scenery, with the Pacific Coast Highway beating out any other route in California. You just have to be ready to steer the RV through any tricky curves. If you have taken this route, you will finally reach a spot where Pacific Coast Highway merges with 101 and takes you inland.

If you have taken Highway 101 the whole way, it turns into the Redwood Highway as you leave Santa Rosa. You may not view the ocean around every curve, but you certainly will see all the fabulous California landscapes.

First stop should be Humboldt Redwoods State Park, a park with almost 53,000 acres and a large part of that consists of old-growth coast redwoods. This unique park has many facilities, and more than 250 campgrounds. Stop at the Humboldt Redwoods Visitor Center to see the exhibits and drive the 32-mile auto tour. Taking the Avenue of the Giants treats you to some dense forests and lots of places where you can stop and do your own exploring.

At Humboldt Bay, your next stop on your trip north, you must put Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum on your itinerary. You will never guess as to the rich maritime heritage this area has until you see it for yourself. Browse the artifacts, photographs and archives to enhance your knowledge. Then learn about the natural life in the area by stopping at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge. You will see the wetland homes of ducks and geese, as well as swans and many other birds. Fall is a time of migration and gives you the perfect opportunity at doing some bird watching.

As you move up the coast, you’ll come to the small city of Eureka, California. This is a town that is the economic hub of the county, as well as providing the visitor with quite an interesting history. Drive through town and take in the restored homes and stop to visit the galleries. Walk along the waterfront on the Eureka Boardwalk. You will love the views!

If you love to fish, Big Lagoon offers some of the best. You can get there by going through Dry Lagoon State Park. You will surely see plenty of waterfowl and perhaps get some glimpses of herons, osprey and even some elk. Fish from the shore or from a boat, whichever you prefer.

At Humboldt Lagoons State Park you will find a beach that will make your beachcomber dreams come true. This is a marshland habitat where bird watching is great too. Hike around and explore, as well as stretch your legs from all that driving. The weather here in fall is wonderful and you miss all the summer tourist traffic.

Now when you reach your destination – Redwoods National Park – you have the pleasure of seeing extraordinary forests, and more wildlife. See black bears, elk and more. When there during November and December, you will have the opportunity to see the gray whales migrating and whale watching could never be better. Of course, the beauty of the trees transcends everything. The peace and tranquility of a redwood forest has no compare.

Lady Bird Johnson Grove is the perfect place to hike. The trail is level and not very long. You will find it close to the Kuchel Visitor Center. Be sure to dress warmly as the fog often moves in here and will chill you unless dressed correctly. Of course all the hiking trails here invite you into the fascinating forest land. You will have plenty of chances to move through these old-growth redwood forests and shed all your cares and concerns as Mother Nature takes all your attention.

As your RV vacation comes to an end, you will be very glad you chose Redwoods National Park for your end-goal, and you will certainly want to come back again to enjoy everything this park has to offer.

Picture credits: The picture of the redwood trees is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

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A Yellowstone Vacation with an RV

Monty October 29, 2012
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Picture of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

A vacation in an RV to Yellowstone National Park is a completely captivating experience. This park is a most unusual landscape, filled with geysers, mud pots and colorful geothermal features. Hot springs and pine forests attract wildlife, and the picturesque waterfalls and canyons intrigue millions of visitors from all over the world.

Drive your RV into the Yellowstone North Entrance at Mammoth. On the way you must stop at the famous Roosevelt Arch. This soaring basalt stone arch is a special symbol of Yellowstone, welcoming travelers to the most popular park in the U.S.

You will come to Mammoth Hot Springs as you move into the park from the North Entrance. The terraces are not to be missed, with the colorful formations amazing in their beauty as hot water and limestone work together to create this natural artwork.

To really get the most out of your visit to Mammoth Hot Springs, you should take the Lower Terrace Trail. You will hike an easy one-mile path and come to an overlook that gives you the best view. You can also access the Upper Terrace and witness how these hot springs are forever changing as the water flows every which way, leaving mineral deposits and making living sculptures.

Absorb some the history at the park by taking a walking tour of Fort Yellowstone. The buildings here were built in 1891, with quarters for officers, guards and enlisted men. At Albright Visitor Center and Museum you can get more history and study the early settlers, mountain men and Native Americans who made this area their home. Ensure you visit the Moran Gallery for amazing watercolor sketches by Thomas Moran.

The Grand Loop Road offers most of the major attractions of Yellowstone only a few hundred feet from the road. Easy access means you will use this as your main route through the park so you don’t miss anything. One place you don’t want to pass up is Mesa Falls, a spot at the headwaters of the Snake River and containing amazing views. Bird watching here is really fun, and you may see an eagle fly overhead.

A must-see is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, carved by great glaciers and the water of the Yellowstone River. Watch the gorgeous cascade of the Lower Falls just east of Canyon Village. The views are indescribable. This is the largest waterfall in the park, as well as the second most photographed attraction (after Old Faithful).

Stopping at Lake Village is a wonderful respite in your RV trip through the park. You’ll find all the supplies you need to continue your travels. At the Fishing Bridge you will see a log bridge built in 1902 that was a favorite of fishermen to go for a trophy catch. You can stand on the bridge and watch the fish swimming below you. Don’t forget to stop at the Fishing Bridge Museum to learn more about this area. The Fishing Bridge RV Park is the perfect place to park your RV for a while and explore the surrounding wonders of Yellowstone.

Now it is time to get yourself over to Old Faithful and watch the impressive display of Mother Nature. As the spray flies sky-high you will find it hard to believe that a geyser can have that much power. Afterwards, explore the Upper Geyser Basin for a wealth of sights such as hot springs, mud pots, more geysers and pools. Walk around Geyser Hill and enjoy the eruptions of Amemone and Beehive Geysers.

Lower Geyser Basin also offers plentiful thermal features to delight and inspire the whole family. You can see massive displays of water shooting up to 150 feet in the air. The multi-colored mud pots bubble and gurgle, making you curious as to what is below your feet in this amazing Yellowstone National Park.

Head north to Madison and see all the sights there are here. From natural highlights like Gibbon Falls to the Madison Museum, you will want to take it all in. Drive towards Norris and stop at Terrace Springs to walk the short boardwalk through this thermal area. Further on you will come to the Artists Paintpots. There is a one-mile trail that will take you to hot springs and large mud pots as well as some backcountry geothermal areas to explore.

Your RV trip does not have to end here. There is always more to do in Yellowstone. You may want to stay a week or two so you can enjoy this famous park to the max. Whatever you decide, you are sure to have a great time no matter how long you stay.

Picture credits: The picture of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An Autumn RV Journey to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Monty October 26, 2012
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Picture of Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the wonders of the world, and a perfect destination on an RV trip. Avoiding the summer crowds also has its pleasures, so autumn is a great time to go. If you hurry, you can still get to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a fall season RV trip beyond compare. The road closes with the first snowfall but you still have time to drive this scenic route and access the North Rim.

All the attractions listed are open until the main highway closes that takes you to the Rim, but all visitor services in the park closed on October 15. This is a truly spectacular part of the park and if you can make it during the uncrowded fall season, you are sure to get extra enjoyment from the trip.

Grand Canyon views are particularly beautiful from the north side. It is the perfect time of year to get in some hiking too! You can take an easy one-half-mile hike to Bright Angel Point (PDF). There are some amazing photo opportunities here. Enjoy the sound of Roaring Springs cascading over the rim. Taking the Clear Creek Trail will take you on a really long hike (8.4 miles) to Cheyava Falls, the highest waterfall in all of Grand Canyon. It is actually a backpacking adventure, so be sure to check weather conditions and be ready for an overnight camp out.

A full day hike is the one to Roaring Springs. This is along the North Kaibab Trail with the trailhead just two miles north of the Grand Canyon Lodge. Start early and ensure you don’t dawdle along. This area is still open for day use until the first snow.

If you don’t want to brave the backcountry so close to snow season, you can just take a short trail through the woodlands. A short trek takes you to Roosevelt Point, a wonderful place to visit with panoramic views. From this viewpoint you’ll be able to see a bit of the Colorado River and a lovely flat plain stretching between Vermilion Cliffs and Echo Cliffs.

As you move along Cape Royal Road, be ready to stop at all the amazing spots for views of the Canyon. Angels Window will bring gasps of wonder as you come to the arch and move over this incredible formation. Cape Final is another stop on Cape Royal Road, and provides more views that you will get nowhere else.

Another must-see on the North Rim along Cape Royal Road is Walhalla Overlook. You will be able to view the delta of the Colorado where Puebloans used to farm. Take nearby trails to see more fascinating sights, like an ancient granary. If all this sightseeing has made you hungry, stop at Vista Encantada where you can enjoy a picnic while looking out over the canyon.

Perhaps now it is time to head home before the first blizzard strikes. You still have time to drive through Kaibab National Forest on your way home, with many scenic routes through the forests that are turning color. The Kaibab Plateau Scenic Byway is a favorite for the autumn colors.

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Exploring Bryce Canyon on an RV Vacation in Utah

Monty October 10, 2012
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Picture of Bryce Canyon Amphitheater

The Amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park

The incredible power of erosion is clearly visible in Bryce Canyon National Park, with amazing shapes, canyons and spires dominating the landscape. You can hike the canyon trails, walk along the rim and take time to see the wildlife, such as the endangered Utah Prairie Dog and the California condor. This is a trip made perfect in an RV, where you have all the comforts of home with you.

Bryce Canyon has a couple of campgrounds which accommodate RVs. These are the North Campground with 55 RV sites and the Sunset Campground, with 50 sites. Maximum length is 30 feet for your vehicle, and there are no hookups. Once settled, you can enjoy the night and then take off the next day to explore the park.

You won’t find better hiking than in Bryce Amphitheater. There are a number of trails that range from easy to strenuous. An easy hike is on Mossy Cave Trail where you will get a lovely walk by a stream and see a small waterfall. This hike is .8 miles roundtrip. You can also try the 11-mile rim trail, which is paved and mostly level.

If you are up to it, you can embark on a strenuous hike, up steep grades, and share the path with horse and mule riders. One such trail is the Peek-A-Boo Loop, 5.5 miles and with spectacular views. Bryce Canyon National Park is also great for those who love to trek in the backcountry. It’s the perfect way to really explore all this park has to offer.

Take your RV on a scenic drive to take in the vistas and incredible shapes of red rock wonders. Driving to Rainbow Point is an 18-mile trip one-way with many viewpoints to visit on your way back. Get a bird’s-eye view of the stone sculptures below that were carved by wind and water through the centuries.

If you hike the Bristlecone Loop Trail from Rainbow Point, you will see one of the oldest living things in the canyon – a 1,800-year-old bristlecone pine. As you head back north, stop at the Ponderosa Canyon Overlook. Here you will see multicolored hoodoos, those tall spires of rock that seem to grow right out of the earth. From Farview Point, if the day is clear, you will be able to see the Kaibab Plateau on Grand Canyon’s north rim.

When heading back to the main road, stop at Inspiration Point. You can’t miss this view of a collection of hoodoos that appear to be a sleeping city. When you come to Sunset Point you will have to stop and take some photos of Thor’s Hammer and the panoramic view of the Bryce Amphitheater.

Bryce Canyon also offers some exciting and educational events through the year, like the Annual Astronomy Festival in May and the Annual Utah Prairie Dog Day in June. No matter the time of year you come, you will find one of America’s most fascinating National Parks, and an RV trip with which there is no compare

Picture credits: The picture of the Amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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Take Time to Smell the Roses (and Other Wildflowers)

Monty August 17, 2012
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If you’re looking for an ideal way to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider driving along the Newfound Gap Road, also known as US Route 441. This 33-mile road traverses the entire park, and is the only road that does so. You can drive the length of the road in one hour as part of a longer vacation, or you can stop at all of the points of interest for many hours of enjoyment. When you do this, your motorhome really comes in handy, as you can make dinner, decide to stay for the night, or just be in the comfort of your RV rental while enjoying the scenery.

Be aware that the park’s busiest season is the summer tourist season in June through August, as well as leaf peepers who come to view the spectacular fall foliage in October. However, the wildflowers are in bloom as early as mid-March, and are abundant in April making for excellent motorhome vacations while the other tourists are still scarce.

You can drive the route from either end, starting at Gatlinburg or Cherokee. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located less than one mile from Gatlinburg. The visitor center can provide you with maps of the park, displays of the park’s natural history, and well-informed park rangers that can answer any of your questions regarding the best sights to see on that particular day.

If it’s a warm day, you may spot other RVs on the pull-offs beside the road. Join them and splash in the crystal waters of the Little Pigeon River. After just a few miles, you’ll reach the best view in the entire park, the Campbell Overlook, where you can see Mt. LeConte, the third highest mountain in the Smoky Mountain range.

If you want to leave your motorhome and walk around, you can take a “quiet walkway” that lets you see the remains of a number of homesteads that used to occupy this area of the Smokies. Look at the remnants of foundations and chimneys, and imagine what it was like to live there.

Large parking areas at the trailheads allow tourists to park and either take the two mile hike to admire the ever-changing views of the Smokies, including a view of Mt. Mingus, or take the challenging five mile hike up to the LeConte Lodge and intersection with the Appalachian Trail. You can also get out and walk a short distance on the Appalachian Trail as you pass through Newfound Gap itself.

An easy hike is the half mile to the observation tower on top of Clingmans Dome. From this highest point in Tennessee, you can see seven different states on a clear day. There is also a 4.2-mile round-trip hike to Andrew’s Bald, which contains truly amazing displays of flowers in June.

There are also two picnic areas in the park, although you can stop and eat in the kitchen of your RV at any of the pull-offs or parking areas.

Finally, you can stop at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center before leaving the park, and see the Mountain Farm Museum. This remarkable museum consists of buildings of the original pioneers that have been relocated from throughout the park.

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An RV Adventure to Redwood National Park and Beyond

Monty June 18, 2012
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Picture of a Redwood Tree

Redwood Tree in Redwood National Park

Taking the family on a trip up the California coast is an adventure not to pass up. Redwood National Forest awaits you in Northern California, with its magnificent Redwoods and wild, rocky coastline. With an RV motorhome, you can have all the comforts of home while exploring all the sights and sounds of this mountainous and ocean-side landscape.

Recommended is starting in Eureka and traveling up Highway 101. Eureka, California offers a lot in the way of outdoor recreational activities. You can stop here, park your RV and go hunting, boating or backpacking. Whatever hits your fancy is available to enjoy. A little further along on your journey you’ll discover Arcata, a great little town just off Highway 101. The forests here beckon you to trek into the acres of small Redwood trees and delicate ferns.

Another favorite stop of RV vacationers is Trinidad State Beach. This stop is nineteen miles north of Eureka. Visit at low tide for the best experience. You can hike along the open bluffs and see a wide array of wildflowers blooming in the spring. Another six miles and you can visit some dense forests of pine, fir and spruce at Patrick’s Point State Park. Hiking trails take you through the park, and you should also make it a point to tour Sumeg Village, recreated from a traditional Yurok village and still used by the local Yuroks today.

Of course, the whole point of this RV trip is to see Redwood National Park, and when you arrive you will feel the excitement that comes from seeing these magnificent groves of old-growth trees. The trails wind along the beaches or through the forests. An activity that is a favorite for park visitors is to get in some whale watching. You will surely see some if coming here between March and April or between November and December.

State Parks in the region also have a lot to offer. The Prairie Creek Redwood State Park boasts beautiful coastal Redwoods that will take your breath away. Try some beachcombing or have a picnic in this amazing area. You will also have to put Del Norte Coast Redwood State Park on your itinerary. The rocky coast is a perfect place to get some awesome photos, and the trails make hiking a real adventure. If you love exploring the tide pools, check out Wilson Beach. You can’t swim here as the sea is too rough, but it’s wonderful for a stroll along the sand.

A short distance offshore from Crescent City is the Castle Rock National Wildlife Reserve where hundreds of thousands of seabirds come every year. In the spring you will see around twenty thousand Aleutian geese gathering here to roost. And when you reach Crescent City, if you are looking for a place to camp, try Shoreline RV Park.

Your RV journey is coming to an end, but before you head home, drive nine miles east on Highway 199 to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. You can find additional camping here at the Jedediah Smith Campground and enjoy swimming, fishing and campfire programs. You will remember this RV vacation for a long time to come with fond memories of a time well spent.

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An RV Adventure into Arches National Park

Monty June 8, 2012
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Picture of a Double Arch in Arches National Park

National Park Service Photo

The landscapes of Utah are fascinating, with incredible stone arches, balanced rocks, red rock pinnacles and spires towering towards the sky. Arches National Park is a paradise of rock formation delights. It is worth a trip in an RV, exploring these natural wonders of our world.

Expect high temperatures in the summer months. The desert is, after all, the desert, and offers challenges like no other place on Earth. However, the features you can view at Arches are a treat. You’ll also find all sorts of hiking opportunities which you won’t be able to pass up. Just remember to tote lots of water with you.

Once you enter the park, you will come to the Park Avenue Trail and Viewpoint, a spot where a two-mile round trip hike will let you stretch those muscles. You will be greeted with some spectacular viewing pleasure. Further along the park road you will have to stop at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint. Grab your camera and get some shots of the La Sal range in the distance.

Some think desert landscapes all look alike, but nothing could be further from the truth at Arches National Park. You will see from Courthouse Towers Viewpoint the rock towers that make this a famous stop. At the Tower of Babel, view the amazing rock formation sticking right up out of the flat desert floor, giving you food for thought. How did this ever come to be?

The Petrified Dunes is not just a viewpoint but a possible adventure. Here you can take off over the land to the east, following no trail but your instinct will lead the way. These dunes were once made of sand, but now are covered with sediment and were compressed into Navajo Sandstone sculptures. Of course, there is no denying that the Balanced Rock is likely the most famous attraction in Arches. Hike the loop trail around the base. It is only 0.3 miles round trip.

Picture of Balanced Rock in Arches National Park

National Park Service Photo

Take a right and head for the Windows Section, not long after you begin heading north from Balanced Rock. The Windows Section offers a number of good hiking trails, plus incredible views. Taking the Windows Loop Trail will get you right up close and personal with the North and South Windows as well as the Turret Arch. Heading back to the main park road, stop at Cove of Caves to see these caves etched magically into the red rock formations.

Continue north to Panorama Point with many wonders to enjoy, and turn to make a stop at Wolfe Ranch to see this fascinating historic site. Further on are the Upper and Lower Delicate Arches, with more nice trails to explore.

As you backtrack to take Devils Garden Trailhead, you will find the perfect place to camp. At Devils Garden Campground there are some sites available for RVs up to 30 feet in length. Stay the night before heading home. You will be happy to be able to enjoy this National Park just a while longer. A trip to remember – a journey through Arches National Park in an RV.

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RV Vacation Idea: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Monty July 29, 2011
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A late comer to the National Park system, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison was established in October 1999. The park encompasses over 30,000 acres and includes more than 12 of the 48 mile canyon of the Gunnison River. In addition, the Painted Cliff is the highest cliff in Colorado, standing 2,250 feet from river to rim.

The park offers a variety of things to do, and see. Wildlife includes yellow-bellied marmots, elk, Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, ringtail cats, mountain cottontails, mule deer, and more. Bird lovers will marvel at red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and the fastest bird in the world – the Peregrine falcon.

There are two campgrounds in the park: North Rim and South Rim. The North Rim campground does not offer hookups, however the South Rim campground does. Consult the NPS campground page for more information.

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