Wilderness Wandering

This leg of the trip has ended, but we are already reminiscing about the fabulous journey we had!

We never had rain during the day when we weren’t driving.

We saw stupefyingly gorgeous things and met fascinating people asking the way. 

Calypso provided an amazing home base for us. Our original plan was to stay in Calypso 3 nights and then get a hotel for 1 night to shower and recharge electronics. We were so happy with van life that we never stayed 1 night in a hotel in our 7 weeks on the road! We did however, enjoy the hospitality (and showers) of several friends along the way!

Recap of our favorite things:

Favorite Parks

Bryce and Zion tie

We loved Zion because the Narrows hike and the Scouts Landing hike were awesome, and the scenery is diverse and gorgeous! The shuttle system was much less stressful than trying to find parking at each parking lot.  We also had a phenomenal shuttle driver who was informative and had a great sense of humor. 

The scenery was spectacular!

We loved Bryce Canyon for its unique beauty and the accessibility to the hoodoos. The campground was walking distance to the shuttle stop. We loved the combination of beautiful rock formations and trees. 

Favorite Long Hike

Fiery Furnace at Arches

We were almost alone due to the timed entry system. The challenge of essentially finding your own route through the maze was challenging and fun. The area is beautiful. 

Narrows at Zion

The unique challenge of hiking in the river on “bowling balls” with incredible scenery all around you was a fabulous experience. This was one hike where it was fun to have other people around us sharing the experience. 

Favorite  Short Hike

Morning Glory Bridge Moab

not in a NP

The Morning Glory Bridge Hike was just the right amount of challenge. A little up and down, along a beautiful river, crossing back and forth over the rocks, some shade, and a fabulous natural rock bridge at the end, plus the fact that we did the hike early enough that there were few other people on the trail.

Delicate Arch Arches

A fun hike across a lot of slip stone to a breathtakingly beautiful sight around a bend. 

Toughest hike

Narrows at Zion

The challenge of staying warm in the cold water and the challenge of crossing with a significant current made it challenging. You had to constantly be alert. 

Favorite  Campground

Canyonlands – the Needles District campground is nestled in amongst amazing rock formations. I walked 30 feet from the van and started climbing and had a great hike on a trail I made up on my own. Nice bathrooms with running water and flush toilets. 

Honorable Mention

Great Sand Dunes – the campground is close to the dunes. The sites had blacktop parking pads and had nice spacing and vegetation.  Newly remodeled bathrooms and dishwashing sinks were a pleasant surprise. 

Favorite Camp Site

Canyonlands Needles 

The ranger allowed us to camp in the handicapped unit which was a beautiful concrete pad next to the bathroom with an incredible view!

Best Scenic Drive

Tim – Rocky Mountain- Trail Ridge Road – thrilling and gorgeous drive at high elevation

Beth – Zion – Highway 9 through the park, wide variety of beauty and a 1 mile tunnel through the mountain

Honorable Mention -Theodore Roosevelt North Unit 

We loved biking the scenic drive

Honorable Mention not in a National Park- Highway 12 from Zion to Bryce Canyon BEAUTIFUL!

Most interesting acquaintance

Tim – Klaus – very interesting man. He loved in a commune. He lives in his RV full time. 

Beth – Camp site host Jim – very nice retired man. He was a great camp host. He shared many helpful hints about life on the road. 

Most likable van 🚐 owners

JoAnn and Jean – very cool people from MI with an awesome custom van! We really enjoyed chatting with them!

Best hospital

Moab

Best town we went through

Tim -Spearfish, SD Tim thought the town was very charming. He liked the college campus. The beauty of the area is remarkable. 

Beth – Moab – I liked the vibe of Moab and there are endless fabulous hiking opportunities in the area. 

Nicest police officer

CPI Khokel-Kahn Alamosa, CO PD

Best Pie

Capitol Reef NP!

Coldest Morning 

RMNP 27 

Most sobering sight of the trip

Poverty of the reservations

Best View

Tim sunset at Theodore Roosevelt NP

Biggest Sleeper Park

Theodore Roosevelt NP North. 

This was one of our first parks. Many people don’t take the time to do the North unit. We were very impressed with the scenery AND the abundance of wildlife! 

Park we are most likely to visit again

Zion – we will try again to get Angel’s Landing tickets. I would do The Narrows again when it is warmer. Utah was so gorgeous. There are many more things in and out of the park that I would love to experience. 

Nicest Park Ranger

Gate ranger TRNP

Visitor center Hovenweep NM

Best wildlife

Theodore Roosevelt

Bison

Wild Horses

Long Horn Cattle

Prairie Dogs

Honorable Mention

Badlands

Bison

Big Horn Sheep

Prairie Dogs

Advice

Use the shuttles! They are there for a reason. It made the day less stressful. 

We used them at Rocky Mountain, Zion and Bryce Canyon. 

Get to the parks early or stay in the park if you can. We found it much more pleasant to be on the trails when they are less crowded.

We are looking forward to catching the last of the fall color in WI. There is snow in the forecast for Tuesday!

Take care

Beth and Tim