Hey all-

A couple of friends and I are planning to drive cross-country this summer, just to see this great nation (im from northern NY) I was wondering if anyone on here has some "must-see's" in mind....I've got a couple ideas, like the Grand Canyon and such. Just looking for some other input/ideas. Thanks!

Greg

 

the Arch in st louis, pioneer villiage in minden,ne., garden of the gods and pikes peak in co sprgs, co., and do as many secondary highways as possible -that's where it's at!

 

Glacier National Park, and the Going to The Sun Highway, and the Sunlight Basin Road. Don't forget the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. They change exhibits every 6 weeks, so its always new.

 

If your checkin' out the Grand Canyon, head north and check out the Hoover Dam. If you made it that far, and are over 21. Can you say, VEGAS BABY!!!! Even if you don't think it's your kind of place. Check it out anyway, it's amazing!
YellowStone is absolutely incredible! In fact, I'd say it's awe inspiring. Sounds like a great trip. Take your camera and lots of film.

Chris

 

I drove from Wilmington, NC to Kings Bay, GA and drove St Rt 17 a lot of the way. That country is beautiful to me, tobacco/cotton Fields forever, and more willow trees than you can count- and the way the moss grows in these trees is incredible! That road follows a windy river for a pretty good stretch too. I thought it was great, the small towns look like a snap-shot of old times, to me. Anywhere along the Cumberland River is a great place to be.
Scott

 

Yeah, I took a 7900 mile solo motorcycle trip in Sept 03. First, take interstates until you're out west then blue highways from there on out. Then interstate it back. If you go out north and back south, I'd recommend going through Canada to Windsor, into US at Detroit, I90 to the Badlands. Black Hills/Mt. Rushmore/Devils Tower, 16A over Bighorns, Chief Joseph to Northern Yellowstone entrance, all roads in yellowstone, Jackson Hole (watching Tetons to west), over to Crater Lake, down 119 through Rogue River gorge, Redwood Nat'l Park, Hwy 1 to coast and down, through San Fran, over to Lake Tahoe, down through Carson City, Mono Lake, Tuolomene (sp?) Meadows, Yosemite Valley (stop at Glacier Point), Kings Canyon (go from Fresno), Sequoia, Death Valley, Vegas, Zion, North Rim of Grand Canyon, Lee's Ferry, Monument Valley, Moab, and spend the rest of the week in Colorado with girl you met in Yellowstone. Interstate it back. Waste a day and a half each way to/from the scenery in the west, spend as much time as you can where it doesn't look like where you live.

Best of luck. It was the best trip or vacation I've ever had and it only took 23 days. Naked bikes really make you feel like you're experiencing the country. If you're the type, don't plan it. I was going to take I40 out to San Diego up the coast and back but the day I left it was raining in the south so I went north instead. Didn't even take an atlas, just bought state maps when I got there. Do it before memorial day or after labor day and you won't have to make reservations or plan ahead. If something sounds good, just go for it. Take a sleeping bag, you'll remember those nights far more than the ones you spend in motels.

 

Don't forget to stop & see the Dancing Chicken in Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

BOURBON STREET...you cannot go on without seeing it once

 

I've been fotunate enough to have travelled all over the world- but that's a real one of a kind experience.

Also:

Pass the Grand Canyon if it's too crowded and go to Bryce and Zion National Park ('bout 100 miles North of Las Vegas). I personally think they're more dramatic- certainly less crowded. Everyone else in the world loves Las Vegas- if your into gambling, booze, and wimmin it's a lotta fun. One night is about right for me.

Jackson Hole Wyoming- the Tetons are amazing. Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Closer to home:
the Columbia River Gorge is another one of a kind experience. Head north through Portland and Seattle to Vancouver, BC. Just like NYC....without the dirt, crime, weather...and the people are super. Keep heading North for Whistler- another one of a kind.

Geez- I'm really sounding like a left-coaster, aren't I?

 

Zion National Park is a great little drive. The Redwood Forest in northern Cali. Right now would be a perfect time to take a look at Death Valley because all the rain we had recently is going to make the wildflowers explode all over the place.

 

Thanks everyone- All that info and suggestions are great!! Maybe when I get back I'll post some of the better pics in my gallery

Greg

 

Sedona, AZ is really nice, and the drive up Oak Creek Canyon is incredible. If you make it all the way out here, take the pacific coast highway around the Olympic Peninsula. Of course, don't forget to stop by and visit.