Short Trip Plan to USA/Canada 2024

[rtexpeditions]

I'm planning a short trip to USA/Canada in June/July 2024.
The original plan was to go to a cycling event in Kellogg Idaho and then to Overland Expo PNW, there should be 2 weeks between the 2.
My wife wants to go to the Grand Canyon, I'm thinking of visiting Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks as well if I can.
The map shows the road trip version but I'm sure there are some places we can get away and camp on BLM land in between as well as the odd trail "shortcut".
The distances seem ok by my standards, but I'll take any advice on that, as well as any good campsites not too far off the track.
I intend to rent an Overland vehicle of some kind, possibly only AWD, with RTT or similar so that I have camping facilities and don't need to fly stuff from home.
Vancouver is a good starting place for me because I can get a direct flight in, and transporting the bike on a domestic US flight is something I would like to avoid

 

[Speric]

That's a lot of driving in 2 weeks. I think it's easy to underestimate how far things are out here in the western US. For example, it's about a 6-7 hour drive from San Francisco to the Oregon Border depending on traffic and stops. And that's cruising at 70-80mph on the Interstate. The road you're taking, which looks like the 395 to the 139, is not an Interstate. It's got some fast sections, and then it has really slow sections. I would plan at least a couple of days just to drive out of Yosemite Valley to get to Oregon. There are cool things along the way that you'll want to check out.

Yosemite Valley is a small city in the summer, be prepared for lines. I've heard Yellowstone is the same, although I've never been. I would add several hours to at least a whole day for that stop unless you're planning to camp there.

Eric

 

[OTH Overland]

I agree with Eric, with the loop you have selected it will be a lot of driving and not much time to explore. Our parks are super busy in the summer, and many are going to reservation systems or using trams in place of vehicles in busy areas. If I had to choose between Grand Canyon and Yellowstone on a mainly driving trip, I would go with Yellowstone (Yellowstone/Grand Tetons really deserve at least full two to three days. Grand canyon and Yosemite are awesome, but the good stuff requires time to hike into, otherwise you are limited to a few popular view points which are super crowded. Yellowstone/Grand Tetons has a pretty diverse road system that allows you to make loops around and through the park without doing out and backs greatly increasing the amount you get to see. You should see the largest variety of wildlife there also along with some great landscapes. In place of Grand Canyon, you could loop in Glacier National Park by heading NE from Kellogg. The Going to the Sun road is one of the best drives to take, and then you can head down to Yellowstone. You will cut a lot of miles off and have more time to enjoy the sights. Any time left you can hit up the Olympic Peninsula & Hurricane Ridge in Washington for some beaches and rain forest as you head back to Vancouver. If you plan to camp or stay in any of the parks try to plan and get reservations in advance as they fill up fast in summer.

Some of the adventure vehicle rentals come with a hefty price tag, and mileage charges , another possible option would be to stop at a Walmart or discount sporting goods store and pick up some inexpensive basic camping gear (tent/stove/cooler/sleeping bags etc) you should need minimal gear and the cost would likely be much less than looking for a rig with a RTT or shipping gear from home. Then just donate the gear somewhere when you are done.

 

[rtexpeditions]

I agree with Eric, with the loop you have selected it will be a lot of driving and not much time to explore. Our parks are super busy in the summer, and many are going to reservation systems or using trams in place of vehicles in busy areas. If I had to choose between Grand Canyon and Yellowstone on a mainly driving trip, I would go with Yellowstone (Yellowstone/Grand Tetons really deserve at least full two to three days. Grand canyon and Yosemite are awesome, but the good stuff requires time to hike into, otherwise you are limited to a few popular view points which are super crowded. Yellowstone/Grand Tetons has a pretty diverse road system that allows you to make loops around and through the park without doing out and backs greatly increasing the amount you get to see. You should see the largest variety of wildlife there also along with some great landscapes. In place of Grand Canyon, you could loop in Glacier National Park by heading NE from Kellogg. The Going to the Sun road is one of the best drives to take, and then you can head down to Yellowstone. You will cut a lot of miles off and have more time to enjoy the sights. Any time left you can hit up the Olympic Peninsula & Hurricane Ridge in Washington for some beaches and rain forest as you head back to Vancouver. If you plan to camp or stay in any of the parks try to plan and get reservations in advance as they fill up fast in summer.

Some of the adventure vehicle rentals come with a hefty price tag, and mileage charges , another possible option would be to stop at a Walmart or discount sporting goods store and pick up some inexpensive basic camping gear (tent/stove/cooler/sleeping bags etc) you should need minimal gear and the cost would likely be much less than looking for a rig with a RTT or shipping gear from home. Then just donate the gear somewhere when you are done.

Thanks for the information

I always thought the GC would be a bit of a push (it was just something my wife has wanted to see for years).
I'm used to 400mi days on Aussie backroads but the US is a different country. I might just do Yellowstone and the Tetons, and Glacier as you suggested.
The Overlanding vehicle rentals I've looked at were similar in price to some of the standard rentals as I need a fairly large vehicle for the bikes (they pack fairly compact but I'm not leaving them on the outside) but yes the mileage charge is the killer. My wife and daughter camp often but it is hard to persuade them to camp on the ground for more than 3-4 days straight.

I went to the Olympic peninsular last visit. Didn't see so much, mainly rain and mist. Maybe I'll give it another go as I'm much less time constrained at that stage.

 

[David C Gibbs]

Randall, If your wife wants to see the Grand Canyon, plan to visit the South Rim... While the North Rim is open, the "normal, Expected views" aren't there. Yes it higher in elevation and has less people, that's because you really want to be there, to get there. I live in Boise, Idaho - let me know if you need any assistance.

Yosemite, valley floor, can be visited in a day. You might want to check with the National Parks Dept, for Day Permits, Time Period Check-in. They have been changing things since Covid.
Yellowstone is Huge, You'll need two days (1) Lower loop, (2) Upper Loop. If you're planning to spend the nights in West Yellowstone, MT - the Firehole BBQ is very good.
David

 

[rtexpeditions]

Randall, If your wife wants to see the Grand Canyon, plan to visit the South Rim... While the North Rim is open, the "normal, Expected views" aren't there. Yes it higher in elevation and has less people, that's because you really want to be there, to get there. I live in Boise, Idaho - let me know if you need any assistance.

Yosemite, valley floor, can be visited in a day. You might want to check with the National Parks Dept, for Day Permits, Time Period Check-in. They have been changing things since Covid.
Yellowstone is Huge, You'll need two days (1) Lower loop, (2) Upper Loop. If you're planning to spend the nights in West Yellowstone, MT - the Firehole BBQ is very good.
David

Is there a good time of year to visit the North Rim?

 

[David C Gibbs]

Randall, If your wife wants to see the Grand Canyon, plan to visit the South Rim... While the North Rim is open, the "normal, Expected views" aren't there. Yes it higher in elevation and has less people, that's because you really want to be there, to get there. I live in Boise, Idaho - let me know if you need any assistance.

Yosemite, valley floor, can be visited in a day. You might want to check with the National Parks Dept, for Day Permits, Time Period Check-in. They have been changing things since Covid.
Yellowstone is Huge, You'll need two days (1) Lower loop, (2) Upper Loop. If you're planning to spend the nights in West Yellowstone, MT - the Firehole BBQ is very good.
David

Is there a good time of year to visit the North Rim?

Hi R, yes - in June, July and Aug. The North Rim gets snow 6/ 7 weeks before the South Rim. The North Rim has limited services. The Lodge is wonderful! But to clearly experience it, requires lots of hiking to view points. I - LOVE - the North Rim, several 100’ miles, hiked along it! DG

 

[ZombieCat]

Definitely skip the desert Southwest and Grand Canyon in June/July - miserably hot!
As someone who is currently camping in Glacier National Park, carefully research the requirements for daily vehicle entry reservations. Competition is fierce and without some type of reservation, you’ll be restricted from the park during peak hours.
Driving south from Vancouver, I agree that the Olympic Peninsula is a great option. Further south, you could visit Mt. Rainier and Crater Lake, maybe even Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Yosemite will likely reinstate their vehicle reservation system next year. However, it’s still worth a visit. Take a quick turn through the Valley to view El Capitan, up to Glacier Point for Half Dome, and then cross the park via Tioga Road for fabulous views. There are numerous small Forest Service campgrounds on the east side of the park and lots of cool places to explore.
Two weeks will fly by - there’s so much to do in that part of the country! There are numerous apps to help you find camping, such as iOverlander, Campendium, Recreation.gov, and HipCamp. Also, consider renting camping gear from REI or a vehicle through Outdoorsy or Turo.

 

[whiskey7backroads]

Is there a good time of year to visit the North Rim?

I love the North Rim and prefer it over South. In summer is best and you can dial in your temp by how high in elevation you camp. I have a write up on my blog at www.whiskey7backroads.com if you want more info. Sounds like great trip, stay safe and have fun.