Yearly west trip

[Dalton Crew]

For the last 4 years we have ventured out west from Central Illinois. Each year we push are limits as a family and move deeper into the overland hobby. We have ground tent camped the first 2 years then last year we purchased and used a RTT which was much better. After camping on the water's edge for 2 days at lake Powell , I ended up with a medical emergency and was unable to help the wife with breaking camp. Traveling with 2 little boys this made it extremely problematic. With that said this year we purchased a Hiker Trailer mainly to store all our gear and mount the RTT. This will also give us the ability to lock it up and come back later in case of an emergency.

This leads to my question, we are running 2018 tundra with leveling kit, bags, & 33's and a hiker overland trailer, looking for places to stop off the beaten path to set up camp for the night on the way to phoenix. I don't mind trails that is secluded but yet good for beginners with trailer this. We normally take 2 weeks with the middle of our trip stopping in Phoenix to stay with family a few days. We almost always go out somewhat following 44 & 40 and return to Illinois on 70 after taking back roads through Utah. we travel anywhere 4-6 hours at a time due to the boys, this gives us time to make stops for museums or sights along the way. any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[MOAK]

The IOverlander app is an OK source for finding campsites in the lower 48.

 

[brien]

You might consider the "AZ6 Young to Winona" leg of the AZBDR route which i think they label as "Section 3" and "Section 4". It drops south off of HWY 40 and will take you to Young, AZ. From Young you can continue on 288 south to Globe through Tonto NF. West from Globe will take you right to Phoenix. There is a ton of wild camping all along this whole leg. Note that this leg of the BDR has a split route so you can take the bypass around a more challenging section if you wish.

PLAN YOUR GAS. Fill up in Winona and make sure you've calculated usage and planned your fill up spots. This section is also a bit of a gas desert, but it's absolutely beautiful and worth it if you don't mind getting away from the main highways a bit.