my girlfriend and i are doing a xcountry road trip beginning the end of June all the way until Nov. 1

the current itinerary is:

VA > PA > Boston > VT (green mountains) > NH (White Mountains) > Maine > Montreal > across canada into northern WI > northern MN > ND & SD (Rushmore & Badlands) > from there it's kinda vague.

i want to spend alot of time after that in MT (Glacier NP) and BC all the way to Vancouver & Washington State. Also i know we need to hit up Tetons and Yellowstone and Utah's 3 big parks.

I'm thinking we'll stick to the northern route at least through the beginning of september and then head south to Utah and Arizona (grand canyon) > nevada, southern california in the end of sept. and oct. Do you think we'll be able to do all of this in....end of June - end of October = 4 months! My big thing is seeing all the great National and State parks across the country and do lots of hiking. We're also sort of looking for someplace to move together out west.

we then plan to hit up LA for a flight out to circle the pacific. if all works well and we don't kill each other ! :)

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So i need your advice from you travel experts out there. What are some major US "don't miss places" that aren't so well known or mentioned on every Travel Channel top 10 list??

Also, what are some things that i can look into ahead of time while im planning that could really help out cost or time wise? I realize buying a National Parks pass will save alot and we'll make good use out of it. We just need 1 for the 2 of us in the same car correct? Is there anything for other admission coverages nationally like this? Are there any websites on xcountry trips that might help me plan mine? What might i look over in the planning process? (bear spray!) I really want to be prepared!

- M.

I've driven from Chicago to Washington and BC a number of times, including a 3mth trip to Alaska and the high southwest (4 corners).

A couple quick comments:
Tedy Roosevelt NP in western ND is a hidden gem. I looked at it briefly on the last trip in September, and wished I could have spent atleast a day in the area.

You probably don't need the bear spray. It will only complicate your crossing into Canada - I think they allow it, but you would show that it properly labeled for the purpose, and not a otherwise banned pepper spray.

Stay close to the shore of Lake Superior, including the MN part north of Duluth. Look into taking a boat out to Isle Royal NP. Backpacking there is supposed to be great. Porcupines in North Michigan are also supposed to be good hiking.

If I had plenty of time, I'd go from TR in ND south to the Black Hills, then west to the Big Horns in Wy (US 14 or 16), then to the NE entrance of Yellowstone, with a side trip over Beartooth Pass.

Again, with plenty of time, I'd go north from Glacier NP into Canada - Waterton and Banff. Banff upto Jasper is probably best, though west through Yoho NP etc would also be good. Wells Gray Prov Park (BC) is well worth a visit - reminded me of an uncrowded Yellowstone.

Lots of good stuff to see on Vancouver Island.

In Washington state you would need several figure 8's to get all the national parks and interesting parts of the National Forests.

paulj

[quote:1e7d752115=" "]We just need 1 for the 2 of us in the same car correct?[/quote:1e7d752115]

My understanding is that they are "vehicle passes" for "related" people. The rules are more strict than they used to be. If they ask, say you're engaged.

:)

-brendan

Canada also has an all inclusive national park pass. Pick one up in Waterton and try to visit at least banff. (if you do, stop in calgary and I'll buy you a beer.) Important note, in Canada you do not need to pay to drive through a national park, only if you plan on stopping.

Also, if you can stop in Moab, even if you don't bike the town is great. Go to the Rio, smokehouse and have pulled pork sandwich and a pint of Polygamy Porter. (Why just have one?)

bone

My best memories from Moab (Utah) were not of Arches, but from some soft road driving. On hondasuv there is a report on the Potash-Schafer trail. It's a memorable backdoor entrance to the Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands NP.
http://www.hondasuv.com/crv/viewtopic.php?t=181
The Lasale Mtns were also worth driving through. Obviously there are trails in the area that are better on bike, or a rented Jeep.

paulj

some of y'all have travelled quite a bit...
Just a quick note:
Washington state does indeed have too much to even try to mention here. Two must see's:
Hoh rain forest (on the Olympic Penninsula)
N. Cascade Highway (best in Fall, closed in Winter)

Drop a line on the NW forum when you're in the area, I'd love to hook up!

Jesse