Picking up our SMB...

[tomesd]

...here in a few days and will have it transported to Vegas for pickup. We live in Jefferson City, MO and will be heading thru Utah and Colorado on the way home and was interested in hearing recommendations for side trips, trails, MTBing areas suitable for a brand new SMB (as far as breaking it in) and knowing it will be in the heat of summer. If it were you what would you get into?

 

[erowand]

On a smilar theme, I'll be picking up a used SMB in OH and driving it cross country to San Francisco. We bought a AAA membership in case the old girl has problems on the drive home. She is a 1992 Ford E350 EB, 2WD w PH top and something like a model 45 layout. She is old, but looks to be in decent shape.

Most likely route will be alternate roads through the Northern route including the following states:
KY - to Mammoth Caves
IL
IA
SD, maybe ND
Montana
ID
OR then down into CA

If anyone has ideas on sights we shouldn't miss or campgrounds worth a stop with a swimming hole for my daughter, that would be terrific. Just the two of us on the road for a couple of weeks should be terrific.

Thanks in advance for any guidance,

ER

 

[wanderer351]

where in ohio? im near columbus and could meet up for a beverage.. :b5:

 

[Aldercrest]

Park City has a lot of summer mountain biking without the heat of Moab, Fruita, or Grand Junction. It is at 6,000 to 8,000', but you can ride the lift up to make things easier.

 

[Ford_6L_E350]

IL
IA - Anita, IA (Just off I-80) has a nice camping in the state park (with a swimming lake). In town eat at the Redwood Steakhouse.
SD - 1880's town Off I-80. Black Hills. Corn Palace in Mitchell is almost unbelievable.
If ND, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is well worth a visit. Worth a trip to see both units. Buffalo can walk right through your campsite.
Montana - Don't miss Little Bighorn. Far exceeded any expectations.
ID - EBR-1 just outside Arco is the first nuclear reactor to make commercial electricity. Decommisioned and open for self guided tours. 20 miles away is Craters of the Moon. You can find ice in the caves on a hot summer day.OR then down into
CA - Everyone knows there is nothing California and no one should ever visit that wasteland.

Mike

 

[WVvan-SMB]

Montana - Don't miss Little Bighorn. Far exceeded any expectations.

Agreed. South of the main visitor area is the Reno-Benteen Battlefield. There is self-guide "Entrenchment Trail". The soldiers at this location survived the battle. After walking the tail and reading the plaques I came away with a better understanding of the whole battle. Don't miss it.

 

[erowand]

Wow, terrific feedback. I appreciate it and am marking up my AAA Maps. (will use the GPS to get me there, but the maps are great to reviewing with my daugher prior to the trip!)

Thanks again everyone. I forgot who asked the question, but we will be flying into Cincinnati. Would love to meet up for a coffee and get any tips before I load up the van with camping chairs, etc. prior to the trip.

 

[tomesd]

Wow, terrific feedback...

For you maybe. Thread hijack!

 

[erowand]

tomesd,

I think the Park City mountain biking tip was for you, but felt bad about the hijacking of your request. I apologize.

 

[tomesd]

Oh don't worry about it- I was just razzing. Thanks to aldercrest for the input!

 

[daveb-SMB]

Red Rock outside of Vegas is kind of nice but wow it will be hot.

 

[tomesd]

We were thinking about doing part of the White Rim trail as a day trip. Are there any other trails you would recommend around Bryce or Zion?

 

[Nomadcat]

You talking about the White Rim trail in Canyonlands, near Moab?

Make sure you feel good about the state of your vehicle before you head down there - it's not the best place to get towed from. A great trail, though. You'd be okay doing a day in and out from either end, but Mineral Bottom might be better. Actually, on second thought, I don't know.

Where else are you heading? You interested in hot springs? Idaho hot springs at that time of year are great.