There and Back Again - An Explorer's Tale

Sheffy · 07-18-2012, 03:43 PM

Planning my first ever trip to last longer than a single weekend, and my first real trip on the TEX. Heading from Omaha, NE to Monterey, CA by way of Salida, CO. Below is a (really long) link to the route I've mapped out so far.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=O...,2,3,5&t=m&z=5

The destinations shown are my only mandatory stops. The rest will be figured out on the fly. Looking to stick to small highways, and camp about 50% of the time. As I said, this will be my first real 'adventure' trip and I'm looking for any advice, suggestions, attractions, routes, essential gear, etc.

Eyes Shut · 07-18-2012, 04:21 PM

The question I always ask - what time of year are you planning to do this?

Sheffy · 07-18-2012, 06:11 PM

Ah yes that's what I forgot to mention. Early next month, have about 13 days for the trip due to that whole job thing

Mr_Gone · 07-19-2012, 07:33 AM

Just spit-ballin' an idea here, but it looks like you're taking the same route through Utah going and returning. Why not choose a different route, north or south? If you go south, you can hit the Moab area of Utah - Bryce Canyon, the Arches, etcetera. That is fantastic country to ride through. If you go north, you could hit Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Advice? Ride carefully and have fun. I hope you have a fantastic trip!!! Oh, post pix and a ride report!!!

Eyes Shut · 07-19-2012, 01:29 PM

Routing ideas to consider:

-From Fort Collins, head a little south, then take 34 through Rocky Mountain National Park. You can hook up to 40 again and proceed to Steamboat Springs. Rocky Mountain is really spectacular; although the crowds in Estes Park are crazy in the summer. Get through Estes quickly if possible.

-On the way back through Utah, maybe split off from 6 in Nevada and take 375 then 93, 319/56 to Cedar City, then 14 to 89 to 12. Hiway 12 in Utah is a not-to-be missed road. From there, you can take 24 up to 50/I-70 and then to Grand Junction and Montrose.

-From Montrose, take 550 south to Durango, then 160 to Alamosa. You could camp at Great Sand Dunes north of Alamosa. From Alamosa, you can continue east on 160 to 10 to La Junta and then on to 50.

Other comments: You are doing this in August. It's going to be hot. For those stretches across Nevada, get an early start, take lots of water, and get gas when you can. It's also going to be crowded at the tourist attractions and that's just the way it is -- it's summer!!

Have fun!

Sheffy · 07-24-2012, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the tips! I will be looking into both. Time is the biggest issue as I have a set date to get back. Looks like lots of good options though. Thanks again!

Sheffy · 08-06-2012, 07:38 PM

Starting the trip tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited! I took some of the advice to heart and am now taking a more southern route through Utah on the way out that will take me through both the Arches and hwy 12. Should be good. The route back isn't set in stone yet, and I'll be looking to 'veer off course' a bit as time permits. Thanks again for the advice and I'll try to put together a proper ride report when time allows.

07-18-2012, 03:43 PM	#1
Sheffy ^OP n00b Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Oddometer: 5	There and Back Again - An Explorer's Tale Planning my first ever trip to last longer than a single weekend, and my first real trip on the TEX. Heading from Omaha, NE to Monterey, CA by way of Salida, CO. Below is a (really long) link to the route I've mapped out so far. https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=O...,2,3,5&t=m&z=5 The destinations shown are my only mandatory stops. The rest will be figured out on the fly. Looking to stick to small highways, and camp about 50% of the time. As I said, this will be my first real 'adventure' trip and I'm looking for any advice, suggestions, attractions, routes, essential gear, etc.

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07-18-2012, 04:21 PM	#2
Eyes Shut See no evil Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Oddometer: 1,703	The question I always ask - what time of year are you planning to do this?

07-18-2012, 06:11 PM	#3
Sheffy ^OP n00b Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Oddometer: 5	Ah yes that's what I forgot to mention. Early next month, have about 13 days for the trip due to that whole job thing

07-19-2012, 07:33 AM	#4
Mr_Gone Innocent Culprit Joined: Jul 2010 Location: Mountain Home, Arkansas Oddometer: 2,510	Just spit-ballin' an idea here, but it looks like you're taking the same route through Utah going and returning. Why not choose a different route, north or south? If you go south, you can hit the Moab area of Utah - Bryce Canyon, the Arches, etcetera. That is fantastic country to ride through. If you go north, you could hit Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Advice? Ride carefully and have fun. I hope you have a fantastic trip!!! Oh, post pix and a ride report!!!

07-19-2012, 01:29 PM	#5
Eyes Shut See no evil Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Oddometer: 1,703	Routing ideas to consider: -From Fort Collins, head a little south, then take 34 through Rocky Mountain National Park. You can hook up to 40 again and proceed to Steamboat Springs. Rocky Mountain is really spectacular; although the crowds in Estes Park are crazy in the summer. Get through Estes quickly if possible. -On the way back through Utah, maybe split off from 6 in Nevada and take 375 then 93, 319/56 to Cedar City, then 14 to 89 to 12. Hiway 12 in Utah is a not-to-be missed road. From there, you can take 24 up to 50/I-70 and then to Grand Junction and Montrose. -From Montrose, take 550 south to Durango, then 160 to Alamosa. You could camp at Great Sand Dunes north of Alamosa. From Alamosa, you can continue east on 160 to 10 to La Junta and then on to 50. Other comments: You are doing this in August. It's going to be hot. For those stretches across Nevada, get an early start, take lots of water, and get gas when you can. It's also going to be crowded at the tourist attractions and that's just the way it is -- it's summer!! Have fun!

07-24-2012, 06:10 PM	#6
Sheffy ^OP n00b Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Oddometer: 5	Thanks for the tips! I will be looking into both. Time is the biggest issue as I have a set date to get back. Looks like lots of good options though. Thanks again!

08-06-2012, 07:38 PM	#7
Sheffy ^OP n00b Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Omaha, NE Oddometer: 5	Starting the trip tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited! I took some of the advice to heart and am now taking a more southern route through Utah on the way out that will take me through both the Arches and hwy 12. Should be good. The route back isn't set in stone yet, and I'll be looking to 'veer off course' a bit as time permits. Thanks again for the advice and I'll try to put together a proper ride report when time allows.