Bryce, Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Zion

Just got back from a two-week trip. Just shy of 3,000 miles and I averaged 10.1 MPG overall. Fuel prices were not as bad as I feared, I averaged $4.80 per gallon with the cheapest in St. George at the Flying J at exit four for $4.469 and the most expensive was North Las Vegas Petro @ $5.219.

First stop was Bryce National Park. We stayed at Ruby's Inn RV Park just outside the main gate. It's a nice RV park in a wooded setting. Took the shuttle into the park until we decided to drive all the way to the end of the road. Really an amazing place, it was impressive hiking up Wall Street. We had a thunderstorm or two, but excellent weather. Very few people, it seems as if the economy is taking its toll. I noticed a lot of Europeans in the campground in rented RV's.

Second stop was in Yellowstone, we stayed at Fishing Bridge. My only complaint about the campground is they pack you in like sardines and make it really hard to back a 35-foot trailer into the spot. It took me four tries! Had all the weather there, thunderstorms with hail, cold nights in the low 40's. (hey, I'm from So Cal, give me a break! ) Saw all the sights and drove 500 miles in five days. I only felt really cramped at Old Faithful, but other than that, we pretty much had the trails to ourselves. Saw all kinds of wildlife and got lucky enough to be first in line for two Bison jams. It's a riot to watch them walking down the middle of the road with not a care in the world. Smelled enough sulphur to last me for quite a while. Saw the beehive geyser erupt, it only goes off every 12-hours and we got lucky. It's amazing for me being a desert dweller to see so much water, rivers and springs everywhere.

We took a day trip to Grand Teton. (My personal favorite) Only made it as far south as Jenny Lake. With trying to get my daughter her Jr. Ranger badge and taking a hike that lasted well over two hours instead of the one that I'd thought it be. Should have moved the rig down to Colter Bay and booked an extra night and stayed at least two days. We did mange to see a black bear crossing the road, but no moose which my wife wanted to see.

Last stop was at Zion. Stayed at the Quality Inn Campground just outside the park. It was bleeping hot, but at least we were prepared for that, well over 100 during the day and mid 70's at night. The shuttle system is great. We camped right under the Watchman and were only a few hundred feet from the Virgin River which my daughter loved playing in. We hiked up to the end of the River Walk and looked towards the Narrows, but there were thunderstorms in the forecast, so we only looked (we'll have to do that next time) which was good since it rained like crazy during dinner.

Hate to be back at work, I think that I needed another week.

Hi Mark,

Glad to hear you had a great time. We were in Yellowstone and Tetons 2 years ago and they are amazing.

I have got to plan a trip to that area. Sound wonderful.

-Mark

What a great trip! Zion and Bryce are quite spectacular. Spent a month out there w/ my Jeep and a tent quite a few years ago. i am jealous, hopefully we will get the cat out there soon.....