Travel spots

[Livelife]

I didn't know where to post this request so a new thread was the choice.

I would love any kind of input. I am going to road trip soon and I'm traveling alone. Any suggestions or experience with mountain, hot springs, low people density locations in the US would be wonderful. I'm in Houston. I am excluding Colorado, Arkansas, and PNW. I was thinking Utah but heard the weather report this morning saying that they were getting snow today already so that's off the list. Even a warmish pretty spot where I would only have to pack a couple of bathing suits, some shorts, and my bicycle would work
Thanks everyone!

 

[Livelife]

P.S. I love the PNW, it’s just too far of a drive for now😉

 

[may71]

Do you have a maximum (or preferred) range for this trip?

National and state parks come to mind, though I'm not sure which one would suit you best. It sounds like both camping or hotel stays might be ok for longer trips? Starting with a short day trip might be a good start, and might whet your appetite for longer trips.

When was the last time you went on a trip like this? Any more details about preferences?

Camping can be great, but can also easily become a disaster unless you've either got a lot of experience (and good gear), or a have a high tolerance for disaster (or a good back-up plan). Pretty much all of my camping trips have had some element of disaster to them, either because I didn't anticipate ground cold, my air mattress popped, I didn't have a warm sleeping bag, or because I didn't anticipate weather or some other element (many national parks will put you out of phone service range).

@LonelyHiker might be a good person to talk to about this.

I hope you'll find a place that you'll like

 

[seabird]

P.S. I love the PNW, it’s just too far of a drive for now😉

Also, getting over the Cascades in "weather" can be a nightmare!

If you want to head west then stay on Interstate 15 to avoid ice and snow and resulting difficulties on 40 or 90!

Have tun - be safe.

Maybe follow the book "Travelling with Charlie?" an oldie but goodie

 

[may71]

Big Bend National Park is a well known NP in West Texas, seems to be generally admired.

Big Thicket National Preserve is not too far from Houston

https://www.lonestartravelguide.com/best-national-parks-in-texas/

https://www.nps.gov/bith/index.htm

 

[LonelyHiker]

@Livelife

How much time are you allocating for the trip?

As you know, BBNP is my favorite national park, but I believe you said you've been numerous times, so not sure if you're looking to explore someplace new.

Guadalupe Mountains NP is beautiful, as is Carlsbad Caverns NP.

Padre Island national seashore, and neighboring islands, might be nice, unless mountains are a mandatory feature.

Southern Utah has endless opportunities for camping/hiking/biking. Capitol Reef NP and Grand Staircase Escalante are two of the most beautiful (and least visited) natural areas in the state, but not sure if snow is an issue there.

Zion NP is stunning, but has become increasingly crowded since COVID.

Feel free to message me directly if you'd like to chat in more depth about trip planning!

 

[seabird]

I have to agree with @mosaic hearts and emphasize a visit Zion, in Southern Utah. Entering by vehicle through the tunnel is an absolutely wonderful view/experience. Zion can be very busy and requires a reservation. Getting one way in advance is probably the only way if you want a choice of rooms or campsite, etc.

I used to camp there, go for a run early in the morning, and then go back and make breakfast while the sun was creeping up the walls. ❤️

If you like even more out of the way places, try Canyon de Chelly in Northern Arizona. It's a really special place, healing, quiet, and beautiful.

 

[may71]

but I believe you said you've been numerous times

Oooops, yeah, I didn't realize she had already been there a lot.

 

[Livelife]

@Livelife

How much time are you allocating for the trip?

As you know, BBNP is my favorite national park, but I believe you said you've been numerous times, so not sure if you're looking to explore someplace new.

Guadalupe Mountains NP is beautiful, as is Carlsbad Caverns NP.

Padre Island national seashore, and neighboring islands, might be nice, unless mountains are a mandatory feature.

Southern Utah has endless opportunities for camping/hiking/biking. Capitol Reef NP and Grand Staircase Escalante are two of the most beautiful (and least visited) natural areas in the state, but not sure if snow is an issue there.

Zion NP is stunning, but has become increasingly crowded since COVID.

Feel free to message me directly if you'd like to chat in more depth about trip planning!

Thanks! I will message you✨

 

[Livelife]

Also, getting over the Cascades in "weather" can be a nightmare!

If you want to head west then stay on Interstate 15 to avoid ice and snow and resulting difficulties on 40 or 90!

Have tun - be safe.

Maybe follow the book "Travelling with Charlie?" an oldie but goodie

Wonderful tips Thank you🙌

 

[Livelife]

Thank you for all the beautiful suggestions everyone.

This is definitely not the time of year to plan a trip to the mountains to where I've never been and traveling by car but I didn't choose the timing so to speak....I have to cross the entire state of Texas which takes a day if heading west, I've done it a gazillion times traveling to New Mexico and Colorado etc. I can do it in my sleep probably.

I used to camp a lot. For weeks many summers in Espanola NM, outside Santa Fe, in the mountains for two month long yoga retreats. Taos is gorgeous but not much to do there and too expensive for me this trip.
And I have covered Colorado because I'm a hot springs freak so I love these places but was looking for new territory.

I used to live in Tucson, Arizona and the state is a stunner but Sedona is too people packed now. And I've done the Grand Canyon/Oak Creek Canyon. Magnificent spots..

I want to go for about 3 weeks. At least 2. I don't want snow this trip. I don't have a 4 wheel drive.
No camping, not this time. Don't wanna pack that heavily and doesn't feel safe alone at the moment. I camped all over with my husband also for years, good times.

I just want to pack enough to do day hikes.

I may end up on Padre and Texas Gulf coast but I'd prefer elevation at the moment.

I just have to quickly get out of the city and this house. It's been since before covid that I've traveled anywhere and with the dogs leaving it's vital I go commune for awhile somewhere besides the back yard and the local parks.
I don't really want to get on a plane or I'd head to Spain or New Zealand. It's coming spring/summer south of the equator, that still may be a good but too expensive idea for the length of time I want to be gone.

Oh, maybe the Smokies, that just occurred to me. I'll have to check if there have been any flood damages anywhere there......and there is some pretty driving even just getting to that area from here.

Or Big Bend and the Guadalupes... always nice choices. Big skies and expanses. Hmm.....

 

[Livelife]

I have to agree with @mosaic hearts and emphasize a visit Zion, in Southern Utah. Entering by vehicle through the tunnel is an absolutely wonderful view/experience. Zion can be very busy and requires a reservation. Getting one way in advance is probably the only way if you want a choice of rooms or campsite, etc.

I used to camp there, go for a run early in the morning, and then go back and make breakfast while the sun was creeping up the walls. ❤️

If you like even more out of the way places, try Canyon de Chelly in Northern Arizona. It's a really special place, healing, quiet, and beautiful.


View attachment 70356

🌄😍beautiful

 

[Sassy Cat]

sounds like you have a plan which most of the places i like to go like Yellowstone or Glacier i would not go to this time of year. I hope you have fun

 

[Livelife]

sounds like you have a plan which most of the places i like to go like Yellowstone or Glacier i would not go to this time of year. I hope you have fun

Thanks so much! I've decided to head for New Mexico/Arizona.. Easiest drive and warm still mostly. I have never been to Yellowstone, that is on my list

 

[LonelyHiker]

Thanks so much! I've decided to head for New Mexico/Arizona.. Easiest drive and warm still mostly. I have never been to Yellowstone, that is on my list

I hope you have a wonderful (and safe) trip @Livelife 🙏

 

[Livelife]

I hope you have a wonderful (and safe) trip @Livelife 🙏

Thanks ☺️🙏🏽I appreciate that😄Big Bend or the Guadalupes are not off the list yet. I have another week or so to decide. It just depends if I want to visit with some friends in NM or Arizona or not. I’m also familiar with the climbing 🧗‍♀️ in the Catalinas in Tucson if I want to include that kind of thing in this trip!

 

[LonelyHiker]

Hill Country around Fredericksburg

This is an area of Texas I have long wanted to visit (Austin also)..

 

[KM76710]

If you want to keep it close to home and maybe a bit warmer, Hill Country around Fredericksburg or Wimberley is also a great pick. It’s not super hilly, but it’s got a ton of charm with wineries, little towns, and some nice state parks where you can get in some hiking without needing to pack a lot.

Good to see you on with us and welcome. I visited Fredericksburg a number of times over the years. Love the German vittles and visiting the Admiral Nimitz museum.