Visiting the USA in a motorhome. West Coast - Route

In this part, I will tell you what our route along the US west coast looked like, where we stopped and what we saw. And if you are curious how much it cost us to rent a camper and other costs related to this trip, please read the first part of the article: How to rent a camper in the USA? Costs, advice, information

According to the map, we have to travel 3,024 miles, that is, 4,838 km, and we have 20 days to do it. We travel 3 days by car, but you can read about it in the previous article.

It's time to start your camper adventure. We are looking for a Walmart store to buy the most necessary things, drinks, food, etc., we were planning to spend the night in the parking lot of the store somewhere at the end, I read that this is possible, unfortunately security came and chased us away, there was no way to reach an agreement.

So we are looking for something for Free in various applications wikicamps USA, Free campsites .

We get up at 7, unfortunately it's still dark outside, eat breakfast and set off towards the Valley of Death.

We have to travel about 100 miles = 160 km. In Stovepipe Wells we take a break to buy an entrance card to the parks. It costs $80. It is valid for one year, it covers the car and passengers. The list of parks is available at www.nps.gov . According to a previously prepared plan, we visit the most important viewpoints.

Annual entry card to most national parks:

Stovepipe Wells:

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes:

Artist's Palette (camper limit to 25ft):

Zabriskie Point:

Unfortunately, at this time of year the sun quickly disappears below the horizon. At 5 p.m. it's already dark, we head to Las Vegas, we still have about 110 miles = 175 km to our destination, where we have booked Camping Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort . This is a 5 star campsite with all hookups, pool, cafe and shop price per night $47.

The cleaning company polishes the camper:

In the morning we order an Uber because it's hard to get around the city in a camper without knowing the area, so we walk from Downtown to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Hotel which is located at the other end of the Strip, the whole thing takes us 12 hours, we go to play at the casino, we leave for Stratosphere Tower, to admire the panorama of the city, we enter most hotels to admire their interiors, each has a different style, you can find Venice, New York, Paris, etc. here.

Stratosphere Las Vegas can be reached by elevator and admire the view of the city:

Lunch at Denny's Restaurant - tasty food at a decent price:

Fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel – a beautiful show:

At night the city looks even better, full of colorful neon lights everywhere, we end the day tired, unfortunately not everything has been seen, so in the morning we freeze the camper and look for a parking lot, and here's a surprise, at the very entrance there is a large free parking lot with several campers parked, I think we could sleep here, we didn't see the ban we take the most important photo with the words Las Vegas.

Cruise America Rentals is also in Las Vegas:

That day we go to the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, unfortunately we arrive late and we don't have the opportunity to visit the center where the turbines are located. We admire the landscape and move on. It's already getting dark so we go towards national parks to look for accommodation. We stay in the parking lot next to the Hoover Dam Lodge.

Hoover Dam:

The weather is good, the sun shines every day, but the temperature is not always high, in LV it was only 7 degrees. Today we can say that it is warm, about 18 degrees, we are going to the Valley of Five State Park, the entrance fee is $10 separately, it does not include the card with which we have views worth spending this amount. From the place where we slept to the park it is 140 km.

We covered an additional 50 km in the park with stops to visit attractions, it took us about 3.5 hours, we were with a 7-year-old child, so the pace was adapted to her. It's a hot day and I can't imagine visiting the park in the summer. We return to road 15 and go towards Zion National Park, still 200 km ahead of us, we are looking for accommodation in the wild or at a campsite, unfortunately some places for free are about 8 km from the main road and we are a bit afraid to drive the camper on these bumpy roads, people from the USA love such places. and there are plenty of them everywhere, you can see it from the main road. This time we also stop at a place where we can go to the park as early as possible in the morning.

Accommodation near Zion in the field:

We have such views from the window in the morning, completely free of charge.

The morning is cold and windy, part of the park can only be entered by special buses, so we leave the camper in the parking lot and go towards the park transport stop, it stops at several of the most important attractions and, most importantly, it is free.

The Narrows you can rent appropriate clothing and walk along the riverbed. We were supposed to climb the Angels Landing Trail, unfortunately the route was closed and a rock slid, so we return to the camper and continue driving, to get to the next park we have to go through a tunnel in the rock, it is payable at the entrance to the park, you get a receipt which is shown in front of through the tunnel, a guard stops traffic on the other side and we continue in the middle of the road towards the next Bryce National Park, which is also where we want to stop for the night, as it is already November, most of the campsites are closed. After driving 120 km we reach the town of Panguitch, a small town, a very nice one, of 3 campsites only one is open, it is run by an elderly couple, a very nice couple, today we want to have a barbecue, for now the sun is shining, we are wearing short sleeves, but the owner says we have to drain the water from the tanks because it will be -6 degrees at night.

Campsite www.hitchnpostrv.com - $41 (Bryce area) Panguitch. At the campsite, each pitch has a water and sewage connection.

The forecast came true, it was a very cold night, we ate breakfast quickly and went to the next point of the program, Bryce National Park. The distance to the park is 37 km. At each entrance to the park, fees are checked, i.e. the card we bought earlier and we get maps with viewpoints.

Bryce Canyon National Park/Natural Bridge:

There are places in the park where you can have a barbecue, we cook in the camper because we don't have time for a longer stay, which is a pity. To visit the park, we cover 65 km from the Visitor Center and back.

We leave the park around 3 p.m. heading towards Arches National Park, we choose road no. 12, it is a scenic road, it takes more time but it is worth it, we had an adventure with the camper, we stopped for a moment to rest, we come back and there is silence, the camper does not start and what now is bad luck no reception on the phone, no car, in all this stress I forgot that campers have a clever button that allows for an emergency start of the engine, well done, it worked and the stress is over. Oh, and of course you have to remember about fuel because sometimes there is no gas station for 200 km.

Scenic road no. 12:

After driving 180 km we reach the village of Torrey. It's dark and it's hard to find something to sleep in. You can't see anything on the left or right. Finally, at the end of the road we find a campsite. Due to the late hour, there is no staff left. There is a bell on the door and the owner has a house above the reception. He came down to us, we paid $50 for the parking, and he told us a lot about what is worth seeing nearby. We would need a week for this, but we only have 1 day.

Sand Creek RV Campground $48 Torrey in front of Capitol reef:

From Torrey we go through Capitol Reef National Park to Arches National Park, unfortunately we throw away the visit to Capitol Reef, we don't have enough time to visit both parks, we decide on Arches, to the gates of the park we have 250 km, so we arrive around 11, as always, we take a map and check off the most important points, around the park we covered 72 km, we also had a break for lunch. At the only stop, there are special shelters with tables and a barbecue. At 4 p.m. we go to the Visitor Center for souvenirs.

Turret Arch/The Windows:

After an intense day, we go to the town of Moab to do some shopping, refuel and refill the gas tank. Unfortunately, there was a problem with it, there was nowhere to be found, only in the morning we found a campsite where we could refill it. And we stayed overnight in the middle of nature on the Colorado River for $20, unmanned, you take an envelope from the glove box, write down the details and put the money in an iron box, around 11 p.m. a patrol was there and checked the fees.

Moab Town:

UPPER BIG BEND CAMPING AREA $20 no electricity or water, money left in an envelope in a special box.

From Moab to Canyonlands we have 130 km on a winding road, so the pace is snail's, we reach the Big Spring Canyon Overlook and unfortunately we have to return to the main road for 50 km.

The way to Mexican Hat:

We're going towards Mexican Hat, somewhere along the way we want to find a place to sleep, 180 km ahead of us, unfortunately there are no campers everywhere, we found a place by the river, but we were afraid that something would happen at night, so we decided to go further to Monument Valley, another 40 km, it's already getting bigger. it's dark and you can barely see anything. We admire a beautiful sunset, unfortunately darkness is a bad advisor, then we can't see anything at all, there are no street lamps, the sky is completely dark, we don't notice any stops and we reach the town of Kayenta, which is another 45 km away, there we sleep in a shop parking lot to in the morning, return to Monument Valley, where we have purchased entry for $21 per car.

Monument Valley Sunset:

The road is partially closed to campers, you can only get to the Visitor center and then buy a Jeep trip between the monuments.

Monument Valley:

We take a photo in a place known from the movie Forest Gump:

Around noon we set off towards the town of Page, about 200 km, the first stop is Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River turns 270° at this point, creating a beautiful viewpoint, from the parking lot, which costs $10, you have to take a short walk to the edge.

Town Page:

then we drive through the town of Page to go to the campsite at Lake Powell, we only have one night here, and we already regret it, but oh well. There are barbecues at each site, the view of the lake is divine - sunset and sunrise, you can rent a boat or take a cruise, I recommend staying there for the 2nd day. The next day we had already purchased entry to Antelope Canyon. point of the trip, from where the guide takes us by Jeep to Canyon X.

Sunset over Lake Powell:

Wahweap RV & Campground $30 (excluding electricity and water)

Glen Canyon Dam:

Descent to Canyon X:

Around 3 p.m. we continue our route towards the Grand Canyon. We have a long way of 240 km ahead of us, we stop from time to time to take photos, we stop in the town of Cameron, we refuel our dragon, we go to a shop with Indian souvenirs and we were going to stay here for the night, but we decide to drive another dozen or so kilometers and stop for The campsite in the Grand Canyon, but a surprise awaits us here. Unfortunately, it is closed from October 31 to the end of March 2020, so from Desert View we have to get to the town of Tusayan 45 km.

There is a large campsite in the town, the cost is $65. We park the camper and go for a delicious steak to a stylish restaurant, I recommend trying it at least once, it was prepared in several ways there.

Campground www.grandcanyoncampervillage.com $57 Grand Canyon:

After breakfast, we go to visit the Grand Canyon. From the town we walk about 14 km to the parking lot where we leave the camper. As always, we have a map at our disposal that we received from the guard at the entrance to the park, we do some of the points on foot, then we take the park bus to the next points, we don't go down, we would need about 10 hours and unfortunately it gets dark and cold quickly, hello, GC is not accessible to cars and pedestrians, you need to use a bus that stops at viewing points where you can get off and board the next one.

In the afternoon, we head to the next town on our plan, which is Sedona - a mountain resort, 250 km away. Coming from the direction of the town, we were supposed to find accommodation along the way, we use the freecampsites.net application, but as is often the case, the data is not always true, yes, we found two places, but they were in the forest, an expensive disaster, due to the rented cameras, we were afraid to go there in order not to break something. , so we go to the center, but both campsites are bursting at the seams, devastated by the whole situation, we don't know what to do, luckily, at the campsite, one girl explains to us where we can park in the wild relatively safely, of course the road was not interesting, but they don't want to visit Sedona in the morning We could have gone further, it was a waste of time and fuel.

We spent the night in a place like Sedona, somewhere in the field below our neighbor:

Sedona Town:

Sedona is small and beautiful, you can take advantage of trips from local tourist offices, a jeep ride, a helicopter ride around the area, if you have time, stay there for two days, there is plenty to do

Around 2 p.m. we leave the town and go to the historic road 66, known and liked mainly by motorcycle fans. We are 165 km to Seligman. The town is full of old cars (known from the cartoon Cars) and souvenir shops at good prices.

Seligman town road 66:

The interior of Delgadillo's Snow Cap bar where we ate a delicious buritto and hamburger. The natives are very nice and willing to talk.

Trains in the USA are gigantic, with 100 wagons packed with containers and 6 locomotives.

Today we travel 66 - 140 km to reach the town of Kingman for the night, we stop at a campsite to do laundry and empty the toilets, washing costs $2 and drying costs another $2.

KINGMAN:

Campsite www.ftbealerv.com Kingman $48

Road 66 also leads through the mountains with winding streets, we go 46 km to Oatman, a mountain town where donkeys rule and walk along the road without doing anything to anyone.

Around 11 we arrive at Topock66 Colorado River, it is a restaurant on the Colorado River, I read recommendations for this place somewhere on the Internet, the food is good, the atmosphere is great, and the interior design is interesting.

After a nutritious breakfast, we set off 260 km to the destination of Joshua Tree National Park, we arrive at the place around 4 p.m., we take the maps from the rangers, we get information that it is very warm in the park, almost 30 degrees, and it is November, today we just need to refuel and look for accommodation, we go to the In the area belonging to the park, it is a free seat in the middle of the field. There is dry ground, completely dry. The next day we had an early breakfast and were on our way, there were a lot of obstacles to overcome.

We enter the park to look for Jesus trees, take a few photos and continue towards Palm Springs. Due to the idea of driving through the entire park, instead of 50 km we do 170 km, it's honestly not worth it, the best views are at the beginning of the park below the map and then we saved 70 km, but well, it's hard to say.

Joshua Tree village in the field, park area for free / Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

We leave the park onto the highway towards Palm Spring, it's hot - 34 degrees and the temperature was already minus 6 degrees. We stop in the parking lot of the store, do some shopping, because today there is almost a farewell bonfire, we make dinner and, unfortunately, we visit the city with the car because it's 210 km to San Diego and we have booked accommodation there and paid for it, so we choose a place around 7 p.m., the campsite is full, there are no free places, we wanted to stay there one day, but unfortunately there is no option without reservation, from this place you can see the entire panorama of the city.

Palm Springs:

A lot of second-hand shops with campers and trailers can be found in almost every city:

San Diego panorama at night:

Campsite www.sdparks.org $35 San Diego (bathhouse paid per person):

After breakfast, we pack up and look for another campsite closer to the ocean, it's an expensive place, $90 a night, but it has a heated swimming pool and a jacuzzi, a shop, restaurants, and the ocean behind the fence.

Sun RV Resorts campsite $96 San Diego by the ocean (the next day we received a 20% discount voucher for the next night, but we did not use it). The campsite has a special place for cleaning fish and grilling. Each place is concreted and has its own bench and all connections.

We are going to explore San Diego, we have 1.5 days for it, we managed to park in a city parking lot, the fee is $10 for the whole day, due to the fact that it is small, 20 ft. (6 m), a larger one would be a problem, after reading several guides, we choose the most important attractions to see. If you go there, I recommend at least 4 days. Unfortunately, we didn't even have time to laze by the ocean and we still didn't see everything.

Balboa Park, you can spend almost the whole day there walking among the greenery and pavilions with plants, the park also borders the Zoo, we took a 4-hour walk around the park to see the Zoo, then we walk to the ocean where the Midway Aircraft Carrier museum is moored.

Balboa Park:

Downtown:

Unfortunately, we didn't manage to visit the Midway aircraft carrier. The museum was open until 4 p.m., and we didn't have time the next day. At 5 p.m. it got dark and terribly cold, and we were about 4 km away from the camper.

The next morning, a quick breakfast, a swim in the pool and then we hit the beach and the ocean for the first time.

Imperial Beach:

Then Old Town right next door there is also a $12 parking lot. The district is styled after the old times, mainly Mexicans trade there, after sightseeing we go to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and then continue along the coast towards Los Angeles.

La Jolla, cliffs, grotto, you can see pelicans and seals there, an amazing view, a beautiful town, you could easily stay there for one day. There are still many places to see, e.g. SeaWord park for children, but we are leaving along road No. 1, all the time by the ocean. I recommend spending at least ½ day on the journey.

La Jolla Tide Pools:

Boomer Beach:

La Jolla Cove:

We stop at the campsite for the night, we have to wash the camera inside and pack our bags by 11 we should be at the rental place, we arrive at the place at 11:40 a lady comes to take down the meters, check the generator and cleanliness, food remains and equipment, e.g. bedding, you can leave them there. Then we go to the office to settle the differences and deposit. The difference was returned to the account in 5 days.

Then we ordered an Uber, it's cheaper than a taxi. And unfortunately it's time to get back to reality.

Waterfront RV Park Campground - $60 Huntington Beach (towards long Beach)

The three of us slept in the alcove and there was no problem getting a good night's sleep.

Visited campsites in the USA:

• www.hitchnpostrv.com - $41 (Bryce area) Panguitch
• Waterfront RV Park Campground - $60 Huntington Beach (towards long Beach)
• www.lakepowell.com/rv-camping/wahweap-rv-campground - $30 (excluding electricity and water)
• www.oasislasvegasrvresort.com - $48 Las Vegas
• www.grandcanyoncampervillage.com $57 Grand Canyon
• www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/west/california/chula-vista-rv-resort $96 San Diego by the Ocean
• www.sandcreekrv.com $48 Torrey in front of Capitol reef
• www.ftbealerv.com Kingman $48
• www.sdparks.org $35 San Diego (bathhouse paid per person)
• Los Angeles overnight stay in the wild near the highway
• in front of Zion National Park in the field on road no. 9
• parking lot in front of the store near MD Kayenta
• Sedona in the field