Family Spring Break trip out west

[jorswift]

Hey all. So the family wants to break away from the "traditional" FL spring break trip and go out west. We are from Indiana and more than likely will be driving and bringing the dog with us during the last week of March. We first though about making a giant loop and hitting several spot, but after much discussion, budgeting and travel time of about 8-11 days, we dont find that feasible. So our plan is to pick a state; CO, MT, or WY and travel around and check it out. My family has never been out west, other than myself. First thought was to do some hotels and camping, but then again, remembered the weather probably wont be in our favor to camp, unless I upgrade some equipment. I do have one of those portable campstoves that lowes had on sale last year. We like anything outdoors. Anyone have any recommendations on a trip like this? O ideas on accommodations?

 

[mlob1one]

When is your spring break? If it's early, you could easily experience more winter than spring weather

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[jorswift]

When is your spring break? If it's early, you could easily experience more winter than spring weather

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Sorry, our SB is that last week of March. Yes, we understand it may be colder/snowier etc. But for us, it is the best time currently for '25 to get out west.

 

[downthepipe]

That time of year you will be in snow, cold, or wet conditions in all of those places. While you can probably still have fun if you are looking to ski, snowmobile, hike, or whatever, just plan for cold and difficult access to some outdoor areas.

Have you considered a trip to southern Utah, Nevada, or Arizona? Some of the national parks are awesome that time of year. Or not even in the parks, but the desert is great that time of year.

 

[The_Jim]

agree with @downthepipe I would definitely stay south especially with your family.

 

[Pony Soldier]

For many of us living in the higher elevations, that is the transition time when we go from cold and dry snow to increasing amounts of wet snow. In the mountains the north sides will be snowed in and excursions must be focused in valley floors and county maintained roads. Pay attention to the daily weather reports. There will be places that are unforgiving.

 

[Hondo0925]

Moab Utah is cool.
Ride mountain bikes or rent a SxS

 

[WRO]

Southern Utah and northern az will be great that time of year.


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[DawnPatrol]

I’ve had some freezing cold nights on spring break camping trips to southern Utah/CO, northern NV/AZ. Great country though and I’m itching to take my kids there as soon as they are a tad bigger.

I’ve also done some spring break trips to southern AZ. There’s some great stuff out in the desert—my kids were blown away just hiking through the cactus. And some of the sky islands are just plain cool. Weather will be on the milder side down there, but could still get some showers.

 

[Dos Perros]

You're either skiing or going to the desert.

 

[go_deep]

I'd stay Colorado, Southern Utah, Nevada, Arizona way. Most mountain roads in Wyoming are closed, can't get to most the places you'd likely want to go to.

 

[Huntindog45]

trying to do too much in a one week period of time can be pretty overwhelming. I had friends come out one year and the list of places they wanted to see were hundreds of miles apart. I think sometimes people forget just how big the states are out here. Pick a spot, and explore it. Wyoming, Montana and Colorado can see very significant snow fall in March. So in less you are really set up for snow camping, and it doesnt sound like you are, get an airbnb or a hotel. Bozeman, West yellowstone, Estes Park colorado, etc. would be great stay and play locations that put you in proximity to cool national parks. As others have suggested Utah was where i spent my spring breaks when living in montana... but those places book up so if you are thinking about this year, you likely will not find a spot to stay. BTW.. i was just in scottsdale AZ... good place to be in the winter.

 

[TaperPin]

Hey all. So the family wants to break away from the "traditional" FL spring break trip and go out west. We are from Indiana and more than likely will be driving and bringing the dog with us during the last week of March. We first though about making a giant loop and hitting several spot, but after much discussion, budgeting and travel time of about 8-11 days, we dont find that feasible. So our plan is to pick a state; CO, MT, or WY and travel around and check it out. My family has never been out west, other than myself. First thought was to do some hotels and camping, but then again, remembered the weather probably wont be in our favor to camp, unless I upgrade some equipment. I do have one of those portable campstoves that lowes had on sale last year. We like anything outdoors. Anyone have any recommendations on a trip like this? O ideas on accommodations?

My birthday is in the last week of March, and my entire life it’s been the time of change between cold crappy weather and nice spring weather, so you have a 50/50 chance of it being either. Camping in the snow, even fresh snow, is a real possibility. Fishing, hiking, biking in the snow not so much fun.

Go to southern Colorado or Utah, unless it’s unusually warm.

 

[TaperPin]

Two years ago we helped our oldest move from back east the first week of April. I80 and many western large and small roads were closed due to blowing snow in multiple spots in Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

 

[bozeman]

As mentioned, go to Utah, southern portion. Plenty to see and do (National Parks).

 

[Arithson]

It will dang sure still be winter in Montana but something that would be fun to do that I’d recommend is checking out different hot springs in Montana or Idaho.

 

[CMF]

Have you considered a trip to southern Utah, Nevada, or Arizona? Some of the national parks are awesome that time of year. Or not even in the parks, but the desert is great that time of year.

I'd second that, even down to New Mexico and TX you have Carlsbad, Guadalupe, White Sands and Big bend if you're after national parks. We did them in January and it was nice.

We did a 16 day road trip, camping/hotel in 2020 that included Teton, yellowstone, RMNP, Grand canyon, and the Utah 5 parks, but we went the last week of may/first week of June and there were still some closed roads in Yellowstone.

We first though about making a giant loop and hitting several spot, but after much discussion, budgeting and travel time of about 8-11 days, we dont find that feasible.

It's tough for most people, but taking two weeks(10 bus. days) off can give you 16 days total

 

[rogerdoger]

If you are dead set on one of those states I would consider Grand Junction and Fruita area. It would be a toss up of how warm it was but you would not be contending with large amounts of snow. Great mountain biking in Fruita area, Moab is about 1.5 hours away, skiing is a few hours the other direction. If you dirt bike the options are endless.