Places to see on main road AZ-UT-ID-WA?

[ChezCheese:-)]

We're going to be bringing our van back from the Phoenix area to Seattle. It won't be outfitted for camping yet and we aren't going to dawdle much, but if you were going up Hwy 89 - 15 - 84 (it seems to change...), are there any sights we should make a point of keeping our eye out for? I've never been to AZ or UT, or southern ID. Any independently-owned cafes that warrant a meal? Recommendations?

 

[QinReno]

If I were doing that trip, I would stay off the freeways (15, 84) and take the more scenic byways. I might route it through Moab, Provo, Jackson, Stanley ID (Sawtooth mtns, Redfish Lake), Moscow, and then you're basically home. When I was having lunch one day in Oracle AZ, I talked with a retired couple who had a winter home in Tucson and summer home in Seattle, and twice a year they did the trip, off-freeway exclusively, stayed in motels along the way.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

Thanks for the input. Moab is a bit east, but I'm thinking maybe we pop down off hwy 89A to the north rim of the Grand Canyon and then, as you suggest, stick to some smaller byways. I just wish we were going to be set up for camping and could spend a little time enjoying the ride...

 

[QinReno]

The North Rim is great. You can sit there for hours in a chair, just watching the shadows move. Other nice natl parks around there, of course. Don't miss the area around St George - the reddest reds you'll ever see. 
https://www.google.com/search?q=north+rim+panorama&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X

Also, I went through Boise last year, and liked it quite a lot. An old city where they have taken some effort to keep the old downtown in good shape. If you want a nice walk, go to the Old Penitentiary, and go to the top of Table Rock. Come back to Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands another day.

 

[QinReno]

BTW, I wouldn't bother stopping at Meteor Crater. I'd heard about it all my life, and got there this past winter. Big disappointment. The crater is totally surrounded by fence, and for $18-20, all you can do is stand in the visitor center and look down into it. Duh.

 

[AMGS3]

For several years I lived I Mtn Home, ID. I'd say a visit to Bruneau Dunes State Park would be time well spent. It is not right on 84, but definitely worth the short drive for the amazing views of a unique landcsape.

Here's their link if you are interested-
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneau-dunes

~angie

Sent from my VS501 using Tapatalk

 

[bullfrog]

I came to south eastern Utah for a weekend trip 13 years ago and haven't seen everything or got back home yet!

 

[rm.w/aview]

I agree with QinReno, take 89 up to 89A and swing in to the North Rim of Grand Canyon. Exiting that, stay on 89A till it meets up with 89 and run that up, it parallels 15 generally anyway. In Salt Lake City take 80W for a ride through the Salt Flats if only because you've never seen it. In Nevada take 93N to get you into Idaho and make your way to 84 if you have to make time as you say that you'll not dawdle much. This splits up the driving between 2 lanes & the interstate making for a nice introduction and still get you to Seattle in time for Thanksgiving  Along the way stop for food where ever you please and make some nice discoveries. Happy Trails!

 

[QinReno]

When Rick says stop for food, one might look for NON-chain, local-establishment restaurants. They are always fun.

 

[MrNoodly]

89-A to North Rim, then rejoin 89 at Kanab and take 9 west to Zion NP. Backtrack to 89 then take 12 east to Bryce Canyon NP. Backtrack to 89 then take I-70 west to I-15. At Nephi take 132 east to Nebo Loop Road which ends in Payson. Get on I-15 again, then in Provo take 189 to Heber City, past Park City, and get on I-80 east to I-84, thus bypassing the SLC metro area. Turn north on 93 in Twin Falls and follow it through Sun Valley and Salmon to Missoula where you can catch I-90 to Seattle.

 

[QinReno]

At Twin Falls, they will probably get on I-84 west. Missoula would have been my choice too for the "long" way around. 

And always close your eyes when driving through Sun Valley. It's the horrors. Many years ago when I had my first van, I skied at Sun Valley and camped in the parking lot of the main lodge and soaked in the heated pool there. Today, I imagine they would put me in chains for doing same.

 

[MrNoodly]

Sun Valley is surrounded on the east, north and west by national forest. I've boondocked in several spots there with no problems.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

We won't be boondocking since we'll be driving an empty van. We may have to resist the urge to sightsee for that very reason -- and I want to get back and start working on the conversion project.

(As for non-chain restaurants, I never eat at chains or franchises if I can help it. They are basically blank spaces in the landscape to me. I don't really consider their foodlike substances actual food. If someone were to suggest eating at McDonald's, etc, it is as nonsensical as suggesting we eat at Schuck's Auto Supply or State Farm Insurance. Independently owned REAL businesses are the ones I like to patronize. Call me a food snob -- I don't mind.)

 

[QinReno]

(tying up some loose ends before heading out to the mountains for a while).

Camping in the NF of Idaho around the Sawtooth Mtns is great, but Sun Valley itself is the worst form of resort over-development. That's why I said close your eyes, . OTOH, anyone with a $100,000 RV will be welcome, I am certain.

@OP, why not sneak a sleeping bag and sleeping pad into the suitcase. Just a thought. Happy trails no matter what. Also, as I've mentioned to others, rather than spending a lot of time and money doing a conversion end to end, I'd say do it in steps, put in the bare minimum, go out and trip a while, and think about the next step in several phases. You learn a lot about what works and what doesn't when on the road.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

We are thinking of doing that very thing. Our sleeping pads (and tent) got stolen off the roof of our car in Eureka recently while we were in an hotel. So we have to replace them anyway. And we have to drive by REI in Phoenix to head up north...

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Your picking up a van and going on a road trip.
For $100 or so, load up on supplies and equipment and explore.
You have a rolling tent /mobile base camp as i like to call mine. If you have seats, unbolt and donate to Goodwill. Get a mattress and you're all set!

Don't worry about the destination, enjoy the journey!

 

[highdesertranger]

I would go to Cabela's in Glendale(outside of Phoenix). highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

Sportsman's Warehouse nowdays carries more of a selection since Cabellas started pushing their own label goods and is the same price or cheaper.

 

[MrNoodly]

Mom's Cafe in Salina UT, which is at the junction of US89 and I-70.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

Mom's sounds like the ticket!

My husband was one of the early REI Coop members (he was, like, 12 years old when he joined in his mother's name) so he is kind of partial to REI. But we'll check out the other two outdoor stores mentioned, if they are handy.