Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Apr 2011
UKbri's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Argentina
Posts: 69
Calgary to US

Evenin all

Arriving in Calgary early May then heading down to the States to tour the National parks and Canyons etc. I have travelled From the U.S to Canada before on highway 15 through Great falls, Lethbridge etc but stayed in Motels. This time im on my own and want to Camp as much as possible. Does anyone know of any nice picturesque sites off of the main route. Dont really want to munch miles on the highway this time, just want to take it easy and take it all in.

Thanks peoples
__________________
www.onepistononeworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Apr 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Big Bear City, Ca.
Posts: 51
That's pretty easy: go west til you find some bumps in the ground - those would be the Rocky Mountains, then turn left. There are not that many roads to pick from and you can't really go wrong as long as you stay off the Interstate highways - like the 15. Of course, you'll want to pick roads that will take you through Galcier, Jellystone/Grand Teton parks and then continue on to Colorado. No famous parks there, but great riding. From there head towards Utah for Canyonlands, Escalante, Zion, Bryce and north rim of the Grand Canyon. Get a map that shows National forest lands - you can camp anywhere in those for free. Of course, you'll need to be self-sufficient: bring water, food, and carry out your trash, but I always enjoy that much more than regular campgrouds where you pay for the privelege of listening to someone's generator. The national forests all have numerous fire roads that are great for that sort of thing. In the Parks you'll have to stay in the "real" campgrounds as you can't "free camp" unless you do some backpacking.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Hey Wink,

For the intial part of your trip, one option to stay in the mountains is to take Hwy #1 west to Revelstoke. I would also recommend doing an out an back on the Icefields Parkway (#93) from Lake Louise, you can go all the way to Jasper if you want but at least ride all the way to the Columbia Icefield.

From Revy, south on #23 and then #6 to New Denver. From there, east to Kaslo and then south to Nelson on #31.

From there, you can continue south on #6 or over to #3a heading south to the border.

In Nelson, you are welcome to stay if you are already tired of camping. Drop me an email or pm if you are.

Since it will be early May and technically barely the beginning of the riding season, the weather may be variable and you could have to wait out a bit of snow on the passes or change your plans at some point. It's warm in the sun, but still winter up high. For some indication on the variability of the temperature, I went golfing on this Saturday and back country skiing on Sunday. If it stays clear for you, the views are spectacular as there will be snowcapped peaks glistening in the sun.

Ride safe and bring warm clothes. It'll get much warmer as you head south.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Apr 2011
UKbri's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Argentina
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thermal View Post
Get a map that shows National forest lands - you can camp anywhere in those for free. Of course, you'll need to be self-sufficient:
Thanks Thermal. That sounds like a plan.
__________________
www.onepistononeworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Apr 2011
UKbri's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Argentina
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainMan View Post
Hey Wink,

I would also recommend doing an out an back on the Icefields Parkway (#93) from Lake Louise, you can go all the way to Jasper if you want but at least ride all the way to the Columbia Icefield.


In Nelson, you are welcome to stay if you are already tired of camping. Drop me an email or pm if you are.

Since it will be early May and technically barely the beginning of the riding season, the weather may be variable and you could have to wait out a bit of snow on the passes or change your plans at some point. It's warm in the sun, but still winter up high.
Thanks Mountain Man. I rode from Calgary through Banff, Jasper right up to Hyder this time last year. Absolutely stunning! I may have to take you up on your kind offer too, sounds like BBQ time.
I am going to tour the mid west of the States for a while before it gets super hot. Dont want to be in Death Valley in the height of summer! Then i am going right up to Prudhoe at the peak of 'summer'. I know it can still be 'a bit nippy' up there at that point but its the best it will get. Then i head back South to Vancouver Island probably Aug/Sept time.
Hope the offer is still on for then?
Thanks again
__________________
www.onepistononeworld.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
A Calgary guy with a big plan rdsherry Welcome to HU 7 2 Feb 2011 21:05
Calgary Camp dolickc HU Travellers Meetings - North America 5 27 Sep 2010 00:42
Calgary Community Breakfast Nov. 22? Ekke HU Travellers Meetings - North America 4 21 Nov 2009 03:42
Cocktails in Calgary maja North America 2 8 Jun 2009 07:32
Toronto-Calgary by train? dgamboa Trip Transport 2 10 Nov 2003 08:21

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:30.