Planning a trip, but don't know where to go!

[Camilla and Darwin]

DH and I are planning on taking a week long trip this summer. We live in Utah, and want to go out of state, but not extremely far. We are considering Arizona, Colorado, California, Las Vegas, Perhaps even Washington? We want to bring Darwin, of course. Does anyone  have advice on good outdoor and dog friendly trips? We were considering CA because of the dog friendly beaches, and we'd like to see the Redwoods. But we are open to other places. Anywhere fun. 

This is a pretty general question, but any thoughts or advice? 

[Nugget's Family]

Good luck planning your trip! Sounds like fun! Since the west coast is a plane trip for us, we have never brought a dog on an adventure there, so I'm not much help to you. The only thought I have is that Arizona in the summer sounds like it may be too hot during the day for a dog to have fun. I have three friends with parents who have retired to AZ and they all come here (NY) for the summer because it's too hot there for them.

Have fun!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is a good point. Darwin does get hot easily, so that is definitely something to consider.

[Ann Kendig]

We are currently planning a 2 to 3 week trip to Colorado in July. (Colorado Springs, Durango, Silverton, Telluride, San Juan National Forest to name a few) Sheba and Duke will be coming with us. We plan to tent camp in the higher elevations. We want to stay away from the really hot weather! This will be a new experience for us. We have always taken our dogs on vacation with us but haven't tent camped with them. I made sure I bought a cot because I didn't want Duke sleeping on top of me! On the days we may be in the lower altitudes we will probably board the dogs for the day so we can go to Mesa Verde to see the ruins of the cliff dwellers.

I love Utah, there are so many wonderful places to see! We went to Moab in April 2009 and had a really great time. At that time we only had Sheba and she did wonderfully on the long drive from Ohio to Utah and back. I think she was about 4 mo. old at the time.

Have you been to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon. Zion National park is beautiful also. Not sure how dog friendly they are though.

What about watching a meteor shower on vacation in Colorado? Here is some info. I did the old copy/paste trick...
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year's shower should peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13th, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The thin, crescent moon will be out of the way early, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular show. For best viewing, look to the northeast after midnight.
Here is a link, just scroll down till you find the Perseids Meteor Shower. It is number 7 on the list.
http://enews.coloradomtn.edu/2010/01/06/celestial-news-celestial-hi...
Hopefully we will be able to catch some of this meteor shower while we are in Colorado but we won't be there in August to see the peak of the shower.

I think a trip to the beach would be so much fun! Does Darwin like to swim? Would you spend much time at the beach if you went? I think no matter where you go out west you can't lose as there are so many beautiful places to visit. Maybe you could pop into Vegas and meet up with GBK for a doodle romp or meet up with Nancy, Ned & Clancy in California or meet up with Adina, Clark, Natalie and Rosco!

Make sure you call a vet in the area you are visiting. They can advise you on any additional vaccines that may be needed for Darwin. Is Darwin protected from ticks? We did a search on Google for dog friendly places. Areas of Colorado are very dog friendly. Have a great time on your trip! Let us know what you decide!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks so much for the meteor shower information. DH and I are huge huge astronomy buffs, and could seriously plan a trip around this. I have always wanted to go to Mesa Verde, so it's funny you mentioned that. I haven't been to the Grand Canyon (weirdly) but I have been to all of the other Utah attractions. Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Arches, etc. The Grand Canyon isn't especially dog friendly, neither are any of the state parks though. We can really plan our trip for anytime this summer... so maybe we will plan it for August 10-17th or so...

Thank you!

[Ann Kendig]

You're welcome Camilla!
I remember your wonderfully decorated page from Mother's Day. I thought it was so creative! It was one of my favorites and Darwin did a great job! : ) No wonder you'd love to see the meteor shower!

I went to Mesa Verde a few years ago but my husband has never been there.
I found it to be very interesting, but for some of the dwellings you have to climb some tall ladders and scramble over some slick rock without handrails. I hate heights and I was nervous when people would get to close to the edge of the cliffs. Some people left their children run around up there. One little slip and it would have been tragic! I am not looking forward to climbing those ladders again! lol

Here is another link, scroll to the very bottom of the page. The last 2 question/answers are about dogs.
This is for the Colorado Springs area. When we are in the Colorado Springs area we are hoping to meet up with a couple DK members at the Garden of the Gods. I took my doodles to their dermatologist today for an appointment. The Doc and I were discussing this area and she said it was so beautiful.

I have never been to Yellowstone and hope to go in the future. I would happily go back to Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches. Did you do the Delicate Arch hike in Arches? Boy did I get winded on that hike! Not to mention the heights got to me too. But, I was glad I did the hike and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Wow, you guys are so lucky to live out west. Living here in the flatlands with lots and lots of corn and soybean fields is kinda boring!

I still think you should take a beach vacation! Doesn't the Picture that Greg & Sue posted of Dakota look inviting?!?!?! : )

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh yeah, the picture is beautiful. I'm sure Darwin would be fascinated/excited by the tide too. I do love living in Utah. It's nice to be close to the mountains, and all of the beautiful national parks. I don't remember exactly what I did at arches, as I was around 15... so I didn't pay too much attention. :-) I went to the Garden of the Gods a few years back, it was awesome. I didn't know they allowed dogs there, that is awesome! I think the flatlands are gorgeous, all of that open green space and being able to see the horizon... so pretty!

Thanks for saying that about my page, I was worried it was a little too nerdy! :-)

[Ann Kendig]

No, I didn't think you were nerdy at all! Let us know what you decided on your vacation and make sure to share some pictures!

[Greg & Sue]

Carmel is fantastic place for dogs, Dakota loves it. The beach is leash free, come early in morning or late evening (sunset) and Darwin will meet many dog friends. Dakota loves to splash in the surf and sometimes chase after surfers. There's also a PetFoodExpress just up on the main highway which is great for a good rinse/bath after a day of salt water play. Many dog-friendly hotels/B&Bs, and many food places allow dogs to eat with owners on patio seating. Biggest downside is that Carmel can get expensive if you get caught up shopping!
(Photo - Dakota enjoying a sunset at Carmel beach).

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is so gorgeous. Aaah! How am I going to decide? :-)

[Ann Kendig]

What a beautiful doodle, and photo!