Anne

I am planning a trip across the country, from North Carolina to California and would like suggestions for great places to stop for photography. Four of us are traveling together, taking 6 weeks, leaving in early May via a northern route to begin with and returning via a southerly route. Any ideas. We are very interested in National Parks, historic areas and great landscape, any help would be appreciated. We are just going to raom, no set itenary.
Anne

NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

I have no ideas, but I suggest you just roam. I envy you. I would love to take 6 weeks and just see the states. Never a big fan of seeing places that everyone sees. I love the unique, and unfound places this country has to offer. But, whatever you see, have a great time and enjoy the oppurtinaty . linda

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Anywhere in Utah, Yosemite (my wife calls it "Holy crap!National Park"), Crater Lake, Death Valley, Pacific Coast Highway, Joshua Tree National Park, Grand Canyon, Big Bend National Park, Smoky Mountains, Skyline Drive. That would be the tip of the iceberg. Oh, Heck, just go out there and have some fun. There is also a really photogenic gal that works the grill at a diner down in Mobile....I digress.

NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

Also, valley of fire.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Get off the highway some and drive the back roads.

Remoman Loc: Someplace Remote Near LA

Yellowstone a must and Yosemite if in Calif.
Much to see in Colorado, I loved all the old mining towns.
In Utah, Bryce, an easy walk among the red cliffs and Zion, be sure to hike Angels Landing.
Many amazing state parks in Utah.
Go to http://www.utah.com/ for a rundown of national and state parks and more including historic sites .
Go to http://www.utah.com/byways/ and plan your route on amazing scenic roads and byways instead of freeways.
That would put you on I-80 toward Reno and Sacramento, many museums and Cal Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacto and then down I-5 to Yosemite and Sequoia NPs.
I have extensively toured all the western states many times, if you have some areas that you are interested in, private message me and I will be happy to make some suggestions.
Have a great time.

rebride

Route 66

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Good place to get your kicks?

steveo52 Loc: Rhode Island and Ocala Florida

Ditto, I did a similar trip in 1976, for 11 weeks. Visited all of the above and then some. You're going to have the time or your life!! Enjoy!

RaydancePhoto

If I were doing that trip...

I would drive only secondary roads and go through all the small towns. Back roads and small towns interest me more than Yellowstone or the Grand Canion.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

If you are driving on I-70 in Eastern Colorado, Flagler's I-70 Diner is pretty interesting. There is nothing else out there besides sky. Exit 395
http://www.i-70diner.com/

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Where in California are you going? Best places in California are:
Redwoods
Yosemite
Sierra Mountains
San Francisco
Big Sur
Costal drive throughout Newport beach, Laguna beach, San Clemente,
South to San Diego
Point Loma in San Diego (unbelievable view)


Have already planned my dream trip down to the last mile. It is:
1. Nashville north then west.
Mount Rushmore
Badlands
Little Big Horn area
2. On to Yellowstone
3. south through Grand Tetons
4. South then east then south to Arches national park
5. Canyon lands
6. Monument Valley
7. Grand Canyon (north rim)
8. Las Vegas
9. Hover Dam
10. South to I-40
11. East through flagstaff
12. Painted Desert
13. If time and money side trip to Santa Fe or Taos, NM
14. Continue east on I-40 to Nashville.

This is a rough outline of my dream trip. Actually have a detail plan/schedule worked out that includes miles per day, location at night, estimated cost, etc. estimated miles was approximately 4500 and six weeks travel. Cost for two people was estimated to be approximately $6000.

I can say from experience that you will need to all sit down and list in order of priority those places that are a "must see" And then those that are a like to see but willing to skip if necessary. Given the time frame most likely you will not be able to see everything listed. In addition you will need to set mile stones to help ensure that you don't end up running out of time and not seeing what you deem important. You can be flexible in between the milestones but all agree that by certain dates will be at certain location. It's nice to say will just take our time and be flexible, but rest assured you will find differences of opinion as to what to do, where to go, and what to skip if you don't have an agreed upon itinerary and schedule.

As to where to photograph there are many sources that give the best places to go for that great photograph for all the national parks and most other major sites in the U.S. it would take me a couple of days but would be willing to get the references if you would like. Hope that you keep us informed once started. I for one would enjoy reading a daily diary and seeing pictures of the trip as it occurs. Also feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions or issues you would like to discuss.

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Don't forget Route 66 and take a few side trips to small towns and back roads.....

On one trip through western Tennseess we took back roads.... we found the town of Skullbone.. well actually its just a couple buildings..the main one having a huge old Texaco Gas sign out front. It is the home of the Bare Knuckle boxing champion. The building is the town hall, post office, mayor's office, grocery store etc. What fun we had that day....all by accident. Enjoy

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

As an afterthought, is California a must destination? Believe me I can envision a six week trip from NC whereby you would probably not make it much past Colorado. Again, you will all need to think about what you really want to accomplish. When it comes to unbelievable scenery and landscapes the Rockies, Yellowstone, Tetons, Grand Canyon, Yosemite are at the tops of any list. Are places like Washington, D.C. on your list? What about Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Philadelphia?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento, CA
http://www.csrmf.org/
PM me if you decide to visit there.