SF Bay to Denver

[dustboy]

We are planning a 10-day road trip from the SF Bay to Denver and back. I think we'll beeline on 80 out there and take our time exploring on the way back, probably try to catch my uncle in Salida, CO (Route 50). We'll be in our Transit camper conversion, 2 adults, 2 small kids and the dog.

We prefer boondocking, but quiet campgrounds are good too. The Rockies have been calling me for a long time so I wouldn't mind poking around the high country before we leave CO.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Vic]

My inlaws are out in Denver - done that drive many times. A few thoughts:

- HWY 50 is shorter but takes longer by just a little bit - that said if its spring/summer/fall hwy 50 offers a lot more opportunities for stops and overnights. I've never found a great place to boondock on 80 between Reno and Wendover as we pass through and usually just end up at the Walmart in Elko or the casino in Wendover for an overnight. I'm pretty sure you can dispersed camp on the salt flats but have never have the occasion to check it out.

- Depending on the age of your kids, the California Trail Interpretive Center just West of Elko is a free BLM museum and really well done. I've been there a few times and great to stretch your legs.

- some of my favorites on HWY 50 -

--grimes point outside of fallon
-- Hickison Petroglyph's (camping too) outside of Austin (https://travelnevada.com/discover/27113/hickison-petroglyph-recreation-area)
-- Courtyard Cafe in Fallon (yum)
- Garnet Hill outside of Ely (camping too) http://nevada-outback-gems.com/Rockhound/Nevada_garnet_Ely.htm

 

[Espresso]

I boondocked in the middle of a dry lake bed just west of Sevier Lake, Utah. It was a wild evening on a barren landscape. I would definitely do it again, but there isn't much in the way of entertainment.

 

[dustboy]

As far as 80 stopovers, we stayed at Rye Patch state rec area near Winnemucca NV, it was a well spaced, shady quiet campground. We came in late and bounced out early so we didn't even check out Lassens Meadows Lake but it looks like an excellent lake to explore via boat.

Any favorite spots in the Rockies?