Summer Heat Escape Trip Summary ~ Westbrook RV Travel Log

We got out of DFW as the string of 100ºF+ days began. We headed to higher elevations. The old rule of thumb is that it's about 5ºF cooler for every thousand feet you climb in elevation. We spent most of the trip in SW Colorado and northern New Mexico. Here's our general route:

The first two days and the last two days are just powering through the plains.

This was our 4th major trip in our Winnebago Travato and, ironically, we returned home on the same date we departed on our first trip last year. Here's the summary data and a few highlights from this most recent adventure:

STATS
Miles Driven: 2,767 miles
Average miles/day: 120
Time Driving: 63 hours
Avg Speed: 43 mph
MPG: 17.4 (vehicle calc); 16.5 (actual)
Gas Used: 168 gallons
Gas Cost: $731 ($32/day) - avg of $4.36/gallon

Sleeping locations - cost avg ~$25/night

State Parks, National Parks, Forest Service Campgrounds (13)
Private Campgrounds (5)
Boondocked (1)
Moochdocked in driveways of relatives and friends (3)

Food

Cooked most meals in the van.
Stopped for groceries 3 times.
Ate out a few times.
Avg cost per day = to what we would have spent at home.
We ate very well, but increased activity (hiking) helped me shed a few pounds on the trip.

Highlights

Cool air. Temperatures were very pleasant for most of our trip. Down to 39ºF and highs in the 60's and 70's in most locations.
We had not visited Great Sand Dunes National Park, and we really enjoyed it there. Nearby Zapata Falls was also a highlight. Great Sand Dunes Blog Link
The clothing optional Valley View hot springs was nice. Several natural hot spring pools pour out of the mountain side. The lack of clothing was not weird and everyone was very nice. (no photos)
We spent some time around Cañon City, CO. We rafted and enjoyed some nice hikes. Canon City Blog Link.
We rafted again in Browns Canyon - one of my favorite rafting trips. We also visited the south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Browns Canyon & Black Canyon Blog Link
My favorite part of the trip was the 3 nights we spent in the city owned campground in Telluride. It was walking distance to almost everything - from hiking trails, to the adjacent city park, to the businesses on the main streets. It was nice to not drive for a few days. Telluride Review Blog
In the Jemez area we enjoyed Valles Caldera and the Gilman Tunnels (and the geology of the area) along with the excellent Jemez Museum at Walatowa. Final Days of the Trip Blog