USA
Red Rocks Tour
29 April - 19 May 2006

In 1998 we already did this tour via the usual tourist route, more or less rushing through the places, so this time we did a shorter tour and we spent more time exploring off-road spots. In total we covered nearly 3000 miles. The landscapes were simply amazing, in no other country in the world I have seen similar. It was hotter than expected. Apparently it was a heat wave for this time of year. As we intended to go hiking a lot we had planned to travel early in the year to avoid the hottest months. At least the hot weather meant there was no problem with the dirt roads we wanted to travel as they become impassable when wet. For the off-road tours you don't get far with the usual travel guides, so we gathered all the information via the internet. Thanks to everyone for their detailed websites and/or postings in forums! I hope my own travelogue will come in useful for the one or other traveler for their own travel preparation. At least it serves as a good reminder of the details for me!

The BLM map of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument proved to be very useful (you can get it at any BLM Office or Visitor Center). Besides we used a 1:2.500.000 respectively 1:1.000.00 scale road atlas.

Always carry sufficient water when hiking! Rather take more than necessary than not enough.

Don't go to Las Vegas on a Friday or Saturday night as the hotel prices double and there will be long queues at the buffets etc. For last-minute special offers subscribe to the hotel's newsletters. The best location is in a central part of the Strip, such as Bellagio, Aladdin (Planet Hollywood), Paris.

Gas is getting more expensive in the USA as well. This time we usually paid between $2.89 and $3.09 per gallon. The exchange rate was approx. 1 USD = 0.79 EUR respectively 1 EUR = 1.25 USD.

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