From Coast to Canyon: My Family's Grand Tour in Our Ford Expedition

When May 2024 rolled around, so did the start of our family’s most ambitious road trip yet. My husband, our three kids (ages 15, 13, and 11), and I packed up our 23-foot hybrid camper, hitched it to our 2022 Ford Expedition, and set off from Greenville, South Carolina. Our destination? The breathtaking red rock landscapes of Utah and Arizona, a journey that would span 5,000 miles and cross 15 states.

The first leg of our adventure took us up to St. Louis, then on a long, steady push across the vast plains of Kansas and the stunning mountains of Colorado, finally bringing us to Moab, Utah. Our Expedition, with its center-row captain’s chairs, provided ample personal space for everyone, a true blessing when you’re spending weeks on the road. It also proved to be a beast, effortlessly hauling our camper up and over the Rockies. I even let our 15 –year old, who had her learner’s permit, log some highway miles pulling the camper across Kansas – a first for her and a testament to the Expedition’s stable ride!

Once in the arid deserts of Utah and Arizona, we truly settled into our rhythm. For nearly three weeks, our Expedition and camper were our mobile home base as we explored Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Glen Canyon (Lake Powell), and the Grand Canyon. Being out in the backcountry, often cut off from cell service, was incredibly freeing. It stripped away distractions and allowed us to connect as a family in a way we rarely do. To this day, the kids still declare it a top vacation, and they even picked up my favorite game, mah-jongg!

Surviving three weeks in a small camper with five people required strategy. First, everyone had a job. The moment we pulled into a campground, each of us had a task, from unhooking the sway control to setting up bunks. No one rested until camp was fully ready, and the same applied on departure day – we became incredibly efficient at breaking down camp! 

Second, we embraced flexibility. We had a general plan but always left room for spontaneity. Our “epic adventure” days, like white-water rafting the Colorado or horseback riding in Bryce, were spaced out, allowing for more relaxed days. Some of our favorite memories were unexpected side trips, like hunting for dinosaur footprints or discovering the best fruit pie at Capitol Reef National Park.  

Lastly, we nailed the food. A large tub of healthy snacks was always accessible, and while we had a loose dinner plan, we weren’t afraid to eat out if something intriguing caught our eye.

After three weeks of incredible sights and family bonding, we turned east, making our way back through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Our Ford Expedition wasn't just a vehicle; it was an integral part of our epic adventure, providing comfort, reliability, and the power we needed to explore the wild beauty of the American West.

Katie Kratky has worked at Ford for 25 years. Her favorite part of road trips is seeing scenery slowing change out the car window. Her favorite road trip memory is discovering City Museum in St Louis, MO. (If you’ve never been, add it to your must-see list!) Her favorite pie is strawberry rhubarb with a crumble top. She is currently out of office on her family’s next epic road trip through the hills of West Virginia.