LOU'S EL' CHEAP'O VACATION | UTAH

by Lou Jasikoff

This past fall, 2022, found me at the Red Barn Rock in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, talking to some friends. I was, as usual, chatting about my many adventures. It was then that we decided to make our way out to Utah to do some sightseeing, exploring, and rock hunting. 

Those who have followed me either in print or Radio over the years know of a segment I like to call "Lou's El' Cheapo vacations." Getting out on the American road all began years ago in Montana with a piggy bank my wife and I kept in the restaurant we owned outside Yellowstone Park. Once it would get filled, it allowed us to get on the road with our two kids and see America. 

Yes, there was a lot of camping and many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches along the way, but the family got to see what this great nation has to offer. To this day, I travel with a piggy bank, primarily for good luck. I want to show people how they can travel El' Cheapo because I hate to see folks missing an adventure based solely on money, especially families. So, I began envisioning Lou's El' Cheapo Vacations. 

This year we chose as our destination spot Hanksville, Utah, which is conveniently located right outside Capitol Reef National Park. A day trip west from there gets you to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. An easy day trip east of there takes you to the Canyonlands, Arches National Parks, and Dead Horse Point State Park. 

That's no fewer than five national parks, including America's most photographed location in Dead Horse Point State Park. All this nature is within easy driving distance of one another. If you are on a tight budget, you can camp as some of us did, for $10 a night. If your budget boasts a bit more, you can stay at one of the excellent cabins offered in most areas. Many of us camped while others on our trips opted for the cabins. It was amazing!

While in Hanksville, Utah, we visited Cathy Riddle of the Rocks and Riddle Shop. What a gem of a place and person. If you are ever in the area, I strongly recommend you stop by and say hello. Kathy arranged for us to get to those hard-to-find places only locals know about to do our rock hunting. Whether walking on ancient seabeds or finding fossilized oysters, lava balls, Jasper selenite, or a host of fantastic minerals and rocks, we had a hoot of a time. As a special edition, Cathy arranged for a private tour of the Mars Society's Exploration Facility, where research is going on for the eventual colonization of Mars.

As for me, from time to time, I took some time off to go hiking in Natural Bridges Monument Park, which included exploring the ancient ruins of the Pueblo Cliff and getting a glimpse of the incredible Pueblo culture. 

The entire trip was an incredible experience, with incredible memories and El' Cheapo. 

So, if you only have a week off from work, are low on funds, and want the family to get out and see America, you could head to Utah. You could head out onto the open roads from Northeastern Pennsylvania on a Friday night after work and be in Hanksville, Utah, by Saturday night. While not ideal, the point is, it can be done. 

Please feel free to stop by the Red Barn Rocks in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, whenever, but I am your guy if you're looking to get on the road to explore North America cheaply! I love sharing my experiences, recommending places to go, offering money-saving tips, and sharing adventure stories.​