Planning a road trip to the southwest

[dmcummins]

I’m trying to plan a road trip to the southwest. I’m in SW Florida, I’m thinking Sedona, Grand Canyon, and parks in Utah. And whatever else is worth seeing along the way.

I will be taking my new Jeep Gladiator, and I’m not in a hurry. It looks like Sedona is 30 hours away. So we will be making some stops along that route also.

We will be staying in hotels along the way, but I also plan on staying in the parks some, so I’ll also be getting some camping gear. We had a trailer in the past, but I’m thinking tent camping for this trip.

Not sure how long we will need, I figure a week in just traveling. So maybe a 3 week trip, but can take longer if needed.

I’m not planning on going till next year, we already have some trips planned this year and hopefully everything will be open by then.

What would be the best time to go? Any must see’s or things to pass on? Anything off the beaten path to see?

I would like to take the Jeep off-road, but don’t plan on any hard trails. I saw a book that had some maps and suggestions that I’ll be getting.

And I’ve got to get myself in better shape, the wife walks miles everyday, I walk from the golf cart to the ball, but I’m going to start walking more.

Also I’m not sure if we are trying to see to much, or if there is that much difference from one park to the next.

So what would you suggest if you had 2-3 weeks not counting the trip there and back.

[look 171]

What part of Utah? IMO, Grand Canyon is a must see. This goes for the North Rim too. South Rim is where the hotel, restaurants are and plenty of people, the North is quieter. If you like old train, take it up into South Rim from Williams. I like most NP in Utah. My favorite is Bryce and Zion. Arches is pretty nice too. Just the drive into the park is worth it.

If you don't want any back country pin strips on your new Jeep, book a Pink Jeep Tour out of Sedona. Depending on the tour, some are a couple to three hours long. What's nice about them is that the guide tells the stories or geography of the local area instead of you having to keep falling off the trail, and seeing the interesting things along the way.

[stevej37]

I would just 'wing it' instead of a set plan.
Sounds like you know what is on the route...take it as it comes.

[look 171]

If you are coming through New Mexico, do see the Carlsbad Caverns. Its well worth the detour even if you are 100 miles away. SAnta Fe is fun place to visit.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark in AZ is the other place worth visiting.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by stevej37

I would just 'wing it' instead of a set plan.
Sounds like you know what is on the route...take it as it comes.

Yep. I have done it that way until kids came and wife turned into freaking travel agent from hell.

[stevej37]

The stress level is a lot lower if you don't have a set agenda.

[Steve Viegas]

Try looking into The Grand Circle...they have a 2 week version and a 1 week version. I am going to do a slightly modified version of that trip in the middle of July.

https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/national-parks-of-the-grand-circle#:~:text=The%20Grand%20Circle%20features%20s ome,Petrified%20Forest%20and%20Grand%20Canyon.

[look 171]

If you really want a kick in the pants, at the Grand Canyon,do the donkey ride and spend the night down at the river and come back the next day.

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by Steve Viegas

Try looking into The Grand Circle...they have a 2 week version and a 1 week version. I am going to do a slightly modified version of that trip in the middle of July.

https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/national-parks-of-the-grand-circle#:~:text=The%20Grand%20Circle%20features%20s ome,Petrified%20Forest%20and%20Grand%20Canyon.

The Grand Circle is good though the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Petrified Forest did nothing for me. Others do feel differently.

Probably off his path...If you take that itinerary and are going past Silverton and have a four wheeler the Alpine Loop would be hard to pass up. Or at least part of it.

[KFC911]

"Wing it" ... and plan on longer than 3 weeks . The fish will still be biting when you return ...

[Wayne 962]

Been all over. Utah is probably my favorite state for national parks and hiking. The Grand Canyon is awesome, but Utah has Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion, and Capitol Reef:

https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/the-mighty-5

Plus, Salt Lake, and the salt flats too...

-Wayne

[Heel n Toe]

Do NOT miss Monument Valley. Simply stunning. Spend some time there... see it at sunrise and sunset and at night.

https://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/monument_valley/index.html





We stayed a Goulding's Lodge and loved it. Quite the view from our balcony.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goulding%27s_Lodge
https://gouldings.com/

[Seahawk]

Some great suggestions already.

I spent a lot of time in the Southwest, both in the "way back machine" and in the past 10 years. A few things and then just a route to get you in the area that I enjoy.

Depending on the time of year you will be traveling, you will need to plan ahead. There are a lot people in the area at certain times of the year - and I suspect a lot more this summer - and it pays to plan at least two/three days ahead, even for campgrounds.

It is easy to cancel most hotels more than 24 hours out, often very difficult to find one.

Carry a lot of water. Any issues that occasions a roadside or more remote emergency can get ugly early without water. Rule of thumb if you are not moving about is a gallon a day per person.

Also carry a tarp to make shade. I used to fly into Las Vegas and then take back roads to NAS China Lake and always carried the above.

One more thing. I know a lot of people that travel a lot in remote areas of the Southwest. They always rent a sat phone. Very cheap insurance: https://www.roadpost.com/iridium-rental-plan-comparison

I'll post a recommended route in another post.

[Seahawk]

Recommended route.

I’d hump it on Interstates to Austin, San Antonio.

My wife really likes Fredericksburg Texas and we have stay there 4 times.

Roswell is about 6 to 7 hours away and makes for a neat roadside attraction. The city is also next to the Mescalero Reservation and the drive through the Reservation to Carrizozo is neat. From there I always go to Socorro then highway 60 to Show Low, about a 6 ½ hour drive depending.

Sedona is another 3 plus hours if you take Hwy 260 out of Show Low.

Me personally, I would stay in Show Low for the night and make a day of it getting to Sedona.

Small roads to Prescott, then to Jerome (great drive with incredible views) and then into Sedona.

After that it depends on what you want to see. But don’t waste the drive on the Interstate headed from Florida, do that on the way home.

The drive from Socorro to Show Low is particularly beautiful, as is Jerome, etc.

Enjoy!

[dmcummins]

Thanks for the suggestions, what would be the best time of year to visit?

[dmcummins]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Recommended route.

I’d hump it on Interstates to Austin, San Antonio.

My wife really likes Fredericksburg Texas and we have stay there 4 times.

Roswell is about 6 to 7 hours away and makes for a neat roadside attraction. The city is also next to the Mescalero Reservation and the drive through the Reservation to Carrizozo is neat. From there I always go to Socorro then highway 60 to Show Low, about a 6 ½ hour drive depending.

Sedona is another 3 plus hours if you take Hwy 260 out of Show Low.

Me personally, I would stay in Show Low for the night and make a day of it getting to Sedona.

Small roads to Prescott, then to Jerome (great drive with incredible views) and then into Sedona.

After that it depends on what you want to see. But don’t waste the drive on the Interstate headed from Florida, do that on the way home.

The drive from Socorro to Show Low is particularly beautiful, as is Jerome, etc.

Enjoy!

This is what I’m looking for. Thanks a lot, I’ll look over the route. We also liked Fredericksburg, we stayed at the Hangar Hotel. And loved the museum of the pacific.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by dmcummins

Thanks for the suggestions, what would be the best time of year to visit?

For me, anytime other peoples kids are in school

Winter is, of course often problematic. Show Low, AZ is at 6,400 feet, for instance, and can get nippy. I did get to see the Grand Canyon in snow, however, and it was spectacular, the best of many trips.

Monsoon Season is in late Summer but very workable.

I like late Spring or early Fall when school is back in session!

[Rick Lee]

The North Rim is closed for snow from October to May and it's booked pretty full in advance of opening. Not a lot of lodging options out there unless you want to commute from Kanab, UT.

[Sooner or later]

I feel for you. You are entering a target rich environment!

I usually go in late May or Sept to avoid crowds.

My favorites would be Grand Canyon (North or South), Zion (I don't care for the current park bus system), Bryce (magical), Arches/Moab, and Mesa Verde. I can't help you on Sedona, only spent a half day there.

Those six are the best of the best and each are completely different than the others. I haven't been to Monument Valley, though I imagine it ranks with the others.

If you make it up to Arches/Moab I would hop up to Grand Junction and head south on 50 to 550 (Million Dollar Highway) to Durango. Mesa Verde is just beyond Durango. 550 is a spectacular drive (Ouray/Silverton along the way). You can side trip off of 550 to Telluride to the west or take part of the Alpine loop 4×4 climb to the east (it is not a brutal trail). Plenty of youtube videos to give you an idea.

At Durango you can hitch a ride on the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge steam railroad. It opened in 1882. You can round-trip it to Silverton and back or get off at the halfway point and be in the middle of freaking nowhere for a day hike/picnic and then wave the train down as it comes back south. You won't be the only one getting off. Some will be hard core backpakers. Others are just looking for a day of solitude. Plenty of spots to find you piece of paradise. Highly recommended if you pass through Durango and have the time.

And if you are hitting numerous National Parks look at the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. It will save you a few bucks on park entrance fees.

Good luck! I'm jealous!

[Balloonmeister]

October is really nice in the SW. Kids are in school and temps are dropping to be very comfortable. Come through ABQ during the 50th annual (except for 2020) Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest ballooning event. Absolutely spectacular!