marvelousmouse

Yep, oh do I know. My friend suggested we do a few days on the coast as well but I already knew it's too late to book that. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping to book Monday. That's when I know for sure about Ouray. I can (or at least could 2 days ago) find lodging everywhere else, it's just the 3/4 that is the sticking point. I can find camping near Ouray but my first pick's owners are on vacation til then! Thanks for your insight on Taos- it may be a thing that has to weight until next visit, anyway, as there's a lot I want to see in SF.

Now the debate is whether or not to cut Vegas. I think that's going to be expensive, but I also think it would be a necessary break from driving and I really did want to see Hoover dam...

Lexma90

Taos pueblo is just outside the town of Taos; the pueblo is on their own land (their reservation), about 19 acres in size. It's somewhat interesting.

Not knowing what you specifically like to do or see, you'll have to decide which you prefer, Taos or Santa Fe, or both. Both have art galleries, though Santa Fe has many, many more, the high-end kind. The folk art museum on the edge of Santa Fe is very appealing, and I don't even like folk art! And Taos is more of a hang-out kind of place, though there's a lot of little museums and homes of artists. Also the Rio Gorge bridge has great views, and the earthship is a fun and kooky community where the residents have built sustains homes out of earth. If you like that kind of thing, definitely take some time there.

Re Rte 550, no it's not that bad in the summer. But for someone with a fear of heights, it's terrifying, so it's a good thing to make sure people know what the road is like (my husband drove that part of the trip, and I didn't look at some portions of the journey).

tomfuller

Visit Hoover dam and Lake Mead. You don't have to go into Las Vegas. https://www.nps.gov/lake/index.htm
If you don't want to camp there the Hoover Dam Lodge is fairly cheap. It is about 3 miles from the dam. Also walk the walkway on the big new bridge above the dam.

marvelousmouse

Yeah, thanks! My mother was seriously considering coming with me but she could not red shotgun on that road, so no go

jayne1973

Depending on where you decide to go in California, Malibu State Park is really nice, with trails down to the ocean.

marvelousmouse

Thanks, Jayne, but I went on a wonderful California coast adventure summer before last, and I decided to not go that far west this year- mostly to save money, but also because I know it's already too late to nab camping spots for July

If I get to California at all this trip, it's mostly for Bodie on my way home.