Road Trip 2015 south west US
Jul 14th, 2014, 05:14 PM
#21
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Some nice areas around Tucson: Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, Catalina State Park, and I like Tubac - don't know if you like art and sculptures. I also like the Chiricahuas but that would be a lot of driving.
Another recommendation for Acoma Pueblo. A very nice and interesting tour.
Goblin Valley State Park would be a nice stop in Utah.
What are you going to do at Monument Valley after the morning tour? And how much time were you planning on spending in Las Vegas?
I'm confused as to why you would take 12 from Moab to Page. It makes a lot more sense to take it from Moab to Bryce & Zion.
Another recommendation for Acoma Pueblo. A very nice and interesting tour.
Goblin Valley State Park would be a nice stop in Utah.
What are you going to do at Monument Valley after the morning tour? And how much time were you planning on spending in Las Vegas?
I'm confused as to why you would take 12 from Moab to Page. It makes a lot more sense to take it from Moab to Bryce & Zion.
Jul 14th, 2014, 05:59 PM
#22
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Below is a link to the information on the float trips on the Colorado River out of Page, AZ. You can do the early morning float trip and still have time to do the Antelope Slot Canyons and the hike to Horseshoe Bend all in one day.
http://www.canyon-country.com/lakepowell/rafting.htm
Utahtea
http://www.canyon-country.com/lakepowell/rafting.htm
Utahtea
Jul 15th, 2014, 04:04 AM
#24
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Gretchen:
We take your point on the ‘drive by’ point, but we’ll only come this way once and there’s so much we want to see. The purpose of basing ourselves in different locations for several nights was to lessen the ‘drive by’ trap. We can see that the train ride and the Million Dollar highway trip might be a replication. If we dropped the train, we could move one night to Ouray or Telluride. More thought required here.
Unfortunately a steam train has enormous appeal.
Shanti
We’ve come to appreciate that art and crafts have a rich history in southern Arizona. Tubac is totally unknown to us, so it has gone on to the things to research. The Chiricahua Mountain is a mountain too far. A lot people have said that one night at Monument Valley is sufficient, however we’re happy to lose a half day to get 2 sets of sunrise /sunset views. Not that we are photographers, but we would like to get some time lapse photographs while enjoying a glass of wine.
Acoma Pueblo has been mentioned several times, so it’s on the list.
Goblin Valley we need to research. It has been mentioned several times too.
We plan to spend 2 nights in Las Vegas. Las Vegas doesn’t have great appeal for us. However with boarding, flight, customs etc. the flight from Australia to Las Vegas will be in the vicinity of 20 hrs with probably little sleep. We want to get the road trip off to a relaxed start. Hence the 2 nights.
We want to visit Moab, Page, Bryce & Zion. We have been advised that highway 12 is spectacular , but we also want to do the boat experience on Lake Powell. Hence the roundabout route. It will involve some backtracking, but that’s fine.
Utahtea
Thanks. Your information/advice is much appreciated. The only people who know what we can fit into a day are people who have done it. Much appreciated.
Bigtyke
Thanks. We’ll do some research on Bisbee, but a quick look on Google maps would suggest it’s getting beyond our limits.
Our thanks to everyone. It is the first time we have used Fodor Forum and it’s proving to be very helpful. Not only are we getting good advice but the discussion is bringing the trip together in our heads.
Thanks.
Con80
We take your point on the ‘drive by’ point, but we’ll only come this way once and there’s so much we want to see. The purpose of basing ourselves in different locations for several nights was to lessen the ‘drive by’ trap. We can see that the train ride and the Million Dollar highway trip might be a replication. If we dropped the train, we could move one night to Ouray or Telluride. More thought required here.
Unfortunately a steam train has enormous appeal.
Shanti
We’ve come to appreciate that art and crafts have a rich history in southern Arizona. Tubac is totally unknown to us, so it has gone on to the things to research. The Chiricahua Mountain is a mountain too far. A lot people have said that one night at Monument Valley is sufficient, however we’re happy to lose a half day to get 2 sets of sunrise /sunset views. Not that we are photographers, but we would like to get some time lapse photographs while enjoying a glass of wine.
Acoma Pueblo has been mentioned several times, so it’s on the list.
Goblin Valley we need to research. It has been mentioned several times too.
We plan to spend 2 nights in Las Vegas. Las Vegas doesn’t have great appeal for us. However with boarding, flight, customs etc. the flight from Australia to Las Vegas will be in the vicinity of 20 hrs with probably little sleep. We want to get the road trip off to a relaxed start. Hence the 2 nights.
We want to visit Moab, Page, Bryce & Zion. We have been advised that highway 12 is spectacular , but we also want to do the boat experience on Lake Powell. Hence the roundabout route. It will involve some backtracking, but that’s fine.
Utahtea
Thanks. Your information/advice is much appreciated. The only people who know what we can fit into a day are people who have done it. Much appreciated.
Bigtyke
Thanks. We’ll do some research on Bisbee, but a quick look on Google maps would suggest it’s getting beyond our limits.
Our thanks to everyone. It is the first time we have used Fodor Forum and it’s proving to be very helpful. Not only are we getting good advice but the discussion is bringing the trip together in our heads.
Thanks.
Con80
Jul 15th, 2014, 05:47 AM
#25
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You are really doing a great job planning. I just returned from Colorado so am overenthusiastic, but I think you will get a good taste of the state in your itinerary. Don't ditch the train to Silverton, but you might consider the bus one-way to save some time. Last time we went, the train broke down on the way up and we had to wait for another, leaving us very little time in Silverton before having to catch the next train down. Just give yourselves plenty of time on train day and enjoy the experience. You will love it.
Jul 15th, 2014, 05:58 AM
#26
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If you are taking a road trip, you can use http://www.usa-vacation.com while you are driving. It has visitors guides to every major city and county in the USA.
Jul 15th, 2014, 06:56 AM
#27
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I would not call a 6-7 week trip a 'drive by'. Considering we have people asking for a 4 week itinerary to visit the entire country, you have given yourself a good deal of time and have a pretty reasonable itinerary worked out already.
I would book a night in Mesa Verde rather than drive to/from Durango for a day. There's so much to see that you would be better off having part of 2 separate days to fit it in. I would also add another night to Zion, two nights is not much time and there are plenty of easy/easier hikes in Zion.
Please don't add the train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon. It is not at all scenic. You are much better off driving yourself.
I would book a night in Mesa Verde rather than drive to/from Durango for a day. There's so much to see that you would be better off having part of 2 separate days to fit it in. I would also add another night to Zion, two nights is not much time and there are plenty of easy/easier hikes in Zion.
Please don't add the train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon. It is not at all scenic. You are much better off driving yourself.
Jul 15th, 2014, 01:13 PM
#29
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We did the Durango -Silverton Steam train journey both ways, but only because we didn't have any issues with time. We had a carriage that had open sides and it wasn,t sooty or uncomfortable. We have been visiting USA for a number of years, particularly love the SW area. The steam train journey has been one of our favourite day trips. It is awesome. Also although AI thought 1 day was ok for Monument Valley, on reflection, I now wish we had spent 2. There is something magical about the area and very calming.
Jul 16th, 2014, 03:58 AM
#30
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Con60 - what a fantastic journey! Enjoy the planning; you are doing a great job researching and deciding what type of experiences you guys want. Great job!
I am so happy to hear that you've added scenic route 12 and a night in Torrey - you will be glad you did. Just one more suggestion - as Wherearewe suggested, you should add a night in Mesa Verde. The road into the park is very long and the park is a "must see". Book a night at the Far View Lodge and enjoy an excellent dinner in the Metate Room. Well worth it.
What is your itinerary from Route 12? How are you getting to Lake Powell?
I am so happy to hear that you've added scenic route 12 and a night in Torrey - you will be glad you did. Just one more suggestion - as Wherearewe suggested, you should add a night in Mesa Verde. The road into the park is very long and the park is a "must see". Book a night at the Far View Lodge and enjoy an excellent dinner in the Metate Room. Well worth it.
What is your itinerary from Route 12? How are you getting to Lake Powell?
Jul 16th, 2014, 05:10 AM
#31
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Jayne
The Silverton Railway is going to be a difficult decision and one we’ll have to make in advance so that we can pre-book. The general consensus is the one way train trip is the best option.
Elassoto.
Thanks for the link. It’s a gem. Something we’ll put to very good use.
Wherearewe.
Because there’s accommodation, tours, etc that we will need to be pre-book, we are aware that the trip could become a drive marathon. We’ve seen it in our country where people have not appreciated the distances and have spent entire days driving simply to reach their pre-booked accommodation. We have a 7 ft by 5 ft photocopied map of the planned route stretched out on the lounge room floor. We started by highlighting suggested routes found in travel books. We then linked these routes in a ‘logical’ sequence and have placed post-it stickers to show where we could stay and for how long. At this stage nothing is fixed, and I can see we’ll need to throw in some rest days simply so we have some flexibility. Elassoto’s link will come in very useful here. The information we received through the forum has made us rethink the Mesa Verde, Durango, Ouray section. Because Mesa Verde is on the bucket list (it’s an essential and has been for decades) we have taken on board your advice. The Williams to GC railway is now officially removed from the plan. We’re happy with that decision.
Lateagain:
We’ve experienced a couple of steam train journeys over the years. We did one in Wales many years ago - I recorded the sound of the train for the entire journey. I also videoed a steam train in New Zealand on the south island. The steam, the dripping water, the whistle, the locomotive pulling out of the station – sheer magic. Unfortunately, we just happened on this train and never had the opportunity to catch it. The design of your steam trains is unique to America and they are so symbolic of the Wild West. It just seems that it something we must do, somewhere, and where better than the Silverton train. Thanks for your opinion on Monument Valley. It’s official. Two nights Monument Valley. We’ll need regular down time, or everything will just become a blur. Thanks we now feel good with that decision.
Someone might be able to help with this information. I need the name of two places which I think are in the south west. I need the name of both places.
1. There’s a desert town renowned for its sustainable, environmental homes. The houses use bottles, tyres etc as building materials and from memory, the homes began to appear in the 1970’s or 80’s. Can anyone help with the name? Possibly there’s even more than one.
2. There’s a place in the desert region where a huge number of disused civil airplanes have cumulated. I don’t much about it, but I’m intrigued. Again, can anyone help with the name?
And Roswall NM. (UFO’s and aliens). It’s beyond our driving limits, but is there anything to see there of interest?
The Silverton Railway is going to be a difficult decision and one we’ll have to make in advance so that we can pre-book. The general consensus is the one way train trip is the best option.
Elassoto.
Thanks for the link. It’s a gem. Something we’ll put to very good use.
Wherearewe.
Because there’s accommodation, tours, etc that we will need to be pre-book, we are aware that the trip could become a drive marathon. We’ve seen it in our country where people have not appreciated the distances and have spent entire days driving simply to reach their pre-booked accommodation. We have a 7 ft by 5 ft photocopied map of the planned route stretched out on the lounge room floor. We started by highlighting suggested routes found in travel books. We then linked these routes in a ‘logical’ sequence and have placed post-it stickers to show where we could stay and for how long. At this stage nothing is fixed, and I can see we’ll need to throw in some rest days simply so we have some flexibility. Elassoto’s link will come in very useful here. The information we received through the forum has made us rethink the Mesa Verde, Durango, Ouray section. Because Mesa Verde is on the bucket list (it’s an essential and has been for decades) we have taken on board your advice. The Williams to GC railway is now officially removed from the plan. We’re happy with that decision.
Lateagain:
We’ve experienced a couple of steam train journeys over the years. We did one in Wales many years ago - I recorded the sound of the train for the entire journey. I also videoed a steam train in New Zealand on the south island. The steam, the dripping water, the whistle, the locomotive pulling out of the station – sheer magic. Unfortunately, we just happened on this train and never had the opportunity to catch it. The design of your steam trains is unique to America and they are so symbolic of the Wild West. It just seems that it something we must do, somewhere, and where better than the Silverton train. Thanks for your opinion on Monument Valley. It’s official. Two nights Monument Valley. We’ll need regular down time, or everything will just become a blur. Thanks we now feel good with that decision.
Someone might be able to help with this information. I need the name of two places which I think are in the south west. I need the name of both places.
1. There’s a desert town renowned for its sustainable, environmental homes. The houses use bottles, tyres etc as building materials and from memory, the homes began to appear in the 1970’s or 80’s. Can anyone help with the name? Possibly there’s even more than one.
2. There’s a place in the desert region where a huge number of disused civil airplanes have cumulated. I don’t much about it, but I’m intrigued. Again, can anyone help with the name?
And Roswall NM. (UFO’s and aliens). It’s beyond our driving limits, but is there anything to see there of interest?
Jul 16th, 2014, 05:35 AM
#32
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Sharondi:
Thank you. Your knowledge and advice are priceless.
At this stage the Highway 12 itinerary is very loose. I'm doing this from memory without reference to our map! Moab, Capitol National Park (Torrey), Highway 12, Bryce Canyon back to Page, then backtrack to Zion NP. This is the last leg of the trip before heading for Las Vegas and home. How long we stay in each place and what we do are very much up in the air. After 6-7 weeks I imagine fatigue will have become a factor. Consequently that should be planned for.
Any more accommodation / meal suggestions?
Thank you. Your knowledge and advice are priceless.
At this stage the Highway 12 itinerary is very loose. I'm doing this from memory without reference to our map! Moab, Capitol National Park (Torrey), Highway 12, Bryce Canyon back to Page, then backtrack to Zion NP. This is the last leg of the trip before heading for Las Vegas and home. How long we stay in each place and what we do are very much up in the air. After 6-7 weeks I imagine fatigue will have become a factor. Consequently that should be planned for.
Any more accommodation / meal suggestions?
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:09 AM
#33
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Regarding the train from Durango to Silverton, you don't necessarily have to pre-book. The first time we rode, we just showed up and they couldn't get us on the train both ways, so they sent us on the bus up to Silverton and we took the train down. I actually liked that better, to be honest. I know how it is when planning such a trip, wanting everything mapped out. But remember there is room for flexibility.
The UFO museum in Roswell is interesting, but there isn't much else around there. The drive on highway 285 is sometimes called the "Highway to Hell" -- haha-- I have done it many times from Santa Fe and it is long and pretty tedious.
I don't recognize the place you mention with the planes, and the only place I can think of with the homes made with bottles, etc. is Tinkertown, which is near Albuquerque. But that is just one novelty home some man built.
The UFO museum in Roswell is interesting, but there isn't much else around there. The drive on highway 285 is sometimes called the "Highway to Hell" -- haha-- I have done it many times from Santa Fe and it is long and pretty tedious.
I don't recognize the place you mention with the planes, and the only place I can think of with the homes made with bottles, etc. is Tinkertown, which is near Albuquerque. But that is just one novelty home some man built.
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:10 AM
#34
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We dearly loved Capitol Reef National Park! We stayed at a Best Western while there that I can recommend: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...ertyCode=45068 Ask for a balcony room with a mountain view. There is a restaurant/motel across the street from the Best Western that has wonderful views and good food.
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:39 AM
#35
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I think you're talking about this place http://www.michaeljohngrist.com/2009....zxH8QNuq.dpbs
Jul 16th, 2014, 06:50 AM
#36
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I think you're also referring to this....near Taos. As best as I can tell there's no town with a bunch of recycled homes, but rather they are scattered around in various locations. It looks like this website/company may have started the idea?
http://earthship.com/
http://earthship.com/
Jul 16th, 2014, 08:45 AM
#37
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If you need recommendations for Zion we loved Cable Mountain Lodge. It is right next to the Park. A two minute walk across a little bridge takes you directly into the Park where you meet the bus that takes you to nine different stops thru out the park. It's a hop on hop off and they run constantly. http://www.cablemountainlodge.com/
(ps Zion and Bryce lodges do not have TVs if that makes a difference to you. It does to my DH, he has to watch the news every night before bed)
(ps Zion and Bryce lodges do not have TVs if that makes a difference to you. It does to my DH, he has to watch the news every night before bed)
Jul 16th, 2014, 12:07 PM
#39
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There is a plane graveyard (storage) near to Edwards AFB and a fantastic plane museum/unused planes in Tucson. Can't remember the name but it is probably Tucson AFB?? Something like that but you can google to get the right places.
Jul 16th, 2014, 08:08 PM
#40
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It's the Pima Air & Space Museum: http://www.pimaair.org/
I've never been there - I'm not into that sort of thing - but my husband loved it.
I've never been there - I'm not into that sort of thing - but my husband loved it.
