Hi everyone,

It seems like a no brainer, to take I 40 from Sedona to Canyon De Chelly.

But i'm wondering if there are any benefits to taking Rt 89 N. to Rt 264 E via Second Mesa to Rt. 191 N.
We've explored Hubbell Trading Post but would likely stop there again, also.
While it would obviously take longer, anyone know how much longer in terms of the various little towns etc?
And is it 'worth it'?

Anyone ever go that way? Thoughts? Thanks.

Anyone?

AAA and mapquest use I 40 but would love to take the 'scenic route' ~ thoughts? Has anyone done this?

I've taken it, Ellen. Many intersting things along the way. After Sunset Crater, Wupatki Monument, and Cameron Trading Post, small Tuba City has the closed buildings of the Indian School where the Indian children were educated to be "white".

Driving on 264 through Hopi land to First, Second, and Third Mesas, you can take an escorted trip up First Mesa to Walpi, an ancient pueblo. Keams Canyon has a long history of Indian/U.S. relations, good and bad.

As you come out of the canyon, a great vista appears. The green Ganado Mesa is ahead in the distance. When you turn north on 191, there are long mesas on the left and you can see ahead all the way, it seems, to Alaska.

I find this drive very scenic and historic. Definitely worth it. I read up on it ahead of time. It is a good, fast road with light traffic. Watch the speed in Navajo country. You will be near Window Rock, home of the Navajo Tribal Police. (Jim Chee, if you read Tony Hillerman books which cover this beautiful area).

A good map is Indian Country Guide Map by AAA.

Can I come?

THANK YOU, seniormsuedu; exactly the type of info i was hoping to receive!

Re the first mesa to walpi tour, do you have a website or any idea the length of the tour?

Also, i seem to recall reading somewhere about a cafe in second mesa that was worth the trip? Can't find it in any of my MANY notes, so any info on that?

Thanks again!

ellen,

See you are planning this years trip, have you posted an itinerary yet?

I also like Rt 264 and have traveled it twice. Once in each direction.

BTW, do you have any words of wisdom for the hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration point in the Grand Tetons? That's where we are headed this year.

Utahtea

Glad to help you, Ellen. Your trip posts have been so helpful to many, I'm sure.

I found a website for you:

www.hopi.nsn.us/

It doesn't mention a guided tour of Walpi. I wonder if they stopped it. I know it is very ancient, they might want to keep it safe. You could call one of their phone numbers.

There are two restaurants mentioned, one in their Cultural Center. I did not try either.

The Hopi are very private. I guess I would be too if 10,000 tourists tromped through my front yard all summer with their cameras.

Hope this helps.

THANK YOU again, seniormsuedu! Very helpful website. I'm excited to try this new (for us) route and can't believe i would have missed it without this wonderful fodorville community! I have to wonder why AAA doesn't at least mention it as an option. I will post back and let you know how it was, and hopefully we'll have lunch in second mesa, also.

Hi Utahtea! Thanks for your reply, too! Yes, we're doing our 10th western adventure, but this time we're flying, as we're squeezing it in between jobs, internships and significant others i soo want my babies back !!! But so fun working on yet another itinerary.

Re the tetons ~ one year we took a boat ride across jenny lake, then walked to the falls. Very nice, kinda steep, VERY scenic (we used a photo there for an amazing christmas card.) Where else are you going? Have you posted an itinerary? I'll be looking forward to your trip report, too!

ellen_griswold,

We're going to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and maybe Dinosaur National Monument in Northern Utah...what's a vacation without Utah..LOL! We don't have an itinerary because we're going to wing it. Which park we hit first will depend on the weather when we're headed east towards the parks. We have 4 weeks and are going to really take our time in each park. I'll do a trip report when I get back.

Utahtea