Southwest National Park trip in January... crazy or not?
 

Has anyone here been on a Southwest National Park road trip in January? How much snow and ice should I expect to encounter? <BR> <BR>My sample itinerary is as follows: Carlsbad Caverns to Phoenix to South Rim Grand Canyon to Vegas to Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonland, Natural Bridges, Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. <BR> <BR>I'm looking at about 14 days to do this, not including two travel days to and from my home in central Missouri. <BR> <BR>Looking for any advice or opinions. Thanks! <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR>

Well, I guess the first question is how much do you like cold weather? I've been to Zion and Bryce Canyon in August when the overnight temperature was below freeezing. The Petrified Forest and Painted in April are two of of the coldest places I've evee been.The second question is where will you stay? Some of the lodges are not open all year round. I understand that the South Rim of Grand Canyon is a popular winter destination. I don't know about the others. Big Bend National Park is another place that's popular in winter. I personally have driven from Dallas to Silver City, New Mexico in January and really enjoyed it.

If the weather is sunny, 40 degrees feels warm in the thin dry air, no crowds.

Thanks for your responses, Sandy and Lawrence. I did realize that temperatures would be cold and that doesn't bother me. I was more concerned about road conditions and so forth for safe driving. Are the roads leading into the National Parks well maintained in the winter? I do have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. <BR> <BR>As far as lodging, we were planning to stay in local motels/hotels surrounding the parks, not inside the parks. <BR> <BR>I look forward to reading any further comments. Thanks! <BR> <BR>Sandi <BR> <BR> <BR>

Having a 4wd vehicle certainly makes the trip possible but you might find the road from Bryce to Arches a problem. It could be a long slow ride if there is snow.

I know nothing about January is that area, but my goodness, you cite 14 beautiful sites and say it'd be a 14-day trip. Unless you simply want to say you've been, which is your call of course, I sincerely hope you'll consider scaling back your ambitious plan to spend more time in each place.