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NMDriver
Apr 14, 2015Explorer
2gypsies wrote:
From Carlsbad/Guadalupe (the peak hike is awesome), you might want to head to White Sands Nat'l Monument, NM to add another to your list. Plan an early evening there or a ranger program in early morning or evening. It'll be hot.
Then continue north in NM to Bandelier Nat'l Mon outside of Santa Fe - very nice ruins. Continue on Hwy 84 (Georgia O'Keefe's country and Abiquiu COE campground is a great stay in the midst. On to Pagosa Springs, CO for an excellent hot springs experience - extremely clean concrete pools of various temperatures overlooking the river. Plan on 2-3 hours of soaking. Bring water and snacks!
Then on CO 160 head west to Mesa Verde NP. If you want to include Canyon de Chelly Nat'l Monument, AZ you could pick up Hwy 191 from 160. Then back on 160 to Hwy 89/89A to the North Rim of Grand Canyon. Continue on 89 north into Utah and pick up Hwy 12 taking you to Capitol Reef.
This sounds like a fantastic trip. We've done them all multiple times. Enjoy!
A good route choice and if you like fishing Abiquiu is known primarily for Bass and Crappie while Heron Lake near Chama is good for some Kokanee Salmon and trout. There are several good hiking trails around Heron and even in summer the temperature is mild.
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