Forum Discussion

littlemo's avatar
littlemo
Explorer
Oct 10, 2015

Southern New Mexico to southern Utah

We are currently at Caballo Lake SP near Truth or Consequences, NM and are heading out tomorrow for southern Utah to see Escalante, Bryce, Zion and any other recommendations along the way. (have been to Arches so don't want to go that far) We are kind of backtracking as we have spent a couple of weeks in Northern NM at most of the state parks there. Now a week here.
We want to head north again and are wondering (wandering) which way to go from here. Obviously going back up 25 and maybe taking 550 would be the fastest way but we came down that way so thought maybe going over to Silver City and taking 180.........and where from there.

Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. We have had some trouble towing comfortably with the wind AND mountains so DH has driven MH and me the toad when it gets too bad.

Thanks!
  • Stay off of Hwy 12 from Capitol Reef to Escalante, there is a 14% grade.
  • 2gypsies wrote:
    If you're having trouble with mountain driving I probably wouldn't advise taking Hwy 152 west from Caballo on I-25. It climbs and has many 'S' curves although it's a beautiful drive.

    NM Hwy 152

    Instead, you could pick up Hwy 26 at Hatch - an easy road - and take it to I-10 and then north on 180 to 191.

    Another good route would be to take I-25 north to Hwy 60 at Socorro and Hwy 60 to 191 north to around Blanding, UT. Then pick up Hwy 95 to 24 west to Torrey and Capitol Reef Nat'l Park. Hwy 95 is a nice road for RVers.

    Leaving Capitol Reef you could take Hwy 12 to Bryce. It's gorgeous but if you're not comfortable with a steep decline take a longer route.

    Alternate from Torrey: Take 24 to 62 at Burrville which will take you into Hwy 89. Take 89 south to Panguitch and get on Hwy 12 east to Bryce. This is a lovely drive and no steep ups or downs.

    From Bryce to Zion you can easily take the 'tunnel' route (Hwy 9) off Hwy 89 but again, you'll have a steep descent into Zion. If you're comfortable with your braking on the RV it worth doing. If not, then continue south on 89 just past Kanab, UT and into AZ. At Fredonia is Hwy 389. Take it back into UT which becomes Hwy 59 which will take to to the eastern part of Hwy 9. Then take Hwy 9 west to Zion. This is all a pleasant easy route.

    Another alternate from Bryce would be to take Hwy 12 west out of Bryce to 89 and then north on 89 to Hwy 20 which will take you to I-15. Take I-15 south to Hwy 9 and then east to Zion.

    Do not take Hwy 14 to I-15 from Hwy 89. It's very steep and curvy.

    Have a great trip! It will be worth it.


    Awesome help! Thank you so much.
  • If you're having trouble with mountain driving I probably wouldn't advise taking Hwy 152 west from Caballo on I-25. It climbs and has many 'S' curves although it's a beautiful drive.

    NM Hwy 152

    Instead, you could pick up Hwy 26 at Hatch - an easy road - and take it to I-10 and then north on 180 to 191.

    Another good route would be to take I-25 north to Hwy 60 at Socorro and Hwy 60 to 191 north to around Blanding, UT. Then pick up Hwy 95 to 24 west to Torrey and Capitol Reef Nat'l Park. Hwy 95 is a nice road for RVers.

    Leaving Capitol Reef you could take Hwy 12 to Bryce. It's gorgeous but if you're not comfortable with a steep decline take a longer route.

    Alternate from Torrey: Take 24 to 62 at Burrville which will take you into Hwy 89. Take 89 south to Panguitch and get on Hwy 12 east to Bryce. This is a lovely drive and no steep ups or downs.

    From Bryce to Zion you can easily take the 'tunnel' route (Hwy 9) off Hwy 89 but again, you'll have a steep descent into Zion. If you're comfortable with your braking on the RV it worth doing. If not, then continue south on 89 just past Kanab, UT and into AZ. At Fredonia is Hwy 389. Take it back into UT which becomes Hwy 59 which will take to to the eastern part of Hwy 9. Then take Hwy 9 west to Zion. This is all a pleasant easy route.

    Another alternate from Bryce would be to take Hwy 12 west out of Bryce to 89 and then north on 89 to Hwy 20 which will take you to I-15. Take I-15 south to Hwy 9 and then east to Zion.

    Do not take Hwy 14 to I-15 from Hwy 89. It's very steep and curvy.

    Have a great trip! It will be worth it.
  • agesilaus wrote:
    Have you been to the other four corner parks> There are many:
    Valley of the Gods
    Edge of the Cedars SP
    Mesa Verde NP
    Canyon of the Ancients
    Hovenweepn NP
    Natural Bridges NM
    Goosenecks SP
    Grand Staircase NM
    Bryce Canyon NP
    Kodachrome SP
    Zion NP
    Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP
    Dead Horse SP (but that is near Arches)
    Canyonlands NP
    Capitol Reef NP
    Petroglyphs SP
    North Rim of the Grand Canyon (may be closed)
    Pipe Springs NM
    Vermillion Cliffs NM

    And I know I'm missing some other parks. Monument Valley for one


    Good list, been to all, will do them again.
  • Have you been to the other four corner parks> There are many:
    Valley of the Gods
    Edge of the Cedars SP
    Mesa Verde NP
    Canyon of the Ancients
    Hovenweepn NP
    Natural Bridges NM
    Goosenecks SP
    Grand Staircase NM
    Bryce Canyon NP
    Kodachrome SP
    Zion NP
    Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP
    Dead Horse SP (but that is near Arches)
    Canyonlands NP
    Capitol Reef NP
    Petroglyphs SP
    North Rim of the Grand Canyon (may be closed)
    Pipe Springs NM
    Vermillion Cliffs NM

    And I know I'm missing some other parks. Monument Valley for one