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kpitch's avatar
kpitch
Explorer
Sep 06, 2013

What to see Denver to Phoenix

Hi everyone,

I like to turn to seasoned RV travelers for information. We are driving a Cruise America MH from Denver to Phoenix in 2 weeks, and would like to see the National Parks and Monuments of Southeast Utah. We've been to Bryce and Zion, so no need to return there. What would you suggest we see and do in this area? We enjoy drycamping, no need for hookups. Hiking is another activity we enjoy, so all ideas are welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Kathy
  • Kathy
    I read your time, and you do not have the time to see much. I would pick just a few and see them well.
    You need a year to see all the is talked about. I think we have seen all of them and some many times. But we are talking about 50 years of travel not a couple weeks, good luck.
  • kpitch wrote:
    Hi everyone,

    I like to turn to seasoned RV travelers for information. We are driving a Cruise America MH from Denver to Phoenix in 2 weeks, and would like to see the National Parks and Monuments of Southeast Utah. We've been to Bryce and Zion, so no need to return there. What would you suggest we see and do in this area? We enjoy drycamping, no need for hookups. Hiking is another activity we enjoy, so all ideas are welcome.

    Thanks in advance,

    Kathy


    Kathy,

    Sounds like you have 6 days to get to Phoenix (820 miles) and would like to enjoy the Peace and Quiet plus see a little, Eye Candy, along the way, my thoughts;

    Leave Denver I-70 to 58 go through Golden to Route 6 into the mountains (parallels I-70 to Idaho Springs, just more scenic and IMHO just as fast) you are heading to the town of Leadville, and will dry Camp on Turquoise Lake (1), just west of town.

    You know that you will be driving through the mountains with the Aspen Changing to the Golden Color, so this little side trip might just reward you with some great Photo ops. I would send you out 92 past Twin Lakes but the road is just too narrow to drive a rented RV (not to mention that it is also a restricted length road)

    So from here we will head out 24 going by Red Cliff (take the loop drive through the town – neat little spot) Then on through Minturn and back to I-70Heading to the Colorado National Monument(2), but being entertained by the great Pull Outs along the Colorado River and the Over Under Interstate just before Glenwood Springs. (as a side note, if the Aspen are Golden you might look at sliding over to Maroon Bells for the best Photo Op in Colorado) But the trip was set to see Utah, and this would add a day.

    Now from CMN we will get back on I-70 till we hit Exit 214 or 204 if you miss it, in Utah that will take you on 128 – just the best drive next to the Colorado River I have ever found, we are heading to Moab – Arches – Canyonlands (3) and a host of sites in this area of Utah. For the most peace and quiet look for a sight along the river just before you arrive in Moab, from there you can go to all the other locations but camp in a unique spot.

    From here head down the road to/through Mexican Hat on the way to Monument Valley (4) – you can stay in the Monument CG with no Hook Ups. Catch the Photo’s at sunrise and sunset and then head to Cayon de Chelly (5) take the local tour and eat in the local NM dinning lodge with local meals available. Again dry camp in the NM CG.

    From here head to Sedona (6) and I’m not real sure of all the CG arraignment you can make but sure there are many options available.

    Next day deliver the Camper back and fly home from Phoenix.

    This trip cover just less than 1,000 miles so we’ve added 150 miles or so to the original direct route, with that you have, hopefully added more than 150 new memories.

    Hope this is something you can work with,

    BOL,

    Map Link Bing Map link
  • Thanks to all for the great ideas, especially Busskipper who nicely provided a Travel Agent's route and one we will probably try to follow as it sounds feasible with our limited number of days and miles.

    RV travelers are the best and always willing to share their knowledge.

    Thanks again,

    Kathy

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