Forum Discussion

DWeikert's avatar
DWeikert
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2020

Desert Southwest suggestions

Hi All,

I had planned to make this trip last year but for several reasons it was put off. I had asked for and received lots of good advice prior but for some reason a search doesn't turn up that post and it seems to be gone.

I've come up with a preliminary itinerary and thought I'd get a little feedback from those familiar with the area. So far the only date sensitive item on the list is the VLA where they have a guided tour 1st and 3rd Saturday so I'm currently planning to be there 4/18 and spend a couple weeks in the area before returning home.

Very Large Array, NM
Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM
Petrified Forest, AZ
Meteor Crater, AZ
Grand Canyon (South Rim), AZ
Antelope Canyon, AZ
Monument Valley, AZ
Valley of the Gods, UT

Any places I didn't list you'd recommend or any places I should go instead of a planned stop? Before anyone questions Monument Valley AND Valley of the Gods, I plan to spend a few nights boondocking in VOTG trying my hand at nightscape photography. Something I don't think I can do in Monument Valley.

Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jan 21, 2020
    I see you plan Antelope Canyon, AZ, but there much more in the area.
    I am fascinated with Lake Powell and taking a cruise to Rainbow Bridge would be my advise.
    Antelope Canyon is something you want to see at noon and 2 years ago you had to make reservation like 3 months earlier.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2020
    While at Monument Valley. take an extra day and drive to Gooseneck State Park in UT , and drive the Moki Dugway. I think both are are better than Monument Valley. Watch for tourists on the road at the Forest Gump Turnaround location north of Medicine Hat UT.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Jan 21, 2020
    Thanks. I had given brief thought to Kitt Peak but that was well outside my planned loop. Lowell fits right in. I'll definitely look into your other suggestions.

    I've been using freecampsites.net to find places to camp near my targets. Seems to be no shortage in the area. Also, "off the beaten path" is a plus IMHO. :)

    Thanks again and keep them coming.
  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Jan 21, 2020
    At Flagstaff Arizona there is Lowell Observatory which I assume have a stargazing program sometime. There is also Sunset Volcano and Wupatki National Monument you can visited near Flagstaff.

    Canyon de Chelly National Monument is worth a visit, but may be out of your way a little bit. Second Mesa is also off the beaten path a little bit but well worth the time and effort.

    You will find free dry camping places near all of these sites if you do some Google searching.

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