I plan to pass through there & I'm having a hard time finding much worth visiting as I pass through that area?Appreciate your suggestions .Dog friendly us a plus being we travel with our. 95 lb Chessie.

http://www.farmingtonnm.org/pages/fourcorners.html

The "four corners area" of which New Mexico is a part is primarily desert. Stark but beautiful. I enjoyed driving through it because I'm a fan of Tony Hillerman's mystery novels about the Native Americans that live there on reservations. We wouldn't have created the reservations if you could actually live off the land. One thing you could do if you pass through. Where the borders of the 4 states meet, there's a metal disk marking the point where the four states meet. You can get your picture taken standing in four states at the same time. Big Whoop.

We enjoyed our stay at Bluewater Lake which is just a few miles south of I-40 east of Gallup. Nice CG with hookups and spectacular lake views.:B

Farmington New Mexico is a lovely large town (very small city but I park in Los Angeles). There are days worth of Indian heritage to view, both ancient and recent history. I'm sort a history buff and really enjoy the local museums. There is Four Corners, the spot where 4 states meet, not really much to see, it is a National preserve in the middle of Indian country so there is a fee to drive up the road to see the landmark. The roadside stand does sell some really fantastic Indian flat bread. A bit south is Monument Valley, Gouldings Campground is the only game in town, but it is full hookup and the view is spectacular. I personally find Monument Valley one of those places at the top of the Natural Wonders list. As a bonus, as you drive through on the road that should be called a jeep road, or when you take the tour and let the Indian guides drive you, you can envision the filming of almost every western movie you saw as a kid. We picnicked in a secluded area and I swore I could hear or feel the Calvary trumpets over the ridge. It really is spectacular. From Farmington you'll only be about 30 minutes from Durango Colorado, another beautiful town/city and Mesa Verda where one can spend days touring the Indian villages built into the side of the mountains. Yes, there is a lot to see and do.Happy Trails.

Monument Valley is in Arizona. Chaco Culture is the major National Park in NW NM. It's a fair drive over dirt roads to get to it. The road condition reportedly varies quite a bit. It was in good condition when we visited the park, but some times it can be a problem for passenger vehicles. I was underwhelmed by the park itself, the Rangers we ran into were all in bad moods which probably affected my enjoyment of the park. It was just another Indian ruin and if you have stopped at a number of the same in Arizona, Utah and Colorado you won't see anything new.There is another site that we didn't get to, Aztec Ruins. Just north of Bloomington. We stayed at a nice park in Bloomington but it was a bit hard to find. Desert Rose Resort. The Cortez area has a lot more to do just over the border in Colorado: Mesa Verde, Canyon of the Ancients, Hovenweep, and of course the cannot be missed Moki Dugway. Lots of smaller sites like Goosenecks State Park and Canyon of the Gods and you can drive to Monument Valley from there.

Anything worth visiting in Northwestern New Mexico?

rarintogo
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
There are a lot of nice things in Albuquerque. We always stay at the KOA on the east as my mom lives by there. It is a nice park - not cheap, but nice. There are parks on the west side as well, and a park in the canyon area. There are many museums, Old Town, lots of good places to eat, and as someone said there is the Tram going up to Sandia Crest. It is a big city and spread out, but pretty easy to get around.
Blanco1
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
fireman93514 wrote:
Alb does have the Sandia crest tram. Nice view from up there.

I doubt the tram allows dogs?
fireman93514
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
Alb does have the Sandia crest tram. Nice view from up there.
Blanco1
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
MWJones wrote:
Blanco,
Kalyzoo said that Gouldings is the only campground around for Monument Valley. May have been when they were there. The Indians has a RV Park at the vistor center at the entrance for the 17 mile drive thru the Valley. Monument Valley is AWESOME!!! Don't miss it!!

Might there be a campground open around the 1st of the year that is within the monuments?

One that allows you to sit in your camping spot surrounded by the beauty of nature?

Or do you have to drive away from the nearest camp ground to see it all?

I would love to camp amongst it all.
armadillo_17
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
My wife and I are limited in our walking.....Aztec ruins were great for us..
mockturtle
Explorer II
Dec 10, 2014
Anything nice about ABQ?
Not IMHO! :D
MWJones
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
Blanco,
Kalyzoo said that Gouldings is the only campground around for Monument Valley. May have been when they were there. The Indians has a RV Park at the vistor center at the entrance for the 17 mile drive thru the Valley. Monument Valley is AWESOME!!! Don't miss it!!
Blanco1
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
Oh yes, my Indian friend told me about the big Black Ants! & the red ones.

You think even in late Dec, they are active?
Blanco1
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
rbtglove wrote:
If you only go to one of these ancient ruins I suggest it should be Chaco Canyon and we have visited many of the others. Yes the road in is terrible but if you take your time it can be done. Think it would be OK with your rig, just make sure everything is secure. Campground is no service but free, first come. Recommend some ant spray. Take some water only drinking water availble, no dump. Overnight in the canyon is really special only a short distance to the ruins. Awsome place very special.

I like free!

I assume it's dog friendly?

I'd be allowed to walk him around on his leash?
How close to the ruins can I set up camp?

I did look at some google images.
Looks cool!

Where is it close to?

At this point I'm considering Bluewater lake for some camping & fishing & letting the dog swim a bit.

He loves to swim.
rbtglove
Explorer
Dec 10, 2014
If you only go to one of these ancient ruins I suggest it should be Chaco Canyon and we have visited many of the others. Yes the road in is terrible but if you take your time it can be done. Think it would be OK with your rig, just make sure everything is secure. Campground is no service but free, first come. Recommend some ant spray. Take some water only drinking water availble, no dump. Overnight in the canyon is really special only a short distance to the ruins. Awsome place very special.

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