Escaping summer heat while in the southwest?

[tragusa3]

We leave soon and without plans will be wandering Texas, NM, Arizona, Southern Utah and Colorado. Not our choice time of year, but its the window we're given.

We have other reasons to be as far south as New Orleans, so our trip starts and ends there.

We know what we're doing for about two weeks of the six. Cajun country, San Antonio, Big Bend, Carlsbad, White Sands.

Beyond that, we'd love to do some moderate boondocking (travel trailer) in the desert.

Main question....Where are the isolated spots of high elevation in these states that can give some relief to the heat?

Not asking for anyone's honey hole, but specific places of "cooler weather" in those states would be very much appreciated. Of course Colorado has obvious options, but what about those other states?

[WILDEBILL308]

tragusa3 wrote:
Trying to Salvage this Trip!

I feel like I really let my family down with this trip... We finally arrived at Big Bend and the temperature was 110 as we climbed the mountain into Chisos Basin to sleep with no A/C. We left that next morning, realizing that it just isn't safe.

We headed north towards Carlsbad, but see no relief when looking at the weather map.

To top it off, we purchased my wife an airline ticket home from Phoenix, figuring we would end the trip their. This airline ticket pretty much eliminates the option of heading up to Colorado/Wyoming where the temperatures are reasonable.

I know...what did I expect? I expected hot, but look at the national temperature map, it's hotter than usual, even at elevation.

Why are you "sleeping with no AC?" Doesn't your AC on your trailer work?
Bill

[Heisenberg]

Cloudcroft is guaranteed cool air.

[tragusa3]

I haven't had service in a few days, and am now seeing the weather alerts for an historical prolonged heat wave...

We are seriously considering heading back east and enjoying the time off at home. Maybe I'll wake up ready to make lemonade...

[tragusa3]

Trying to Salvage this Trip!

I feel like I really let my family down with this trip... We finally arrived at Big Bend and the temperature was 110 as we climbed the mountain into Chisos Basin to sleep with no A/C. We left that next morning, realizing that it just isn't safe.

We headed north towards Carlsbad, but see no relief when looking at the weather map.

To top it off, we purchased my wife an airline ticket home from Phoenix, figuring we would end the trip their. This airline ticket pretty much eliminates the option of heading up to Colorado/Wyoming where the temperatures are reasonable.

I know...what did I expect? I expected hot, but look at the national temperature map, it's hotter than usual, even at elevation.

[frizzen]

There is a reason for it to be called the Desert Southwest.

[rocmoc]

Just came home to AZ from high country of NM. Need to be 8,000+ feet to find the cool daytime temps this year. Crazy hot in the Southwest this year.

rocmoc n AZ

[brooks379]

Any high country in NM can be cool but I would stay away from Albuquerque !!! It is home to every kind of thief in NM !! Car and truck and trailer stealing capital of America. Steal it and head to Mexico. If they do get caught stealing your ride they are out of jail that day and stealing cars and trucks again by sundown.

[tragusa3]

Got it!

[profdant139]

It now works for me. Try it again and let me know if it does not work!

[profdant139]

Trying it again -- this link worked in the Forum Tech Support area:

Zion and North Rim blog post

[tragusa3]

profdant139 wrote:
I'd be happy to be "on call," except that we will be traveling a lot during the summer, too!

Here is a blog post about Zion and the North Rim that might be of some help:


Lots of photos

I've tried this link in a few ways and keep getting "can't connect to the server".

[frizzen]

Cloudcroft, NM 9000 feet.

[pnichols]

However ... part of having a truly self contained RV is being able to make it when caught unexpectedly in a hot weather camping situation.

We just run the built-in genny and the air conditioner or sit outside under the awning with a 12 volt Endless Breeze fan blowing directly on us - and then hunker down with a good book to wait out the heat and maybe travel to a higher altitude at another time or when more convenient. You usually can get away from the crowds camping and doing this, too!

[4runnerguy]

Flagstaff has been mentioned. Check out the controversial new Bears Ears NM. Some of the roads in the Abajos are pretty high in elevation. Near Moab, the LaSals are great in the summer, but very limited places to boondock (there are a few but well visited). Warner Lake NFS CG up there is quite nice, but most sites might be a little tight for your rig. Amazing views from up there though.

[profdant139]

I'd be happy to be "on call," except that we will be traveling a lot during the summer, too!

Here is a blog post about Zion and the North Rim that might be of some help:


Lots of photos