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?

[tragusa3]

Thanks everyone! We will be staying in several of the suggested spots.

I wasn't originally thinking of going as far west as GC and Zion areas, but the suggestions for the north rim and the ones around Zion look too interesting to pass up.

You guys don't mind being "on call" while we're on the road? Do you? 🙂

[Okie1]

Silverton, Colorado elevation 9318 ft.

[WILDEBILL308]

You are right on the money about how elevation helps with temperature. A couple of years ago I was in Phoenix and it was 113 that night the weatherman (they do the whole state) said it would be 114 in Phoenix and 72 in Flagstaff. Guess where we headed in the morning.
Bill

[NMDriver]

Nothing in TX is high enough.

NM has Cloudcroft, Ruidoso in the south east, Silver City and Gila Wilderness in Southwest, Central mountains from Santa Fe to Las Vegas and north has national forest camping, state parks, and private parks. Heron or El Vado Lake near Chama is one of my favorites with fishing and a train ride that is worth taking. That is where I go when the southern temps get to 100 plus. Warning on White Sands-Take water if you hike 1 gallon per person.

AZ Flagstaff and the near by area. AZ/NM border around Quemado. There are plenty of Nat. Forest boonedocking sites all over the mountainous areas in AZ and NM.

As mentioned try to get up around 7000 plus feet to really be cool in the daytime. Night time temps will be 20-30 degrees cooler especially in the mornings.

[rexlion]

My idea of cool spots in that region involves elevations exceeding 7000'. But I know of no deserts that high up. It is mountain forests. In NM, places like Ruidoso, Eagle Nest and Red River. In Utah there's Bryce, Boulder Mtn, Panguitch, and Cedar Breaks among others.

[tragusa3]

You guys are incredible! This is what I was looking for. Keep the ideas coming.

I'll use AllStays and Campendium.com to help with specifics but will focus on the general areas you guys are mentioning.

[Nutinelse2do]

Gooseberry Springs SE of Flagstaff Az

[Heisenberg]

Cloudcroft NM. It is really cool day and night there. Just north of El Paso. Davis Mountains State Park north of Big Bend. Stars galore @ 5000 feet near the McDonald Observatory.

[agesilaus]

Chisos Basin in Big Bend. As mentioned the North Rim is good in AZ and there is a high area just outside Tucson (Mt Lemmon) plus the Prescott area. The Mogollon Rim in east AZ. All of far north central NM is high up. Southern Utah the San Jose Mountains outside Moab (to the east) and of course much of western CO.

[Desert_Captain]

Just shoot for anyplace at 5 to 6,000' or higher with lots of choices in your path of travel. Leave early and transit the lower elevations early in the day and you will probably never see more than 80 degrees.

We live 25 miles north of Tucson at 3,400' and whenever the forecast for our home calls for triple digits we just pack up and head for the White Mountains. A 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive puts us at 7 to 9,000'+ and very pleasant weather.

Keep in mind the Monsoon is soon upon us, usually by early July and often sooner. Once it arrives the fun really begins.... afternoon thunderstorms with lots of lightning and unbelievably torrential rains that quickly cool things down {as in 20 to 30 degree drop in the temperature in a matter of minutes}.

Summer is our favorite time of year... the snow birds are gone and the weather provides lots of entertainment.

:B

[profdant139]

I'd recommend the Rainbow Rim of the Grand Canyon -- north side. Great boondocking available out in the Kaibab National Forest. Cool, green, quiet, remote. This was the view from our campsite -- the only downside is that I had to get up at 5 am to get this shot:


Click For Full-Size Image.

[Lwiddis]

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

Topographic maps will show altitude. Stay high.

[2oldman]

Albuquerque is 5300'. That should do it. Check any of several weather websites for temperature records.