Desert Southwest suggestions

[DWeikert]

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.

[bighatnohorse]

I've been to most of the places that you list and I would move Grand Canyon to the top of the list.

Further south near Tucson, AZ I would recommend Kartchner Caverns State Park - better than Carlsbad Caverns - as Kartchner Caverns is in pristine condition and Carlsbad is trampled with most stalactites broken off long ago.
You can stay at the state park there or boondock in nearby areas.
Also, in that area is Saguaro National Park - and stay at the nearby Gilbert Ray Campground.

And nearby is the Titan Missile Silo - not to be missed if you're in the area - take a tour down into it through the blast doors into the control room. The warhead is removed from the missile but it still stands ready.

Too much to do - not enough time.

[Dick_B]

I'd look at Adventure Caravans Grand Circle tour of the Western Parks to get an idea of where they go in the month of September.

[DWeikert]

Great suggestions all, thanks. Looks like my stay in the area may be a little longer than initially planned. That's not a bad thing. 🙂

[Second_Chance]

I wouldn't come to the area without seeing White Sands National Park (yes, it's a National Park, now) or Carlsbad Caverns.

Rob

[TenOC]

See Condors

[deserteagle56]

In my prejudiced opinion Utah is the most beautiful state in the Union and you are leaving out most of it! I don't live there but I've been spending vacations there for the past 40 years and I still haven't seen half of what there is to see.

Valley of the Gods is right at the base of the Moki Dugway mentioned above. Drive up the Dugway and follow the road north till you hit Utah 95. A mile or so west and you'll be at Natural Bridges National Monument. From there continue north up 95 towards Hanksville - the drive around the edge of Lake Powell at Hite Crossing will have you stopping and reaching for your camera. At Hanksville turn west on Utah 24 and drive through Capitol Reef National Park - stunning! At Torrey turn south on Utah 12 -acknowledged by most as one of the most scenic drives in the world. In just a few miles you'll be going from red rock canyons to tall pine forests and then down again to the town of Boulder and then Escalante. West of Escalante, stop and see Bryce Canyon National Park. Continuing west, you can hit Zion National Park or Cedar Breaks. So much to see! I wish it were easier to attach photos on this site....

[Kayteg1]

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]

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]

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]

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.