Suggestion for trip to desert southwest

[DWeikert]

Hello fellow TCrs,

It's been a minute. 🙂

Sadly the Northstar has been tucked safely in the carport for a few years but it's finally time to give the solar panels a little sunlight.

I had planned a variation on this trip for 2020 but then covid hit and didn't want to risk catching it a 3+ day drive from home. Then I had plans to leave last spring just as diesel prices went through the roof. So, here's hoping 3rd time's the charm.

I'm planning to leave late August and take about a month for the trip. I'm now fully retired so my only schedule issue is how badly the cat will tear up the place as I leave her alone with just the occasional visit from a friend checking the house. She doesn't travel well. This is primarily a sightseeing trip but I think my first stop will be to relieve my fishing jones at the Grand Mesa in CO where I had a great trip fishing a few years ago. My tentative stops are-

Grande Mesa, CO.
Moab/Arches National Park, UT
Canyonlands, UT
Valley of the Gods/Monument Valley, UT/AZ
Grand Canyon, AZ
Lowell Observatory, AZ
Meteor Crater, AZ
Petrified Forest, AZ
Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM
Very Large Array, NM
White Sands, NM

Now before anyone shouts that I skipped their favorite site, this is why I'm posting. Obviously I don't know what I don't know so if there's someplace worthy that I missed, now's the time to let me know. From the list you can get a pretty good idea of my interests.

For those familiar with the sites on my list, any suggestions on where to boondock while in the area would also be greatly appreciated. I've done a ton of research and have ideas but no amount of research beats actual experience.

Thanks all,
Dan

[DWeikert]

Lots of good stuff here. Thanks.

Ranger Tim, I haven't made it into Idaho yet but I've logged about half a dozen trips fishing western Montana, from Yellowstone to Missoula including a trip through Glacier Natl Park. Several trip reports posted. So far, it's my favorite destination. This is my first, and probably only trip to this area of the country but this is also my first trip as a retiree so I can just take my time.

greenno, I'm a space/science geek. I would forever regret it if I was that close and didn't stop to see Meteor Crater.

bighatnohorse, Not my first trip across country but definitely the longest planned so far. This time though I can take as long as I want. If it takes me longer than a month, oh well. 🙂 Since my schedule is so fluid it's going to be tough to make reservations. That's the main reason Antelope isn't on the list.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll repay the group with lots of photos in a trip report.

[bighatnohorse]

Three days there, and three days back. Doesn't leave as much time in the field as one might think.
Your itinerary looks pretty full.
The Grand Canyon must be viewed from the south rim. The north rim, while cooler will take you out of the way and the north doesn't come close to the south rim spectacular view.
Arches; just for kicks, check out their webcam at the entry kiosk on a daily basis: https://www.nps.gov/webcams-arch/arch_traffic.jpg
Be sure to get a reservation if possible.

[Bumpyroad]

don't miss Mesa arch in the canyonlands
bumpy

[azdryheat]

Check the temps before you go. Danged hot.

[greenno]

TenOC x 2.
Did the same route a couple of years ago I think in April.
Arches was CROWDED so we hung out in the BLM areas to the south of the Arches and north of Moab.
Lots of mountain bike areas.

Meteor crater was so so.
Petrified forest is more like a petrified field in a few places to access, Newspaper rock was ok.

Bears Ear mts are a good place to get lost in, all boondocking and fun trails to explore.

Good luck and be safe on your “postponed” adventure.

[Ranger_Tim]

Arches now requires tickets purchased in advance. Super crowded lately. Canyonlands Island in the Sky section only has 12 sites with no water. Best to get a reservation at Deadhorse State Park or stay at Horsethief BLM Campground on the road into Canyonlands. Moab is losing its charm as it grows too fast. Drive through Dixie National Forest and Escalante to visit Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos are stupendous. They have astro programs too.

North Rim of GC is much cooler in summer. Nice forest service CG just outside the park but get there early. Don’t miss Angel’s Window or sunset on Wotan’s Throne. Stunning. Visit some western stores in Page, AZ for pawned Navajo jewelry. Be sure to take the tour inside the Glen Canyon dam.

I could spend a week at Mesa Verde. Cooler up there and nice campground. Tours require tickets but I think they are still free. Amazing place. Ancient stuff — I could almost hear their voices! The history of these parks is fascinating. Keep an eye out for good books in the museums.

When you are done fighting all the crowds come north to Idaho and Western Montana for solitude and scenery. Great fishing in the Salmon/Snake drainage. Avoid interstates for rural flavor. See a local rodeo for truly western experience!

[JIMNLIN]

more great trout fishin' on the Taylor river and Taylor Lake by Gunnison, CO. Lots to look at in that part of Colorado.

[TenOC]

Dry camp at Goose Neck SP $5.00 (?) UT and drive Valley of Gods and also up Moki Dugway - Utah Highway 261. You can dry camp for free at lots of places in the Valley of Gods and at the very top of the Moki ie Muley Point, but Goose Neck is worth $5.00 for the view.

[TenOC]

Mesa Verde NP CO, Durango/Siverton CO, Great Sand Dunes NP CO