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Burnaby, BC
Canada
536 Posts |
Posted - 06/07/2012 : 1:43 PM
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I am heading from Las Wages to Sante Fe over the X-mas break. Will be basically following the I-40 most of the way.
What are some key spots I should for sure see? I hope to be doing some day hikes and maybe scramble up some peaks.
Any suggestions would be uber welcome. |
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 Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2012 : 10:32 PM
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Hi, burndug! Valley of Fire located 1 hour out of Vegas is a not to miss place though camping is very limited and there are usually lots of demands in the winter time. There is camping in the Lake Meade Area nearby, though. No lodging available except in Mesquite Nevada, about an hour up I-15 north toward the Utah Border. My home. If you want, I could meet you at Valley of Fire for a day of hiking. But, I don't want to butt in on your time off/vacation time. Let me know. From there, you can just drive back down Lake Shore drive to cross over the new Tillman Bridge at Hoover Dam, another great place to stop and take the "Dam" tour, stop in at the "dam" gift shop and head on down to connect up with 40 east.
When you get to Williams, get a ticket for the Grand Canyon Railway that will take ya into
the south rim. Santa visits the train before Christmas time, hehe an added treat.
Up and back train ride through the forest is a nice ride, I'm told. Stop in at the Painted Desert. Kinda nice. That's all I got. If you headed north, you could stop in at Zion Canyon, Snow Canyon, and head down to flagstaff through Kanab. You could even stop in Kanab along the way at 7 am and see if you bag a permit for the WAVE North Coyote Buttes. A rare treat of a lifetime. You would need high clearance vehicle and depending on the weather.
From there, Lake Powell, Page Arizona, and the famous touristy trap canyon out that way. Very famous for photography. but, there is a good overlook in Page, too. Then, down 89 to Flagstaff and hook up with 40 East. Let me know if this helps. I am around and off Tues-Fridays each week. Glad to show you my favorite hike in Valley of Fire. Mild temps in the fifties to low sixties there. Rarely snows. Vegas type climate. cool and dry.
cheers! jerry |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
536 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2012 : 7:46 PM
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Thanks for the Beta.
I have been to many of the spots you suggested. I have done little in NM so I hope to do some serious exploring there. |
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 | Mr. B
Intermediate Member
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Popkum, B.C.
Canada
639 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2012 : 8:30 PM
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| Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest and The Painted Desert are all very interesting places along I-40. Canyon de Chelley is exceptional, but a ways off the freeway. |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
536 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2012 : 10:10 PM
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Thanks Mr.B I have been to Canyon de Chelly.....Super sweet spot.
I will check out your suggestions.
Cheers |
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Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2012 : 11:22 PM
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Try the cliffs of Plaza Blanca NM where you can hike the site of the movie set
Cowboys and aliens. Check to see if you can hike it. May be kinda fun?
just a thought. |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
536 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 9:22 PM
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| I hope to give it a look as well as checking out Bandalier Nat. Mon |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
1310 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 10:35 PM
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Going 550 -> 4 -> 501 -> 84 from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, across Jemez Springs, Valle Grande and Los Alamos is the far far more interesting and scenic way than the more direct one.
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Las Wages to Sante Fe, NM
