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Hi,
Next summer its my intention to visit the American Southwest. I want to visit the Grand canyon, the Painted Desert, some pueblos, Boulder Dam and then further on to the west coast, Los Angeles and then San Francisco. Are there some things along the way that are must see's? Hoping to avoid some of the tourist traps etc. Thanks to all in advance.
Last edited by Chuck Wintle; 11-02-2013 at 12:09 PM.
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Zion canyon in Utah is nice. I found it as interesting as the Grand Canyon in it's own way plus there are walking trails.
My three favorite things are the Oxford comma, irony and missed opportunities
The problem with humanity is: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and God-like technology. Edward O. Wilson
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Several National Parks in Utah worth your time. Moab area, and drive on hwys 191/95/24/12. Instead of standing on the south canyon rim looking down into the channel carved out by the Colorado River you'd be driving thru the canyon. These photos from one of our motorcycle excursionsOriginally Posted by Michael Weber
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I don't know how much time you are going to spend, but you are covering a lot of terrain. You could easily spend a month in Arizona, Utah, or California without seeing half of what is worthwhile. (never been to New Mexico and I haven't seen anything worthwhile in Nevada)
I second Zion, though it is brutally hot in the Summer. A few years back I climbed Angels Landing in 105 weather; if I hadn't made my son carry all the water I wouldn't have made it.
Yosemite is a must see; but the greatest place I have ever been is Page Arizona for the slot canyons.
We are planning on going to Moab this Spring.
Last edited by Wade Lippman; 11-02-2013 at 4:45 PM.
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There is a lot to see in the southwest, I am planning to get back to the area again.
So all of the above and here are some that I really liked.
At Page Az. there is the slot canyons, There is the upper Antelope and lower Antelope canyons they are really something and I am going to go back to see them again. http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/uantelope http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/lower
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Also at Page is Horse Shoe Bend, really neat to see. http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/horse
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If you like old ruins in the north west corner of New Mexico is Chaco Canyon, like they are 4000 years old. http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/chaco
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While you are in the northern part of Az. there is always Monument Valley. http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/monument
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Monument Valley is one of my favorite places. IIRC....over 41 movies filmed there including a lot of John Wayne/ John Ford movies.
Last edited by Ken Fitzgerald; 11-03-2013 at 11:37 AM.
Ken
So much to learn, so little time.....
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Las Vegas.....Are there some things along the way that are must see's?
There is no place on Earth like Vegas..
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
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The Pima Air Museum in Tucson. It would take more than one day to enjoy it all. http://www.pimaair.org/ - although I think the website does a poor job of showing the scope of the Museum's exhibits of historical aircraft.
Last edited by Stephen Tashiro; 11-03-2013 at 11:58 AM.
[OP]
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Some very nice pics there Bill. Hope to get to monument valley over a 2 to 3 week period...as well as other places.
[OP]
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I love aircraft.....Pima is on my list.
[OP]
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Las Vegas is on my list....not much of a gambler tho.
[OP]
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Hope to get to Moab and see the Colorado River...
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I drove across country 2 times when I was younger. The best advice I could ever give someone is to visit all the Parks and tourist destinations in the off season. It's a little colder, but that is greatly offset by no traffic-no crowds. Plus it's a lot less expensive and the people who work there are friendlier.
The Grand Canyon IMO was just okay unless you go down inside. Driving through the canyons of the 4 Corners area was a much better experience .
I would also make Yellowstone the #1 destination. I know it's not the Southwest, but it's in the neighborhood.
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Monument Valley is on my list. Just got thru watching My Darling Clementine with Henry Fonda and Cathy Downs. A classic movie.
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No one mention Death Valley, If I visit Calif. I would stop in the Valley
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