A trip around the southwest through Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
Southern Utah, Bryce National Park, always spectacular
Page Arizona and Lake Powell
This area is high desert with great views. The lake behind the Glen Canyon Dam is currently about 106 feet below max. The highlight of this stop was a tour of Antelope Slot Canyon. The low light is a power plant spewing smoke to obscure the sunrise and star views. Access to the slot canyon is controlled because of possible dangers of flash flooding and vandalism but there are plenty tour operators in the area.
Sedona Arizona
Sedona Arizona is a very beautiful place and also very touristy. Over 300 miles of hiking trails in the local area along with jeep and ATV trails. We took two Pink Jeep tours. The first was simply a four wheeling ride in and out of a canyon. The second was to a 700 year old Sinaguan cliff dwelling.
Sedona is home to several vortex spots. Some people say that these are very powerful spiritual locations and they can feel a flow of energy. I remain open minded for the possibilities but have not felt the energy flow.
The best thing to do here is take hundreds of pictures of red rock formations and just relax.
Sedona is home to several vortex spots. Some people say that these are very powerful spiritual locations and they can feel a flow of energy. I remain open minded for the possibilities but have not felt the energy flow.
The best thing to do here is take hundreds of pictures of red rock formations and just relax.
Tucson and Seguaro National Park
We spent a couple nights at Davis Monthan AFB famcamp. Nice place with a great BX and commissary. We visited Seguaro National Park and a desert museum/nature park. This is the northern end of the Sonoran desert which is the only place to see this type of cactus.
Tucson to Carlsbad
This trip is by far the most boring stretch of highway in America. It makes Nebraska corn fields look like works of art. We had planned on exploring a couple of ghost towns that we saw in our Good Sam atlas but they were not open to the public. We ended the day at Guadalupe Mountain National Park, the highest point in Texas. This park is mostly for people who enjoy very strenuous hikes.
Carlsbad Cavern National Park
WOW! I've always wanted to see this cave. Pictures don't come close to describing this place, you have to experience it. From the entrance to the bottom it is a 750 foot decent on roughly two miles of trail. Going down is hard on old knees and coming up will raise a sweat but it is sure worth the trip. They have elevators but they are currently broken.
On to Roswell and Albuquerque
No trip through New Mexico would be complete without a stop at the Roswell Alien museum. They have some pretty neat displays about what might have happened in 1947. Let your imagination be your guide. Then we were on to Albuquerque.
Mesa Verde National Park
More native dwellings made into steep canyon walls. Interesting place to hike.
