Impromptu x-country overland trip (AZ/NM)

[EscapedTexan]

Hello! Looking for recommendations for which of these parks below is ideal for a 1st-timer to visit given this time of year, as well as any trails and campsites recommendations based on the fact I’m renting an off-road trailer from a 3rd party for this trip, so I will be unfamiliar with the trailer rig in question. I’ll be in my personal ‘15 LX570 that’s got stock suspension w/ k02 33’s, skid plates and sliders. My plan is to have a heater in the rental if possible and I’ll also be bringing along some extras like some recovery gear, food, water, fuel, blankets and a starlink. I will be solo and am unfamiliar with the region, so lots of unknown for me!

Scenario: I live in GA but have to go to Vegas for a week of work 2/24-2/28. Typically, I’d fly but this time work won’t reimburse if flying in early/staying late (Vegas deterrents?) which is a bummer b/c it’s what I always do every year - taking in the awesome natural wonders of Navada. So, f’em I’m going to drive this year. Opportunity! I’ll leave a week early and on my way I’ll pickup an off-road capable trailer rental in the Albuquerque area w/ solar, heat, kitchen, shower and sleep amenities and camp a few days in NM/AZ/NV - storing the trailer in secure storage facility before working in Vegas week of Feb 24-28. Then, after work in Vegas is completed I will take the trailer back out and camp for a week in AZ/NM before returning the trailer in Albuquerque on my way back home.

Location Possibilities: Looking at hitting Grand Canyon, saguaro, or maybe go to Death Valley and Joshua tree, idk. Could hit white sands and Carlsbad, unsure as out of all these national parks I’ve only ever visited Grand Canyon. I definitely want to hit National Parks that are open this time of year. I appreciate anyone’s suggestions, tips, tricks, leads on trails and campsites.
Here’s a general map of the planned trip with the diff parks listed above as possible destinations: Atlanta to Atlanta - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wXSZkwPRC7KeGw6S9?g_st=ic

 

[Metto]

Way to make the best out of a dumb company decision, sounds like a fun pivot. Death Valley and Joshua Tree were my first two National Parks and always recommend. They are both a wild, out of this world type of environment. Plenty of areas to get away from people and find solitude. And usually the winter weather is just perfect out there.

 

[EscapedTexan]

Way to make the best out of a dumb company decision, sounds like a fun pivot. Death Valley and Joshua Tree were my first two National Parks and always recommend. They are both a wild, out of this world type of environment. Plenty of areas to get away from people and find solitude. And usually the winter weather is just perfect out there.

Yeah, thanks that's what I was thinking, too. I think the weather in Death Valley and Joshua Tree are going to be a lot better than Grand Canyon this time of year, but I'm starting to think it's going to be too far in the wrong direction given how much time I have for this trip. Thinking of cutting those two out the year and saving them for a all-cali late spring trip one year to hit a bunch of the cali National Parks like Yosemite and Kings as well. I may pass on GC this year too if the weather forecasts look too cold and I'm unable to grab a capable trailer with heater. Still, tbd and I appreciate your suggestion for those two as they are on my bucket list.