Need destination recommendations

[Otter]

Wife and I are looking for dog friendly hiking/camping destinations within about 5 hours from Scottsdale. We plan on camping Saturday and Sunday, March 5-7. Unfortunately, that's the first weekend of spring break, but that's the only time we can go.

We're leaving the Cruiser at home and taking the Outback. Don't mind hitting some dirt roads to get off the beaten path.

We've talked about Joshua Tree, Anza Borrego, Death Valley, Valley of Fire, and Red Rock Canyon.

Any recommendations?

 

[Rudster]

If you choose Death Valley there is a good Subaru repair shop on one of the trails there.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

After returning yesterday from another 4 days in Anza Borrego and leaving again this Friday for more. Being the largest State park at 640,000 acres there is a lot to see and do in the area.

Spent an entire day searching for over 130 life size and larger metal sculpture by Dennis Avery scattered in the middle of the desert around Borrego Springs.

 

[Otter]

If you choose Death Valley there is a good Subaru repair shop on one of the trails there.

I'll just keep Jason's number handy.

My Subaru has 8 inches of ground clearance (as much as a stock Cruiser), and doesn't have an aftermarket suspension.

After returning yesterday from another 4 days in Anza Borrego and leaving again this Friday for more. Being the largest State park at 640,000 acres there is a lot to see and do in the area.
View attachment 1213711

Phil, do you think there would be any issues with the Outback? Especially, if we tried to get in the back country, away from any crowds.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I'll just keep Jason's number handy.

My Subaru has 8 inches of ground clearance (as much as a stock Cruiser), and doesn't have an aftermarket suspension.



Phil, do you think there would be any issues with the Outback? Especially, if we tried to get in the back country, away from any crowds.

At 640000 acres there are a lot of option for any vehicle

 

[Otter]

Sarah and I had a great trip in Anza Borrego last weekend. We got a later start on Saturday than we wanted. Takes a little longer to pack the Outback for Sarah and the two dogs vs. packing the Cruiser for just me. The Edgestar fridge fits perfectly in the back. Had to convert the rear power outlet to be live full time vs just when the ignition is on. Also swapped the DieHard Platinum size 34 from the Cruiser into the Outback, which had a pretty small OEM battery. I even packed up the Puma in case we needed a compressor.

We camped at the Culp Canyon campsite area on Saturday night, which is at 3500 feet elevation. There was a wind advisory for the weekend. So we had to endure 15-20mph winds, with gusts up to 30mph. Made for an interesting night. We drove around a bit on Sunday, and made our way to Blair Valley, which is at 2500 feet elevation.

We didn't even scratch the surface of this place. We're definitely looking forward to more trips to the park.

 

[Otter]

Outback all packed up

Pups all strapped in

Culp Canyon campsite

Blair Valley campsite

 

[Otter]

 

[tlin]

Nice pics, good looking dogs. Considering an Outback as a possible new DD, one of those cars I've thought about for 10 years. Nicely done!

 

[Otter]

Nice pics, good looking dogs. Considering an Outback as a possible new DD, one of those cars I've thought about for 10 years. Nicely done!

Thanks!

I love the Outback. Probably THE best car I've ever bought. Just need to get some 17" wheels and all terrain tires. Its got plenty of room, gets great gas mileage (we averaged 33mpg on a trip to Estes Park, Colorado last year, and 26mpg on this trip with the roof rack).

 

[murf]

Driving through some Colorado mountain towns a few years ago, it seemed that every other vehicle on the road was a 4x4 Subaru

 

[Stepmurr]

Driving through some Colorado mountain towns a few years ago, it seemed that every other vehicle on the road was a 4x4 Subaru

The only 4wd I can get my wife to drive is our Forester