Travel/Location intell

[Bomar]

I wanted to start a thread on places that we have gone and what to do and not to do.

Nolen has done an epic job on a lot of this in many threads and it is appreciated.

We can cross post the threads.

 

[Bomar]

That being said I am looking for any info on Zion NP area and do's and don'ts.

We are buggin out for Christmas for a few weeks.

White Sands
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Zion

 

[BMThiker]

That being said I am looking for any info on Zion NP area and do's and don'ts.

We are buggin out for Christmas for a few weeks.

White Sands
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Zion

Parking is always a challenge at Zion during the high season and they bus people around the park attractions. Not sure what they do during off season. Shane & Amy Morrell just did a trip out there. Is he on Mud?

 

[FJ60Cam]

Zion - I think it’s first come, first served now (was reservations only when we went), but be there when it opens and you’ll be good.

All we really did inside the park was the Riverside Walk and then chill and eat lunch. Well worth it.

Outside the park, take the Zion-Mount Carmel Hwy up and through the tunnel and do the Overlook Trail. It’s easy enough to take the kids and where you’ll see the epic views without having to do a ten mile hike.

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

I’d also add Bryce Canyon to your list. It’s as dope as Zion, with less people. There’s a trail that goes down into the hoodoos that was super cool and is enough to feel like you saw everything you needed to see.

If your crew is up for the couple mile hike, it’s worth doing the whole loop.

---

 

[Bomar]

Boom! Thanks

 

[FJ60Cam]

Bryce/Zion highAF debrief... FJ60Cam an' Fam Get High AF - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj60cam-an-fam-get-high-af.996296/post-13435574

 

[Godwin]

That being said I am looking for any info on Zion NP area and do's and don'ts.

We are buggin out for Christmas for a few weeks.

White Sands
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Zion

In W TX avoid US 285 that runs from Ft Stockton (I-10) to Pecos (I-20) and on to Carlsbad, NM. This was once a pleasant drive but now it's congested due to oil field expansion.

Carlsbad Caverns is a worth visiting and doing the underground tour plus there is a living desert museum at Carlsbad.

US 82 between Artesia and Alamogordo is a good drive through the grasslands. It crosses the Sacramento Mtns and I think the highest elevation is around 9000 ft. If you get off the main highway you can find side roads and trails in the Lincoln NF. James Canyon Campground is right off the highway near Mayhill and while not secluded still a good little camping spot since there is little traffic on the road. It's undeveloped and only has a few spots.

Definitely drive into White Sands. The road is loop, takes you in and out, but plenty of places to stop and walk in the dunes.

SE corner of AZ has Chiricahua National Monument and the Coronado National Forest.

Stop off in Santa Fe, NM and buy a pottery from my cousin's shop Native American Antiques Historic Pueblo Pottery Steve Elmore Indian Art - https://elmoreindianart.com/

Bryce Canyon and Arches NP are two others in UT worth seeing.

 

[Bomar]

Thanks Jim!

 

[Godwin]

Here's another Three Rivers Petroglyph Site | Bureau of Land Management - https://www.blm.gov/visit/three-rivers-petroglyph-site

Three Rivers petroglyph site in southern NM. First time we stumbled across this place it was free, little more than a sign and parking lot on BLM land. Now, more controlled but still cheap. Hundreds or thousands of petroglyphs. If you have the time it's worth it.

 

[Bomar]

Perfect @Godwin that was the last place I needed a campsite! I was going to go up to Cloudcroft but staying a little lower alt will work better in late Dec!

Thank you all for sharing info.

 

[wngrog]

I just finished a week off road in New Mexico and Arizona.

Here’s the story with GPS links. Hard to describe such remoteness. I highly recommend this trip.

Post in thread 'I bought a Whale, now I gotta build it and use it'

Builds - I bought a Whale, now I gotta build it and use it - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/i-bought-a-whale-now-i-gotta-build-it-and-use-it.1257026/post-14200714

 

[GJCruiser]

(That being said I am looking for any info on Zion NP area and do's and don'ts)

If trail conditions allow, (dry trail, no wind---probably not this time of year) Angel's Landing was a bucket list item for me! Not for the faint of heart but the payoff is epic.

 

[dogdaysindurham]

For Zion, the Narrows is really cool, but rent waders and a walking stick from the outfitters. Angel's Landing was dope and well worth it. Emerald Pool's was also another beautiful hike. I think the Shuttle may be on pause over Christmas? If you have a dog, the only trail that they can go on with you is Pa'rus Trail. It's a paved trail that takes you all the way to Canyon Junction. The Tunnel is really neat and you are only an 1 hr away from Bryce.

You should be able to get a campground reservation to Zion at Watchman campground. I stayed there over Thanksgiving and it's the perfect base camp to explore Zion just within the park. They have flush toilets and there is nearby place for showers.

I would also check out Antelope Valley / Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon area if you are going to swing south towards Grand Canyon.