New Mexico

[BruceinFL]

A few years back on the old Cserve forum someone posted a suggested round-robin trip in northern New Mexico. Thought I had saved it but can't find it. Does anyone remember or have it?
Thanks,

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Bruce,

That might have been me. As a 17 year resident of the area from El Paso [Baja NM, GD&R  ;D] I've put a lot out about this great part of the world . Add 6 more years of the country from Holbrook AZ to El Centro CA, and the southwest is home.

How much time do you to spend in northern NM? You mention a circle trip. There are several ranging from as far east as to Las Vegas and Cimaron and the Santa Fe Trail to Taos, Chama and Farmington with the four corners [remember Gary Lee's fameous story about taking 3x's to find it?] to Shiprock and then either Chaco Canyon and back down and over with a tighter loop for Santa Fe, the Chama River valley and then Los Alamos and Jemez springs. And I left out Red River[little TX] and Angel Fire.

Ron Maribito did a Northern NM trip several years ago and he might have a trip log. If you're an old Scouter, Philmont is west of Cimeron. ;D

So, hyow much time, what time of year and how long do you want to spend in each part of this Land of Enchantment?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Here's one...
http://taosvacationguide.com/daytrips/enchanted_circle.php

also
http://www.newmexico.org/place/loc/sightseeing/page/DB-place/category/Array/place/638.html

 

[BruceinFL]

Thanks Gary. That looks like it but I thought it was a longer drive. Probably going to head out there in late May. Would like to leave earlier but have to go to granson's high school graduation in Alabama. BTW, I see you have one heckuva commute to your new job. 

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

BTW, I see you have one heckuva commute to your new job.

Sure is - don't think we will be going home for lunch! 

 

[joelmyer]

Gary, cool sites - thanks.

Bruce,

On our way out to Moab, I'm planning a few days in Silver City - driving up to Luna NM, west to Alpine Az, & back down on the Az side.  That's a long day but some spectactular scenery.

Then I'm going to move over to Wilcox, AZ and do a day trip to Chiiricahua, NM.  Again a spectacular drive - from the desert, forest, awsome rock formations and you wind up in Switzerland.

I'm also planning on doing the Enchanted Circle on the way back to GA from UT/CO.

 

[w5blt]

I lived in Silver City for some 15 years prior to losing my mind and moving to California. This city and the surrounding area is super rich in history. Just to name a few:

In the spring, the snow melts from the nearby mountains and darn near floods the down town area. When you get there, you'll see the curbs that are down town and they're 2 feet tall! In the late 1800's, the flooding was so bad that it completely washed away the main street. So, the shop owners move their store fronts to the back of their stores. Thus, creating a new main street. The flooding got so bad that (what used to be main street) is now a huge ditch. In fact, they call it "Big Ditch Park". Approporately named.

Silver City is also the former home of "Billy The Kid". Remember the "Hanging Jugde Roy Bean"? He really existed. In a nearby town, one of his saloons is still in operation. This is a strange little town. Go 5 miles north and you'll be in THE LARGEST federal forrest in the USA. The Gila Forrest. Go 5 miles south and you're in one of the hottest deserts you can find. It was and is one of the healthest places to live. It has 4 mild seasons and is reasonably dry. Like to explore mines? There are hundreds to pick from. As a teenager growing up, these were used as "party places". We all had our favorites.

So, don't dismiss this little town too quickly. There's lots to learn.

Bob aka W5BLT

 

[Frizlefrak]

And while you're visiting Silver City, don't forget to check out the Gila Cliff Dwellings.? The ruins and petroglyphs are awesome.? If you're towing anything beyond 21', take the road through Lake Roberts (15).? Not as scenic, but a lot straighter.? If you're traveling light, hwy 35 is gorgeous.

NM is some of the most beautiful country around.

 

[BruceinFL]

Gary, cool sites - thanks.

Bruce,

On our way out to Moab, I'm planning a few days in Silver City - driving up to Luna NM, west to Alpine Az, & back down on the Az side.  That's a long day but some spectactular scenery.

Then I'm going to move over to Wilcox, AZ and do a day trip to Chiiricahua, NM.  Again a spectacular drive - from the desert, forest, awsome rock formations and you wind up in Switzerland.

I'm also planning on doing the Enchanted Circle on the way back to GA from UT/CO.

Thanks Joel. I'll plot that out on the map and see what it looks like.
Bruce

 

[joelmyer]

Bruce,

Take a look at http://www.byways.org/ - super site that somebody posted a few days ago.  There are a couple of three scenic drives in that neck of the woods.  One goes to the Gila Cliff Dwellings (been there, done that...), One thru Alpine Az, and one vicinity Truth or Consequences.

Now go to go "fly" those with Google Earth.

Joel

 

[BruceinFL]

Bruce,

Now go to go "fly" those with Google Earth.

Joel

How do you do that? Plot all the points in manually or is there a way to import it into Google

 

[joelmyer]

How do you do that?

You caught me.  I've traveled the El Paso bypass but haven't figured out how to make it stay tilted while traveling.  Haven't flown yet - saw the "fly to" button but haven't explored all of that yet.

 

[Kenneth]

Flying Google is easy, tilt the scene then grab the picture with your mouse(holding left button down) and pull down slightly then let the button loose. The scenery will continue to scroll underneath you,just like flying ! ;D

 

[BruceinFL]

Flying Google is easy, tilt the scene then grab the picture with your mouse(holding left button down) and pull down slightly then let the button loose. The scenery will continue to scroll underneath you,just like flying ! ;D

Yeah, but how do you get a route into Google Earth? Is there a way to import a route, say from S&T, Copilot or Street Atlas?

 

[Kenneth]

Haven't figured that one out yet  ???

 

[fredethomas]

Joel:

If your planning on taking US 191 down to Willcox you may want to check the route with the AZ Highway dept. as there is a low tunnel around Morenci.  We hope to check it out on our way to Moab in April, but will stay in the Safford area and take the Jeep.  Our old highway book says it's 11 ft high, I think.  Book is in the mh.

 

[Ron]

Joel:

If your planning on taking US 191 down to Willcox you may want to check the route with the AZ Highway dept. as there is a low tunnel around Morenci.? We hope to check it out on our way to Moab in April, but will stay in the Safford area and take the Jeep.? Our old highway book says it's 11 ft high, I think.? Book is in the mh.

Good point Fred.  According to our truckers atlas the Morenci tunnel is at mile point 169.9 and height is 12'7".  Should be ok but might injure necks due the tendancy to duck when goin under it.

 

[joelmyer]

Thanks Fed & Ron,

No that is a day trip in the Truck, no way would I attempt that road with the trailer.

But,... tell me about the routes from Tucson to Moab.  Interstate & Big Red Roads through Phoenix & Flagstaff with an overnight at Sedona, or 191 through Show Low?

Joel

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Joel,

If you go via the Salt River Canyon, Sholow, Holbrook. Also stoop at the Ganado Trading post and then you can also visit Canyon de Chelley in Navaholand, stay at their CG andf get a great guided jeep tour. Then up through Navaho land and I'd cut back to Kayenta from Many Farms and then up to Moab via Monument Valley.

You also could do the Petrified Forrest/Painted Desert by Holbrook, I had some great rving years when I lived there.

Ingnore the days --set your own pace.

Time Mile Instruction For Toward
Summary:  599.6 miles (1 day, 5 hours, 6 minutes)
DAY 1 i
9:07 AM 2.5 Merge onto SR-77 [W Miracle Mile] (East) 97.7 mi
11:08 AM 100.3 Turn LEFT (West) onto US-70 2.1 mi
11:10 AM 102.4 Turn RIGHT (East) onto US-60 84.4 mi
12:52 PM 186.8 Turn LEFT (North-West) onto SR-260 [S Clark Rd] 7.2 mi
1:05 PM 194.0 Turn LEFT (South) onto Local road(s) 142 yds
1:05 PM 194.1 At Show Low, return North-East on Local road(s) 131 yds
1:06 PM 194.2 Turn RIGHT (East) onto SR-260 142 yds
1:06 PM 194.2 Turn LEFT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.5 mi
1:08 PM 194.7 Continue (North) on Burton Rd 0.3 mi
1:09 PM 195.0 Continue (North) on Local road(s) 2.7 mi
1:14 PM 197.7 Continue (North-East) on Burton Rd 0.4 mi
1:16 PM 198.1 Bear RIGHT (East) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
1:16 PM 198.3 Bear LEFT (North) onto Local road(s) 1.3 mi
1:19 PM 199.6 Bear RIGHT (North-East) onto Local road(s) 0.3 mi
1:19 PM 199.9 Bear RIGHT (North-East) onto Local road(s) 1.6 mi
1:22 PM 201.5 Turn LEFT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.7 mi
1:24 PM 202.2 Turn LEFT (West) onto Local road(s) 0.4 mi
1:24 PM 202.6 Bear RIGHT (North-West) onto Local road(s) 1.2 mi
1:27 PM 203.8 Bear RIGHT (North) onto Pinedale Rd 4.6 mi
1:37 PM 208.3 Bear LEFT (North) onto SR-77 30.7 mi
2:30 PM 239.0 Continue (North) on US-180 [SR-77] 0.7 mi
2:31 PM 239.7 Continue (North) on SR-66 [Navajo Blvd] 0.7 mi
2:32 PM 240.5 Turn off onto Ramp 0.2 mi
2:33 PM 240.6 Merge onto I-40 (East) 46.2 mi
3:15 PM 286.9 At I-40 Exit 333, turn off onto Ramp 0.1 mi
3:15 PM 287.0 Turn LEFT (North) onto US-191 Conn 76 yds
3:16 PM 287.0 Continue (North) on US-191 36.6 mi
4:00 PM 323.7 Bear RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.8 mi
4:02 PM 324.5 Turn RIGHT (East) onto Local road(s) 153 yds
4:02 PM 324.6 At Ganado, return West on Local road(s) 153 yds
4:03 PM 324.7 Turn RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.5 mi
4:04 PM 325.1 Bear RIGHT (North) onto US-191 46.0 mi
5:00 PM 371.1 End of day
DAY 2
9:00 AM 371.1 Stay on US-191 4.6 mi
9:06 AM 375.7 Turn LEFT (West) onto BIA-59 11.6 mi
9:26 AM 387.3 Turn RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.8 mi
9:27 AM 388.0 Bear LEFT (North-West) onto Local road(s) 0.1 mi
9:28 AM 388.2 Bear LEFT (North-West) onto Local road(s) 0.5 mi
9:28 AM 388.6 Bear RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.3 mi
9:29 AM 388.9 Bear RIGHT (North-West) onto Local road(s) 1.7 mi
9:32 AM 390.6 Bear RIGHT (West) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
9:33 AM 390.8 Bear RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 1.2 mi
9:35 AM 392.0 Turn RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 0.1 mi
9:35 AM 392.1 Bear LEFT (West) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
9:36 AM 392.3 Continue (West) on BIA-59 6.1 mi
9:47 AM 398.4 Continue (West) on Local road(s) 174 yds
9:47 AM 398.5 Bear RIGHT (West) onto Local road(s) 1.3 mi
9:50 AM 399.8 Continue (West) on BIA-59 2.7 mi
9:56 AM 402.5 Bear RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 131 yds
9:56 AM 402.6 Bear LEFT (North-West) onto Local road(s) 1.5 mi
9:59 AM 404.1 Bear LEFT (West) onto Local road(s) 0.7 mi
10:00 AM 404.8 Turn RIGHT (North) onto Local road(s) 2.2 mi
10:05 AM 407.0 Bear RIGHT (North) onto BIA-59 13.4 mi
10:28 AM 420.4 Turn LEFT (West) onto US-160 8.3 mi
10:38 AM 428.7 Turn RIGHT (North) onto US-163 1.2 mi
10:40 AM 429.9 Turn LEFT (West) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
10:41 AM 430.2 Turn RIGHT (East) onto Local road(s) 87 yds
10:41 AM 430.2 Turn LEFT (North) onto Local road(s) 76 yds
10:41 AM 430.3 At Kayenta, return South on Local road(s) 76 yds
10:41 AM 430.3 Turn RIGHT (West) onto Local road(s) 76 yds
10:41 AM 430.3 Turn LEFT (South-East) onto Local road(s) 0.2 mi
10:42 AM 430.6 Turn LEFT (North) onto US-163 63.5 mi
11:09 AM 452.6 Entering Utah
11:59 AM 494.1 Continue (East) on US-191 105.4 mi
2:06 PM 599.5 Turn LEFT (West) onto W Center St 0.1 mi
2:06 PM 599.6 Arrive Moab

SUMMARY
Driving distance:  599.6 miles

 

[joelmyer]

Wow Bob, thanks!

It took me a while to find the round tuit & get that on a map.  Attached.

My priorities, subject to discussion, are Sedona and Monument Valley.

So I think I'll pass on Salt River Canyon, Sholow, Holbrook, Ganado Trading post and Canyon de Chelley in Navaholand.  This trip.

I'm beginning to understand why so many folks are settling arround Tucson/Albuquerque.

What about the roads from Sedona through Monument Valley and on to Moab.  OK with the 5th Wheel?  Is that a one day trip? Or a couple of night at Kayenta & side trip up to Monument Valley.  I may not be leaving GA soon enough!