glenfiddich
TravelsWithBarley.com
I've long wanted to take time to explore the magnificent scenery of the southwest. I'd hoped to do so after the SLC rally, but the temps in July were just too hot for poor Tulliver. We did manage to explore Capitol Reef a bit, but it was uncomfortably hot for both of us. Now that I'm retired and don't have HR cracking the whip over me, I can take more time. I also have a younger dog better able to handle long trips; Tulliver has retired and claimed ownership of the loveseat. I've come up with two options hoping to maximize camping time while minimizing backtracking. Timeframe would be the middle two weeks of May hoping for moderate temps. (Remember that Vermonters start melting at 80F.)
The Northern Option: Cortez CO to Monument Valley pausing a couple days to see all the colors, up the Moki Dugway, over and up to Canyonlands/Arches/Deadhorse. We'd stay there for 5 days checking out whatever caught our interest in that cluster of parks. Then up to I-70, over to 24 and down to Capitol Reef NP where we'd camp for 2-3 days exploring the area. Then on to 12 and south through Grand Staircase/Escalante to Bryce Canyon NP. We'd stay there for 4-5 days exploring the park, Grand Staircase, and Kodachrome Basin. From there we'd drop down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a few days, then to Valley of Fire SP in Nevada for two before pressing on across Death Valley to California.
The Southern Option: Cortez CO to Canyonlands/Arches/Deadhorse for five days checking out the sights. Then back down to Muley Point, down Moki Dugway, pausing at Monument Valley for a couple days to catch the morning and afternoon colors, west past Vermilion Cliffs to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where we'd camp for a few days. From there up to Bryce Canyon NP for a few days with day trips into Grand Staircase/Escalante. Then SW through Zion (would stop if we found an open campsite and the place wasn't a zoo) to Valley of Fire SP in Nevada before pressing on across Death Valley to California.
My goal is basically to relax, take photos, and do short hikes. Longer hikes and those with significant elevation changes are pretty much out as old shrapnel wounds in my left leg start protesting and making my knee swell up like a football. I've ruled out a sidetrip to Mesa Verde NP as the tours require scaling ladders. While Glenlivet is trained to climb short step ladders with wide treads, the type found at Mesa Verde would likely be more than he is comfortable with. Given the time of year it's likely that some of the best riding - like US 550 in Colorado - will still be snow or ice covered.
For those of you who have been in this area, which route would you prefer and why? Also looking for good campsites and recommendations for short hikes that offer photo ops.
The Northern Option: Cortez CO to Monument Valley pausing a couple days to see all the colors, up the Moki Dugway, over and up to Canyonlands/Arches/Deadhorse. We'd stay there for 5 days checking out whatever caught our interest in that cluster of parks. Then up to I-70, over to 24 and down to Capitol Reef NP where we'd camp for 2-3 days exploring the area. Then on to 12 and south through Grand Staircase/Escalante to Bryce Canyon NP. We'd stay there for 4-5 days exploring the park, Grand Staircase, and Kodachrome Basin. From there we'd drop down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for a few days, then to Valley of Fire SP in Nevada for two before pressing on across Death Valley to California.
The Southern Option: Cortez CO to Canyonlands/Arches/Deadhorse for five days checking out the sights. Then back down to Muley Point, down Moki Dugway, pausing at Monument Valley for a couple days to catch the morning and afternoon colors, west past Vermilion Cliffs to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where we'd camp for a few days. From there up to Bryce Canyon NP for a few days with day trips into Grand Staircase/Escalante. Then SW through Zion (would stop if we found an open campsite and the place wasn't a zoo) to Valley of Fire SP in Nevada before pressing on across Death Valley to California.
My goal is basically to relax, take photos, and do short hikes. Longer hikes and those with significant elevation changes are pretty much out as old shrapnel wounds in my left leg start protesting and making my knee swell up like a football. I've ruled out a sidetrip to Mesa Verde NP as the tours require scaling ladders. While Glenlivet is trained to climb short step ladders with wide treads, the type found at Mesa Verde would likely be more than he is comfortable with. Given the time of year it's likely that some of the best riding - like US 550 in Colorado - will still be snow or ice covered.
For those of you who have been in this area, which route would you prefer and why? Also looking for good campsites and recommendations for short hikes that offer photo ops.