Trip Out West with 1st 4runner

[raptore]

Hi folks, my wife and I are driving out west and looking for any assistance or suggestions with this cities/sites currently on the plan:
New Mexico
Roswell
Albuquerque
Santa Fe
Arizona
Flagstaff
North side of Grand Canyon
Southern Utah
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Arches National Park

We really start our trip in Roswell, NM and plan to 'wing it' along the way, but want to make sure we see enough of southern Utah. Some hotels and some light camping on the menu.

We want to do some of the basic tourist stuff and some level 1 to 2.5 trails on a scale of 1-5. Just got the TRD Pro in mid Jan and after seeing so many great pics of everyone's trip, I convinced her for a driving trip.

Would love any help/tips or chat directly if interested.

Thanks,
Richie

 

[BobsTrail]

Travel

Looks like a good full trip with a lot of places we would like to go.

We went to Grand Canyon, North Rim last June and stayed in a cabin right on the rim. There is a campground/RV park about a mile away. It may be too late to reserve a cabin.

As you pass through Arizona, there is the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert areas and Meteor Crater on I40 that is interesting and a good rest stop. There is an RV park near there.

In that area is an old simple motel called the Wigwam where the rooms look like teepees.

Also on I40 near Seligman is the Road Kill Cafe (no big deal) and a few miles away is the Grand Canyon Caverns.

South of Flagstaff is Sedona. There is a good off-road trip called Schnebly Hill road that goes down to Sedona. It's a bit rough, but easy if you go slow and very scenic.

More Schnebly Road at -- http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1723382-post7.html

Enjoy the new 4Runner.

 

[raptore]

Thanks for the info. I have gotten some other suggestions and the list keeps growing.

 

[jelowry1]

Hey Richie!

As far as NM goes, there is a ton of stuff to see and do. Lots of trails. If you make it up north, try to check out the Jemez Mountains (just NW of Abq). They have a few nice trails, but also a small lake, some hot springs and amazing Indian Fried bread. Pecos National Forest is amazing as well. There is also plenty to do in town as well. Great restaurants, amazing brew pubs, the largest tramway in the US is located in the Sandia Mountains. Plenty to do around this town.

If your heading into Utah, Moab is a MUST! I have visited and camped out there several times.

Safe travels and remember to have fun!

Jordan