So I'm leaving next Friday for a lengthy road trip. By the 29th, I expect to be in Terlingua/Big Bend N.P. for a bit of camping. A few days after that, I'm going to check out Canyonlands N.P. (as I heard they are doing a lot of road work in Arches).

After that I drive on to Astoria, OR for a few days of work, then speed home for Day One of jury duty.

Any must-see stuff in either Big Bend or Canyonlands?

In the area, go to Langtry, TX to the Lily Langtry Saloon and Judge Roy Bean... Law West Of the Pecos!

You better see about reserving a campsite in Big Bend, if you plan to camp. And it will likely be hot. Try to find one with shade. Up in the Basin is best. A little altitude there, so cooler. My fave attraction in the area is Balmorrhea Springs Pool, an oasis in the desert. It's kinda on the way to Utah from Big Bend, if you go through Fort Davis.

Currently on a trip, I took the 2-lane from Russell KS to Springer NM. 425 miles through the Heartland.

Off the Interstate, always worth it.

Dipping into the 20s and 30s in the Tetons and Kolob Canyon campground (western edge of Zion) not yet open, so I'm debating my next move.

Today, El Malpais National Conservation Area and some lava field hiking.

One Big Bend N.P. campground is closed for maintenance, the other major area is closed due to brush fires. :/ Oh well, let's try the state park. LOL

Definitely check out McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains north of Big Bend, their evening "Star Parties" are out of this world (pun intended). Marfa and Alpine are both neat nearby towns (hit Reata for dinner in Alpine). As noted above, leave there and hit Balmorhea (Bal-mor-a) State Park for a dip (or scuba dive) in the natural oasis on your way to I-10.

My 2012 photos of Canyonlands:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631264145514/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631283453102/

I enjoyed the river cruise through the park.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by Woodman:
Currently on a trip, I took the 2-lane from Russell KS to Springer NM. 425 miles through the Heartland.

Off the Interstate, always worth it.

Dipping into the 20s and 30s in the Tetons and Kolob Canyon campground (western edge of Zion) not yet open, so I'm debating my next move.

Today, El Malpais National Conservation Area and some lava field hiking.

Off the 4 lane is always rewarding.

Home of Bob Dole

On your way up to Astoria you might consider a short side trip to Crater Lake. Well worth the time in my opinion.

Jim

What are you driving or riding? Most of Canyonlands needs a 4wd, or at least something with high clearance, to see.

You might be a little late for the falls, they're usually running in March and April.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Falls,_Arizona

We rented a Jeep in Moab and did the Shafer Trail and Fins and Things. Very cool.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
You better see about reserving a campsite in Big Bend, if you plan to camp. And it will likely be hot. Try to find one with shade. Up in the Basin is best. A little altitude there, so cooler. My fave attraction in the area is Balmorrhea Springs Pool, an oasis in the desert. It's kinda on the way to Utah from Big Bend, if you go through Fort Davis.

I'm not sure you can reserve a spot in national parks - it's first come first serve. Best to arrive around 9 am to snag a spot. Due to summer heat the Basin is the place you want. You might consider a spot in Fort Davis state park, which does take reservations, either as a primary spot or as a back up in case the Basin is full. The Basin campspots are water only, and the spigots are shared so you have to transfer the water to your RV tank via buckets or long hose. No electricity is available. The state park has water + electricity sites with a central dumpstation. If you are taking an RV be aware the Basin road limits campers to 25 feet.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInWV:
One Big Bend N.P. campground is closed for maintenance, the other major area is closed due to brush fires. :/ Oh well, let's try the state park. LOL

They are very nice and helpful at the state park. Give them a call.

quote:

Originally posted by GJG:

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
You better see about reserving a campsite in Big Bend, if you plan to camp. And it will likely be hot. Try to find one with shade. Up in the Basin is best. A little altitude there, so cooler. My fave attraction in the area is Balmorrhea Springs Pool, an oasis in the desert. It's kinda on the way to Utah from Big Bend, if you go through Fort Davis.

I'm not sure you can reserve a spot in national parks - it's first come first serve. Best to arrive around 9 am to snag a spot. Due to summer heat the Basin is the place you want. You might consider a spot in Fort Davis state park, which does take reservations, either as a primary spot or as a back up in case the Basin is full. The Basin campspots are water only, and the spigots are shared so you have to transfer the water to your RV tank via buckets or long hose. No electricity is available. The state park has water + electricity sites with a central dumpstation. If you are taking an RV be aware the Basin road limits campers to 25 feet.

Right. I was thinking of the cabins in the basin I guess. They are probably reserved far in advance nowadays. It's been a while since I stayed in the park. I've lived 100 miles from it for nearly 20 years.

I spent Monday in Arches. We arrived at 1000 spent about 7 minutes getting in Once during the next 4 1/2 bouts we waited about the same amount getting through a parking area. I have no idea what I missed beyond the construction, but what I saw was worth a lot more waiting than I did.

Every day is new and as I understand it Memorial Day weekend is horrific. What I saw does not match what I read, by any stretch. I parked in any lot I wanted as long as I wanted.

Canyonland, did that too, same day. Got there late, 1700 ish. It's very impressive as well, it is not as epic vast in proportion. You can sight see it in a couple hours. Now part of that observation might be coming down from an Aches level to Canyonland.

The wife has mobility issues so we don't get out and put on miles in the bush. We do park at every opportunity and get out and walk around though. I'm operating from a phone and not going to check your routing but I'd think long and hard before I skipped ANP might try getting a current picture 24 hrs early. Canyonland is very nice though, and was dead as yesterday's newspaper.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
On your way up to Astoria you might consider a short side trip to Crater Lake. Well worth the time in my opinion.

Jim

I'm heading to Crater Lake in a week. I checked the website and the rim road around the lake won't be open until mid July. You can get to the rim village now, where I need to go, but because of the amount of snow, you won't be able to see a lot.

If you're going to be in Moab, get an early start and visit Arches. There is a lot of stuff to see from the road, a little hiking gets to more.

Canyonlands is a huge area, there are four "units". Island in the Sky is the most visited, lots of short walks to viewpoints. Needles requires at least a bit of hiking, better with a 4x4. The Maze is extremely remote, HC 4x4 only. Horseshoe Canyon is a remote canyon with the most amazing rock art, a tough drive and hike.

Don't leave out Dead Horse Point S.P. It's right out side the entrance to Island in the Sky. You don't need to spend a lot of time here, the views are amazing!

I'm just brushing over the area, it's known for mountain biking, rafting, jet boat tours and some amazing off roading!

We've been to both Big Bend National and State (Ranch) Parks and loved both.

At State, we enjoyed staying at campsites in both the interior (Sauceda) and on the Rio Grande (FM 170).

The drive down FM 170 is amazing.

Thanks for the tips. After looking hard at driving time and my requirement to be in Astoria by the evening of the 5th, Moab will be just a brief stop. I'll spend a week in the Alpine/Terlingua/Ft. Davis area then head to Oregon.

I don't have an RV (yet) LOL but I was glad to see the note about maximum length. I may have to factor that in to what I get when I retire. The scenery in Canyonlands looks awesome. I could see me hanging out there for a month.