Barstow Ca. (ugh) back to Colorado, suggestions?

[saline]

We had to make an unscheduled trip to the sphincter of California but we will be headed back home tomorrow and have a few days to do it. Anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking a tourist type drive though Grand Canyon but not sure what else Northern AZ has to check out (never been there yet).

 

[lactic]

I recently drove my new van from Thousand Oaks, CA back to Golden. I really enjoyed the time I spent in the Mojave Desert Preserve. St George/Gooseberry/Zion/Bryce of course is on the way and always good for some scenery. Consider a leisurely swing through Capital Reef National Park if you've never been. Amazing how few people are ever there.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

I recently drove my new van from Thousand Oaks, CA back to Golden. I really enjoyed the time I spent in the Mojave Desert Preserve. St George/Gooseberry/Zion/Bryce of course is on the way and always good for some scenery. Consider a leisurely swing through Capital Reef National Park if you've never been. Amazing how few people are ever there.

Thousand Oaks? You should have let me know, I'm only about 25 minutes away.


Herb

 

[Viejo]

Here's a route:

I15 thru St George to UT Hwy 9

East to Hurricane UT, then SE on UT 59 which becomes AZ 389.

At Fredonia go SE on Alt 89.

Side trip south to N Rim of Grand Canyon
(or Toroweap if you have plenty of time and don't mind 60 mi of washboard road each way.
Allow at least 3 days for Toroweap.)

Continue on to Marble Canyon and south to Hwy 89 then N to Page.

Then SE on 98 thru the Navajo Nation to Hwy 160.

NE on 160 to Keyenta then N on US 163 with a side trip into Monument Valley.

Continue NE to Mexican Hat, UT.

Quick side trip to Goosenecks of the San Juan and Valley of the Gods.

Just before Bluff UT, go N up Comb Wash or Butler Wash if one of 'em is dry enough.

Then E on UT 95 to US 191 and N to Blanding, UT and Moab.

You can probably do this route in a few days, but a few weeks would be better.
Good luck and have a great time.

 

[saline]

Thanks for the input fellas. We might check out a few of the suggestions. The only thing i was trying to avoid was I15 between Barstow an Vegas. I just wish we had a week, I'd really like to check out the North Rim.

 

[Ford_6L_E350]

The North Rim is still closed from winter snow. I don't think it opens until mid-late May. Your best chance to see the north side of the canyon is at Toroweap - which is well worth the visit. When we went in October the approach roads were in great shape and the park roads were bad. But the visit is alway worthwhile - best views of the river from ANY vantage point on either rim!

The road into Toroweap from St. George may have snow over Mt. Trumbull. This time of year it is best to take one of the other roads.

Mike