South West road trip 2010

[UK]

Hi,

Subject to getting flights arranged this week, we'll be heading for the South West for this years road trip.

The outline plan is

1 Fly to Vegas, after a couple of days, pick up a car.
2 Head to Williams AZ, stay a couple of days and take the train up to the Grand Canyon and back in a day. Has anybody taken this train and can give any tips/comments ?
3 Head to Sedona, probably the long way round via Prescott. Any advice on things to see and do in this area ?
4 Head to Winslow AZ via Sunset Crater and Meteor Crater
5 Head to Chinle and Canyon de Chelley
6 Head to Monument Valley. A quick internet search suggests hotels in the area are full. Is this likely ?
7 Head to Durango for a couple of days and take the Durango to Silverton train there and back in a day. Has anybody taken this train and can give any tips/comments ?
8 Head to Santa Fe area. See los Alamos. Anybody been there and have any comments ?
9 Head to Albuquerque to fly on.

Any comments tips hints or suggestions are welcome.
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Help and advice for UK travellers to the USA on fly drive holidays

[Dawn Patrol]

Hi UK
OK
1- Vegas-- Instead of staying days in Vegas, let me suggest driving (about 3 hours) to Zion NP and Bryce Canyon. Stay at least a night or two there, Zion is beautiful. http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
2- You don't need days in Williams,Az. Williams is a small, tourist town. Instead I suggest a night in Williams and the next night in the Grand Canyon. Trust me, the sunset & sunrise at the Canyon will be worth it.

The train is fun- tips
1- arrive early. You don't want to miss the bank robbery and shootout, (wild west show) right there at the depot.
2-. there's entertainment on the train, on the way up a cowboy banjo player wanders through, and on the way back there's a train robbery, with bandits riding down on horseback attacking the train, with a marshall in hot pursuit. (just like in the movies) all great fun, so have your camera ready.
3- Sedona. Sedona is be beautiful I suggest ttaking one of the Pink Jeep Tours-( they are a little expensive but worth it.) or rent a 4x4 RTV. One thing you don't want to do, is to drive those off-roads around Sedona in a low clearance rented car.

Almost forgot- take a look at this itinerary Grand Circle Nationl Park Tour - http://www.us-parks.com/the-grand-circle.html

One last thing, have fun
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[pezzhull]

When are you going?

Some thoughts, yes if you can squeeze in Bryce and Zion (especially the Narrows), they are fabulous! Very busy and hot in summer. Book a part day horseback ride into Bryce, a great way to see it.

Grand Canyon, if you can stay in village it is worth it, especially for sunrise/set. Early start on trails into canyon before it is too hot. Can drive from Sedona.

Sedona has great trails for day hiking which I would suggest, lots to choose from. I can give names if wanted. Neat small restaurants, but some junky tourist shops to avoid.

Vegas, book a show ahead for one night. I suggest a Cirque (Love for Beatles fansd, O or Mystere for others).

[pezzhull]

Beware of drop off costs with rental cars, ie vegas to albuquerque.

[UK]

Dawn Patrol and Pezzhull,

Many thanks for taking the trouble to reply.

Zion and Bryce are not in this itinerary because we've been there recently. You are right about both places being wonderful but not for us on this visit.

Williams is only there to allow us to rest overnight after the drive from Vegas and to rest overnight after the train trip to the Grand Canyon and back. We have been to the Grand Canyon before and seen the sunrise/sunsets but never managed to find the time for the rail journey.

Any specific suggestions re Sedona will be gratefully recieved.

An early look at the Hertz website seems to indicate no drop off fee for Vegas - Albuquerque.

UK
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http://www.uk-2-usa.com

Help and advice for UK travellers to the USA on fly drive holidays

[pezzhull]

For us sedona was all about the trails if you like hiking and again depending on the temps. We were there in January, some snow but great coinditions. People talk a lot about Pionk Jeep Tours, we did not sue them beacause my back gets sore with a lot of bumps, and my wife thinks you have to hike, mechanical is cheating.

[jfslenes]

From Grand Canyon area, you can drop down to I-40 to get the NM or wander the Northern edge of AZ into NM and/or SW Colorado. Durango & Silverton train is good. Another segment of the same original narrow guage is Cumbres & Toltec. If you do that ride, take the trip from Chama to Antonito by train with a bus back. Cumbres goes over a 10,000 foot pass and starts at 8,000 feet. The engines huff and puff for that grade! Most of our Guests suggest that Cumbres is the better of the two. US 64 goes from just South of Durango to Chama and on to Taos (the best place to stay in the area ). 160 East from Durango is also a good choice to Pagosa Springs, then down to Chama.

Note: the steam train rides are a bit long. Dress in layers to add or shed as needed. Bring snacks as on train goodies are either limited and/or pricey. Be prepared for wet weather too!

Lots of history and museums in and around Taos, LA, and Santa Fe. Links to most from our web site in sig file below. If time for only 1 or 2, Millicent Rogers is the most popular in the Taos area. Bradbury in Los Alamos is a good choice. In Santa Fe, the Loretto Chapel staircase is a must see!!! Taos is home to 60-70 art galleries, 100 shops, and a number of drive trips around the area.

I, of course, always suggest staying in Taos and visiting Santa Fe as a day trip. Email any Taos area questions, we'll gladly be your "tour guide". Our front desk is very helpful, knowledgable, and friendly.
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