rvcityblog posted on September 15, 2011 07:00
GLEN'S FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE WAY DOWN SOUTH
This is a wonderful topic to talk about because there are so many places to go and ways to get down to your southern destination. For the most part we do not do too much sightseeing or visiting until we get past the snowline. The snowline, depending on which route you take, is the very southern part of Utah and Nevada. Going through Oregon and the northern part of California is different. On the Coastal Highway you might experience a lot of rain and sleet or snow in the higher elevations.
The most practical and fastest way to our southern destination near Yuma, Arizona is to take Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, Nevada and Highway 95 south to Yuma. On the way we like to stop at Mesquite, Nevada which is right on the state line with Arizona, and spend the night at the Oasis Casino and RV Park. This is where I usually de-winterize my unit (or winterize it on the return trip home). Sometimes on the way down we will take a little side trip and go to Moab, Utah. At the Cove Fort Junction with Interstate 70 we will turn off to the east and go through to Crescent Junction. We then turn south on Highway 191 to Moab for some great 4x4ing. Usually we meet some friends there so we can do it all together. Another great place to go is off of Interstate 70 a short distance from Interstate 15, to Highway 89 south to Bryce Canyon. There are unbelievable rock formations and spires to view - well worth the side trip. From Bryce Canyon you can continue south on Highway 89 to Highway 9 and go west to Zion National Park, which is very beautiful as well. You have to watch that you do not have too tall of a rig because at the end of the park you have to go through a long tunnel. If you are too high you have to go around to Hurricane and enter Zion from the west side of the park. By continuing south on Highway 89 you can also go to the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim Road is closed in winter. Continuing south on Highway 89 you come to Page, the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. >From Page you can go south to the turnoff to Grand Canyon Village and the main viewing spots that are open all year round. We find the Grand Canyon to be very spectacular. From the Grand Canyon we next travel south to Flagstaff, Arizona and then take Highway 89A south to Sedona. Sedona, I think, is one of the most beautiful, scenic small cities I have ever been to, sitting in a valley of red rock canyons. The highway is full of twists, turns and switchbacks, but well worth the trip. From this point we make our way further southwestward to Quartzsite, Nevada. This is the Snowbird Capital of the Southwest. It is famous for the world's largest outdoor flea market. In the month of January it has displays of all kinds of neat stuff from nuts and bolts to RV kitchen sinks and more that you can purchase.
We have also just driven straight through to Las Vegas from Mesquite on Interstate 15, and stay at Sam's Town RV Park. Las Vegas is always fun for a couple of days. Close by you have the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire State Park as well. I actually love Laughlin, Nevada better than Vegas becausae it is way smaller and reminds me more of the old Las Vegas, with a more laidback attitude and a lot better meal deals. You know me - if it involves food, I'm there! From Laughlin it is off to Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge. This is a great place to stop for a couple of hours to relax and recharge the batteries before heading south on Highway 95 to Quartzsite.
This year we are going to go down the Oregon coast and into California before heading to our destination near Yuma, Arizona. That is a story for next year. We are talking about going to Moab, Utah next year to visit on the way down and do some world famous 4x4ing. There are lots of ways to go and lots of places to visit. I hope this inspires you to have lots of fun and have an enjoyable, safe trip down.
Bon Voyage.
Glen Leeder RV City Sales Consultant