No not at all :)
Thanks for all the advice!
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No not at all :)
Thanks for all the advice!
The drive from the junction of US89 and 89A, to Jacob Lake and the North Rim is an easy one -- about 2.5 hours driving time (85 or 86 miles). This section of highway, from Marble Canyon to Fredonia, AZ, is one of the most isolated and beautiful places in Arizona. You're not going to believe the scenery.
The route follows the Vermillion Cliffs (to your right as you head west) -- one of the locations where the magnificent California Condor -- largest land bird in the world -- has been released into the wild after nearly becoming extinct. They are doing well and the "wild" population in Arizona is now almost 40 birds. If you're lucky, you'll see one. The best viewing site is off the west end of the cliffs -- turn right off the highway on House Rock Road (it also has a forest service number but this doesn't show on the map I have at hand). Just follow this good road around the west end of the cliffs -- and there is a viewing area set up there from which you can see the release site. House Rock Road will be a mile or two east of the point where the highway (US89A) very obviously turns a left corner and heads uphill via switchbacks to reach the top of the Kaibab Plateau and Jacob Lake. House Rock is a MAJOR dirt road and is the most obvious one you'll see, going off to the right. The Condors are mostly black, but they have a white blaze underneath their wings -- along the leading edge. They like to soar along and above the cliffs.
Take the time to stop at Lee's Ferry if you can -- it is the only place for several hundred miles that you can drive right to the edge of the Colorado River. The turn is just past the twin steel bridges at Marble Canyon. Jacob Lake is also a fun stop for a break. Check out my photos of Lee's Ferry if you like at http://bschaller.photosite.com.
SR67 from Jacob Lake to the North Rim is one of the prettiest drives anywhere. Also, the drive out to Cape Royal from near the N.R. Lodge is worth your time.
Once you finish, you can stay at Jacob Lake at the end of the day (you might reserve your room in the morning as you pass by), or you might even be able to snag a room at the North Rim if you're lucky. If not, Gen suggests the "quaint and rustic" Crazy Jug Motel in Fredonia, AZ. Bob
It's all so beautiful and interesting! I can't wait to get there :)
Well for now I think I got all my questions answered if I've got more I know where to ask!
After a lot of reading and thinking...
I came up with this:
http://users.pandora.be/morphs/Lasvegas.gif
Las Vegas - Williams (over route 66)
Williams - Flagstaff
Flagstaff - Gallup
Gallup - Mexican Hat
Mexican Hat - Page
Page - Kanab
Kanab - Cedar City
Cedar City - Las Vegas
8 days for 2300 kilometers (1500 mile)
This should be ok I guess...
Any comments?
I think that is going to make a GREAT vacation! Just don't forget to wear a good sunscreen and to drink your water, and have a heckuva good time. Let us know how it goes!
I will do!
When you get to Bryce NP, if you find at that point you still have some time on your hands (hey, you never know, right?), then you might consider continuing on through Escalante and Boulder to Torrey on SR12. It's a magnificent drive and you'd enjoy it. From there, you could swing back around to the west, then south on I-15 to pick up your plan again. This would cost you about an afternoon (if you find you have it). Bob