Edmonton, Alberta to New Mexico and back again
Team, good afternoon
At the end of march I plan on driving from Edmonton, AB, to New Mexico and back again. I have 9 days to complete this trip and want to do whatever I can to avoid covering the same ground twice. Internet searches have shown many great things to see along the way there, but these are mostly the well known tourist sites, most of which I want to avoid. So my first question is; what are some sites that are relatively unknown but still mind blowing in their own way that I may encounter along this route?
As for the trip back I am considering cutting across from Fort Sumner to Flagstaff and up through Monument Valley, Utah and Idaho, but I drove the I-15 last year to Vegas and back so again I don't want to cover known ground. This leads me to the second question; is there another route north that offers its own brand of amazing things to see?
My final question, are there any historical sites of military significance along the proposed routes, ie, historical battlefields, museums, memorials etc?
I am well used to long drives and sitting for extended periods of time (still serving infantry), so I am not phased by long days behind the wheel. That being said, I am somewhat of an amateur photographer so I also love to see new things, even if it means stopping frequently.
Thanks for whatever info you may be able to provide, it is all appreciated.
Kiwi
Some Moderate to Lesser Known Sites
Edmonton to Fort Sumner is right around 1,700 miles (2,750 km) by the most direct route, so it's three solid days of driving even before adding stops and detours. But fortunately for you, that most direct route is NOT on I-15. Instead, look at using some of the high plains roads such as AB-16/SK-16 to Saskatoon then SK-11/SK-2/SK-39/SK-35 to enter the States in North Dakota and basically follow US-85 south for a while. That would take you by Theodore Roosevelt National Park and close enough to Deadwood, Spearfish and Rapid City SD to see a few of the many attractions there such as Wind and Jewel Caves, the Crazy Horse Manorial and Devils Tower. Continuing south to join I-25 in Colorado would give you a shot at Rocky Mountain National Park, Buffalo Bill's grave outside Boulder, and Capulin Volcano National Monument in northeastern New Mexico.
By the way, you do know that there are two competing Billy the Kid Museums AND two competing Billy the Kid graves in Fort Sumner, right? Take your pick or see both of both of them.
Then if you plan to return home through Flagstaff and Monument Valley, you can plan on making US-191 the backbone of your route. There are lots of great places to visit in and around Flagstaff including Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments, as well as the Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered. Then heading north in US-191 through eastern Utah, look at taking a small detour to Goosenecks State Park for something a bit off the beaten path and Arches National Park for something more well-known. If you have the time and can stay on US-191. the drive through Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is both scenic and is marked by roadside signs keeping you informed as you drive through hundreds of millions of years of geologic time. US-191 will also pass through the western edge of Yellowstone National Park before finally delivering you to I-15 for the last bit home.
AZBuck
