Trip Home, I-40, need advice

[Brent]

Well im a week away from taking my 4th major road trip in under 2 years, 3rd time across the country. Im heading out of Oregon, down south through Cali, into AZ and from the grand canyon heading east on I-40 up until about Knoxville, TN where i know my way back to CT pretty good...I was wondering if anyone had some great places to stop or things to see along I-40 from AZ throught Tenn. My trip is not final, and i have nothing planned after the Grand Canyon so i can go anywhere. Is I-40 the wrong call? shoudl i go south to I-10? Thats one hell of a trip though...Ive got about 2 weeks cause i need to get back and start working...Any help would be great...I plan on camping most of the way, any good campsites...thanks again gang and see ya on the road!!
Brent

[imported_Ben]

I also will be taking the I-40 next week till I hit Oklahoma, then will be turning north to Indiana. It seems to me from the info I have so far that once you leave Arizona, there is not much to see, (at least in New Mexico and northern Texas), if I am wrong someone please let me know!!!

That's a lot of time! What route are you taking to the Grand Canyon? Coming in on I-40 from CA? Since you have so much time I would suggest going up to Las Vegas and taking I-15 to St. George and then take Hwy 9 into Zion National Park which has a great campground next to the Virgin River. From Zion take Hwy 89 down to Page, AZ and Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Campground here is ok. Hot in the summer! From Page continue south on Hwy 89 to Hwy 64 to get into the Grand Canyon.

Once you leave the Grand Canyon you have a lot of choices if you want to do some siteseeing. You might like backtracking a little to take Hwy 160 up to Kayenta and Monument Valley which has a campground and the best part of it is the sunset and sunrises are BEAUTIFUL! From there head down to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The campground in the cottonwood trees is nice and the best part it is FREE! Or you might like to go to Mesa Verde in Colorado which also has a nice campground.

If you just go back to I-40 right after the Grand Canyon you could take Hwy 395 loop to see Wupatki National Monuement and you also go right by Sunset Crater.

On I-40 just outside of Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon National Monument and just east of Holbrook, AZ I would take Hwy 180 so you could do the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert drive. No camping here.

In Gallup is Red Rock State Park and I think there is a campground but we didn't stay there.

Just past Grants, NM and off the I-40 a ways is El Morro National Monument.

On the west side of Alburquerque is Petroglpyhs National Monument.

About the most exciting thing after this besides the nice scenery is Cadillac Ranch just west of Amarillo, Texas.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Just outside of Santa Rosa (I-40) is "the Blue Hole" one of the most famous (scuba) diving places in the world.

Great bars and fun times in Albuquerque and the oldest house in North America is in Santa Fe (built in the mid-1200's).

White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns to the south.

For Texas destinations, check out texasescapes.com You will be amazed by this site!

[imported_Ben]

Thanks for the info Mark, looks like I will be stopping in Albuquerque the first day!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

Plenty of information about Amarillo and other Route 66 Texas information can be found at http://www.cart66pf.org/66caravan/roadlog22.htm

Be sure and stop at the "Big Texan" if you have a hardy appetite!

[Brent]

thanks for all the help once again guys...I have been thinking about taking route 66 for a little bit once im east of flagstaff...anyone have a good section that would be worth the experiance?

[Mark Sedenquist]

The Wigwam Motel in Holbrook is a classic Rte. 66 hangout -- for news from there last week: http://www.cart66pf.org/66caravan/roadlog12.htm

[imported_Bob]

Actually, the best part of old Rte 66 is between Kingman and Seligman, AZ. Seligman celebrates its Rte 66 heritage by keeping some of the old businesses alive -- and the scenery is magnificent along the way.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I agree that the country is pretty special in that section and I really like the "UFO Crossing Sign" found in that stretch but the view going over Sitgreaves Pass is awesome.

There are some little known sections -- I didn't know about the infamous La Bajada Hill in New Mexico until I read about the Caravan's stop last week: http://www.cart66pf.org/66caravan/roadlog18.htm

How much of the Mother Road have you explored?