Bucket List road trip, need advice please

[ddisthe1]

Hi travelers,

I am flying into Albuquerque to experience the balloon festival on Oct 6th then going to Sandia Peak Tramway on the 8th before embarking on a road trip to other places I really want to see. Carlsbad Caverns, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon and possibly Sedona if I still have time will be on the itinerary before flying home on the 15th out of Phoenix. I pretty much have the first part of the trip booked but would appreciate any suggestions of time needed, attraction tips, hotels or best driving routes based on the places I shared.

My main issue right now is the drive from Carlsbad Caverns to Antelope Canyon. Its almost an 11 hour drive and wondered if I should stop somewhere (where if so) to break it up or just drive straight through. Any suggestion that can make the long haul bearable?

Thanks, D

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

From Carlsbad caverns to Page, it will take 12 to 13 hours of travel to cover the distance. Take no notice of times Google maps may give you, a computer doesn't need rest, food or bathroom breaks and never faces the possibility of congestion and construction delays. Simply put you need an overnight stop. Perhaps if you shared what you already have booked we can help more by seeing what time you have remaining after your bookings. Monument valley would be a worthwhile addition.

[Rick Quinn]

Hello, and welcome!

We have a whole book of "Scenic Side Trips" in Arizona and New Mexico that will answer all your questions (and much, much more) about scenic drives, attractions, and alternative routes in the area between Carlsbad Caverns and Page. Check out the link on the Home Page of the RTA site, or check this link here: Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips. The book covers the whole area really well, and it should give you some wonderful ideas for filling out the trip you are planning.

Rick

[ddisthe1]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

From Carlsbad caverns to Page, it will take 12 to 13 hours of travel to cover the distance. Take no notice of times Google maps may give you, a computer doesn't need rest, food or bathroom breaks and never faces the possibility of congestion and construction delays. Simply put you need an overnight stop. Perhaps if you shared what you already have booked we can help more by seeing what time you have remaining after your bookings. Monument valley would be a worthwhile addition.

Thanks for clarifying the travel time. I have 9 nights to book during this trip to see the main attractions Im interested in. 2 nights in Albuquerque and 1 night in Carlsbad are already booked then to Antelope which I can't book anything beyond until I figure out the stop in between. I figure 1 or two nights in each place depending on travel time to see Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon and either stop in Sedona or leave to Phoenix airport. Sedona would be a throw in if I had time but not a priority. I'm stuck until I book the overnight in a place on the way to Antelope Canyon. I don't have to necessarily see anything in the stop if it would expedite things, but if there was something of worth along the shortest route I would make it a pit stop.

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Thanks for the information!

[Southwest Dave]

I believe there is a Best western in Chinle AZ which is close to a full day on the road from the caverns and you could take a peak at Canyon De Chelly National Monument.

[ddisthe1]

Thanks for the suggestion.

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Thanks! Appreciate the information