Austin, TX to Tucson, AZ

[glc]

Being that Dallas to STL is a day and a half straight drive, you have almost infinite possibilities. It boils down to what you want to see and do. You don't have enough time to go to Tucson and get back to STL.

[ZeeBabar]

Being that Dallas to STL is a day and a half straight drive, you have almost infinite possibilities. It boils down to what you want to see and do. You don't have enough time to go to Tucson and get back to STL.

Well, thought I would head East but rain is forecast for the next couple of days……Louisiana and Florida ….(New Orleans, Jacksonville)…but now considering west..

I would prefer a scenic drive, mountains or water, avoid big city traffic….prefer natural sights and not museums or historical sights..It’s conceivable that I could leave Eules, Tx by Noon on Sunday…

[AZBuck]

While your interests may vary, I did have a look at I would do if I had five days or so to get from Dallas to St. Louis and wanted some different experiences along the way while not being in too much of a rush. For what it’s worth the following would be my itinerary…
1) Continue south by southwest through Austin to San Antonio. Austin is the capitol, has a vibrant music scene, and a number of interesting museums. San Antonio has the Alamo.
2) Head east to Freeport. The objective here is to see a bit of the Gulf Coast while avoiding Houston. Also in the area are a couple of National Wildlife Refuges, Brazoria and San Bernard.
3) Drive north to Galveston. The objective here is simply to drive the barrier island along the Gulf Coast (and circumvent Houston). There is a toll bridge at San Luis, but it’s ‘only’ $2.
4) Take the ferry across to Port Bolivar. I’ve always been a sucker for ferries, and this one is free!
5) Continue along the coast before heading inland to Beaumont and on to Vicksburg.
6) Head north via Jackson and Memphis to New Madrid, MO, the site of the strongest earthquake ever in the contiguous United States.
7) Return to St. Louis via the Great River Road

AZBuck

[ZeeBabar]

Tonight, still confused about where I want to go tomorrow morning from the Dallas area. I considered suggestions but because of weather (rain expected on Monday), think I am considering heading west. I would like to head towards Zion National Park, then to Bryce National Park before heading home to St. Louis. If I do this, I can go via El Paso or via Amarillo…which route is better?

After seeing Bryce National Park, how do I return to St. Louis? Google shows going back on I-70 thru Denver but given my Corvette, uncertain weather can derail me. An alternate suggestiion?

The goal is to return to St. Louis by 17-18th.

[glc]

If you want to be back by the 18th, I don't know if you have enough time to go to Zion and Bryce. You would be looking at close to 3000 miles by the time you are done, which is 6 days of just driving 10+ hours a day. Something that would be a lot more realistic and should keep you away from winter weather would be a trip to Big Bend.

[ZeeBabar]

If you want to be back by the 18th, I don't know if you have enough time to go to Zion and Bryce. You would be looking at close to 3000 miles by the time you are done, which is 6 days of just driving 10+ hours a day. Something that would be a lot more realistic and should keep you away from winter weather would be a trip to Big Bend.

A bit nervous about going there. Had never even heard of it till you mentioned it. Doesn’t look like there is a nearby city and too many lodging options at my budget. Never been that far south. Also, old brown man in a Corvette in a land of pick up trucks…

I picked Zion and/or Bryce but as you said….maybe too much driving.

Maybe I will just head back…

[Southwest Dave]

Lodging is quite sparse around Big Bend but it's a great place to visit ! There are still a good few places to visit heading west, you could head to Carlsbad and drive to the Guadalupe mountains (not sure of status for Carlsbad caverns) head across the top of El Paso through the Franklin mountains then head either North towards Albu and Santa Fe or take US70 to White sands and the Lincoln forest where you could visit Capitan (home of Smokey bear) Fort Stanton and the historic town of Lincoln before heading towards Amarillo and home.

[DonnaR57]

Carlsbad Caverns still requires reservations, according to the NPS website. You can call them at 877-444-6777, as there are no reservations at the park at all.


Donna