Community Forums

Floridafran · 08-17-2013, 07:29 PM

Hi all,

My husband and I have been RVng for only 3 years and so far have loved it. Each year we've had one 5 week trip in addition to any short ones we can fit in. Our 5 week trips have always been sometime between early September and mid-October. Circumstances this year have forced us to push our departure to around November 11.

The delay eliminates the places we had thought we'd go due to weather considerations. But the difference in the weather also opens up places that would have been too hot earlier.

We're trying to decide between Big Bend NP and other areas nearby in Texas, or New Mexico and Arizona.

Arizona is the only one we have any real experience with. In our pre-RVing days we visited the Grand Canyon (south rim), toured Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon and hiked to The Wave in the Vermillion Cliffs area.

We've loved all the red rock areas we've been to but I've read that the Big Bend is beautiful in a different way.

We love day hikes and taking the Jeep on off-the-beaten-path drives. We're both avid amateur photographers and love interesting geologic formations - to hike through or simply photograph.

I've searched the forums here for trip reports and threads about these areas but would love to hear recommendations and thoughts from you guys, especially comments about visiting any of these during November and December. We don't mind if it gets cold at night and stays fairly cool during the day. But if it's warmer, that's okay too as long as it isn't really hot. We get enough of that here in Florida.

Thanks and safe travels.

dsbear · 08-17-2013, 07:38 PM

Big bend is awesome and from there you can also hit some of the cool stuff in southern NM. Carlsbad, white sands without too much additional driving.

dsbear · 08-17-2013, 07:39 PM

PS after driving the AZ roads this summer it would be an absolute last choice for me.

twogypsies · 08-17-2013, 10:18 PM

We've been to Big Bend in November and the weather was gorgeous and the cottonwoods in brillant yellow color. It's an ideal time to be there. We stay in Rio Grande Village campground. You can work in all your interests there, touring in your Jeep, great hikes, photography and geology. You could also work in a trip to Davis Mountain State Park fairly close and take in a star party at the McDonald Observatory. As mentioned, if you haven't been to Carlsbad Caverns that would be another nice side trip. For that we stay at Brantly Lake State Park. Have fun!

Jake21 · 08-18-2013, 09:13 AM

Visited Big Bend area last winter. Loved it. We stayed at the La Jitas resort campground as a base. Plan to go back again this winter. Such a cool area.

ARTWERKE · 08-18-2013, 09:23 AM

I have to 2nd,or 4th Big Bend in Nov. Guadalupe mts, Carlsbad, even South Padre Island, all beautiful that time of year. In fact that's a great time to see the Texas Coastal bend as the migratory birds are all making their way south.

garyswann · 08-18-2013, 09:26 AM

Arizona cools down the third week of October. Lots to see in apache junction area and some blm/ forest sevice camping.

Floridafran · 08-18-2013, 05:20 PM

Thanks for the replies. My husband had said if we go to Big Bend we could hit some of the places in southern New Mexico if we wanted. Although it sounds like there's enough to do in Big Bend and the areas nearby to keep us busy. I'd love to see the cottons in all their glory - sounds beautiful.

going_postal · 08-18-2013, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsbear

PS after driving the AZ roads this summer it would be an absolute last choice for me.

What is wrong with Az. roads?

dsbear · 08-18-2013, 10:44 PM

Rough, narrow, poorly maintained with lots of detours. One off road detour as directed by the Coconino County Sheriff ended up costing almost $13,000 in body damage. Yes after I inquired as to the condition of the detour for a 40 ft MH and was assured all was well...