Southwest US trip info

Scott Rafuse · 08-05-2009, 10:17 AM

Hello All.

My wife and I are planing a trip this October around the Southwest US. Some of the places we will be visiting are Albuquerque balloon fiesta, Carlsbad Caverns, Monument valley and various parks in Utah. My question is anyone familiar with Utah highway 261 going north out of Mexican Hat towards Natural bridges park. There is an area of switch backs that look interesting. We are in a 40' coach towing a Toyota tacoma. Any feedback on this route as well as recomendations for this general area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Jim Stewart · 08-05-2009, 10:55 AM

Did it years ago, as I remember, it is a little narrow in places, no major problems and great scenery. Just drive slow!

MonacoMama · 08-05-2009, 11:28 AM

Scott..Sacs pulled it up on Google and he said that we would make that trip. It looks like there are some pull-outs on those tight corners on 261 - BTW...Did you watch the

6 minute video

that will come up if you have photos set on your Google Maps? I have put a link to it in this thread. (The truck driver looks to be going too fast to us!)

It looks like a great trip. Please take lots of photos to share with us!!

Wayne M · 08-05-2009, 06:58 PM

And if you look at minuted 3:48, or the ending, you will see he has a box on the back of that tractor.

Scott Rafuse · 08-10-2009, 04:21 PM

Thanks everyone,

Sorry it took so long to respond, been away from the computer for a few days. I talked with a friend of mine whose dad went through there a couple of years ago. He thought there were signs saying no motorhomes. Think I'll err on the safe side and check it out in the toad first. Will let you know what I find out.

Vette Racer · 08-10-2009, 09:53 PM

We crossed this a couple of years ago just using the dually, saw a couple of small 5th wheels on it. It is narrow, rough in places, steep in others. I would not want a large MH or a 5ver on it IMO. Scenery is fantastic! Don't miss gooseneck state park either.

BigSkyBob · 08-10-2009, 10:15 PM

I've driven in the Rockies my entire life and I would not take my coach on that road. It makes the Beartooth look like a flat stretch of interstate. No way Hose-A

Scott Rafuse · 08-10-2009, 11:45 PM

Vette Racer,

Did you stay at Gooseneck SP or just visit?

rtrek · 08-11-2009, 01:36 AM

The road is called the dugway, it is dirt, it is not a road for an RV. We were on it this May, stayed at Gouldins and used the toad for a side trip to the road, arches, gooseneck and the bluffs at the top of the dugway (left turn on dirt road at top of dugway, I think its called mulie point). There were people dry camping on the bluff but no motorhomes. Nice day trip with toad, also check out Mexican Hat.

Richard & Sandy
Safari Trek
27RB wh20