First trip to AZ

[OrygunRVr]

Have some vacation time to use and we'd like to make our first long RV trip. Thinking of going from Oregon to Arizona in mid-March.

Really don't know where to go or what route to take. Would be looking to stay in decent RV parks and not boondock. Wife would like to do some rockhounding maybe.

We can stay two weeks including travel time.

Would really appreciate some input on routes and what would be a good destination for our first Arizona trip.

Thanks!

[HighDesert]

Guess the bigger question is where you are coming from, in Oregon, and final destination in Arizona. We just did a trip last September from Central Oregon to Flagstaff, and Colorado, but there are many ways of getting there, depending on what you want to see, do, and how long to get there.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Have some vacation time to use and we'd like to make our first long RV trip. Thinking of going from Oregon to Arizona in mid-March.

Really don't know where to go or what route to take. Would be looking to stay in decent RV parks and not boondock. Wife would like to do some rockhounding maybe.

We can stay two weeks including travel time.

Would really appreciate some input on routes and what would be a good destination for our first Arizona trip.

Thanks!

Lake Havasu. Stay at crazy horse or if your rig is newer, the islander.

[OrygunRVr]

We are coming from Eugene. I spent some time in Yuma before and like it but we are open to pretty much anything. I'm not too wild about 20-some hours of driving but it's doable.

[OrygunRVr]

Originally Posted by Mile Marker 42

Lake Havasu. Stay at crazy horse or if your rig is newer, the islander.

Even in March? Isn't that a spring break destination? If you don't have a boat, what else is there to do around there?

[HenryH001]

Eugene to Kingman is about a thousand miles. I would take I-5 and I-40 and not 95 and 93 which is shorter. The reason is it’s very remote and 93 is a terrible road.

Once to Kingman jump on Route 66 and head east until you run out of time and then jump back on I-40 and return.

Just a thought.

[profdan]

93 is terrible?? I respectfully disagree. The road surface is great, there is no traffic, and the scenery is pretty good -- it ain't the Rockies, but there are lots of green hills -- it is not just all plain desert.

But I guess it's a matter of personal preference.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Even in March? Isn't that a spring break destination? If you don't have a boat, what else is there to do around there?

March is perfect. Not too hot, just before the crowds. Yuma is boring if you ask me. Look up the London Bridge in Havasu.

[bigchick]

obviously arizona is a large area and there are lots of different places to see. in mid march the northern part of the state (the higher altitudes) may still experience freezing and snow. the southern part of the state (the lower altitudes) should have really nice weather. that is where all the snowbirds go and the catcus league baseball spring training will be in full swing.

many of the snowbirds head north around april 1 so the rv parks should start to be thinning out at the time of your trip. getting a place just about anywhere should be possible.

just a thought. come down via i-5 to i-10. use it to enter arizona and see what you want. then go back via i-40 and us 93/95 through nevada. there's nothing wrong with those roads. that way you can see some of the lower parts of arizona and then the higher parts (flagstaff, grand canyon) towards the end of your trip when they will be a bit warmer. you may want to work lake havasu into your journey.

but the key thing is to relax and enjoy.

[tmandoug1]

Sedona is a must see if you can swing it. Stay at Distant Drums Rv Park or the one in town if you can get in/afford.

[Bert-Nacho]

Since you are coming North to South an possibly thru Nevada. Try and hit the Park at Monument Valley. You will never forget the view outside your window. The local Navajo tribe will come by the campground and ask if you would like a private tour deeper into the park on reservation land and recommend highly you take them up on it. They will take you to the cliffs used in the movie Eiger Sanction and other attractions. Safe Travels

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by OrygunRVr

Have some vacation time to use and we'd like to make our first long RV trip. Thinking of going from Oregon to Arizona in mid-March.

Really don't know where to go or what route to take. Would be looking to stay in decent RV parks and not boondock. Wife would like to do some rockhounding maybe.

We can stay two weeks including travel time.

Would really appreciate some input on routes and what would be a good destination for our first Arizona trip.

Thanks!

Any reason not to do Utah? - March is cooler but depending on the weather patern's is usually pleasant (70's) at least some of the time - Few People - Not as Far - More to see and do in not only National Parks but also many great State Parks.

I'd look at getting south of I-70 and just bumping through the areas you might enjoy - Moab - Green River - Goblins - Escalante - Kodachrome - Bryce - Zion - Page - Monument Valley - on and on .....................

IMHO this is a great time to go - Fewer people and not HOT! Add to that the fact that it is Miles Closer, thus giving you more time to just enjoy the sights.

Just one more option,

[OrygunRVr]

Wow, great input and thank you! I think Havasu is going to win this round. What's everyone's suggestions on routes? Since we have about two weeks for the trip in total, the less time driving overall the better. Hate driving through California but if it's the best option that's what we will do. Where would be a good place to overnight on day 1 after 8-10 hours of driving?

[jl.kauai]

You really should avoid Ca as they are touching people for gas. The 95 south through Nevada is a good road and you can access through Reno area. Some places on I-5 in Ca. are over 5.00 a gallon. Will never go back. Travato John