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Old 03-17-2008, 06:34 AM   #1
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G'Morning iRV2 Gang: Sittin here in AZ getting anxious to travel and was hoping someone could give us an idea about the following route. We'd like to take Hwy. #89 N. from Flagstaff then connect to Hwy. #160 heading NE toward Mesa Verde and the "four corners" area. Have been told it's a beautiful area to visit but was wondering about the drive. We'd like to depart around the end of April or first week in May and wonder what the general weather will be, how the road is and find out any highlights to see along the way. Any great campground suggestions would be appreciated. Can anyone give us a little insight into this route??? Thank you all. Steve & Lynette
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Old 03-17-2008, 06:34 AM   #2
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G'Morning iRV2 Gang: Sittin here in AZ getting anxious to travel and was hoping someone could give us an idea about the following route. We'd like to take Hwy. #89 N. from Flagstaff then connect to Hwy. #160 heading NE toward Mesa Verde and the "four corners" area. Have been told it's a beautiful area to visit but was wondering about the drive. We'd like to depart around the end of April or first week in May and wonder what the general weather will be, how the road is and find out any highlights to see along the way. Any great campground suggestions would be appreciated. Can anyone give us a little insight into this route??? Thank you all. Steve & Lynette
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Old 03-17-2008, 07:37 AM   #3
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US-160 is a good road. You should be OK at that time of year, but keep an eye on the weather since much of the road is at almost 5,000' and above.

Along this route is the Navajo National Monument just off US-160 at Black Mesa on SR-564. And, of course, you'll want to take the detour to see Monument Valley.

Have you ever been to Canyon de Chelly National Monument near Chinle? If not, that's certainly worth seeing if you have the time.

There's an RV park in Tuba City that's OK, a campground in Navajo NM (we haven't stayed there, so can't give you any information), and a campground in Monument Valley NM that's strictly dry camping as I recall. And, if you make it down to Canyon de Chelly NM, Cottonwood Campground in the monument is nice (dry camping).
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Old 03-17-2008, 07:43 AM   #4
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Steve & Lynette,

US 89 and US 160 from Flagstaff to Durango are fine roads for an RV. We travelled them in Sept. '05 without any problems or concerns. They are, however, somewhat remote and you should monitor your fuel situation. There are fueling stops along the way, but they are spaced out. I wouldn't start out with half a tank.

I highly reccommend taking US 163 at Kayenta, AZ to Monument Valley. Just inside Utah stay at least one night at Gouldings Campground. You'll not be disappointed! The view from the CG is spectacular, as is all of Monument Valley.

From Gouldings you have the option of continuing on US 163 and take US 191, returning to US 160. I might backtrack to Kayenta and turn left on 160 toward Four Corners.

At Four Corners there is adequate RV parking. The Navajo Nation charges an entrance fee to get in to see the marker on the ground and to browse their stands selling trinkets and souveniers.

At Durango you have to decide how you want to travel to The Springs. We have travelled US 550 in a rent-a-car and it is spectacular - but maybe a little too much for an RV. Grades and windy (curves) thru the mountains.

Have no experience with US 160 between Durango and I-25 at Walsenberg. Hopefully, someone will comment on that route.

It's all beautiful countryside. Drive safely and enjoy the trip.
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Old 03-18-2008, 05:49 AM   #5
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Linda & Frank: Hey, thank you for your help and suggestions re: my route inquiry. We are really looking forward to seeing this region and as you suggested, we'd like to take that "detour" you mentioned to see Monument Valley. What route did you mean when referring to "the detour"?? Anyway...thanks again. Steve & Lynette
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Old 03-18-2008, 07:28 AM   #6
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Chickadee:
What route did you mean when referring to "the detour"?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Monument Valley isn't right on US-160. At Kayenta, you have to go north on US-163. To drive into the monument itself to get the to Visitor's Center or to Mitten View, the monument campground that I mentioned, you actually have to drive a ways into Utah and make a right-hand turn on Indian Reservation Road 42. It's 22 miles from the junction of US-160/US-163 to the junction of US-163/IRR-42.

Be aware that, while Arizona as a whole does not observe Daylight Savings Time (right now, Arizona is the same time as Pacific Daylight Savings Time), the Navajo Reservation DOES observe Daylight Savings Time. So, once you enter the Reservation, set your clocks one hour ahead.
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Old 03-19-2008, 06:19 AM   #7
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LindaH: Thank you. Wonderful help. Can't wait to see that area. Thanks again. Steve & Lynette
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Old 03-20-2008, 07:19 AM   #8
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First, the route you're planning on is fine. US-160 is a good road with very limited traffic.

Like Linda said, you have to take the detour up SR-163 to get to Monument Valley. As long as you're going to take that detour, continue north on 163 to Mexican Hat, UT. There is a small RV park there you can use as a base to see some great things.

These are "day trips only". Not suitable for the RV.

Take 163 north out of Mexican Hat to SR 261, and watch for the sign to Goose Neck State Park. No place to camp, but a great view.

Back out to 261, and turn left. About 5 miles from the intersection you should be at the bottom of the Mokee Dug way. A shelf road that climbs up the side of a cliff, 1,100 feet in 3 miles. At the top of the cliff, there is a dirt road to the left. Follow that "all the way" to the end. If you go far enough you will be at Mulie Point, and looking out over the Glen Canyon area. Beautiful view.

Next trip is Valley of the Gods. Better if you have a 4 wheel drive, but I did it in my Honda. It's a slow and awesome drive.

When you're done at Mexican Hat, head on up 163 to 191. Take 191 south to 160, then east to Teec Nos Pos then on to Four Corners and Mesa Verde.

It will cost a bit of gas, but will create memories that are well worth the cost.
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:07 AM   #9
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Bob: WONDERFUL suggestions...thank you, thank you. Will likely do most if not all...will our Honda Element do alright on that "tiring" drive you mentioned?? Also, is it reasonably safe weather wise to poke around these areas in...say...last of April, first of May-ish timeframe? Thanks again. Steve & Lynette
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Old 03-24-2008, 07:31 AM   #10
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Watch out for the dirt roads if it rains. The mud will be impassable even with 4 wheel drive but are great areas to explore when dry and don't forget your camera.

Paul
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