Community Forums

m.elliott63 · 09-28-2016, 01:48 PM

Hi to all of you seasoned travelers. My wife and I will be heading west on a trip starting next week. I think we have everything planned with the exception of one section of our trip from Mesa Verde (Cortez, CO. to Arches National park. I plan on taking 160 west out of Mesa Verde to 491 North up to arches.I have a 33' Sea Breeze with the Chevy 7.4L Vortec and will be pulling a 2014 4dr Jeep Wrangler. The plan then is to go on up 491 to 191 to Arches NP. Then return south on 191 to Valley of the Gods area/monument valley. Does anyone have advice in taking this rig (53'-56' O.A. length) on these roads with a V8 gasser?

Thanks in advance.

BFlinn181 · 09-28-2016, 06:52 PM

You've described the fastest route, about 150 miles and 3 hours drive time. They are all US highways, so they are fine for your RV and toad. The road into Mesa Verde is about the most difficult road you'll encounter on the trip.

twogypsies · 09-28-2016, 07:22 PM

You'll have no problems...no big grades.

m.elliott63 · 09-29-2016, 06:55 AM

Thanks all, that puts my mind at ease and will calm the DW's fears as well I hope. 1 week until we depart Indy! Whoo Hooo!

m.elliott63 · 09-30-2016, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

You've described the fastest route, about 150 miles and 3 hours drive time. They are all US highways, so they are fine for your RV and toad. The road into Mesa Verde is about the most difficult road you'll encounter on the trip.

BFlinn181,
Thanks for the confirmation. I assume by the "road into Mesa Verde" you mean in side the park off of the highway? We plan on parking at the visitor's center, unhooking the toad, and jeepin' our way up. Looks like there are 2 hairpin turns between the entrance and the cg.

Thanks again everybody.

twogypsies · 09-30-2016, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.elliott63

BFlinn181,
Thanks for the confirmation. I assume by the "road into Mesa Verde" you mean in side the park off of the highway? We plan on parking at the visitor's center, unhooking the toad, and jeepin' our way up. Looks like there are 2 hairpin turns between the entrance and the cg.

Thanks again everybody.

The campground is no issue to get to and for driving further up they do have restriction signs. The campground has about a dozen electric sites and the rest dry camping. It's a nice place to stay for touring the park. Also, take a ranger tour of the ruins to get more out of it. Just driving through won't be as interesting.

no3putt · 09-30-2016, 04:32 PM

FYI Mesa Verde is projected to have some freezing night time temps next week. Be prepared for some cold nights.

riverat · 10-03-2016, 05:48 PM

We were just there last week make sure you don't have pets. We parked our class c and jeep toad and walked all the way to the entrance with our daschund only to be met with a sign on the door "NO PETS"

KarenS144 · 10-03-2016, 06:45 PM

We were there this summer. Make the walk to the fire tower!

The road to Moab is fine and a fairly scenic drive. There is a pull off on the east side of the road right by a natural bridge/arch that is accessible if you want to do a bit of climbing. I can't remember exactly where it is though but it's worth the stop if you can.

twogypsies · 10-03-2016, 08:30 PM

Pets normally are not allowed in many area of national parks, especially buildings.

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/pets.htm

m.elliott63 · 10-06-2016, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverat

We were just there last week make sure you don't have pets. We parked our class c and jeep toad and walked all the way to the entrance with our daschund only to be met with a sign on the door "NO PETS"

Riverrat & Twogypsies,
Thanks for the heads up. We will be traveling with pets, 1 dog and 1 fat cat. The cat stays in and we plan on crating the dog in the coach while we visit those areas. Won't be an all day thing on any of them. Looks like it's gonna be some crisp fall weather like we have been having here in Indiana. We leave later today and we are pumped beyond words! Thanks to all for the great advice.

m.elliott63 · 10-17-2016, 10:30 AM

We just got back to Indiana late Saturday

. I wanted to give an update on the road conditions on 491. We hit 491 in Gallup, NM. north to Cortez, CO. 160 east. Going northbound on 491, there are a lot of dips in the road on the NM side of the border. These will cause significant porposing if you don't watch. We were traveling this section at night and they were hard to spot in time in the dark. We parked the coach in the trailer paring lot and toured the ruins in the Jeep. much fun and beauty! Thanks again everyone for the info.