Scenic Areas Of Arizona & New Mexico In November?

<p><br />Hoping to spend the first two weeks of November in the southwest. Would like<br />advice and tips. Looking for landscapes, deserted towns, off the beaten track<br />etc..<br /><br />Also interested in federal/national parks, since I have a pass for the parks.<br />Night time access is a huge plus, since I hope to do a lot of night photography<br />and light painting.<br /><br />Looking for cheap motels. All I need is a place to shower & crash, but wi-fi<br />would be nice. Hole in the wall, tasty/cheap restaurant suggestions would be<br />nice, although I will be eating many meals from the cooler.<br />Weather, places to avoid, dangers and other advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Note.... Sorry if you posted on my 2 earlier threads on this topic. Originally I made one for New Mexico and one for Arizona but I was notified that I had to combine both threads, so if you commented I did not receive, since they were deleted.</p>

 

<p>I was out there last March, at a season when some of the same problems can occur.<br>

Weather at high elevations is what you need to keep on top of. There was snow at the Grand Canyon the night before I got there, and you may find some of the roads difficult in bad, icy weather. It can be a long way between people on some of the back roads, so you might want to plan to stay on major highways as much as you can.<br>

I didn't stay at "cheap" motels, and in fact I didn't find many that would be cheap by Midwestern standards even in March. You will, of course, definitely be "off season." Every place I stayed had Wi-Fi. The spread of bedbugs has made me cautious about real "hole in the walls".<br>

The local cuisine that is respected and relatively inexpensive, of course, is Mexican-American. </p>

<p>On the return trip through the panhandle of Texas and in Oklahoma I found motels completely sold out if you tried driving on into the night. You also can meet nice Texas Rangers if you have a license-plate light burned out. <br>

I mostly made reservations a day ahead on the computer for other stops.</p>

 

<p>If you are heading that way via I-10, hit Hueco Tanks near El Paso, drive north to Alamagordo/White Sands, cut across to Las Cruces. Lots of rugged territory, and Hueco Tanks has interesting native American history, with petroglyphs and interesting rock formations. The mountain pass from White Sands to Las Cruces has a very nice range that may have snow on it by then, plus a nice overview of the White Sands Missile Base where the US space program was born.</p>

 

<p>Hi John - this is a favorite part of the world for me, and its hard to know where to start. I would definitely recommend Canyon de Chelle in Arizona, with the town of Chinle right next to it. Make sure you have enough funds to rent a guide for at least half a day, and there are several wholesome restaurants in town. Driving cross-country to Tuba, AZ is a great experience with views that go on forever. </p>

<p>I never tire of Sedona, Jerome, Flagstaff and the drives across to Prescott and Wickenburg. Its not verdant, green country but I really like the desert views. Some would rather stay to the north in red-rock country, which Sedona will definitely give you. There are cheap hotels, especially this time of year so you shouldn't have any trouble finding places to stay.</p>

<p>JDM- The weather does have me a little worried. I was hoping to start my trip a few weeks ago, but was delayed. I passed through these states in May/2010 on my way to Moab and Yellowstone and the weather was great then, but I was more or less passing through. Thanks for the tip about the roads. I just bought new michelins, but don't want to try 4 wheeling in my Camry:) Your bed bugs comment made me think of a funny story. During trip to Yellowstone my back kept itching. When I got back home I felt a bump on the itchy spot. Turns out I had a big tick that had been sucking on me for weeks. I pulled it out and of course the head stuck in my skin. I dabbed acetone and other household products on it. All I could think about was Lyme disease. I had a lump under my skin for a year but that was all that happened. My only problem with making reservations while making the trip is I don't know how far I will make it during the day, since I have a habit of getting off the interstate when grabs my attention. On that last trip I spent too much time driving and not enough time exploring. 2 weeks was not enough time. Another drawback of doing a road trip at this time of year is the lack of daytime hours, plus I was hoping to get some night shots using full moon light. Since I plan (hope) to do a lot of light painting I guess more hours of darkness is a good thing:D</p>

<p>Michael- White Sands was high on my list, but it sounds like there are restrictions for night access, unless you set it up in advance and pay extra. I was hoping that I could park on the side of the road and access the dunes but it sounds like the dunes are far inside the park. On a past thread, someone mentioned the Great Sand Dunes National Park in southern Colorado. I am making a note of that. Old thread- http://www.photo.net/travel-photography-forum/00ZlxI</p>

<p>David- I am still trying to figure out what is pulling me back to the southwest. I live on the gulf coast and ever since my trip 2 years ago I have been craving to head back to the desert. I think it is the wilderness and quietness that attracts me. Big change from the Florida coast. Canyon de Chelle looks interesting. I cant afford a guide. I travel on the cheap. Bought my sandwich meat, peanut butter & jelly, fruits and other goodies today. Have not been to Flagstaff since I passed through in 2004. Might have to take another peak at the Grand Canyon. Never been to Sedona but a friend loves to visit there.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I threw in a sleeping bag and also traveled with a cooler, but actually never had to sleep in the car. Being a major tourist attraction, there are a surprising number of motels in what look like pretty remote places. It looked like the hotels <strong>in</strong> the Grand Canyon park were especially nice, if pricey, but they were booked up even in late March. Of course, there are often last minute defaults, so it never hurts to ask, if you're there.<br>

My Honda CRV has so-called all-wheel drive, but it's not really off-the-road. I cut across the reservation/nation lands to Canyon de Chelly and on to Grand Canyon, and it was paved all the way. Not much traffic though, and that would be a potential problem in snow.</p>

<p>John Hill - As far as i know you can still stay overnight in White Sands if you backpack in; no reservations required and i think its under $5; just show up before they close to sign-up for it. A simple small tent and goose down sleeping bag (it will be cold at night), some water, prepared banana/peanut butter-jelly sandwiches and your set. (Great Sand Dunes in Colo. is also interesting, Btw).</p>

<p>In the movie <em>Them</em>, the family that get eaten by the giant ants are camping out in a trailer in White Sands -- of course that was in 1954. :|</p>

<p>The movie has a classic camera in it ( http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00YCII ).</p>

<p>John,<br>

The small old mining town of Bisbee, south of Tombstone, AZ is an interesting off the beaten track spot, both for the town itself, and the outer areas with the Saguaro cactus . Shiprock outside of Farmington I think you can still access at night, and it's sort of on the way to Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley. It's a little north of your idea of Arizona and New Mexico, but I'm a big fan of Zion National Park, which also offers access at night. It has some great hikes and great views. I've done it in the winter with just some simple Yaktracks for traction on icy trails. As has been suggested, the Grand Canyon is always good for photos, I really like the Grandview trail on the south rim for day hikes. The Navajo bridge near Lee's Ferry offers some occasional views of giant condors, and a great view down to the river below. I've stayed many times at the Marble Canyon Lodge which is rustic and with fewer raft trips in November, would probably have availability. It does have internet, but it can be sketchy, I'd call ahead.<br>

The whole four corners region certainly has an abundance of great places for photography. The hard part is paring it down to what your really want to see. Weather can vary widely in November, but no matter the season there are great shots to be had. Just bring clothing for any eventuality.<br>

mike</p>

<p>A (long) route through northern AZ that I would like to take is:</p>

<p>From Phoenix, take US-60 northwest through Wickenburg, then 89 northeast to Prescott, and 89A east to Sedona, via Jerome. Then 179 south, hop on I-17 south to Camp Verde (check out Montezuma Castle), and 260 southeast to Payson. Sidestep to Strawberry and explore Fossil Creek. Continue east on 260 along the Mogollon Rim to Show Low. From there take 77 north to Holbrook then I-40 east through the petrified forest and 191 north to Canyon de Chelly. Continue north on 191, then west on 160, skirting Monument Valley (not sure if you can see the monuments well from the 160 or if you would have to drive farther north), then 89 south toward Flagstaff. You could head for Flagstaff at that point, stopping in at Sunset Crater on the way, or make a short detour to the south rim of the Grand Canyon by heading west on 64.</p>

<p>Another beautiful and popular geological formation is Antelope Canyon, just south of Page, AZ.</p>

<p>As for dunes, there's also the Emperial Dunes in California just across the state line from Yuma. I-8 passes right through them, and night access is no problem (it's a very popular 3-day-weekend destination).</p>

<p>Lots of good ideas for you, John. I would also recommend the area around Tucson by the way - we spend some time down around there last spring for the first time and liked it. We've been through the Four Corners area, done Monument Valley twice and are a great fan of what the National Park Service has done with Mesa Verde, just across the border in Colorado. And the Mogollon Ridge area has its own charm - you'll find it quite different than the rest of the area. As someone above points out this is a large area and you'll run out of time if you are enjoying it and spending some time. I think the weather is on your side this year if you are headed out in the next week or so, although you should always be prepared in that part of the country. </p>

<p>Hi Gang, Thanks for all the input. I will review/reply in more detail later. I was up until 5am getting gear/supplies ready. I just woke up and can tell that the 5 hours of sleep was not enough. You ever make a pot of coffee and forget to put the filter basket in? Yep, I laid the filter in without the basket....and was wondering what the sizzling noise was. Coffee running all over the hot plate of course. Looks like the weather is going to be nice for traveling. I doubt I will make it past Louisiana tonight. <br />I got maps made to White Sands and Bisti. My route will take me through Carlsbad, N.M. Besides the bats, I am curious if there other points of interests in this area?<br>

Ps..I always plan to leave at daybreak...which somehow turns to noon:D</p>

<p>Well John, its always daybreak somewhere. Good luck and I look forward to seeing some photos.</p>

<p>Well, I was so slow getting all my gear, clothes, food etc.. ready that I did not leave until Thursday. I promised that I would travel lighter this time, but my trunk seems to be more full then last trip out west. I guess it is better to have too much stuff, rather then not enough. Anyone else bring duct tape on trips? :)<br>

I made it to Houston yesterday ( about 550 miles) Nothing grabbed my attention during that part of the trip. Much of the area along 1-10 between Houston and Pensacola has been built up.<br>

JDM, I also bring a sleeping bag. It came in handy when I visited Moab. The town of Moab is a tourist trap and rooms are very pricy. There is a campground outside of town, near Arches that has a couple of tiny cabins that were around $50.00 a night. That's a deal. Just a bunk bed with mattress and sheets, plus a space heater, ac and lights. No plumbing. (see photo) There is a community shower/bathroom. JDM..You jinxed me. I used the old faithful highway coupon book last night and got a room for $45.00 in Houston. I was dead tired, so the tiny roaches did not bother me, but the bed was so soft it was like laying on a sponge, plus the ac was going from ice cold to no cool at all. But the kicker was I woke up itching. Of course I thought of your bed bugs! I turned the light on but did not see anything. I think I got 3 hours sleep. I took my first and only photo so far. I just had to take a photo of the bathtub. It was around 3 feet long. Too funny. When did they start putting mini tubs in motels? That was a first for me. My room tonight also has one, but the room is much nicer. Flat screen tv, microwave and mini-fridge ($50.00)<br>

I made it to Ft. Stockton this evening. Traffic was ridiculous doing the loop around San Antonio. Finally started seeing some countryside once I was about 2 hours west of San Antonio. Quite a few deer carcases along the road. Speed limit was 80mph along much of this area. Don't even want to think of hitting a deer at that speed. Cheapest gas I found was $3.09 but I am gonna have to buy a couple gallons here at Ft. Stockton at $3.69. Will fill up when I reach Carlsbad. It is around $3.24 there. Looking forward to New Mexico. Temps have been in the mid 80's the last 2 days, but is it getting chilly tonight and a little cooler forecast.</p>

<p>richard a- Regarding the Backcountry Primitive Camping in White Sands. I see that they offer it for $3.00 a night. 10 spaces, first come first serve. I wonder if I can say I am going to camp, stay after dark shooting and leave when I am finished? Or do they lock the exit gate? We have the Backcountry Primitive Camping at the Gulf Islands National Seashore near my home and they give campers the gate code. When people are leaving the park there is a gate that raises automatically. I will have to call White Sands and ask. They will probably be booked for sure since it is the weekend. http://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm</p>

<p>Mike and James thanks for the tips. I made notes.</p>

<p>David, I toured Mesa Verde on my last trip. I was light painting dead trees (apparently they had a huge fire before 2010) at night and a female ranger drove up and made me come out of the woods. She said parts of Mesa Verde was Indian burial grounds, so she ran me off. When I first came out of the woods I was carrying my camera/tripod and big flashlight. She started yelling at me to lay all my gear on the road. I think she thought I was poaching. Scared the heck out of me. Well, its after midnight, so I need to wrap this up for now. Will touch back later.</p><div></div>

<p>John Hill - Regarding 'White Sands' - after hours they close and lock the gates until morning. There's a ranger(s) that live there next to the visitor center, but i understand they'll only let you leave earlier in case of a emergency. Also, being Nov. and cold at night i don't think you'll have trouble getting a ticket when you show up.</p>

<p>Hope its not to late for you to get this. A good sleeping bag and mat, and you might just sleep on the ground in many places. Run PC off of an inverter from your car battery, and charge your camera batteries that way.<br>

Escalante, UT has 2 campgrounds with cabins, showers, laundry. You are in range of several choice regions:<br>

* Devil's Garden -- Down 20 miles of dirt road on Hole in the Rock road. 2wd is ok, but road is washboard. <br>

* Waterpocket Fold in Capitol reef NP. Dirt roads: Burr Trail Road, Noton Road<br>

* Valley of the Gods, north of mexican hat, Utah<br>

Hope its not to late for you to get this. A good sleeping bag and mat, and you might just sleep on the ground in many places. Run PC off of an inverter from your car battery, and charge your camera batteries that way.<br>

The national parks and forests in the "Grand Circle" in South Utah and North AZ are incredible. They're close together, yet varied. These include:<br>

Zion NP<br>

Bryce Canyon NP<br>

North rim of the Grand Canyon. (Check close date.)<br>

South Rim of the Grand Canyon<br>

Upper and particularly Lower Antelope canyon just outside Page, AZ. Lower Antelope gives you unlimited time in the canyon, more freedom if you are a photographer.<br>

Valley of the Gods, north of mexican hat, Utah. Great boondocking area (free camping). There is a remarkable bed and breakfast on the dirt road entrance at the bottom of the Mokee Dugway. Goosenecks is in the area.<br>

Red Canyon State park in Dixie National Forest, about 10 miles west of Bryce.<br>

Between Boulder and Escalante UT there is an amazing coffee house with internet. The architecture and scenery are great, the coffee is good, the prices are a bit high.<br>

Check out the AZ and UT portfolios on my website gregscott.artistwebsites.com to see some of what's there....</p>

<p> </p>

<p>JDM - I've always wondered about "White Sands" in the movie Them. Those sure looked like Joshua Trees, and I didn't think that they had those out there. I've never been to White Sands though, so I can't say for sure. Great movie by the way.</p>

<p>John - watch out for giant ants.</p>

<p><em>"John - watch out for giant ants."</em></p>

<p>Especially if you hear an odd high pitched sound that's getting louder. ;-)<br>

(I hope the reference to the old movie isn't too obscure.) </p>

<p>Tom M</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>I've always wondered about "White Sands" in the movie Them. Those sure looked like Joshua Trees, and I didn't think that they had those out there.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>A "Ranger" friend of my daughter spent some time at the Joshua Tree Natl Mon, and I can tell you for sure that parts of the movie <em>It Came from Outer Space</em> was filmed there or near there. Actually, however, the most prominent Joshua tree in the movie may have been on a set rather than on location.<br /> Although the <em>Them! </em>movie says the place is White Sands in NM, it may well have been made in the same location- handier to Hollywood, I suppose.<br /> As for</p>

<blockquote>

<p>odd high pitched sound</p>

</blockquote>

<p>the good doctors in the movie point out that that is "stridulation" :)</p>

<p>I love these old sci-fi movies, as you can tell.</p>

<p>Organ Pipe NM during that season as well.</p>