Albuquerque Travel Forum

We're two couples from Norway who intend to experience the Southwest United States. We'll fly into San Francisco and drive to Albuquerque; we estimate to use about 7 to 9 days on the trip. Would appreciate any suggestions to get the most out of this journey.

Regards,

Knaben

For my part of the world, I would recommend the Rough Guide to Southwest USA. I use it myself. However, it does not cover California and Nevada. You have many many options and a long drive. What to recommend really depends on your preferences. I remember having some British visitors who wanted to tour the Southwest. All they could talk about before they left was Grand Canyon, but when they got back, all they could talk about was Las Vegas, LOL.

Try to visit as many places within the National Parks System as you can. These are the "crown jewels" of American beauty, and are particularly stunning in the American Southwest. You won't be able to visit ALL of these, but amongst the best on a possible drive are Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Sequoia, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Petrified Forest. Check the entrance fees for the sites you plan to visit (fees are per vehicle per week, not per person per day) -- if they add up to over $80, you might want to get this
www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm
Whether buying a yearly pass for a nine-day visit saves you money depends on how many parks you visit.

Hi - the biggest problem I see is that San Francisco is a long ways from the Southwest. I too think that experiencing the national parks would make a wonderful trip. Is there any chance that you could catch a cheap flight to Las Vegas and start from there in a car. You could head to Zion and Bryce, then Grand Canyon, then Navajo National Monument and Mesa Verde, Aztec National Monument, maybe Chaco Canyon (depending on road conditions) then Acoma Pueblo on to Albuquerque. This would allow you to see natural wonders as well as archaeological sites of world renown and a pueblo with living American Indians. I have traveled/worked/lived in these areas so would be happy to answer any questions you have.

And I forgot Monument Valley on the way to Mesa Verde National Park.

If Kathy recommends going from Shiprock to Gallup (old US Hwy 666), watch out! She is also currently ranked 666 on VT. LOL, just kidding. Kathy made some excellent recommendations.

Well if we dropped one of the 6's, we could recommend old route 66!

Hi, I am one of the four "seniors" and I an very pleased that it is possible to get this dedicated help from VirtalTourist members. - Hence I am a fresh member as from today :)

I thank you for your advice and I hope that you will be there for us when we have discussed your well intended advice, have restructured our traveling route and are in need of more detailed guidance.

Thanks also to AlbuqRay and PR-7.

Egil, I took a look at the proposed itinerary on your homepage. Spending the first 3 days near your arrival site is a good idea (since you will be jetlagged) and you have chosen good places to stop. Going as far south in California as Joshua Tree National Park is going to increase an already long drive to Albuquerque. Even using I-40, it is going to take you the better part of two days. I would suggest starting east at Bakersfield, then head up I-15 to Las Vegas for at least one night. Then take US-93 to Kingman to catch I-40 and see Hoover Dam on the way. Before you reach Flagstaff, take AZ-64 to Grand Canyon Village, where you will probably want to spend the night. I have a General tip under Albuquerque that talks about the things to do between Albuquerque and Grand Canyon. Just do them in reverse. This suggested route is one of many alternatives. Be sure not to underestimate the amount of driving you will have to do. These are big states with many interesting things to see and do, but lots of space in between them.