jimstevralia

sounds like a lot of fun! Any thought of renting a classic car for the trip? it is easy way to make friends along the way and it is a lot of fun...just make sure if the insurance rider

Boots Brown Loc: Phoenix AZ

take the drive through Valley of the Gods just north of Mexican Hat - a "mini" Monument Valley. stop wherever you like and photograph anything without the crowds. Also, a nice little B&B right there.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

That's a great recommendation. Thanks!

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

Very sorry for your loss. If you're going to do Arches, then be sure to do Dead Horse Point State Park, as someone else has mentioned, and be absolutely sure to do Canyonlands NP. If you have a high clearance vehicle, like an SUV, I urge you to try the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; if you're set up for camping at all, you can do the whole loop in 2-3 days, and the views are spectacular. Rivals the Grand Canyon IMHO. In Capital Reef NP, don't miss Cathedral Valley, again only if you have a high clearance vehicle; also, be sure to have dinner at El Diablo on the west edge of Torrey, UT, just west of the Park. And someone mentioned Goblin Valley and Kodachrome Basic State Parks, both good ideas.

For even better guidance than I can provide, get a copy of "Hiking the Southwest's Canyon Country," by Sandra Hinchman. She seems to have covered every square inch of the area, and her book includes many scenic drives, as well as short hikes, longer hikes, and a three day hike through water up to your waist, if that's what you're up for.

ncjim Loc: Durham, nc

You could also consider Pipestone National Monument in SW Minnesota, in the town of Pipestone which is a gem. It contains the pipestone quarries where the Native Americans quarried the peacepipe stone-and still do. It's got a short loop trail, a very nice video show, a good museum/gift shop and some very interesting scenery. Old Stone Face is a pillar of rock where the warriors would jump to, plant arrow heads, and jump back. Supposedly, Sitting Bull performed this feat (the edges were greased, by the way.

You should enjoy it since it is just a short day trip.

Have fun on your trip.

Jim

Big Yankee Fan

If you plan on going to Monument Valley watch a couple of John Ford Westerns first. The Searchers is my personal fave.

ELNikkor

Generally stay off the interstates and go 5mph BELOW the speed limit.

WIHorseman

Please accept my condolences.

While your in Moab visiting Arches don’t forget to go to Canyonlands. Dead Horse Point State Park has already been mentioned but if your camping keep in mind it has some nice camp sites and makes a great home base for visiting Canyonlands. A great spot to stop at in Canyonlands is Island In The Sky.

While your in Zion if your up to a bit of a challenge hike up to Angles Landing.

Bob Locher Loc: Southwest Oregon

If you have not been there I would put Mesa Verde National Park on the "do not miss" part of the trip. Also, a very rewarding state park is in Nevada - Valley of Fire SP - about 40 miles north of Las Vegas. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is special too.

Cheers

cascadejunkie

When you go to Antelope Canyon, you have to take a tour (Navaho property); I suggest that you book a photo tour; it's worth the money. your senior pass is good for all national parks as well as any thing that begins with "National". Happy shooting, and when you walk, be careful and do not overdo it.

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

If you're coming south from Mt. Rushmore area, stop at Dinosaur NM. If you are going to Arches, Canyonlands is only a short distance away and is definitely worth the time. Coming back, after you leave Monument Valley, Mexican Hat rock takes about 5 minutes. If you want to stay around southern Colorado on your return, 2 stops well worth your time are Mesa Verde NP and Great Sand Dunes NP.

10MPlayer Loc: California

This sounds like a great trip. I planned something similar when I retired three years+ ago but my back has been unrelenting with chronic pain so it ain't gonna happen. I wish you well. Take your time and stop often. No reason to make it into a job. Just do what you feel like each day and don't feel like you need to make such and such a place by sundown or tomorrow's schedule will be off. To hell with schedules. This is about getting your head back on straight. Good luck.

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Condolences on the loss of your best friend and companion. Its a new chapter in your life. Would be good to get away.

If in Monument Valley don't forget Valley of the Gods a bit north of Mexican Hat. I have name of a great native guide in Monument Valley - go out for sunrise or sunset tour. If you are MW buff, he has some great secret places. PM me and I can give you his contact info as well as another guide in NM if you want to explore Shipwreck Mou tain and the Bisti Badlands.

And there are endless MW opportunities all over that area of the SW.

Whatever you plan for the length of your trip - my suggestion - take double the time or cut your places in half and enjoy and explore each one. I rushed my trips and tried to do too much in too little time. Big regret. That's my advice and my my humble opinion.

And don't pass up Gobblin Valley in Utah. So many other places.

I post my photos on flickr.com under Jay Luber - you can check out my photos by album location and get some ideas on where to go.

Sedona and Canyon de Chelley are wonderful suggestions also. CdC is a really spiritual and freaky place - at least for me. Awesome history and spiritual energy there.

Have fun and meet some great people along the way.

david20313

Kanab and try to get a permit in to "The Wave". Google it. Fantastic!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I’m very sorry for your loss. I would want to do the same thing if I lost my husband; which, I fear, will be sooner rather than later.

I will bookmark this post for travel ideas when I have nothing but time.