Desert Hikes

 

During our visit to Indio, California we had to get some hiking in, there are so many opportunities in the mountains, the desert and just outside of town. So we narrowed it down to three hikes during our stay, "The Slot" in Anza-Borrego State Park, East Indio Hills Badlands and Tahquitz Canyon. Each of theses hikes has its challenges but all  three are so incredible beautiful and scenic you won't want to miss them.

As always be prepared wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water and snacks, sunscreen, first aid supplies and let your friends or family know where you are going and when you expect to return. Finally, check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately and make an informed decision on whether to enter a slot canyon. Flash floods can be deadly if there is rain in the forecast or miles away, save the hike for another day.

Desert Art

Winter in Wisconsin was getting old so we decided to jump in the car and head west, no pulling the teardrop RV as it was buried in snow, we would be staying with friends this time. Four days and seven states later we arrived in Southern California. There is a lot of desert, mountains and canyons to explore in the Palm Spring area, so exploring we went. First stop the town of Borrego Springs, located approximately 86 miles south of Palm Springs. 

SEDONA, ARIZONA

Stop five of our epic southwest road trip, with our teardrop trailer, was Sedona, Arizona. From Williams we headed east on I-40 towards Flagstaff to south AZ- 89A. This hour and and a quarter drive takes you through Oak Creek Canyon. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular scenic drive of switchbacks descending the canyon river gorge. Please keep your eyes on the road as traffic can slow down near Slide Rock State Park and at trailheads. If you are pulling a big rig or are not very confident towing through switchbacks you can stay on I-17 south and come through Oak Creek to Sedona. Traveling in this direction will take an hour and a half. Definitely, come back and drive this National Scenic Byway once you settle into a campsite and unhitch your trailer.

Grand Canyon South Rim and Williams, Arizona

 

From Page, Arizona we headed south on US-89 towards Flagstaff, then west on US-40 to Williams. Williams is the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and home to the Grand Canyon Railway. It is also the last town on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by US-40, which occurred in 1984.

PAGE, ARIZONA

Stop three of our epic southwest road trip was Page, Arizona. Page is located on the border of Arizona and Utah and a stones throw from the south shore of Lake Powell. It is an easy two hour drive from Monument Valley, via US-163 and US-98. Page is fast becoming an outdoor enthusiasts playground like Moab, Utah. Page offers water sports, hiking, slot canyons, breathtaking scenery and even a golf course. Established in 1957 as a work camp during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, the town consisted of housing and "church row," the highest concentration of churches per mile in the world. Workers back then and visitors today can choose from 12 different denominations.

MONUMENT VALLEY AND BEYOND

Monument Valley was our second stop on our epic southwest road trip through Utah, Arizona and onto Southern California. The drive from Moab to Monument Valley is just under three hours via US-191S and US-163S. On the way you will pass beautiful Wilson Arch and Mexican Hat Rock. We enjoyed Navajo Tacos at Twin Rocks Cafe in Bluff, Utah. If you are pulling an RV, like we were, there is plenty of parking for your rig. Don't forget to stop at Mile Marker 13 to snap a picture of the spot where Forrest Gump stopped his run, in the movie of the same name. So you can get that perfect shot, pull-outs are available on both sides of the road. Don't forget to look for traffic before stepping out!

MOAB, UTAH

 

Moab, Utah is know for it's amazing red rock formations, hiking, biking and off-roading opportunities as well as its proximity to Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Additionally, three National Parks ( Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef ), beautiful State Parks and several National Monuments are a day-trip away.