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My Son Beat Me Camping with his TC in Alaska
:C Yep, He got his Truck Camper onto his pickup & went for a one night campout.....no campfire. They went out by Summit Lake to do some snowmachine riding.
In fact, they had spend on night a month ago, just in a camper shell on his pickup, but this time he was able to get the TC out of storage & onto the pickup. It was a cold night for them in the shell. But the TC's furnace worked great, he had to turn it down during the night....to hot. Needless to say, they did not have un-winterized. The Forecast was for a low of -15 degrees that morning. He believes he may have used a half a tank of propane. 10 gal. tank.
Northern Lights Friday night on the way.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/196289682507nl.jpg
The 'Campground' near Summit Lake....site of the Arctic Man. Ooophs, not campground but cabins near the Lake.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/676959682507CG.jpg
His Lance TC on 'Big Blue' at the campsite.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/958079682507-1TC.png
The Snowmachines.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/756869682507SM.jpg
The Riders.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/468079682507CW.jpg
Summit Lake Area Playgrouund.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/356869682507SL.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/CAR%20IN%20TREES/358079682507.jpg
They had a good time.
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DesertHawk
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03/18/12 05:50pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Could use help deciding on small TT
We have a 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer with a Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head. Scamp come with a Marine Fabric coving the sides & ceilings which also has a R-15 insulation which makes them very quiet and keeps out heat well & cool in or warmer in winter. They have 6' 2" head room as well, not great but better than most of the small ones in Fiberglass. Not sure if you want a Shower, if not Scamps can be ordered without them. We keep the real table/bed as a bed. It pretty long but narrow for two, but if only one should be ok. The small AC does very well in the New Mexico Summers. We have had it since Aug. 2005.
Here's an older post on the subject of Going Small . Maybe it will be of help.
We began towing our Scamp with a Ford Ranger V-6 & it did very well. Even in the mountains in the Southwest.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/2008%20Travels/DatilWellCampgroundMay1408.jpg
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DesertHawk
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03/15/12 11:35am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Big Bend Nat'l Park, Texas
Only been there once, it is a neat place & wouldn't mine going again. :) Big Bend Area, what I have on it.
Virtual guards to monitor remote Texas border crossing.
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DesertHawk
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03/11/12 10:24pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Big Bend or Palo Duro?
Haven't been to Palo Duro, we did a trip to Big Bend one Spring Break (end of March, first of April, I believe), it was pretty neat.
Haven't been to Caprock, but it seems neater than Palo Duro: :C Caprock Canyons State Park, from what I have read, it seems like a very neat area to see. Caprock Canyons is home of the official Texas State Bison Herd. Activities: Viewing wildlife, Horseback riding, Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking, Swimming, Rock climbing, Mountain biking.
State Park Site *** More Info *** Some Pics
If you head down to the Big Bend, Balmorhea State Park is located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains southwest of Balmorhea and nearby Davis Mountains State Park are very nice places and one could spend a long time at each. Been to all except Davis, but it is nice areas, be sure to visit the old Ft. Davis a nice place to see. Clicky
Yep, the Big Bend Area, there are some neat places out that way. One could break up the drive by doing an overnight at San Angelo State Park & take non-interstates highways to by pass Midland/Odessa to make one's way to the Big Bend Area.
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DesertHawk
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03/09/12 05:31pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: California to Florida i10 RV Campsites
In the Tucson Area, Tucson Mountain Park and Gilbert Ray Campground is near by. I drove into the campground last spring, it wouldn't be a bad place to spend some time. I believe it is first come/first served which I prefer. Kartchner Caverns State Park from what I have read should also be a neat place, we have not gone yet. It is near Benson. Maybe something in this will help out: :) Clicky.
The Chiricahua National Monument by Wilcox, Arizona is a neat place as well.
In Deming, NM there are Hidden Valley Ranch and Low Hi Ranch RV Park plus a few more: RV Park Reviews.
Also there is Las Cruces about an hour east from Deming. Hacienda RV Resort and Siesta RV Park are the easiest to get to, just of I-10 exit 140. Las Cruces KOA and Sunny Acres RV Park off I-10 exit 135. KOA on the mesa over looking the Mesilla Valley, Sunny Acres in the Valley. Here's what I have for the Las Cruces Area Plus some on NM Mexican Food with camping and attractions in the area. At least try a Green Chile Cheese Burger. Video Taste of NM Pecans: Stahmanns or Salopek
Just after getting into Texas, North of El Paso, the Texas Welcome Center is a safe place to stay. Someone on another forum stayed there around 18 Feb, '12, he wrote, "I stayed overnight for free in the well lit, paved parking lot of the TX visitor center at Anthony, exit one. Large cemented parking lot, trucks and RVs are separated. The gal at the visitor center assured me it was safe to overnight here. Indeed, there is all night security from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. by a uniformed guard driving around in a marked vehicle with light bar on top. Two men per night, they switch at 1 a.m., seven nights a week. There is wifi available but I found it slow. Verizon works very well here."
A mile or so before leaving New Mexico, there is a New Mexico Welcome Center, not as large as the one in Texas, not sure about wifi, nor about security patrols, but do not believe there is any patrols, except perhaps a State Police car now & again. But it would be on the wrong side of the I-10 for you.
There is a nice rest area west of Las Cruces (on the east bound lane a little after Exit 135), it is on the west mesa overlooking the Mesilla Valley & Las Cruces. Watch out for the Giant Roadrunner. It is a fairly large rest area with quite a bit of parking.
In Texas: Balmorhea State Park is located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains southwest of Balmorhea and nearby Davis Mountains State Park (along with the famous Big Bend Nat'l Park) are very nice places and one could spend a long time at each. Been to all except Davis, but it is nice areas, be sure to visit the old Ft. Davis a nice place to see. Clicky
Closer to San Antonio (I have never stopped here, but have been tempted to do so), Caverns of Sonora, they say is a National Natural Landmark, a unique cave located 8 miles west of the town of Sonora, Texas, and a world-class cave. cavernsofsonora.com
What I have on San Antonio & Texas Hill Country .
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DesertHawk
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03/07/12 01:38am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Chama, NM - campgrounds? Train info needed
We rode it from Antonito back to Chama (they have a shuttle bus to transport from Chama to Antonito & Antonito to Chama). We enjoyed the trip. Chama to Antonito would have the train huffing & puffing going up the Cumbres Pass area, but this section has less vistas due to trees. The route from Antonito is more of flat but rolling sage brush terrain as I remember (an old trestle is on this section). Scenery
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was originally constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande's San Juan Extension, which served the silver mining district of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. Like all of the Rio Grande at the time, it was built to a gauge of 3 feet between the rails, instead of the more common 4 feet, 8-1/2 inches that became standard in the United States. The inability to interchange cars with other railroads led the Rio Grande to begin converting its tracks to standard gauge in 1890.
A drive up to the Cumbres Pass area at 10,022' in to Colorado would be worth your while. May get to see the train steaming by the area as well, neat to see and to hear it up there. It is real treat to see and hear the train pulling up or going down as well as seeing it crossing meadows up it the high country. Offers nice photo opts. They do a stop & fill the train with water up in the area as well.
We have always stayed at Heron Lake State Park. It has a nice lake and hiking trails and creek fishing. The state park is about 20 miles from Chama, about 30 minutes. Heron Lake is an anglers delight, stocked with Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon.
We have spent a bit of time at Heron Lake State Park going back several years in the summers. But have not been there in some time. We did have a canoe and enjoyed canoeing on it. Chama is a neat place with a very nice steam train ride up into Colorado. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. They fish the Chama River east of the Park to Chama as well as the river below the dam, leading from Heron Lake to El Vado Lake. A nice hike down to the river from the dam site. Heron Lake gets it water via a creek, mostly from Colorado.
If time allows check out the wool weavers workshop Tierra Wools in Los Ojos near the turn off to Heron Lake SP. Clicky
Two neat stops or side trips south of Heron Lake, north of Abiquiu, worth a see would be the Echo Amphitheater, a Natural rock formation, and the Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center, located on U.S. Highway 84 just one mile north of the main Ghost Ranch entrance, has exhibits and a gift shop. A very nice museum in "O´Keefe Country." The Echo Amphitheater is past the visitor center some miles.
It seems we may be going up there this summer as well, my daughter wants her young son to have a ride on the train. He will be 3 in July. We may tag along as well.
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DesertHawk
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02/25/12 05:34pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Safe Overnight Between San Antonio and Tucson?
Being near the border is safe as long as you say on the north side of the border. The violence is on the Mexican side at least over here near El Paso.
North of El Paso, just before you get to New Mexico state line, the Texas Welcome Center is a safe place to stay. Someone on another forum stayed there around 18 Feb, '12, he wrote, "I stayed overnight for free in the well lit, paved parking lot of the TX visitor center at Anthony, exit one. Large cemented parking lot, trucks and RVs are separated. The gal at the visitor center assured me it was safe to overnight here. Indeed, there is all night security from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. by a uniformed guard driving around in a marked vehicle with light bar on top. Two men per night, they switch at 1 a.m., seven nights a week. There is wifi available but I found it slow. Verizon works very well here." One would have to get off at the Anthony exit, make a upturn back toward El Paso then get off at next exit to get to it. It is on the east bound side.
A mile or so into New Mexico, there is a New Mexico Welcome Center, not as large as the one in Texas, not sure about wifi, nor about security patrols, but do not believe there is any patrols, except perhaps a State Police car now & again. There is a nice rest area west of Las Cruces (but on the east bound lane, would have to do a U-turn at Exit 135 to reach it & then another U-turn at exit 139 to get back on the west bound lane), it is on the west mesa overlooking the Mesilla Valley & Las Cruces. Watch out for the Giant Roadrunner. It is a fairly large rest area with quite a bit of parking.
We have driven from & to San Antonio from Las Cruces in one shot before, it can be done, but it is a long drive. Yes, there is a rest area east of Van Horn on I-10 & one just west of Van Horn as well as a second rest area west of Van Horn near the Sierra Blanca area.
If you make it to the Las Cruces Area - NM Mexican Food plus camping and attractions in the area. At least try a Green Chile Cheese Burger. Video Taste of NM Pecans: Stahmanns or Salopek
In Texas: Balmorhea State Park is located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains southwest of Balmorhea and nearby Davis Mountains State Park (along with the famous Big Bend Nat'l Park) are very nice places and one could spend a long time at each. Been to all except Davis, but it is nice areas, be sure to visit the old Ft. Davis a nice place to see. Clicky
Closer to San Antonio (I have never stopped here, but have been tempted to do so), Caverns of Sonora, they say is a National Natural Landmark, a unique cave located 8 miles west of the town of Sonora, Texas, and a world-class cave. cavernsofsonora.com
What I have on San Antonio & Texas Hill Country .
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DesertHawk
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02/25/12 01:11pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: San Antonio Recommendation?
Clicky for what I have on the area.
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DesertHawk
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02/24/12 06:19pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: San Antonio, TX. Things to See & Do? RV Parks?
San Antonio & Texas Hill Country has a lot to see for sure.
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DesertHawk
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02/24/12 06:13pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: The Whazoos camp with Bear and the Beehive Ovens
Yes, I agree totally with the others, a very neat trip report & I enjoyed the pics. Thanks!
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DesertHawk
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02/22/12 11:07pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Chaco Canyon
As in my earlier post it is 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR7950), as I remember not too much was washboard when we went out that way. The way up from Crownpoint was longer & had more washboard, but even it was not totally washboard. With a C-class, I believe it would be doable. We had a smaller C-class back in the late '90s to 2005, but never took it up there. It should have been an easy drive with it I believe. I believe TTs will bounce around a lot more than a C-class.
As a remember the road, it was often sandy with sections of gravel-like sections which would sometime be washboarded. i don't remember having things thrown around in the TT on the way out, but had some thrown about on the way in. I'd guess maybe 5 miles in total was somewhat washboard, maybe less. But it can depend on what has been done to the road & how long ago it would have been. I remember, it rained while we were there (last trip) and the road out wasn't made 'bad' by it. But some of the washes or arroyos could become bad from rain; like any desert area & shouldn't be tried to cross if water is running in them of course. But this only happen if they get a hard rain, I would think.
The Baja Bug would zip along that road like a hot knife in butter. Watch for cattle on the road at times.
Doing a day trip could be done, but it would be a long day and not as enjoyable as a overnight or two.
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DesertHawk
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02/21/12 03:36pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Chaco Canyon
If you just do the sites along the loop drive, you could perhaps see them all in one day & still have time to see the movie about the place at the visitor center. Try to get an early start & plan on staying late.
What type RV do you have, we have been there twice (years ago) once with a Truck Camper (the route we use then was mostly sandy, but it has been discontinued due to it entering too close to one of the ruins); the last time was via the south by Crownpoint & it was a bugger of a road (more dirt, no pavement), we left via the east to US 550 & it wasn't too bad at the time. From what I have read the road conditions vary often by when it had been graded. The last trip we towed a TT.
They have a number ((505) 786-7014) to call the park, I'd give them a call & inquire about the condition of the road to help make up your mind. I've been wanting to go back with our Scamp, but haven't decided it I wanted to try the road or not. Might just take the pickup & sleep in the truck camper shell. It is neat to be out that way at night as well. Lot of stars...pretty quite as well.
The route into Chaco Culture National Historical Park off US 550 (south of Bloomfield/Farmington) seems to be be better of the routes. Turn off US 550 at CR 7900--3 miles southeast of Nageezi and approximately 50 miles west of Cuba (at mile 112.5). This route is clearly signed from US 550 to the park boundary (21 miles). The route includes 8 miles of paved road (CR 7900) and 13 miles of rough dirt road (CR7950).
Maybe these site will be of help: http://www.farmingtonnm.org/pages/chaco.html
http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm
Alternative-Campsites
Warning: Some of the local roads recommended by map publishers and services using GPS devised to access Chaco are unsafe for passenger cars. Please use our written directions to avoid getting lost or stuck.
Good luck.
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DesertHawk
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02/21/12 12:23pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Scamp TT's
Yes, we own one. We have a 2005 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer with Rear Bed, Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head and have never had any problems with being claustrophobic in it as I have heard. We tow with a 2009 Ford F-150 Reg. Cab Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper with tow package, smaller of the V-8s, extra large gas tank. 2010, on a trip to Yellowstone, we averaged 17 mpg towing. We did very little driving except towing, our daughter & son in law had their SUV so we rode with them when sightseeing. This summer on a short trip, got about 20 mpg without towing in mountains and about 18 mpg towing on somewhat flat with having to climb a pass to get home.
Scamps are somewhat lighter than the Casitas, Scamps have more head room, have R15 insulation with the marine fabric & insulation (some times called 'rat fur' & sheds water & will not mildew easily) which cover the walls & celling, Casita has just carpet. Both keep condensation from forming in them. Casita has an extra foot in the 17' models. Scamp comes in 13' & 16' & a 19' 5th wheel, R15 rated insulation. 13" tires/wheels only. Specs
Casita have 13, 16, 17, no insulation, not as tall inside. Wider beds, more varied layouts for beds. 13 & 16 lower ceilings, small frigs. 14" or 15" tires/wheels. Specs
Scamp & Casita Flooring
Scamp TTs and Casita and the Canadian Escape and the all electric Egg Camper.
A new make, "Lil' Snoozy"; seems to all electric as well, but a very nice design, good sized bed. Depending on were you "camp", this would be a really nice trailer if you primary or only stay at campgrounds/RV parks with hookups. This would apply to the EggCamper as well. I have read reports about them; a very roomy small trailer.
You are correct, Scamp & Casita do not have dealers, you order one as you want from the factory (sometimes they may have some on the lot) then after it is manufactured you drive to the factory to pick it up or they can ship it to you for a fee. Casita tows theirs & Scamp ships them on a flat bed.
Can't address the differences in quality, not been in but one Casita. But it seems to be pretty good in the Scamp. Main problem with Scamp TT I have found is bed size, just too narrow. The wheel size (13") is another factor. Casita comes with 14" wheel & can 15" can be order as well. All the molded fiberglass TT are well built & last a long, long time & have excellent resell value. Casita have more bed sizes to choose from as well. The Snoozy has a really nice sized bed. Scamps were price less when I bought, than Casita. I assume it is the same now....? Casita is have a lower profile, Scamp more retro look. Somewhat like a plastic Airstream.
We like leaving the rear bed down as a bed, it has a small side dinette just right for the two of us. We have adjusted to the narrow bed by sleeping head to toe. We have really enjoyed the trailer. Easy to tow, to park, to find a site, it is warm or cool and easy to warm it up if cold out & cools off quickly if hot.
Scamp have smaller holding tanks than Casita I believe. We carry extra water in the pickup.
If you call Scamp and/or Casita, they have list of people who will show you their trailers.
I believe I'd look at the Snoozy, seems the man making them is really trying to make a good product. Old Man Snoozy Many the all electric wouldn't be as bad as I first thought. They are made not too far from Kentucky in St. Matthews, SC. Escape is another one I'd look into as well. But they are made in BC, Canada. Scamp are made in Minnesota & Casita in Texas.
There is also two Trillium trailers: The Outback from Canada and Trillium made in California at one time. Seems they are to be make in Phoenix soon Trillium RV.
Park Liner (middle of the article) is another new make which may be a good one from what I have been reading. Based in Gibsonville, NC.
For real small units, but fiberglass: Maybe a Little Joe or Ponderosa (or even a Roughneck): Fiberglass Trailers would be large enough for your needs, they look neat, but I have not seen one in person. Small but large beds. Not as roomy of course. Made in Henderson, Colorado.
Going Small It is an old post some of the links seem not to work now.
Some non-fiberglass (with dealerships I'm sure; maybe less expensive & less resale value later on):
Fun Finder have some neat layouts and go from pretty small to quite larger.
For me, I like some of the smaller models: Fun Finder.
Might look at the Fun Finder TTs, such as: X-139 or a X-160 or the X-160 WB.
Not being made anymore I believe, We looked at the T@B, but without a shower & toilet, we passed. They are a Teardrop in shape, but they have a kitchen and room for a port-a-potty. A fairly large teardrop and roomy inside if I remember correctly. If only staying in sites with showers, not a bad trailer.
Small and Retro Serro Scotty. S/S
A 17' 4" travel trailer with a Queensized bed, large holding tanks and large fresh water tank Palomino Gazelle G-150. Clicky
The Dutchmen Eco 718QB seems to be a neat unit as well. Clicky
Another neat Floor Plan. The 2010 KZ Sportsmen Classic 16BH. It might be nice to have bunk beds, even for a retired couple. Floor Plan and Video
R-Pod Ultra Lite travel trailers by Forest River with 7 floorplans available; a teardrop shape. R-Pod
Teal Camper a very new lightweight, new concept camper. Teal
19'10" Bullet by Keystone seems like a neat one.
Lance 1575 might work.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/2009%20Travels/DSC00940.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/2009%20Travels/DSC00513.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/2009%20Travels/DSC00781.jpg
If a shower was not needed, an Aliner hardsided folding Trailer might be good. We camped a week in Alaska in a rented one this summer, never worried about bears, even after we saw a couple. http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll120/DesertHawk46/DSC03665.jpg
Chalet also makes one like the Aliner. A better made one perhaps. An Aliner owner told me so.
However, I believe some of them have showers.
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DesertHawk
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02/20/12 04:33pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: It's snowing....in Tucson
It was 80 degrees in Tucson a couple of days ago. My daughter who lives over on the south east side of town only had some snow & rain mix...nothing on the ground. Soon after the clouds left, she said the snow which was on the mountains was soon gone.
They will be having hot weather soon enough and didn't mind a little cool down to keep the hot time at bay for a little longer.
Weather happens were ever you may live and can change quickly this time of year.
We had a few drops of rain & a bit of wind today in Las Cruces and it will be cooler tomorrow as well. 33 low 55 high.
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DesertHawk
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02/14/12 10:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Best camping places in arizona???
Never been to the Ajo Area of Arizona myself, but it seems the Bayfield Bunch really like the area.
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DesertHawk
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02/10/12 11:53pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Campgrounds in Midwest
We discovered that Clear Lake, Iowa is a neat place. There is a state park there as well. Didn't stay there however.
Lake Scott State Park, Kansas
Lake Scott SP site
The valley, along US-83 about 30 miles south from the Oakley exit of I-70 (180 miles west of Salina), has a storied past. Long before Europeans arrived in North America, migrating Native Americans camped there. In 1680, a short-lived pueblo was built along the creek. The El Quartelejo Pueblo ruins, believed to mark the northernmost pueblo settlement in America, are now a National Historic Landmark. You can visit the ruins at the park and learn more about the pueblo at the El Quartelejo Museum in Scott City, 15 miles south of the lake. My son did an overnight here and liked it.
Maybe a little far, but Smith Falls State Park, Nebraska is a really neat one. I overnighted there once and my son did as well.
Also in Nebraska, the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park – North Platte, Nebraska and Camping; never stopped there, but driven by on US 83; nice looking campground by the river. On the way to Valentine in fact.
Even more far off, but neat places:
North Dakota Camping Sites *** Some neat things in the Bismarck and Mandan Area ND Also *** T. Roosevelt North
Or in Oklahoma, I visited this area in OK back in the late 1970s, Tenkiller Lake. I remember it was very pretty, looked like a nice campground. I'd like to go back there someday and camp. And we also went by some of these in Arkansas at the same time.
Or in Texas, :C Caprock Canyons State Park, from what I have read, it seems like a very neat area to see. Caprock Canyons is home of the official Texas State Bison Herd. Activities: Viewing wildlife, Horseback riding, Hiking, Fishing, Picnicking, Swimming, Rock climbing, Mountain biking.
State Park Site *** More Info *** Some Pics
Near Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is another one which seems interesting.
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DesertHawk
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02/10/12 03:10pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Summer trip, any comments or recommendations?
We stayed at Colter Bay twice in the years we have gone to the Tetons. I have heard good things about Gros Ventre Campground...get more animals walking by or close by, etc. Nice views.
Just about any one of Yellowstone Campgrounds would be good. Mainly they are used at night to rest & sleep for the days are mainly spend driving and see the sights.
We have always camped near Custer, SD when visiting the Mount Rushmore Area; either at a State Park or Nat'l Forest Campground.
If you like Old West history and/or Museums, leaving via Cody, WY would be neat to do. The Buffalo Bill Historical Center has about 4 museums in one building.
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DesertHawk
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02/10/12 02:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: NM Route 152
One could also take US 180 N to Glenwood, to Reserve; NM 12 E to Datail, US 60 E to I-25 near Socorro, Bypassing Cruces, Hatch & Alamogordo.
Been years since I have been on NM 12....it was very good hwy. at the time.
Miles & Time would be less to do US 180 S to Deming then to Hatch, however.
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DesertHawk
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02/09/12 05:26pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: southwest New Mexico
The Chiricahua National Monument by Wilcox is a neat place. The Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, just west of Tucson is really great (a zoo mainly without bars mostly) is over on the west side of Tucson by the Saguaro Nat'l Park and Old Tucson (the movie set/theme park). The Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum is a must see for sure. Tucson Mountain Park and Gilbert Ray Campground in near by. I drove into the campground last spring, it wouldn't be a bad place to spend some time. I believe it is first come/first served which I prefer. Kartchner Caverns State Park from what I have read should also be a neat place, we have not gone yet.
My Daughter & family live in Tucson, which has proven to be a neat city, easy to get around in, with many things to see and do around it. Never camped there, however. But visit often. Maybe something in this will help out: :) Clicky.
If going to the Gila Clift Dwellings, do an overnight at City of Rocks.
Southern part of the state:
Carlsbad Cavers, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park ( Guadalupe ), located in far West Texas on US 62/180. The driving distance is 110 miles east of El Paso, Texas. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is worth a see. One can take a back country highway from Van Horn to Guadalupe Mountains National Park; TX route 54 from Van Horn & I-10.
Note: If using TransMountain & the Loop to bypass most of El Paso, be sure to get on the Loop when it crosses US 62/180 or it will take you Montana Street & into El Paso near downtown.
Off US 70 between Las Cruces & Alamogordo, White Sands Nat'l Monument - Alamogordo Area. North of Alamogordo and/or East of San Antonio near Carrizozo, Valley of Fires BLM Campground is a first rate campground with electric & water hookups, good dump station and a fine shower house. Pics & description can be found: Campground and Cloudcrof, Lincoln/Capitan, Carrizozo/White Oaks.
If you make it to the Las Cruces Area - NM Mexican Food plus camping and attractions in the area. At least try a Green Chile Cheese Burger. Video
Taste of NM Pecans: Stahmanns or Salopek
North of Cruces or West of Carrizozo using US 380, off of I-25 in New Mexico by San Antonio, the Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge.
Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park Never stayed there, but have read about others staying there to see the Bosque. As a matter of fact you could take US 380 all the way to I-25 at San Antonio & the Bosque del Apache. I-25 to Socorro, take US 60 towards Datil, Passing the VLA before you get to Datil & a very Nice BLM Campground. But would miss White Sands.
One of the most talked about green chile cheese burgers for years, is in San Antonio, NM at the Owl Bar.
Ditto
I have now been hearing about another green chile cheeseburger in San Antonio. The Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio. A Food Review and Ditto
I believe the chef at Buckhorn beat Bobby Flay on a Throwdown with his.
San Antonio, New Mexico was the birth place & boyhood home of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton Hotels.
Using I-25: Around the T or C area, three state parks, Elephant Butte SP and Caballo SP with Caballo being closest to the interstate as well as Percha Dam State Park a nice place on Rio Grande, near Caballo Lake. Elephant Butte Lake State Park headquarters are 5 miles north of Truth or Consequences via I-25 exit 83. Caballo Lake State Park is 16 miles south of Truth or Consequences via I-25 exit 59 and NM 187. Percha Dam State Park is 21 miles south of Truth or Consequences via I-25, exit 59.
West of Las Cruces on I-10, Pancho Villa SP is south of Deming right on the Mexican Border. North of Deming towards Silver City is City of Rocks State Park. I've never been to Pancho Villa, but have enjoyed out trips & stays at City of Rocks.
Silver City Area -Videos
New Mexico State Parks Best Camping Prices Around & No Day Fees on top of camping fees. NM Camping Fees
Some more info on the Silver City Area:
:C Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway or NM Rte. 152 - Into Silver City is a neat drive, with a nice viewing area into an open pit copper mine. Road to Emory Pass with great vistias at the top. On the east side of Emory Pass there is Kingston; a neat ghost town, but one which still has people living in it and building new homes as well. Hillsboro is just down the mountain from Kingston as well. It is one of New Mexico's Ghost Towns with people still living there. But Lake Valley is not too far from and south of Hillsboro and it has almost no one living there anymore. On the western side of Emory Pass down at the "bottom" of the decent is a neat distinctive ridge with a very western descriptive metaphor of a name, the Devil's Backbone. A few campgrounds and areas to hike down in the "valley" along with a stream. Such as Lower Gallinas Campground, Upper Gallinas Campground, Wright's Cabin Campground and Iron Creek Campground which is in the middle of this recreational corridor spanning from the Mimbres Valley to Hillsboro, along NM Hwy 152 a great drive, very scenic.
Lake Roberts, NM-- Upper End Campground and Mesa Campground at the Lake Roberts Recreation Area recent upgrades. The upgrades include new picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. In addition, 12 units received water and power hookups with two of those sites upgraded with improvements for people with disabilities which include a sidewalk from the site unit to the restrooms. The Upper End Campground also recently received upgrades to many site pads that will eliminate issues during heavy rain. Both campgrounds also have a full-time campground host on site. Fees at Upper End Campground are proposed to increase from $7 to $10 a site per night. Fees at Mesa Campground are proposed to increase from $7 to $10 a site per night for most sites and $15 per night for sites with both water and electric hookups. A $3 charge for each additional vehicle is also proposed for all sites. Both the Upper End and Mesa Campgrounds are open to camping year-round on a “first come first serve basis” with a self-pay fee station available at each campground. Wilderness Ranger District Office in Mimbres - (575) 536-2250
On State Route 35, are two campgrounds that are a bit more RV-friendly - Mesa and Upper End. These campgrounds contain pleasant, sunny sites for RV, motorhome, car, and tent camping enthusiasts on or overlooking Lake Roberts. Stocked with rainbow trout, the lake also has Brown trout and catfish to challenge the fishing enthusiast.
For some hard drives:
There are some nice boondocking/dispersed sites by two of the forks of the Gila River (after desending down into the Gila canyon with a nice bridge over the River) a few miles before you get to Dr. Campbell's store at Gila Hot Springs. There is a road down to the river by the bridge to the East Fork of the Gila with trees and shaded sites. After crossing the bridge, there is a mesa-like area with another road down to the Middle/West Fork joined Gila River with dispersed sites by the river, large cottonwoods, etc. These were very nice places to camp (I have not been there in years). It is a fairly long drive back into this area from Lake Roberts. Some very steep roads to desend and climb out of, but paved. It is up into the Wilderness area, just off the road. There was camping near the Gila Cliff Dwellings, mainly just a parking lot & tables. To camp by the Gila River, one must desend from the paved road down steepish hills, but there is some dispersed sites on the upper "mesa" above the River. This is near the site of two forks of the Gila meeting/joining to form the Gila River. There are 3 forks, the MIDDLE FORK AND the WEST FORK join closer to the Cliff Dwellings, near the vistor center. It seems the stream becomes the Gila River when they join up. At the Bridge where the camping sites are near the EAST FORK joins up. There are hot springs up the Middle/East Fork Gila just off the river, but if you walk up to them, DO NOT get the water up the noise. There can be deadly amoebae in them (a killer water-borne amoeba known as naegleria fowleria). Video
Gila CliffDwellings
More Gila
Camping
FAQs
Over by the Lake Roberts area, there is a forest road which skirts or borders both the Gila Wilderness and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness with many despersed sites along the road. Take North Star Road off NM 35 which will later turn into NM 61 with leads to Wall Lake and Beaverhead area and a paved hwy NM 59 which leads one to the Winston and Chloride Area with many more despersed sites. Or angle to the west and one can go to Snow Lake & Willow Creek area and over to Mogollon and to Glenwood.
An easy/good highway: Up at the top/north of the Gila on US 60 towards Datil, there is the VLA before you get to Datil & a very Datil Well BLM Campground. From Silver Cityl go to Glenwood; then to Reserve. At Glenwood there is the Catwalk (Clicky) as well as a short side trip to Mogollon an old gold mining Ghost Town.
Reserve's Hero
Since first seeing the Organs in 1968 after waking up after an overnight on a trip to SoCal, we have never gotten tired of seeing them change with the time of day & the seasons (moved here in '71):
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Organ Mountains from the NM Farm & Ranch Museum 10 Jan. '12.
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Organs in the Pink...nearing sundown.
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Road to Dripping Springs & Baylor Canyon Rd.
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Windmill off Baylor Canyon Rd.
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At the Trail Head Soledad Canyon BLM Day Use Area East of Las Cruces in Organ Mts.
For some Sights & Sites in Northern NM: Flagstaff - Gallup - Grants- to Santa Fe Plus. Albuquerque has many neat and cool things to see there. As does Santa Fe both on I-25.
A recent similar Post for Northern NM.
More 4Corners Plus Clicky.
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DesertHawk
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02/09/12 11:12am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: What are States known for?
If you plan on going to TX by way of AZ, you will be crossing New Mexico as well. New Mexico would be noted for two foodstuffs, I would believe: Red/Green Chile & Pecans.
Yes, Texas also has pecans as do some of the southern states, but none are as tasty as those from New Mexico. AZ may be as good as well.
Taste of Red/Green Chile in Southern NM: Southern NM style Mexican Food is the best you will find anywhere. IMHO. Because of the use of red/green chile.
Las Cruces area NM Mexican Food plus camping and attractions in the area. At least try a Green Chile Cheese Burger. Video
Taste of NM Pecans: Stahmanns or Salopek
After reading a recent post of facebook from a cousin, I just found out that Bakersfield, CA is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. Never knew this. Wow. Might try one of them if passing by that area. Basque in Bakersfield
Most states will have steaks. Texas might also be know for Texas Chili or CHILI CON CARNE. Also Texas should be know for Bar B Que. Might try a few of them as you pass through Texas. Research to Find some good Texas Barbeque something like this place maybe Texas Pride Barbecue, which was featured on the Food Network. TX Pride ?? I can not recommend a place. We had some just off I-10 in Kerrville, but it was years ago. Not sure if it still good. The barbeque sauce is the key.
In 1895 Lyman T. Davis of Corsicana developed the original recipe for Wolf Brand Chili, which he sold for five cents a bowl from the back of a wagon parked on the streets in downtown Corsicana, Texas. He later opened a meat market in Corsicana where he sold his chili in brick form, using the brand name of Lyman's Famous Home Made Chili. In 1921, using the simplest machinery, he began canning his chili and marketing it in the immediate area. It was about that time that he adopted the brand name "Wolf Brand," in honor of his pet wolf, Kaiser Bill. By 1923, with improved equipment, Davis had increased production to 2,000 cans of chili per day. Because of the discovery of oil on his farm, he had neither the time nor the interest to devote to his chili business, and in 1924 he sold his operations to J. C. West and Fred Slauson, two Corsicana businessmen.
Better than Texas Chili, I would think Fajitas were 'invented' in Texas as well. You can try them in New Mexico of course as well as AZ & perhaps in CA. But for really good ones in El Paso (as well as San Antonio) try Taco Cabana just off I-10 on Mesa (west). (We eat at one in El Paso whenever we have to go there, see Mexican Nationals eating at it, must be good) Great Salsa, try some of each, very good eating.
Being a Native South Texan, Texas citrus is the best in the world, but a little out of the way on your trip. Texas Sea Food, shrimp & such, is so good if you happen to be by the Gulf Coast.
My wife & I are retired teachers, always enjoyed & looked forward to traveling in the summers, mainly in the west camping, but a couple of car trips to DC area.
Texas Buffalo Ranches
Getting local foods, we have at times lucked out by finding Farmer's Markets when traveling. NM Farmer's Markets --- TX FM
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DesertHawk
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02/08/12 06:34pm |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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