I do love road trips, but they are even better, when facing a 10 plus hour trip, if there’s something special to see and do along the way.
Coming back through Nevada and Arizona there’s lots to enjoy.
In no particular order — the Hoover Dam has got to be one of the most impressive constructions in the country. There’s also the bypass for trucks that being built and it’s no tiny accomplishment either.
Between Milemarker 15 and the Dam, Route 93 goes through some truly spectacular scenery. The scenic overlook around MM 12 or 13 gives drivers a chance to soak in the beauty of the craggy mountains.
On the To Visit list is the town of Chloride in Arizona. Also on the list is Lake Mead Recreation Area and Willow Beach.
But we did stop, twice, at the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest which are in the same place. A factoid that I found odd. Both apparently the result of a time when what is now desert was once green and blooming. Our $10 admission bought us entrance both going to Las Vegas and coming home. We loved it both times and vowed to spend more time exploring and hiking.
Most of the countryside is stark and brown with dots of tiny green scrub. The hills and crags are visually compelling, but difficult to capture. The scale is too grand for anything as puny as a camera.
The area around Flagstaff is a green counterpoint to the rest of the desert. Ponderosa pines rise everywhere. And in the Kaibab forest is an oasis rest stop.
For more offbeat travel visit OffbeatTravel.com
Tags: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, road trip, scenic overlooks
I’m thinking a 10 hour road trip would be even better with the right traveling companion sitting beside you.
LOL! I have to say, you’re right