Western Roadtrip Jul 2020: Austin to Bear Lake UT
May 28, 2020, 10:34 am
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Western Roadtrip Jul 2020: Austin to Bear Lake UT
Was hoping to get some advice on a roadtrip that I'm planning for this July. As I don't feel comfortable getting on a commercial flight (and my company frowns on it, even for personal travel), I'm planning a roadtrip from Austin, TX for a swim in Bear Lake (Garden City), Utah. I swim and am trying to design the trip around places to swim along the way. I've reserved a Hertz rental vehicle, a pickup truck (Dodge Ram 1500 or similar) with unlimited miles, mostly because I may need it to bring a kayak from SLC up to Garden city and back.
It looks like I'll be doing the outbound trip solo. I may have my cousin for the return trip, and if so he could share driving.
I mostly stick to Hilton-family hotels and have picked those for most of the trip so far. Any of these that I have reserved can be cancelled without penalty. I don't have to stay with Hilton, especially if there is a far superior other option.
Here is what I put together so far:
I figure this can be a place for me to sketch out my plans, gather some input, and perhaps others can also benefit.
Day 1: home (near Round Rock, TX) to Santa Rosa, NM. According to Google Maps, about 9 hours of driving. US 183 out of the Austin area, then US 84 for the rest of the way. Not planning too much along the way (lunch and restroom), just a long drive to get out of Texas.
Swimming options in Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa Lake and Blue Hole.
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Santa Rosa
Day 2: Santa Rosa, NM to Durango, CO. 5 hours 30 in of driving. Planning to go the back way up to Santa Fe, swing by Abiquiu Lake for a dip, then onward to Durango. Google maps is suggesting the I-40 to US 285, to the I-25, US 84 (looks like it is US 285 for a bit again), to US 160. Depending when I arrive in Santa Rosa the night before, I may get to that lake in the morning, leave by 10am, maybe stop near Espanola for a take-out lunch, and a stop at Abiquiu Lake. A friend in NM highly suggested this detour. Depending when I arrive in Durango, perhaps visit Lake NIghthorse late that day or early the next.
Swimming options: Lake Santa Rosa (early), Abiquiu Lake (during the day), Lake Nighthorse (near Durango) late/early the next day.
Hotel: Homewood Suites (south of town), Durango
Day 3: Durango, CO to Moab, UT (perhaps a stop at Four Corners Monument, if it is open): about 4 hours of driving the most direct way, even less if I skip Four Corners. I've never seen the monument, and I'm sure it isn't much to speak of, but since I'll be so close I figure I might as well.
Rather than take the most direct way (US 191) I'm looking at a long way around, between Canyonlands and Glen Canyon, using UT 95 and 24. It makes the trip about 6-1/2 hours, but it looks much more scenic. Any thoughts on this? Or perhaps just take US 95 as far as the bridge over the Colorado River, then backtrack? Not sure of any swimming options along this route; perhaps Glen Canyon or something closer to Moab.
Swimming options: Lake Nighthorse (early), Glen Canyon Rec Area (during the drive), Ken's Lake (late)
Hotel: Hoodoo Moab (Hilton Curio), Moab
Day 4: Moab, UT to Garden City, UT: about 6 hours of driving. Depending when I arrive at Moab, I'll explore Arches (if it is open) either late on day 3 or early on day 4. I'll stop in Salt Lake City, meet my cousin, either drive up with him, or help him load up his vehicle (he'll be bringing a kayak to paddle for me). I expect we'll arrive by 5-6pm.
Places to swim: Ken's Lake (early), Bear Lake (late)
Hotel: Airbnb in Garden City
Day 5: Garden City, UT. Swimming a 10k across Bear Lake; no real driving to speak of.
Hotel: Airbnb in Garden City
Day 6: Garden City, UT to either Rawlins or Laramie, WY: this depends on if I need to go back to Salt Lake City. If nonstop, the drive to Laramie is just over 5 hours, but adding in SLC puts this at 8+. Looks like Lake Hattie would make a good place to swim near Laramie.
Otherwise Rawlins, WY (has a Hampton Inn) would be 6 hours 40 min, with the SLC detour. Saratoga Lake is about 45 min away, and looks pretty nice.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie (I'll probably book the Hampton in Rawlins too and cancel one when this firms up)
Day 7: Rawlins/Laramie, WY to Pueblo, CO: 3-3/4 to about 5 hours drive. I'd probably stop to visit some friends in the Denver area along the way. Maybe detour off to Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods (never been to those), if they are open and not too busy. Lake Pueblo looks like a decent swimming option near Pueblo.
Hotel: none yet
Day 8: Pueblo, CO to Lubbock, TX: about 6-1/2 hours of driving, taking the most direct route. Haven't really explored this yet on what might make a good diversion. Buffalo Springs Lake would be about 20 min from Lubbock.
Hotel: none yet
Day 9: Lubbock, TX to Round Rock, TX: 5 hours 40 min of driving. Probably do this mostly nonstop, other than a break to eat and restroom.
Any thoughts or suggestions to make this trip better? I've spent a bit more time looking at the outbound legs, but haven't spent as much on the return. I could just take mostly the same route back, if that would be better. I was just thinking of a different route to add in some variety.
So far I've rented the vehicle, but can cancel without penalty.
I've reserved hotels in Santa Rosa NM, Durango CO, Moab UT, an Airbnb in Garden City UT, and hotel in Laramie. All of these could also be cancelled without penalty.
It looks like I'll be doing the outbound trip solo. I may have my cousin for the return trip, and if so he could share driving.
I mostly stick to Hilton-family hotels and have picked those for most of the trip so far. Any of these that I have reserved can be cancelled without penalty. I don't have to stay with Hilton, especially if there is a far superior other option.
Here is what I put together so far:
I figure this can be a place for me to sketch out my plans, gather some input, and perhaps others can also benefit.
Day 1: home (near Round Rock, TX) to Santa Rosa, NM. According to Google Maps, about 9 hours of driving. US 183 out of the Austin area, then US 84 for the rest of the way. Not planning too much along the way (lunch and restroom), just a long drive to get out of Texas.
Swimming options in Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa Lake and Blue Hole.
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Santa Rosa
Day 2: Santa Rosa, NM to Durango, CO. 5 hours 30 in of driving. Planning to go the back way up to Santa Fe, swing by Abiquiu Lake for a dip, then onward to Durango. Google maps is suggesting the I-40 to US 285, to the I-25, US 84 (looks like it is US 285 for a bit again), to US 160. Depending when I arrive in Santa Rosa the night before, I may get to that lake in the morning, leave by 10am, maybe stop near Espanola for a take-out lunch, and a stop at Abiquiu Lake. A friend in NM highly suggested this detour. Depending when I arrive in Durango, perhaps visit Lake NIghthorse late that day or early the next.
Swimming options: Lake Santa Rosa (early), Abiquiu Lake (during the day), Lake Nighthorse (near Durango) late/early the next day.
Hotel: Homewood Suites (south of town), Durango
Day 3: Durango, CO to Moab, UT (perhaps a stop at Four Corners Monument, if it is open): about 4 hours of driving the most direct way, even less if I skip Four Corners. I've never seen the monument, and I'm sure it isn't much to speak of, but since I'll be so close I figure I might as well.
Rather than take the most direct way (US 191) I'm looking at a long way around, between Canyonlands and Glen Canyon, using UT 95 and 24. It makes the trip about 6-1/2 hours, but it looks much more scenic. Any thoughts on this? Or perhaps just take US 95 as far as the bridge over the Colorado River, then backtrack? Not sure of any swimming options along this route; perhaps Glen Canyon or something closer to Moab.
Swimming options: Lake Nighthorse (early), Glen Canyon Rec Area (during the drive), Ken's Lake (late)
Hotel: Hoodoo Moab (Hilton Curio), Moab
Day 4: Moab, UT to Garden City, UT: about 6 hours of driving. Depending when I arrive at Moab, I'll explore Arches (if it is open) either late on day 3 or early on day 4. I'll stop in Salt Lake City, meet my cousin, either drive up with him, or help him load up his vehicle (he'll be bringing a kayak to paddle for me). I expect we'll arrive by 5-6pm.
Places to swim: Ken's Lake (early), Bear Lake (late)
Hotel: Airbnb in Garden City
Day 5: Garden City, UT. Swimming a 10k across Bear Lake; no real driving to speak of.
Hotel: Airbnb in Garden City
Day 6: Garden City, UT to either Rawlins or Laramie, WY: this depends on if I need to go back to Salt Lake City. If nonstop, the drive to Laramie is just over 5 hours, but adding in SLC puts this at 8+. Looks like Lake Hattie would make a good place to swim near Laramie.
Otherwise Rawlins, WY (has a Hampton Inn) would be 6 hours 40 min, with the SLC detour. Saratoga Lake is about 45 min away, and looks pretty nice.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie (I'll probably book the Hampton in Rawlins too and cancel one when this firms up)
Day 7: Rawlins/Laramie, WY to Pueblo, CO: 3-3/4 to about 5 hours drive. I'd probably stop to visit some friends in the Denver area along the way. Maybe detour off to Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods (never been to those), if they are open and not too busy. Lake Pueblo looks like a decent swimming option near Pueblo.
Hotel: none yet
Day 8: Pueblo, CO to Lubbock, TX: about 6-1/2 hours of driving, taking the most direct route. Haven't really explored this yet on what might make a good diversion. Buffalo Springs Lake would be about 20 min from Lubbock.
Hotel: none yet
Day 9: Lubbock, TX to Round Rock, TX: 5 hours 40 min of driving. Probably do this mostly nonstop, other than a break to eat and restroom.
Any thoughts or suggestions to make this trip better? I've spent a bit more time looking at the outbound legs, but haven't spent as much on the return. I could just take mostly the same route back, if that would be better. I was just thinking of a different route to add in some variety.
So far I've rented the vehicle, but can cancel without penalty.
I've reserved hotels in Santa Rosa NM, Durango CO, Moab UT, an Airbnb in Garden City UT, and hotel in Laramie. All of these could also be cancelled without penalty.
Last edited by aztimm; Jun 22, 2020 at 3:53 pm
May 28, 2020, 11:24 pm
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Sounds like a fun trip. Day 3 takes you through the Navajo Nation which has one of the hardest hit covid populations. There have been eight 57 hour weekend lockdowns so far including next weekend. Best to check closer to your trip dates.
Four Corners monument is operated by the Navajo (Diné) and all of their tribal parks are closed indefinitely.
Four Corners monument is operated by the Navajo (Diné) and all of their tribal parks are closed indefinitely.
May 29, 2020, 12:46 pm
#3
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Sounds like a fun trip. Day 3 takes you through the Navajo Nation which has one of the hardest hit covid populations. There have been eight 57 hour weekend lockdowns so far including next weekend. Best to check closer to your trip dates.
Four Corners monument is operated by the Navajo (Diné) and all of their tribal parks are closed indefinitely.
Four Corners monument is operated by the Navajo (Diné) and all of their tribal parks are closed indefinitely.
If I do miss out on Four Corners, I will definitely take the, "long," way around to get to Moab (via Hite and Hanksville), and perhaps even visit Capitol Reef National Park. A friend of mine is in that area right now and has been posting some amazing pictures, and there are hardly any other people to be seen (she has been camping and said she may see 2-3 cars per day while moving between sites).
May 29, 2020, 1:41 pm
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From Durango, consider going north through Silverton and Ouray to Grand Junction and then over to Utah. We spent some time based in Ouray and thought the area was quite remarkable. There is a good sized hot springs in Ouray. Telluride can be a day trip from Ouray, or it looks like you can go from Telluride through the mountains to Moab, but perhaps the ride would be slow. You can ride the lifts for free in Telluride in the summer and hike if you like.
Might take you out of the way if the hard destination is Moab, but it is worth a little research. No Hilton options in that area until you go north to Montrose or on to Grand Junction.
Might take you out of the way if the hard destination is Moab, but it is worth a little research. No Hilton options in that area until you go north to Montrose or on to Grand Junction.
May 29, 2020, 1:52 pm
#5
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Thanks for the info! I didn't realize that all of the Navajo parks were closed. I'll keep an eye on their website, and perhaps things will change between now and July.
If I do miss out on Four Corners, I will definitely take the, "long," way around to get to Moab (via Hite and Hanksville), and perhaps even visit Capitol Reef National Park. A friend of mine is in that area right now and has been posting some amazing pictures, and there are hardly any other people to be seen (she has been camping and said she may see 2-3 cars per day while moving between sites).
If I do miss out on Four Corners, I will definitely take the, "long," way around to get to Moab (via Hite and Hanksville), and perhaps even visit Capitol Reef National Park. A friend of mine is in that area right now and has been posting some amazing pictures, and there are hardly any other people to be seen (she has been camping and said she may see 2-3 cars per day while moving between sites).
Jun 1, 2020, 6:09 pm
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Sounds fairly good.
Doubltree in Durango is a good choice and it’s my go to hotel everytime in town. It’s walking distance to downtown which can be fun. Fun fact, it used to be a Red Lion Inn a long time ago. Try to get a room on the West side so your view is the creek rather than the East side.
Agree that it’s worth going north, the road is nick named the Million Dollar Highway and the views are spectacular.
I personally wouldn’t stay in Pueblo and instead would stay in Colorado Springs. The only reason I ever go to Pueblo is for water skiing...
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods is open.
Garden of the Gods never gets old and it’s free. Piles Peak has a toll, buts not bad. If it’s busy, you will be forced to park about midway and they will bus you to the top. Two reasons for this, the train isn’t operating and hasn’t for a year or two and think it’s another couple years before we will see it again. The other reason is that we are finally building a new visitors center at the top so parking is limited.
Worth it also to visit the Broadmoor hotel as well. Very beautiful. Be sure to cross over the lake and into the West Tower, walk all the way to the south and see pictures of all the famous people that have stayed. Grab a pint at the Golden Bee as well.
Doubltree in Durango is a good choice and it’s my go to hotel everytime in town. It’s walking distance to downtown which can be fun. Fun fact, it used to be a Red Lion Inn a long time ago. Try to get a room on the West side so your view is the creek rather than the East side.
Agree that it’s worth going north, the road is nick named the Million Dollar Highway and the views are spectacular.
I personally wouldn’t stay in Pueblo and instead would stay in Colorado Springs. The only reason I ever go to Pueblo is for water skiing...
Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods is open.
Garden of the Gods never gets old and it’s free. Piles Peak has a toll, buts not bad. If it’s busy, you will be forced to park about midway and they will bus you to the top. Two reasons for this, the train isn’t operating and hasn’t for a year or two and think it’s another couple years before we will see it again. The other reason is that we are finally building a new visitors center at the top so parking is limited.
Worth it also to visit the Broadmoor hotel as well. Very beautiful. Be sure to cross over the lake and into the West Tower, walk all the way to the south and see pictures of all the famous people that have stayed. Grab a pint at the Golden Bee as well.
Last edited by COSPILOT; Jun 6, 2020 at 3:47 am
Jun 5, 2020, 6:41 pm
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If you're near Santa Fe, I highly recommend Los Alamos if you've never been there, ideally via the Turquoise Trail. IIRC it's about an hour's drive. There's a museum on the history of Los Alamos in a strip mall to the right as you approach from Santa Fe and then a historic log cabin/lodge that's been turned into a museum in a small park near the center of town. It's hard to see much of the current "lab" facilities, so don't bother and focus on the history.
Jun 21, 2020, 10:55 am
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Blue hole is currently closed and so is ouray although the latter is expected to partially open next week.
we did a trip in the opposite direction recently - Santa rosa looked depressing (in the absence of blue hole) - i d make it to Santa fe or taos.
durango is a crowded sprawl - pagosa springs and ouray were far far more attractive.
I d recommend staying at cabins in rv parks at least some nights instead of chains. Go through capitol reef park (the least crowded of utah 5) and to bryce and make a detour to little wild horse slot canyon a couple hours outside moab.
we did a trip in the opposite direction recently - Santa rosa looked depressing (in the absence of blue hole) - i d make it to Santa fe or taos.
durango is a crowded sprawl - pagosa springs and ouray were far far more attractive.
I d recommend staying at cabins in rv parks at least some nights instead of chains. Go through capitol reef park (the least crowded of utah 5) and to bryce and make a detour to little wild horse slot canyon a couple hours outside moab.
Last edited by azepine00; Jun 21, 2020 at 11:06 am
Jun 21, 2020, 3:41 pm
#9
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Thanks for the info about Blue Hole. I'm more into actually swimming, so Lake Santa Rosa is more what I'm looking for. Certainly if Blue Hole is open, I'll check it out. But Santa Rosa makes the most sense for a stop so that the following 2 days don't have too much driving. I'm really just looking for a place to sleep, eat, and get in a swim.
I wasn't planning to go to Ouray, but thanks for that info also.
These are all 1-night stays (I 'camped' when I was in the Army when I was much younger and won't do that again). I have all stays booked at Hilton properties (a few nights I have 2 properties booked and I'll decide as it gets closer which I'll keep). I'm not staying directly in any towns, other than Moab. I don't see the need to stay in town in Durango, as I don't drink and won't be eating at any restaurants (perhaps I'll bring something to my room or have it delivered).
Not quite sure I'll make it to all of those places in Utah, but thanks for the info. I will probably go from Durango-->Hite-->Hanksville-->Moab for that day of the journey. The following morning, time permitting, I'll stop at Arches on my way Moab-->Salt Lake City-->Garden City.
I wasn't planning to go to Ouray, but thanks for that info also.
These are all 1-night stays (I 'camped' when I was in the Army when I was much younger and won't do that again). I have all stays booked at Hilton properties (a few nights I have 2 properties booked and I'll decide as it gets closer which I'll keep). I'm not staying directly in any towns, other than Moab. I don't see the need to stay in town in Durango, as I don't drink and won't be eating at any restaurants (perhaps I'll bring something to my room or have it delivered).
Not quite sure I'll make it to all of those places in Utah, but thanks for the info. I will probably go from Durango-->Hite-->Hanksville-->Moab for that day of the journey. The following morning, time permitting, I'll stop at Arches on my way Moab-->Salt Lake City-->Garden City.
Jul 8, 2020, 6:04 pm
#10
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I'm looking to revise my return trip as follows. I'd appreciate any feedback.
Day 6: Garden City, UT to Rifle, CO (via Salt Lake City)
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Rifle, CO
Places to swim: Rifle Gap State Park (a few others)
Day 7: Rifle, CO to Colorado Springs, CO: about 6 hours drive (with a trip up/down Pike's Peak). I'm planning to stop and visit some friends in the Denver area along the way. I will detour off to Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods (never been to those), if they are open and not too busy.
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Colorado Springs Airport
Places to swim: still investigating...
Day 8: Colorado Springs, CO to Lubbock, TX: about 7ish hours of driving, taking the most direct route. Haven't really explored this yet on what might make a good diversion. This will probably be the longest day of driving on the return trip.
Hotel: Homewood Suites, Lubbock
Places to swim: Pueblo Reservoir, La Junta Reservoir (if I take that route), Lubbock.
Day 9: Lubbock, TX to Round Rock, TX: 5 hours 40 min of driving. Probably do this mostly nonstop, other than a break to eat and restroom.
Day 6: Garden City, UT to Rifle, CO (via Salt Lake City)
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Rifle, CO
Places to swim: Rifle Gap State Park (a few others)
Day 7: Rifle, CO to Colorado Springs, CO: about 6 hours drive (with a trip up/down Pike's Peak). I'm planning to stop and visit some friends in the Denver area along the way. I will detour off to Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods (never been to those), if they are open and not too busy.
Hotel: Hampton Inn, Colorado Springs Airport
Places to swim: still investigating...
Day 8: Colorado Springs, CO to Lubbock, TX: about 7ish hours of driving, taking the most direct route. Haven't really explored this yet on what might make a good diversion. This will probably be the longest day of driving on the return trip.
Hotel: Homewood Suites, Lubbock
Places to swim: Pueblo Reservoir, La Junta Reservoir (if I take that route), Lubbock.
Day 9: Lubbock, TX to Round Rock, TX: 5 hours 40 min of driving. Probably do this mostly nonstop, other than a break to eat and restroom.
Jul 8, 2020, 7:54 pm
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I think you might be pushing it on day 7. About 4 hrs to denver, thrn an Horton’s Colorado Springs.
garden of the gods you can drive around in. With doing that and driving up pikes peak looks to be a looong day.
driving to Lubbock from Colorado Springs doesn’t have much. If you go by Amarillo you have Palo Duro Canyon state park
garden of the gods you can drive around in. With doing that and driving up pikes peak looks to be a looong day.
driving to Lubbock from Colorado Springs doesn’t have much. If you go by Amarillo you have Palo Duro Canyon state park
Jul 9, 2020, 10:18 am
#12
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I think you might be pushing it on day 7. About 4 hrs to denver, thrn an Horton’s Colorado Springs.
garden of the gods you can drive around in. With doing that and driving up pikes peak looks to be a looong day.
driving to Lubbock from Colorado Springs doesn’t have much. If you go by Amarillo you have Palo Duro Canyon state park
garden of the gods you can drive around in. With doing that and driving up pikes peak looks to be a looong day.
driving to Lubbock from Colorado Springs doesn’t have much. If you go by Amarillo you have Palo Duro Canyon state park
If I skip Denver, I could just take the I-70 from Rifle to Frisco, then CO-9 (past Breckenridge) to US-24 and go straight to Pike's Peak. I'd imagine that route is a little more scenic too. Google puts that drive at 6 hours, without breaks. Factor in a morning swim, a break for lunch, then I could be at the hotel in CO Springs about 7-8pm. That would be a busy day, but I'd sleep well, and be ready for the next day's drive to Lubbock.
I've been to Denver before (it is the only part of Colorado that I've been to so far. Well Denver, a tour of the Coors Brewery, and going out to some casino I think a bit west on the I-70). So it wouldn't be a huge loss, and I'd rather avoid areas with too many people anyway.
Are any other mountains in that area worth going out of my way for? Google maps shows Capitol Peak, Mt Elbert, Mt Harvard, and Mt Antero. If they wouldn't be as busy as Pikes, I could divert to one of those. And I'm sure I'd still see Pikes Peak (if it is clear) from Colorado Springs.
For the Colorado Springs to Lubbock day, I'm looking to take I-25 to Pueblo, then go through La Junta (there's a lake there), and cut across the panhandle of Oklahoma into Texas.
I've been to Raton, NM and it is a beautiful place! That's another option, just taking I-25 to there, then US-87 east to Texas.
Jul 9, 2020, 11:59 am
#13
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yea I'm thinking of just skipping Denver. with the way things are anyway, I'd only want to meet them at a restaurant that has an outside patio. and being pressed for time... an hour lunch would be a bit stressful.
If I skip Denver, I could just take the I-70 from Rifle to Frisco, then CO-9 (past Breckenridge) to US-24 and go straight to Pike's Peak.
Are any other mountains in that area worth going out of my way for? Google maps shows Capitol Peak, Mt Elbert, Mt Harvard, and Mt Antero. If they wouldn't be as busy as Pikes, I could divert to one of those. And I'm sure I'd still see Pikes Peak (if it is clear) from Colorado Springs.
.
If I skip Denver, I could just take the I-70 from Rifle to Frisco, then CO-9 (past Breckenridge) to US-24 and go straight to Pike's Peak.
Are any other mountains in that area worth going out of my way for? Google maps shows Capitol Peak, Mt Elbert, Mt Harvard, and Mt Antero. If they wouldn't be as busy as Pikes, I could divert to one of those. And I'm sure I'd still see Pikes Peak (if it is clear) from Colorado Springs.
.
Jul 9, 2020, 1:08 pm
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I’ve done aspen and independence pass.....it’s a nice route . To aspen you are driving a valley thrn you climb up and foes the pass to beauna vista thrn to colo spr. Maroon bells is nice to see but you need to get a bus pass and given load restrictions this might take you a few hrs to see.
if you go thru breckenridge you could stop here for lunch. I’m uncertain on local Covid protocols.
if you go thru breckenridge you could stop here for lunch. I’m uncertain on local Covid protocols.
Jul 15, 2020, 8:15 pm
#15
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Now that I'm on the way, I'll share a few updates:
Day 1: traffic out of Texas was not bad at all. But it is a long, boring drive. I mostly hopped on US 183 to US 84 for almost the entire day. I stopped for gas at Sam's in Lubbock, which was about $.20 less than the prevailing rate. But even after crossing into New Mexico, it was still another ~2 hours. Traffic wasn't bad the whole day. The worst traffic was the ~10 miles I was on the I-20.
Day 2: traffic in New Mexico was a breeze. Lake Santa Rosa is closed during the week (I'd swear I checked their website). I stopped at Sam's in Santa Fe for gas, then at Gabriel's for some pictures (it is one of my favorite restaurants in the area). Swam at Abiquiu Lake which was wonderful! The drive up to Colorado was amazing!!!! Traffic in Colorado is horrible though. Pagosa Springs seemed crowded (tubers on the river, people on the sidewalks, traffic on the streets), and the drive from there to Durango was nearly bumper-to-bumper. I stopped at Chimney Rock and was glad I did. After I got into Durango, I realized that Lake Nighthorse was open until 7pm, and since it was only 5:45, I got in another swim there.
tomorrow I'll end up in Moab at the end of the day. I'm planning an early swim at Nighthorse before I head out. Since Four Corners is still closed, I'll probably take the long way around; hopefully get in a swim at Glen Canyon, and finish up with either a visit to Arches or a swim in Ken's Lake.
Day 1: traffic out of Texas was not bad at all. But it is a long, boring drive. I mostly hopped on US 183 to US 84 for almost the entire day. I stopped for gas at Sam's in Lubbock, which was about $.20 less than the prevailing rate. But even after crossing into New Mexico, it was still another ~2 hours. Traffic wasn't bad the whole day. The worst traffic was the ~10 miles I was on the I-20.
Day 2: traffic in New Mexico was a breeze. Lake Santa Rosa is closed during the week (I'd swear I checked their website). I stopped at Sam's in Santa Fe for gas, then at Gabriel's for some pictures (it is one of my favorite restaurants in the area). Swam at Abiquiu Lake which was wonderful! The drive up to Colorado was amazing!!!! Traffic in Colorado is horrible though. Pagosa Springs seemed crowded (tubers on the river, people on the sidewalks, traffic on the streets), and the drive from there to Durango was nearly bumper-to-bumper. I stopped at Chimney Rock and was glad I did. After I got into Durango, I realized that Lake Nighthorse was open until 7pm, and since it was only 5:45, I got in another swim there.
tomorrow I'll end up in Moab at the end of the day. I'm planning an early swim at Nighthorse before I head out. Since Four Corners is still closed, I'll probably take the long way around; hopefully get in a swim at Glen Canyon, and finish up with either a visit to Arches or a swim in Ken's Lake.