CA, AZ, NM

[Pasttents]

Leaving Portland in January. Only thing booked so far is a couple of nights at Crystal Cove. Want to head down 395, and take 2-3 days to get there. After that, we're open to suggestions for camping, routes, stuff to see. We're planning on being gone about 30 days, but we're flexible.

Thanks!

 

[dennis 221]

Alabama hills death valley an everywhere else

 

[Sleddog]

So many things to do and places to see across three states that I don't know where to start. We like to use the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas for each state and always purchase one prior to our road trips. The Recreation section is broken down by region with maps and listings of highlights for things to see and do. In January, we've found the farther south the better for avoiding snow and cold.

 

[searching for nowhere]

I enjoyed exploring and camping in Panamint Valley last February. There were less people than Death Valley.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

A few to consider…

Mojave Preserve, CA (can be cold)
Anza Barrego State Park, CA
Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Organ Pipe NM, AZ
Chiricahua NM, AZ
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, NM
Salinas Pueblo Missions, NM

 

[searching for nowhere]

I stayed at Valley of Fire last March. A few things to know.

• If you want to stay in the campground you need to show up between 8:00am and 10:00am and be lucky.
• There is disperse camping before and after Valley of Fire. Both are shown on Campendium.
• The park is very popular. Get out early in the morning to avoid the crowds. I think there are a lot of day trippers from Las Vegas.
• There are outstanding sights to see in the park.
• To drive the road through the park costs the park entrance fee of $15. That includes entering the park just to look for a camp site.

This isn't my type of park - too many people. But the views are great. I recommend stopping at the park. Just head out early to see the sights.

 

[AWG_Pics]

Some suggestions:

Painted Rock Petroglyph site & campground - 33.02287, -113.04959
Organ Pipe as Steve suggested
Wupatki Pueblo ruins National Monument - boondock area: 35.52773, -111.43741
Death Valley National Park has more than a lifetime of exploring available
Cathedral Gorge state park in Nevada

Do get a benchmark road and recreation atlas for each State. Shows landownership, making it easier to figure out where to boondock.

If the winter is stormier than you like, an alternative to 395 is to get to Prineville either over Government Camp or from Hood River, then to Burns on hwy 20, then Winnemucca, then south either through Fallon or Austin, depending on road conditions. From Tonapah on south should be clear sailing.

Have fun

35.52773, -111.43741