If you want to complete the "sweep", then add Bandelier NM near Los Alamos and El Morro NM. The carvings at El Morro are some of the most memorable we ever visited. If you like to hike, the ruins in BLM Sand Canyon east of Hovenweep NM are interesting starting from the south end and hiking north. We camped at Hovenweep, Bandelier, Mesa Verde, and Chaco in the last two years without difficulty after checking opening/closing dates.
If you enjoy a dull life, follow the park service directions to reach Chaco. For excitement, use an alternate route into Chaco. The AWD SUV next to us got stuck in mud up to the fenders on an alternate route and needed to get pulled out.
Edit: After thinking back to our stay at Chaco, there was 60+ mph wind in a thunderstorm which flattened half the tents and shelters in the campground and flooded out six campsites. Also, there was the drunk retired marine with his two drunk tart daughters who would run his generator to irritate his neighbors. We actually enjoyed our stay and it was very memorable.
The stuck SUV was a Lexus with a single lady driving. Those who happened upon her in the middle-of-nowhere did not want to wade into the mud but did offer her a ride which she declined since she did not want to leave her Lexus alone out in the middle-of-nowhere. After awhile, Chaco campground chatter stirred concerning the single lady stuck in the mud in the middle-of-nowhere and reached other members of her party who then exclaimed "oh, she is with us!" and proceeded out to the middle-of-nowhere with a Suburban and tow chain.
If you enjoy a dull life, follow the park service directions to reach Chaco. For excitement, use an alternate route into Chaco. The AWD SUV next to us got stuck in mud up to the fenders on an alternate route and needed to get pulled out.
Edit: After thinking back to our stay at Chaco, there was 60+ mph wind in a thunderstorm which flattened half the tents and shelters in the campground and flooded out six campsites. Also, there was the drunk retired marine with his two drunk tart daughters who would run his generator to irritate his neighbors. We actually enjoyed our stay and it was very memorable.
The stuck SUV was a Lexus with a single lady driving. Those who happened upon her in the middle-of-nowhere did not want to wade into the mud but did offer her a ride which she declined since she did not want to leave her Lexus alone out in the middle-of-nowhere. After awhile, Chaco campground chatter stirred concerning the single lady stuck in the mud in the middle-of-nowhere and reached other members of her party who then exclaimed "oh, she is with us!" and proceeded out to the middle-of-nowhere with a Suburban and tow chain.
At Mojave Preserve, look into staying at the Mid Hills CG instead of Hole in the Wall (higher and prettier IMO). Also, drive to Carruthers Canyon (without your trailer). While in southern CA consider Anza Borrego Desert State Park. There is tremendous floral diversity and bloom should be spectacular this spring (check their web site for optimal visitation dates). Cayuse mentioned Big Bend, Carlsbad, and Organ Pipe. We just returned from a trip that included those three (also White Sands, NM), all of which we plan to return to. You could craft a loop to go from DV to Joshua Tree/Mojave Preserve down to Anza Borrego and over to Organ Pipe, then north through AZ to your Utah destinations. While in the St. George area you are fairly close to Toroweep (Tuweep) on the north rim of the Grand canyon, another spectacular spot (again, this CG would be without your trailer). However and wherever you decide to go, it will be a great trip!
