late spring trip from Washington to NMex

[greg2]

I'm planning a trip starting from Washington State, will end up in New Mexico where I have a couple of acres, probably camp there a day in the Zuni Mountains then explore some, maybe into Arizona, Mogollon Rim area. I am looking for advice on routes to and from. I would like to avoid the Salt Lake Valley-but places to stop or points of interest would be appreciated.

[witt]

If you like the desert, visit the Moab area and South-Eastern Utah. Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Monument, and some places outside the national parks that are very remote, at least for the US.

If you prefer alpine environments, visit South Western Colorado. The San Juan Mountains are some of the most beautiful anywhere. Visit Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, Lake City and others.

If you enjoy going off road, there are plenty of opportunities in both locations.

Happy travels,
Witt

[greg2]

Thanks Witt, some places to consider. I remember hearing about a Rallye in SW Colorado in the spring? Know about that?
Also I heard about a canyon full of untouched archaeological sites in SE Utah, recently turned over to the public somehow?

[John Ferris]

If you want to avoid the Salt Lake area take US-395 south to Burns, OR. Then cross over to US-95. From Winnemucca, NV go to Austin, NV then Ely, NV. From there it is a short ride to Beaver, UT or Panguitch, UT.
The roads are good with very little traffic.
Do not speed through towns.

[Bill Ryder]

Hello, I couldn't help but notice Yakima as your home town. I used to live there and worked for the yamaha and honda shops. Have you thought of heading a bit more east before heading south. Here in Helena Mt. we have a annual atlatl contest. I could show you one of the larger petroglyph sites that has very little recognition and show you the shammans rock. Any way look at the eastern front as a interesting route from where you are to where you are heading.

[greg2]

I'll give that some consideration Bill. A northern route taking me eastward a spell then south might work ok. I was trying to get south fast into warmer weather as I have encountered snow sleet and hail and had to wait along the side of the road for some of those final breaths of old man winter to subside. By the way I have a couple of atlatls and throw a bit for accuracy, not distance. Will check Helena's contest out!! When is it? Yakima needs a good BMW mechanic, the mechanic at the Honda shop will take on an occassional task, he rides a TransAlp and tours long too.

I am a putting together a list of cultural and historic sites to visit and have especially enjoyed Montana's mining towns and developed Native American sites, like Big Hole Battlefield. I would enjoy seeing your rock art site. Where would a guy turn south if heading to New Mexico from Helena? I am ready to fire up Garmin mapsource and have a look.

Thanks for the input, all of you!