Johnmcd
Well-known
I have a US trip coming up. Will pack the Mamiya 7 and R-D1.
Will hire a car (and try and stay on the 'right' side of the road) and I have two weeks to travel from Indianapolis through to Los Angeles via Kansas and Albuquerque.
Any suggestions? Places to see?
Cheers - John
Will hire a car (and try and stay on the 'right' side of the road) and I have two weeks to travel from Indianapolis through to Los Angeles via Kansas and Albuquerque.
Any suggestions? Places to see?
Cheers - John
Don Parsons
Well-known
St Louis Arch
Johnmcd
Well-known
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Carry food and drink in the car for luxurious picnics. You may on occasion end up in towns/motels where there is no restaurant/diner; or the restaurant/diner is closed; or you wouldn't care to eat there anyway. My wife and I have driven coast to coast several times and this is a genuine risk. (Not just in the USA but on any road trip -- see http://www.semiadventuroustraveler.com/semi picnic.html
A lot of the most interesting sights are not the ones that everyone thinks of, but rather, insights into small-town America.
Cheers,
R.
A lot of the most interesting sights are not the ones that everyone thinks of, but rather, insights into small-town America.
Cheers,
R.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
What brings you to Indianapolis from Australia? If you don't have to go through Kansas, you might take a more southerly route to Albuquerque and take I-44 from St. Louis to Oklahoma City then I-40 to Albuquerque. This section of I-44 and I 40 runs along the old Route 66 highway and there is a lot of cool stuff to photograph along there.
I second Roger's advice on food. The center of the USA is nearly uninhabited outside a few big cities like Oklahoma City, Amarillo, and Albuquerque. In Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico you can drive hours without seeing a town with restaurants. In New Mexico you can drive hours without seeing a house! Once you leave Missouri, which is densely populated and full of restaurants, you'll need to plan your meals carefully to make sure you eat at the major cities so you don't find yourself hungry hours from a restaurant. Most Americans live east of Missouri's western boundry, or on the west coast. The lands in between have emptied out over the last 50 years.
Tucamcari, New Mexico off I-40
Groom, Texas along I-40
Texas panhandle region, near Amarillo along I-40
Along I-40 near Adrian, Texas (very small town)
Route 66 Drive-In Theater along I-40 in Oklahoma
Near the tiny town of Vega, Texas along I-40
Eastern New Mexico along I-40. These DRAMATIC skies are very common in this area.
New Mexico along I-40
I second Roger's advice on food. The center of the USA is nearly uninhabited outside a few big cities like Oklahoma City, Amarillo, and Albuquerque. In Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico you can drive hours without seeing a town with restaurants. In New Mexico you can drive hours without seeing a house! Once you leave Missouri, which is densely populated and full of restaurants, you'll need to plan your meals carefully to make sure you eat at the major cities so you don't find yourself hungry hours from a restaurant. Most Americans live east of Missouri's western boundry, or on the west coast. The lands in between have emptied out over the last 50 years.
Tucamcari, New Mexico off I-40
Groom, Texas along I-40
Texas panhandle region, near Amarillo along I-40
Along I-40 near Adrian, Texas (very small town)
Route 66 Drive-In Theater along I-40 in Oklahoma
Near the tiny town of Vega, Texas along I-40
Eastern New Mexico along I-40. These DRAMATIC skies are very common in this area.
New Mexico along I-40
dagabel
Established
As long as you're on I-40 in New Mexico, the red rock formations just east of Gallup present some nice landscapes early or late in the day. Also, further west (between Gallup and Flagstaff, AZ), you might enjoy the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest National Monument. Holbrook, AZ has the funky Wigwam Motel. Hope you have fun!
Duane
Duane
ferider
Veteran
I would go a different route. Via Denver and Utah. And on a bike, of course.
Be safe.
Roland.
Be safe.
Roland.
oftheherd
Veteran
The idea of having food isn't bad in and of itself. It does give you an opportunity to stop and relax and/or sleep in a rest stop if you choose to do so. But I think some have painted a rather bleak picture of the American Mid-West. Mind you, we joke that in Kansas there are miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles of nothing. But on most major roads, and certainly on interstates, there are usually truck stops every 50 to 100 miles. They will have gas stations and restaurants, even if only fast food places. Normally truckers prefer sit down restaurants. Get too far off interstates or away from tourist attractions and things may thin out. Some times you may find yourself at an exit where the gas stations aren't close to the exit, and if too late, may be closed.
As to places to go, is there a reason for the route you have chosen other than a map of interstates? When is your trip? I ask as weather might be a factor in choosing places to visit.
When you go through Kansas City, you might want a short (about 1 hour) trip up to St Joseph. They have the Pony Express Museum. They also used to have a museum with a some American Indian artifacts. Some of the old homes there are interesting photographically. I think they still have a museum with railroad engines and cars. It won't likely be the highlight of your trip, so plan accordingly, but might be of interest.
I would consider going through the Four Corners area (where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico share a common border). Very close to that is the Mesa Verde National Park. That contains a lot of cliff dwellings (google). They are interesting and picturesque. I certainly agree with the Grand Canyon, and the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest. Also Monument Valley for some interesting rock formations that you may recognize from some American Western movies.
Someone mentioned Utah. Some north of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, there is a Coral Pink Valley, an oddity, more picturesque would be Bryce Canyon or Zion Canyon National Parks. http://brycecanyon.com/ will list other nearby (relative) national parks.
All depends on your interests and time. You may get a little overwhelmed by desert along the route in the South West, but there are some picturesques places there.
As to places to go, is there a reason for the route you have chosen other than a map of interstates? When is your trip? I ask as weather might be a factor in choosing places to visit.
When you go through Kansas City, you might want a short (about 1 hour) trip up to St Joseph. They have the Pony Express Museum. They also used to have a museum with a some American Indian artifacts. Some of the old homes there are interesting photographically. I think they still have a museum with railroad engines and cars. It won't likely be the highlight of your trip, so plan accordingly, but might be of interest.
I would consider going through the Four Corners area (where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico share a common border). Very close to that is the Mesa Verde National Park. That contains a lot of cliff dwellings (google). They are interesting and picturesque. I certainly agree with the Grand Canyon, and the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest. Also Monument Valley for some interesting rock formations that you may recognize from some American Western movies.
Someone mentioned Utah. Some north of the Grand Canyon's North Rim, there is a Coral Pink Valley, an oddity, more picturesque would be Bryce Canyon or Zion Canyon National Parks. http://brycecanyon.com/ will list other nearby (relative) national parks.
All depends on your interests and time. You may get a little overwhelmed by desert along the route in the South West, but there are some picturesques places there.
Johnmcd
Well-known
Thanks for all the great tips.
A little bit more about my trip.
I am lecturing at the Fire Dept Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. A huge conference of around 30,000 firefighters. I arrive on the 20th March and finish on the 26th. This is my third tiem back but haven't had the time to dawdle back home until now.
My partner, who is with me, has firends in Kansas and Albuquerque and then I basically drew a straight line to Los Angeles which is a direct flight back to Sydney. We have left ourselves 2 weeks to make the journey, so some detours should be fine.
Thanks for all the tips on eating in the mid-west. Remember I come from Australia where we can also drive for many hours without seeing a person or dwelling
One of my past trips took me through the centre of Australia - now that is empty!
At least a little of the grand canyon would be great...
Any more tips would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers - John
A little bit more about my trip.
I am lecturing at the Fire Dept Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. A huge conference of around 30,000 firefighters. I arrive on the 20th March and finish on the 26th. This is my third tiem back but haven't had the time to dawdle back home until now.
My partner, who is with me, has firends in Kansas and Albuquerque and then I basically drew a straight line to Los Angeles which is a direct flight back to Sydney. We have left ourselves 2 weeks to make the journey, so some detours should be fine.
Thanks for all the tips on eating in the mid-west. Remember I come from Australia where we can also drive for many hours without seeing a person or dwelling
One of my past trips took me through the centre of Australia - now that is empty!At least a little of the grand canyon would be great...
Any more tips would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers - John
Olsen
Well-known
I would have done a totally different route.
When first on the West Coast of USA I would not miss the coastline, Big Sur and Hurst Castle, Monterey and San Fransisco. Then I would have driven on the Lake Tahoe and Reno. Then down to Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park, through Death Valley to Las Vegas. From here I can recommend a bush pilot flight to see Grand Canyon. Then I would have gone north through Utah and see some of the national parks and find a route crossing the Rocky's to your destination, Indianapolis.
I did this route with a friend back in 91' and experienced some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. Unforgettable.
When you first are in USA spend some time there! When one of you is driving the other can read through the AAA booklets to find cheap motels and restaurants, sights to see and all that.
Have a nice trip!
When first on the West Coast of USA I would not miss the coastline, Big Sur and Hurst Castle, Monterey and San Fransisco. Then I would have driven on the Lake Tahoe and Reno. Then down to Mono Lake, Yosemite National Park, through Death Valley to Las Vegas. From here I can recommend a bush pilot flight to see Grand Canyon. Then I would have gone north through Utah and see some of the national parks and find a route crossing the Rocky's to your destination, Indianapolis.
I did this route with a friend back in 91' and experienced some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. Unforgettable.
When you first are in USA spend some time there! When one of you is driving the other can read through the AAA booklets to find cheap motels and restaurants, sights to see and all that.
Have a nice trip!
wgerrard
Veteran
John, snow is still a possibility in late March and early April, especially at higher elevations. Your route will put you in some mountainous terrain in New Mexico and Arizona. Nothing challenging, but, for example, Flagstaff, at 8000 feet, gets a lot of snow, while Phoenix, in the desert and pretty much at sea level, is doing good to see a flurry every decade or so. Just keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to alter your route.
For a more southerly route, you could drop south from Indianapolis, into Tennessee and pick up I-40 to the west.
Also, since I like the Arizona desert, think about dropping down to Tucson, getting off the interstate for a day and driving west through the desert (maybe stopping at Kitt Peak Observatory, an interesting place if you are into astronomy, and the Saguaro Desert Park near Tucson is great)), and then getting back on the interstate. You can proceed to San Diego, well worth seeing, and then go north into LA.
For a more southerly route, you could drop south from Indianapolis, into Tennessee and pick up I-40 to the west.
Also, since I like the Arizona desert, think about dropping down to Tucson, getting off the interstate for a day and driving west through the desert (maybe stopping at Kitt Peak Observatory, an interesting place if you are into astronomy, and the Saguaro Desert Park near Tucson is great)), and then getting back on the interstate. You can proceed to San Diego, well worth seeing, and then go north into LA.
filmtwit
Desperate but not serious
There's a bunch of Frank Lloyd Wright here in LA, you can tour one of them here at the Barnsdale Park. But along the way you can stop outside of Scottsdale AZ and see Taliesin West too.
http://www.franklloydwright.org/fllwf_web_091104/Home.html
http://www.franklloydwright.org/fllwf_web_091104/Home.html
Al Patterson
Ferroequinologist
If you do go through Flagstaff, think about a slight detour to see Sedona and Jerome. Sedona is an overpriced tourist trap with some beautiful red rocks, while Jerome is more of a ghost town. I'd drive through Sendona and spend time in Jerome, but it's your choice.
Have someone you know in the states pick UP the AAA travel guides for the states you plan to drive through. You might see something in them that we don't mentio here that you would rather see.
Enjoy!
Have someone you know in the states pick UP the AAA travel guides for the states you plan to drive through. You might see something in them that we don't mentio here that you would rather see.
Enjoy!
SciAggie
Well-known
The St. James Hotel in Cimmaron, New Mexico is a cool place to visit. It is an old hotel frequented by many famous names from the great cattle drives of the 1880's. You will see tons of Bison and antelope and other wildlife. It is NOT a tourist place - there's not much there past the old hotel. I guess it depends on your photographic interests and your interest in the history of the American west.
R
rpsawin
Guest
Check out historic Route 66. It is in bits & pieces but still can be found.
Best regards,
Bob
Best regards,
Bob
rpilottx
Established
I second the idea of Route 66. It is the classic American road trip and runs from Chicago to LA through ABQ. Avoid the interstates if you can (straight and boring especially through Texas). Santa Fe in New Mexico is great and just south of ABQ is the Very Large Array (VLA) which makes for some great photos. (Think film CONTACT).
Silver City and the Gila wilderness in southwest New Mexico are awesome as is the four corners area in northwest New Mexico. Arizona has some great sights as well including the Grand Canyon. And the Canyonlands in Utah is probably the most scenic area in the West.
Silver City and the Gila wilderness in southwest New Mexico are awesome as is the four corners area in northwest New Mexico. Arizona has some great sights as well including the Grand Canyon. And the Canyonlands in Utah is probably the most scenic area in the West.
benlees
Well-known
Since you are driving through Kansas, which will be quite boring from scenery point of view, you should stop in Dodge City for some fine American West type stuff. Laurence is also a "famous" college town. These usually have great food, cool shops, and all the things young people like. I spent a pleasant afternoon there on the day, I found out later, resident and notorious author William Burroughs died. A good trip.
Red Rock Bill
Well-known
John,I didn't notice when you'll be traveling.If you are driving through Gallup,NM during the daytime Mon-Sat give me a call and I'll buy you a cup and take you on a behind the scenes tour of one of the largest and oldest trading posts in the area. area code 505dash722dash3366....try to call a day before as I'm in and out (5 grandkids,school,babysitting and all that goes with it)if I'm not in leave a number and I'll call you back. Regards,Bill
wgerrard
Veteran
The best part of getting from Flagstaff to Sedona is the drive through Oak Creak Canyon on 89A.
Sedona is indeed heavily touristed, but the beauty of the terrain is legit.
gns
Well-known
Route 66 road trip... Classic Americana.
I recommend the Blue Highways (do you use that term in Australia?), and the book with that name by William Least Heat-Moon.
Cheers,
Gary
I recommend the Blue Highways (do you use that term in Australia?), and the book with that name by William Least Heat-Moon.
Cheers,
Gary