Any ideas for stopping points in SW?

[cnq50b]

I'm going to head out from San Diego back to KS & am looking for some stopping spots.

I would like to see the Grand Canyon - any recommendations for best time of day to see it? any places to boondock? or hook-up (not sure my batteries are strong enough to start the generator since I haven't been plugged in for a while). Any places between San Diego & Grand Canyon to stop to charge up?
The other place that really peaked my interest was New Mexico. Any favorite spots? Would like to investigate area east of Santa Rosa... Saw signs for campgrounds, but recommendations are always better.

I'm going to take 3-4 days to get back (knowing me, it'll be 3 ) but I would like to try a more leisurely drive than on the way here... Kind of a practice run for the August trip & eventual retirement.
Thanks in advance for any ideas...
Catherine

[Sandersmr]

In NM, Bandolier National Monument west of Santa Fe - cliff dwellings. Up around Taos.

In AZ - we stayed in Tucson but that may be way too hot this time of year, unless you are in the mountains east of Tucson. We stayed at Dead Horse Ranch SP in Cottonwood - about 15 miles from Sedona. Flagstaff and north to the Grand Canyon is beautiful - there are the mountains north of Flagstaff (San Francisco mountain range? San something anyway). At the Grand Canyon, we stayed at Trailer Village, the FHU campground in the park. On the main road to the overlooks, I think in the summertime, you have to ride the shuttle bus because of the traffic but I could be mistaken. The best time to see the canyon is early morning/late evening but I got the best light early morning.

We also stayed in Peach Springs which is on the Hualapai Reservation. They are the same tribe that runs the glass catwalk in Grand Canyon West - about 150 miles west of the national park. We didn't do that, but there is a road north out of Peach Springs that is not paved but goes down to the canyon and to the Colorado River - that was really cool. I don't know if your van would have the clearance - part of the road is a stream bed. We did ok in the pickup - doesn't require 4WD.

[cnq50b]

Thanks, Maggie. Those are some great suggestiongs!

[Sandersmr]

I should clarify that Bandolier is west of Santa Fe and up around Taos is a second suggestion. Also in Chama, NM is Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad if you are into excursion train rides.

[Bethers]

Lots of places I love in NM - but my favorite is the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recrea ... ivers.html

[BarbaraRose]

Closer to San Diego, you might want to take the scenic route to Palm Springs/Palm Desert. Head up the 15 to Temecula Pkwy and head east to the Pines to Palms Rd which takes you down the mountain into Palm Desert. Beautiful drive! Fun place to shop, eat and explore. Then you can catch the 10 east towards Arizona.

[cnq50b]

Thanks, everyone...
Not sure which route I'll take yet, but I'd better decide before I start the engine These ideas really help.