NM to OR -route / todo ideas please mid July NM>OR end Sep OR>NM

[vanis13]

https://goo.gl/maps/BLsLdMukQz26JCnL8

Will be driving (again) ABQ, NM to Hood River (Portland) OR. In past I have beelined driving/sleeping/repeat.

This trip I have more time. I'll have a WW Kayak, a MTN bike , and kiteboard gear with me.

Since slower is better mpg, I'm open to scenic/slower routes.

Considering my now available time, what routes and stops and to-dos would ya'll recommend?

Thanks ahead of time,
Andy

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[Tobias Duncan]

What month?
You are going right through some very cool parts of Utah but they are probably too hot right now

[vanis13]

[jimf909]

That'll be an amazing round trip with dozens of possibilities.

- Hwy 50 across Nevada is a bit out of the way but it's a favorite of mine for the great views from the passes.

- The Alvord desert in SE OR has been on my list for a long time. I believe Sodo did a trip report of it last year.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvord_Desert

- A little north of your route are the Sawtooth mountains and Stanley Basin with fishing and tons of hiking. The Sawtooths are dramatic peaks rising out of the valley. Kinda like the Grand Tetons but smaller and a lot less crowded.

Enjoy the trip!
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- Jim

[Tobias Duncan]

Its gonna be hot on the way up, high elevation sleeping with be your friend

Maybe somewhere near Ouray CO

Soldier Summit /Price Canyon is about the same altitude as Taos so should be nice at night

After that I would push on to Idaho

[djkeev]

That route drawn is a 60 mph average route and passes through some hot land.

I tend to avoid areas like that.
As suggested head to the hills!
Run the Rockies or dart into California high country.

Sure, the desert can be pretty and interesting but in the Summer?
No thank you very much.
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[dhaavers]

If you need camping near Moab, head for the nearby La Sal mountain area…several
camping places to choose from, relatively cool at altitude, plus you’ll find TREES!

…and SHADE!

Spent an early July weekend there in 2018 when it was over 100° in town, but a
(relatively) blissful 85° at our campsite up the mountain. Thankfully, the laws of
altitude, pressure and temperature are universal…



- Dave
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[vegpedlr]

I’ve done Moab in the summer and survived. Missed the La Sals though. I’d cruise US 50, maybe stop around Fish Lakes for cooler temps. Head across the Great Basin, stop at GB NP. From CA Northern Sierra, cruise through Lassen NP, maybe Crater Lake, or meander through the OR outback. Hang out in Bend/Central OR as long as possible. Throw in the Gorge and PDX too. Since you’re from NM maybe a detour out to the coast too.

Also Descend on Bend in late August is super fun, though a huge festival that’s not for everyone. September features a much smaller gathering Northwest Nomads same area.

I want to do this trip
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