One Week of No Worries...Where to go?

[JTHOMP]

So in three weeks I start a new job and tomorrow I will be giving notice to my current job. I'll give them two weeks notice and give myself a week of freedom to do whatever I want. Being on call 24/7 for the past 4 years this is a huge breath of fresh air. During that week I have some local ideas of things I might do such as bowfishing and/or camping and fishing new areas. These are dependent on river levels and weather which is to be determined.

I have also always wanted to just packup and head west. Just go and see what there is out there on our public lands. Any state is an option. Even somewhere north wouldn't be bad if it's worth seeing. The only limiting factor is the drive time during the 7 days. Coming from Louisiana so leaning towards throwing a dart somewhere inside a semicircle around E Arizona, E Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

I don't think it is exactly possible but also tossing the idea of going someplace where I can get an OTC elk tag or at least an elk tag I hope to draw in the near future and scout. My doubt is due to elk not being full back in their summer ranges where I would find them by late august or early september. Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LaSportsman]

I've done this on moves multiple times during job relocation. Pick a direction and see what is there you are interested in. Pick another direction when you get time in the future.

You're 20 hours or so to AZ driving. Could scout NM on the way for their random draw and AZ for future OTC deer. Maybe you could get an AZ hunter ed while here but have to get real lucky on timing. Will be hot at lower elevations. Not LA humidity but a baking sun. Great bass fishing in AZ as well.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Az. Grand Canyon if your into hiking,Round trip to
the bottom.Colossal Caves.Lots of places in N.M. to check
out on or drive out west.Have Fun!

 

[dirtclod Az.]

LaSportsman,looks like we posted same time.
with similar ideas.

 

[noharleyyet]

Make a big circle thru Colorado...Durango thru Silverton, Ouray, Montrose... then head to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park & back home....

 

[LCH]

I'd go bear hunting!

 

[bobbydean]

NHY,

excellent post! My wife will not let me drive Sillverton or Ouray. She thinks I sight see too much and will runoff the road.. Awesome views! The Rocky Mountain National Park is great. Did a couple of times. Funny as hell watching those people getting next to the bugling bulls. They were right beside me: what idiots!

Everyone in there life need to visit that park; it is awesome.

 

[jtm307]

My doubt is due to elk not being full back in their summer ranges where I would find them by late august or early september.

Scouting is as much about familiarizing yourself with a hunt area as it is about finding animals.

 

[noharleyyet]

...the drive from Walsenberg to Durango via Wolfcreek Pass and Pagosa Springs ain’t too shabby either.

 

[ntodwild]

St Joe River Valley Idaho is a long way away but it's one of my favorite places in the northwest (OTC Elk tags). I typically spend a few weeks in the area over the summer just goofing off (ATV riding, scouting, camping, fly fishing and floating the river with friends). I would say the Colorado trip depending on the road conditions and snow in the mountains could be a fun one and a possibility given where your coming from. A lax trip through the Dakotas (Badlands) then loop down into the Yellowstone area could be fun (mostly driving but it would be relaxing and fun).

 

[JTHOMP]

This is probably best suited for the "I'm a moron thread"
Was planning a Colorado trip and took a second look at the calendar when I asked my girl friend if she wanted to go....I start my new job in 2 weeks not 3. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep dreaming of heading west one day.

 

[isu22andy]

This is probably best suited for the "I'm a moron thread"
Was planning a Colorado trip and took a second look at the calendar when I asked my girl friend if she wanted to go....I start my new job in 2 weeks not 3. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll keep dreaming of heading west one day.

Haha it happens, atleast you figured it out now! My suggestion was going to be a turkey tag in Nebraska ! Good luck in your new venture in life.

 

[ccc23454]

Bear hunt idaho, fun and cool experience plus reasonably priced

 

[LaSportsman]

then go red fishing before you start work!

 

[Europe]

The White Mtn Apache Res has nice views and multiple activities available

I always enjoyed a 4 to 5 day white water rafting trip down the Colorado and this early in the season the water will be moving.

Also if you drive the lower route through Texas on your way to Arizona, Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico are interesting

I think including n Elk hunt with no scouting or experience in an area might be tough. Possibly you could buy a hunt in Arizona from one of the Indian tribes, but they are expensive, but produce great bull.

Have a great trip

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Europe,Your correct on the cave situation.
Carlsbad is where I've been,Also Collasal and Karchner Caverns.
I think Collasal Caves is modernized now.
They have an in cave food court and a hotel room.

 

[LopeHunter]

Flagstaff, AZ. You will see mountains with snow. Sunrise will be near 35F then reach nearly 70F by afternoon. There are elk herds. Grand Canyon is a bit to north. Sedona a bit to the west. Phoenix, a bit to south, will be 95F with NO humidity. I would drive through Dallas on way there then home via Tucson through San Antonio. Will are driving each day though. Could fly into Phoenix and rent car (snow should not be an issue) to drive to Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and Sedona then fly home if are not a road warrior. Enjoy.