UPDATES

UPDATED INFORMATION:

Scenic Side Trip #1: Van Horn, Texas, to Las Cruces, New Mexico — Updated September 2026

White Sands National Monument was redesignated White Sands National Park in 2019. Current admission is $25 per private vehicle. Missile testing can temporarily close both Dunes Drive and US 70; check current closures before traveling.

Carlsbad Caverns now uses timed-entry reservations for cavern access. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

The Hubbard Museum of the American West is temporarily closed for renovations until further notice. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack is also no longer operating at its historic Ruidoso Downs location because of continuing flood risk; 2026 racing was moved to Albuquerque.

White Sands Missile Range Museum remains open, but civilian visitors now need base access authorization/background screening. Check current requirements before visiting.

Lincoln Historic Site: San Juan Church is temporarily closed because of structural concerns; the remainder of the site remains open.

Hotel El Capitan, Trinity Hotel, The Lodge at Cloudcroft, McGinn’s PistachioLand/World’s Largest Pistachio, Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Smokey Bear Historical Park, International UFO Museum, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Brantley Lake and Hotel Encanto all remain in operation as of this update.

Scenic Side Trip #2: Las Cruces to Lordsburg — Updated September 2026

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument remains open and admission is now free. Entry to the Cliff Dweller Trail is currently permitted from 9 a.m. until 3:59 p.m.; visitors must be out of the monument by 4:50 p.m. The current information number is 575-323-2904. Check road and weather conditions before traveling; roads approaching the monument are not maintained at night or on weekends.

Spaceport America is a closed facility and cannot simply be visited independently. Public tours must be arranged in advance and currently depart from Truth or Consequences or Las Cruces.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument: guided hikes are not presently advertised on a regular schedule; check with the BLM Las Cruces District Office for current programs.

The Inn on Broadway in Silver City can no longer be verified as operating. The Palace Hotel and Murray Hotel remain open.

Lake Roberts Cabins & General Store, Gila Hot Springs Campground, Buckhorn Saloon & Opera House, Bear Creek Motel & Cabins, Silver City Museum, Western New Mexico University Museum, City of Rocks State Park, Fort Selden Historic Site and the Chino Mine Overlook all remain available as of this update.

Scenic Side Trip #3: Lordsburg to Willcox — Updated September 2026

The Coronado Trail (US 191) remains open as one of Arizona’s great scenic drives. Because of its high elevation, extreme curves and exposure to winter weather, wildfire and monsoon conditions, check AZ511 immediately before traveling. US 191 south of Alpine may not be plowed during storms or on nights and weekends.

The Catwalk National Recreation Trail remains open year-round, dawn to dusk. Current day-use fee is $5 per vehicle. High water can make low-water crossings on NM 174 impassable.

Mogollon Ghost Town remains accessible and is still most active on summer weekends; businesses and the museum generally operate Friday–Sunday, May through October.

Hannagan Meadow Lodge remains open year-round and continues to provide lodging and dining directly on the Coronado Trail.

Rex Allen Museum in Willcox remains open, but hours are limited; check its current schedule before visiting.

The Tyrone and Morenci copper mines remain active; Freeport-McMoRan is the current operator. Morenci remains the largest copper mine in the United States.

Clifton Historic District and Cliff Jail, the Cottage Bed & Breakfast in Safford, and the White Mountains/Big Lake scenic routes remain available as described.

Scenic Side Trip #4: Lordsburg to Phoenix — Updated September 2026

The principal route via US 70 through Duncan, Safford and Globe and US 60 through Superior to Phoenix remains open and usable as described.

The optional Mount Graham/Riggs Flat Lake excursion is seasonal. Upper portions of AZ 366/Swift Trail may close during winter; check current Coronado National Forest and AZ511 conditions before traveling.

S’edav Va’aki Museum in Phoenix is the new name, adopted in 2023, for the attraction identified in the book as Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park. It remains at the same archaeological site on Washington Street.

At South Mountain Park, motor-vehicle access to Summit Road may be restricted during the city’s Silent Sunday program. Check the current schedule if you intend to drive to the summit viewpoints.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park, Apache Gold Casino Resort, Arizona Capitol Museum, Heard Museum and Desert Botanical Garden remain open.

The socioeconomic statistics for the San Carlos Apache Reservation and the Phoenix population projections printed in the book are now dated and should not be considered current.

Scenic Side Trip #5: Willcox to Benson — Updated September 2026

Chiricahua National Monument remains a National Monument as of this update, although legislation to redesignate it Chiricahua National Park is pending in Congress. Admission remains free. Vehicles longer than 24 feet are restricted beyond the visitor center on Bonita Canyon Scenic Drive.

Fort Bowie National Historic Site remains open sunrise to sunset and admission is free. The three-mile round-trip hike to the fort remains the primary visitor route. Visitor-center hours are limited and vary seasonally; the current information number is 520-549-6751.

Security conditions and official travel guidance for Sonora, Mexico, have changed since publication. Anyone considering the optional crossing from Douglas into Agua Prieta should consult the current U.S. Department of State Mexico Travel Advisory before traveling.

Copper Queen Mine Tours in Bisbee remain in operation; advance reservations are now required.

The O.K. Corral continues to stage daily gunfight reenactments, but performance times have changed; check the current schedule rather than relying on the times printed in the book.

Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David is no longer an active Benedictine monastery. The religious community was dissolved in 2017, and the property now operates as the Holy Trinity Monastery Center, with retreats, RV accommodations and other activities.

The Gadsden Hotel, Copper Queen Hotel, Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, Bird Cage Theatre, Boothill Graveyard, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and Landmark Lookout Lodge all remain in operation as of this update.

Scenic Side Trip #6: Benson to Tucson — Updated September 2026

The route described in the book, including the unpaved crossing of the Huachuca Mountains via Montezuma Pass to Parker Canyon Lake, remains viable. Montezuma Canyon Road is paved for approximately one mile beyond the Coronado National Memorial visitor center and then becomes a narrow graded dirt road. Vehicles longer than 24 feet are prohibited. Heavy rain, monsoon flooding or winter snow may temporarily close the road; check current conditions with Coronado National Memorial before attempting the crossing.

Kartchner Caverns State Park: advance reservations remain strongly recommended for cave tours. Regular cave tours prohibit cameras, although the park now offers occasional dedicated photography tours.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve: operating days and hours are seasonal and the preserve is currently closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; check the current schedule before visiting.

The Sonoita-Elgin wine region has expanded substantially since publication; the number of wineries printed in the book is no longer current.

Duquesne House in Patagonia can no longer be verified as operating as a B&B and should not be relied upon for lodging.

Travelers considering the optional pedestrian crossing into Nogales, Sonora, should consult the current U.S. Department of State Mexico Travel Advisory before crossing. La Roca Restaurant remains in operation as of this update.

Tumacácori National Historical Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum remain open, although hours and admission fees have changed.

Titan Missile Museum: online advance reservations are now required for the underground silo tour. Walk-in admission provides access only to the topside exhibits.

Scenic Side Trip #7: A Tucson Circuit — Updated September 2026

The overall Tucson Circuit remains usable as described, including the drives through both districts of Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon, the Tucson Mountains and Gates Pass.

Sabino Canyon: the former tram service has been replaced by the electric Sabino Canyon Crawler. Separate shuttle routes serve Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon/Seven Falls, and advance ticket purchase is recommended during busy periods.

Pima Air & Space Museum/AMARG: public bus tours through the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base AMARG “Boneyard” have permanently ended because of Air Force security requirements. Pima Air & Space Museum remains open and has expanded its aircraft collection; its current tram tour operates entirely on museum grounds.

Old Tucson closed in 2020 but subsequently reopened under new management. Operations now vary considerably by season and event; check the current schedule before visiting.

Saguaro National Park: both scenic drives remain open—the paved eight-mile Cactus Forest Drive in the east district and the unpaved six-mile Bajada Loop in the west district. The park now operates cashless.

Mission San Xavier del Bac, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Arizona Inn remain in operation. Gates Pass remains accessible, although the overlook/trailhead area is currently gated from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Scenic Side Trip #8: Tucson to Phoenix — Updated September 2026

The alternative route from Tucson to Phoenix via AZ 77, AZ 79/Pinal Pioneer Parkway, Florence and AZ 87 remains open and usable as described.

Biosphere 2 remains open daily and is operated by the University of Arizona. The principal visitor experience is now a self-guided, app-based walking tour rather than the visitor experience described in the book. The current information number is 520-621-4800.

The Pinal County Historical Museum in Florence has been undergoing renovations during 2026; verify its current operating status and hours before visiting.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument remains open and admission is now free. Current interpretive materials generally refer to its builders as the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People rather than using “Hohokam” as the primary designation.

The Mesa Arizona Temple remains active and underwent an extensive renovation after publication; the visitors’ center and temple grounds are open to the public, although entry to the temple itself is restricted.

Tempe Town Lake, Old Town Scottsdale, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and Hotel Valley Ho remain in operation as described.

Several statistics printed in the chapter—including prison counts in Florence, the 2011 speed study on AZ 79, and population/income figures for metropolitan Phoenix and Scottsdale—should now be regarded as historical rather than current.

Scenic Side Trip #9: Phoenix to Flagstaff, Avoiding I-17

Overall: This route has aged remarkably well. The roads, scenery, historic communities, and major attractions that made SST #9 the original proof-of-concept for 25 Scenic Side Trips remain substantially unchanged. The route itself requires no revision.

Wickenburg: The Desert Caballeros Western Museum was renamed the Sigler Western Museum in October 2025 following a $20 million donation. The existing museum remains open, while a major new art museum and pavilion is under construction across the street, with completion expected in late 2027.

Jerome: Parking procedures have changed. Four central areas now charge $5 for all-day parking from 10 AM–4 PM. Free parking remains available at the large 300 Level lot on Perkinsville Road, with a free shuttle on Fridays, weekends, and some holidays serving downtown and attractions including Jerome State Historic Park.

Sedona: This is the most significant change since the book was published. Sedona now operates a free trailhead shuttle system serving Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista/Devil’s Bridge, and Mescal. Some trailhead parking is restricted when the shuttles are operating. Check current schedules and parking requirements before visiting popular trailheads.

Oak Creek Canyon: SR 89A remains open and the spectacular drive through Oak Creek Canyon and up the switchbacks to Flagstaff is unchanged in character. ADOT completed a major guardrail and safety improvement project in 2026 along the upper switchbacks. Because wildfire, winter weather, rockfall, or road work can occasionally close this section, check current highway conditions before setting out.

Bottom line: Wickenburg, Yarnell Hill, Prescott, Mingus Mountain, Jerome, the Verde Valley, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and the final climb to Flagstaff remain every bit as relevant to this route as when the book was published. SST #9 is still a terrific alternative to simply taking I-17.

Scenic Side Trip #10: Phoenix to Flagstaff, East Route — Updated September 2026

The route described in the book remains open and usable, including AZ 87 through Payson and the Rim Country, AZ 260/87 through Pine and Strawberry to Camp Verde, and AZ 179 through Sedona to Oak Creek Canyon.

Taliesin West: remains open, but tour schedules and operating days now vary seasonally. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Fountain Park: the fountain continues to operate for approximately 15 minutes at the top of each hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting.

Rim Country Museum/Zane Grey Cabin: remains open, but operating days are limited. The museum and Zane Grey Cabin are now separately ticketed attractions; check current hours before visiting.

Kohl’s Ranch Lodge remains in operation, although ownership/booking information has changed since publication.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park and Montezuma Castle National Monument remain open. Trail access at Tonto Natural Bridge may be restricted because of weather or hazardous conditions.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park suffered severe flood damage and temporarily closed in July 2026 but reopened to visitors on September 4, 2026.

Arcosanti remains open, but public access and guided-tour schedules are currently limited to selected days; check before visiting.

Schnebly Hill Road: the rough unpaved alternative into Sedona remains available when road conditions permit. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended; check current Forest Service conditions before attempting the road.

Red Rock Pass: a pass is required at designated Forest Service fee sites in the Sedona Red Rock area, rather than for all roadside parking as the book may imply.

Scenic Side Trip #11: Phoenix to Holbrook — October 2026 update

Apache Trail: The section through Fish Creek Hill reopened after extensive damage and repairs, but this remains a demanding unpaved route. ADOT currently posts a four-wheel-drive/no-trailer notice. Drivers should use an appropriately equipped high-clearance vehicle, check rental restrictions, and consult AZ511 immediately before traveling.

Paved alternative: To include Roosevelt Lake and Tonto National Monument, take AZ 87 north from Phoenix, then AZ 188 southeast to Globe. Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat can instead be visited as an out-and-back trip from Apache Junction before continuing east on US 60. Check for construction closures near Superior.

Tonto National Monument: Check current trail-entry hours before setting out; summer access to the Lower Cliff Dwelling ends early. Upper Cliff Dwelling visits require reservations and a three- to four-hour guided hike, currently offered on winter-season weekends.

Petrified Forest: The park currently closes at 5 p.m. Do not count on arriving for sunset. If reaching Holbrook late, plan to visit the following morning. Check current park hours before departure.

Corrections: On the chapter map, the road from Show Low to Holbrook should be labeled AZ 77, not US 60. Roosevelt Lake Bridge is a steel arch bridge, not a suspension bridge. Tonto’s Upper Cliff Dwelling was open to visitors before 2016. Petrified Forest encompasses approximately 346 square miles; its current information number is 928-524-6822.

Scenic Side Trip #12: Kingman to Flagstaff — October 2026 update

Diamond Creek Road: Contact Hualapai Game & Fish, 928-769-2227, before traveling to confirm road conditions, sightseeing permits, current fees, and the required return time. The book’s 2017 fee and resident-discount information should not be relied upon. Use a high-clearance vehicle, check rental restrictions, and avoid the drive after recent rain or when rain is forecast. Allow approximately 40 miles round trip, plus time for permits and sightseeing.

Oatman loop: The paved road over Sitgreaves Pass remains narrow and winding. BLM lists a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet; large RVs and trailers warrant particular caution. In Bullhead City, follow AZ 95 to its junction with AZ 68, then take AZ 68 east toward Kingman.

Keepers of the Wild: Closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check current hours and tour availability before visiting.

Grand Canyon Caverns: Underground tours resumed following the June 2025 reopening. Confirm tour availability at gccaverns.com or 928-422-3223.

Seligman to Flagstaff: Follow Historic Route 66/Crookton Road to I-40 at Exit 139. From there, allow approximately 55–60 miles to downtown Flagstaff, rather than the 40 miles stated in the book.

Grand Canyon Railway: Plan a separate day for the round-trip excursion from Williams, and check the seasonal departure schedule.

Historical corrections: The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona was formally organized at Seligman’s Copper Cart restaurant in February 1987. Giganticus Headicus was created by Gregg Arnold in 2003–2004. The Hualapai Reservation dates to 1883; the Interstate bypass did not mark the beginning of the Tribe’s relationship with Peach Springs.

Scenic Side Trip #13: St. George to Flagstaff via Zion, the North Rim, and Page
Updated October 2026

Allow several days to enjoy this ambitious itinerary. Driving times do not include Zion shuttles, hikes, Antelope Canyon tours, or extended sightseeing.

North Rim: The July 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge. The North Rim has reopened with limited services, but there is no lodge accommodation inside the park in 2026, and Bright Angel Point Trail remains closed. Check current NPS conditions before taking the AZ 67 detour.

Zion: New vehicle-size restrictions took effect June 7, 2026, on the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway. The former oversized-vehicle tunnel-permit arrangement no longer applies. Check your vehicle’s dimensions before following this route. Shuttle service generally extends from March through November, with additional holiday service. Angels Landing and the Subway require permits.

Fees: The standard private-vehicle entrance fee is now $35 at each national park. Annual-pass prices and additional charges depend on residency and eligibility; consult current NPS fee information.

Geographical corrections: The Vermilion Cliffs along US 89A are in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Lees Ferry is a separate side trip from US 89A, not the location of Navajo Bridge.

Page-area attractions: Upper Antelope Canyon tours now involve an outdoor return walk with inclines and stairs. The former dedicated Upper Canyon photography tours are no longer offered. Book ahead, and when you make your reservation, be sure to confirm the operator’s time zone. Horseshoe Bend retains its 1.5-mile round-trip walk but has paid parking that federal park passes do not cover. Lake Powell’s changing water levels affect boating access and facilities.

Lodging: Majestic View Lodge is now Hotel De Novo Springdale. The former Debbie’s Hide A Way address in Page is now listed as Desert Canyon Inn.

Scenic Side Trip #14: Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon Loop
Updated October 3, 2026

The principal scenic route remains an excellent excursion. Allow a full day for selected stops, or two days to include substantial walking, Snowbowl, and Flagstaff’s museums and observatory.

Temporary South Rim lodging disruption: Water-system damage following August 2026 flooding has suspended overnight lodging inside the park. Xanterra currently lists closures through October 31; reopening remains subject to conditions. Day visits remain possible, and Tusayan lodging is unaffected. Check current NPS and lodging-operator notices before traveling.

Grand Canyon access: Standard private-vehicle admission is $35 for seven days, with additional charges for some non-U.S. residents unless covered by an applicable pass. Entrance stations are cashless. General park entry does not currently require a timed reservation.

Shuttles and viewpoints: Hermit Road is approximately seven miles one way, with nine scenic overlooks. The shuttle’s uninterrupted round trip takes about 80 minutes. Sunrise shuttle departures vary by season; the book’s 4:30 a.m. departure should not be treated as year-round advice. Private vehicles cannot drive to Yaki Point. Upper-floor access at Desert View Watchtower uses free, capacity-limited tickets.

Phantom Ranch: Treat a stay as a separately planned wilderness excursion. Reservations normally involve a lottery 15 months ahead, and hiking distances depend on the chosen trail. Current closures must be checked before planning.

Hart Prairie and Snowbowl: Hart Prairie Preserve requires scheduled or arranged access; register for guided nature walks. Snowbowl offers enclosed scenic gondola rides, with seasonal hours and weather restrictions. Check the last departure before planning a late-afternoon visit. Humphreys Peak is a strenuous hike requiring separate preparation.

Updated attractions: Tusayan’s IMAX theater now presents Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time. Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center has greatly expanded the visitor experience; check opening days and program schedules.

Text corrections: Use “AZ 64,” “Desert View Watchtower,” and “Forest Road 151.” Describe Red Mountain’s opening as an eroded amphitheater rather than a caldera. Grand Canyon’s officially measured length begins at Lees Ferry; the park’s present extent reflects enlargement after its establishment in 1919.

Scenic Side Trip #15: Flagstaff to Holbrook via the Hopi Mesas
Update: October 2026

Several practical details have changed along this route.

Tsakurshovi has closed following Joe and Janice Day’s retirement. Disregard the chapter’s directions to visit the shop, purchase its featured T-shirt, or obtain guide referrals there. For Hopi tour arrangements, contact Experience Hopi at Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites, 928-283-4500.

Coal Mine Canyon’s access rules require advance confirmation. The canyon includes both Navajo and Hopi lands; the book’s division between a Navajo rim and an entirely Hopi interior is too broad. Contact Navajo Parks at Cameron Visitor Center, 928-679-2303, about the intended overlook, permits, and any proposed hiking or camping. Arrange access to Hopi portions through an authorized Hopi provider.

Sunset Crater was affected by the 2022 Tunnel Fire. Hiking is restricted to designated trails. Check current NPS conditions before visiting. Sunset Crater and Wupatki continue to share an admission; Walnut Canyon requires separate admission unless covered by an applicable pass.

Check Hopi village access and tour availability before arrival. Respect local photography and recording restrictions. The Hopi Cultural Center continues to advertise lodging, meals, and a gift shop, but its posted restaurant schedule excludes Sundays; confirm hours when planning your stop.

Treat Little Painted Desert as a scenic overlook with facilities and access requiring confirmation, rather than depending on it as a serviced rest area.

Two corrections to the printed chapter: when leaving Walnut Canyon, travel north toward Interstate 40; the Old Oraibi photograph caption should identify Third Mesa, not Second Mesa. La Posada’s opening date is 1930.

Allow ample sightseeing time beyond the chapter’s estimated driving time, especially if arranging a guided Hopi visit.

Scenic Side Trip #16: Holbrook to Gallup through the Heart of the Navajo Nation
Update: October 2026

The route’s principal attractions remain, but several access and contact details require attention.

White House Overlook and Trail at Canyon de Chelly are listed as open and free in the National Park Service’s June 2026 guidance, following a prolonged closure and limited reopening. Older pages still contain contradictory information. Confirm access before visiting: 928-674-5500. Free ranger-led canyon hikes are currently unavailable; arrange other canyon excursions through an authorized guide.

Arizona Canyon Jeep Tours now publishes 928-663-8855 as its booking number.

Monument Valley’s unpaved scenic drive requires more caution than the book’s passenger-car advice suggests. Rough surfaces and sand can make low-clearance vehicles unsuitable. Confirm conditions and vehicle restrictions, and check rental-car exclusions. Guided tours remain an alternative.

Check the scenic drive’s last-entry time, which can be several hours before closing—particularly important for afternoon photography. Consult Navajo Parks for current fees and schedules; national park passes are not accepted.

Navajo Spirit Tours now lists 435-567-7136, with email at [email protected].

Goulding’s continues to operate and is now Navajo Nation-owned. Its current website, gouldings.com, provides lodging, museum, dining, and tour information.

Check local road and weather conditions before crossing Buffalo Pass on Navajo Route 13, especially in winter. At Shiprock, remain on the paved-road viewing route: do not take the dirt approach road or hike toward or climb the formations.

El Rancho remains a lodging option in Gallup. Its current website is elranchohotelgallup.com.

Allow overnight stops and ample sightseeing time beyond the chapter’s driving estimate, particularly when booking canyon and Monument Valley tours.

Scenic Side Trip #17:  Gallup to Grants via Farmington and Chaco Canyon
Update: October 2026

This route remains rewarding, but unpaved-road conditions require particular attention.

Check Bisti and Chaco separately before traveling. Local storms can affect their access roads differently. Contact the BLM Farmington Field Office at 505-564-7600 for Bisti information and Chaco’s visitor center at 505-786-7014.

At Bisti, use the established trailhead reached from NM 371 via CR 7297. The book’s informal alternative parking location has not been reconfirmed. The main trailhead now has a vault toilet, information kiosk, and shaded picnic area, but no drinking water. Hiking routes remain unmarked, and cellular service is unreliable; carry an offline map and record your parking location.

Aztec Ruins National Monument is free to enter. Disregard the instruction to pay an admission fee, and check operating hours before arrival.

For Chaco’s northern approach, follow NPS directions via US 550, CR 7900, and CR 7950. NPS currently lists eight paved miles and thirteen unpaved miles to the park boundary.

Do not assume Chaco’s southern exit on Road 57 is suitable for your vehicle. NPS describes 21 unpaved miles that can be very rough or impassable. Ask park staff before using it. Returning by the northern approach may be necessary and will change the onward mileage and driving time.

Gallo Campground has fewer available sites following a 2023 rockfall. Some campsites and the trail to the campground cliff dwelling are permanently closed. Check current availability and reserve through Recreation.gov. Chaco entrance-fee payments are cashless.

Gallup’s summer dance performances now follow a scheduled calendar rather than occurring every evening. Check the current program before planning an overnight around them.

Two clarifications to the Chaco sidebar: evidence of cacao came from residues in pottery, rather than dried pods; and the ancestral Pueblo people migrated and reorganized their communities—their descendants did not disappear.

Scenic Side Trip #18:  Gallup to Albuquerque via Zuni, El Morro, Acoma, Laguna, and the Rio Grande
Update: October 2026

Plan this route around tour reservations and opening days, especially if you intend to visit both Zuni and Acoma.

Zuni now advertises tours of the historic mission and its murals. The book’s 2017 closure notice should no longer be treated as current. Contact the Zuni Visitor Center at 505-782-7238 to confirm tours, cultural closures, and photography rules. A photo permit does not authorize recording ceremonies or unrestricted photography.

El Morro has seasonal opening days. Its published off-season schedule closes both the visitor center and trails on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check the current calendar and trail-entry deadlines: the Headland Trail requires an earlier start than the shorter Inscription Loop, and after-hours hiking is prohibited.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano continue to operate seasonally, generally March through October. Confirm opening dates and conditions at icecaves.com or 505-783-4303. The ice-cave viewing platform is reached by 70 steps.

For El Malpais information, use the National Park Service visitor center at I-40 Exit 85 in Grants. Do not rely on the book’s Friday–Sunday schedule for the older NM 53 information stop.

Acoma Sky City tours remain available, subject to cultural and weather closures. Check skycityacoma.org or call 800-747-0181. Guided-tour registration and camera permits are required; additional photography restrictions apply.

Laguna’s San José Mission still advertises tours. Call 505-552-9330 before planning your stop.

In Albuquerque, the riverside approach needs an additional street instruction: from Eighth Street, turn west onto Marquez to reach Tingley Drive. The page 274 caption should read Los Lunas, not Las Lunas.

Casas de Sueños now publishes 505-767-1000 as its contact number.

Allow two days for substantial tours and hikes, or select a smaller number of stops for a one-day drive.

 Scenic Side Trip #19: Grants to Socorro—Update October 2026

Several visitor details have changed along this route, particularly in Pie Town, at the Very Large Array, and at Bosque del Apache.

At El Malpais, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook requires a 1½-mile drive on a gravel access road off NM 117. Follow the signed turnoff approximately 10 miles south of I-40. La Ventana Arch, approximately 18 miles south of the Interstate, lies within the adjoining BLM-managed national conservation area.

Pie-O-Neer now operates as Pie Town Pie Company, with information at pietownpieco.com and 877-743-8696. The Gatherin Place II also advertises meals and homemade pies. The book’s original three-shop listing should no longer be relied upon; confirm operating days and availability before making a special trip.

The VLA currently admits visitors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with paid admission and guided tours normally offered each Saturday. Check the observatory’s calendar, purchase admission ahead when possible, and follow its electronics policy. The visitor-information number is 575-835-7041. One scientific update is especially notable: the VLA now participates in searches for extraterrestrial intelligence through the COSMIC system.

Check conditions before taking the unpaved NM 107 segment. The alternative through Socorro provides another approach to Bosque del Apache.

At Bosque, the scenic drive is approximately 12 miles. Refuge access begins one hour before sunrise; the visitor center normally closes Wednesdays. Changing water availability and habitat management can alter roosting locations, so ask refuge staff where to watch the morning departure. An overnight in Socorro allows time to enjoy this highlight.

October 2026 travel note: Intermittent refuge-road closures are possible during water-control construction; call 575-835-1828. Recent US 60 flood damage has also affected travel near Socorro. Check NMRoads and the VLA website for current conditions rather than relying on an older closure notice.

Scenic Side Trip #20: Socorro to Albuquerque via the Salt Mission Trail—Update October 2026

The mission circuit through Abó, Gran Quivira, and Quarai remains a rewarding alternative to Interstate 25. Allow a full sightseeing day and check opening hours before departure.

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument remains free to visit. Its current published schedule is 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from April through October and 9 a.m.–4 p.m. from November through March, with closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Severe weather may cause additional closures. The headquarters information number is 505-847-2585, extension 220.

Abó and Quarai have relatively flat paved interpretive loops. Gran Quivira also has a paved route, but its hillside grades may challenge visitors with limited mobility.

Several historical clarifications apply: Quarai’s inhabitants spoke Tiwa, not Tewa. Gran Quivira contains two mission churches, and its earlier circular pueblo lies beneath the later Mound 7 settlement. The Salinas communities’ departure resulted from interacting pressures—including drought, famine, disease, colonial exploitation, and raiding—rather than fear alone.

Confirm Sevilleta visitor-center hours at 505-864-4021; its official page currently gives conflicting weekday schedules. Designated trails remain listed for daily daylight access.

The Fourth of July Canyon autumn detour features bigtooth maples. Check road conditions, gate access, and seasonal color with the Mountainair Ranger District at 505-847-2990. Bring water.

For the Sandia Peak Tramway, replace the book’s standing 9 p.m. closing time with the operator’s current calendar. Purchase tickets online and allow for weather interruptions, maintenance closures, and busy-period waits. Sunset rides remain an option when conditions and schedules permit.

Scenic Side Trip #21: Albuquerque Loop—Petroglyphs, Tent Rocks, Turquoise Trail, and Sandia Peak
Updated October 2026

Several changes affect planning this loop, especially visits to Tent Rocks and Sandia Crest.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks now requires advance arrangements. Visitors need both a Recreation.gov reservation and a separate Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass. Check-in takes place at the Cochiti Visitor Center; follow current booking instructions rather than driving directly to the monument using the book’s directions. The early entry cutoff makes advance planning essential.

Sandia Crest access is affected by major Forest Service projects. Check current closure notices before attempting the summit drive. The book’s Crest House café, gift-shop, and parking-permit instructions are obsolete. The broader work program extends into 2027, with access dependent on project phases.

Tinkertown remains open and accessible. Its regular 2026 schedule is Friday–Monday, April through October, with seasonal exceptions. Consult tinkertownmuseum.org before visiting. The museum is approximately 1.5 miles along NM 536 from NM 14.

For Petroglyph National Monument, use 6510 Western Trail NW for the visitor center; the book’s Unser Boulevard address is the administrative office. NPS lists 6900 Atrisco Drive NW for Boca Negra Canyon. Albuquerque’s current information states that Boca Negra has no entrance fee.

In Corrales, the historic Old San Ysidro Church is at 966 Old Church Road, off the main road. Check its calendar for interior visits.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lasts nine days. Balloon-flight prices vary by date and operator; obtain a current quote.

Allow a full day with carefully selected stops, or divide the chapter into two outings. Travelers wishing to hike at Tent Rocks should secure that reservation before arranging the rest of their itinerary.

Scenic Side Trip #22: Albuquerque to Santa Fe via the Jemez Valley, Abiquiú, Bandelier, and Los Alamos
Updated October 2026

NM 126 between Fenton Lake and Cuba includes an unpaved mountain section. Snow, thaw, and wet weather can make the through-route unsuitable or impassable. Check current NMDOT conditions before proceeding. Travelers avoiding this section can return through Jemez Springs to US 550 and continue north to Cuba, adding backtracking and driving time.

Bandelier’s shuttle arrangements have changed. In 2026 there is no shuttle from White Rock Visitor Center. Intermittent seasonal shuttles operate within the monument between the Frey Trail parking area and the canyon visitor center. Visitors normally drive into the park, subject to parking availability and current directions from staff.

The Pueblo Loop Trail, formerly Main Loop, is now listed as 1.4 miles. The Falls Trail ends at Upper Falls; the former continuation to Lower Falls and the Rio Grande was destroyed by flooding.

Georgia O’Keeffe Home & Studio tours require reservations. Meet at the O’Keeffe Welcome Center, 21120 US 84, on the Abiquiú Inn grounds. The normal tour season remains March–November.

Valles Caldera charges an entrance fee, currently $25 per private vehicle, with qualifying federal passes accepted. Backcountry driving requires a separate vehicle pass.

Jemez Hot Springs is closed Tuesdays and admits visitors ages 14 and older. Consult jemezhotsprings.com for current hours and rates. Fenton Lake camping requires reservations.

The Los Alamos Visitor Center is now at 475 20th Street, Suite A. The book’s NM 501 approach requires identification at laboratory checkpoints; NM 502 provides an eastern approach to town.

Allow two days for the longer route with substantial sightseeing, or use the Valles Caldera shortcut and choose stops selectively.

Scenic Side Trip #23: Santa Fe/Taos Loop, Part A—The Low Road to Taos
Updated October 2026

The Low Road remains a rewarding scenic drive, but several visitor arrangements have changed.

Puye Cliff Dwellings tickets are now purchased at the gift shop at the archaeological site, not at the Welcome Center gas station on NM 30. Allow time for the approximately seven-mile access road each way. Guided tours are required. Puye currently closes Tuesdays and Wednesdays; consult puyecliffdwellings.com or call 505-917-6650 before visiting.

Taos Pueblo’s guided tours are optional but recommended. Visitors must remain within authorized areas. The Pueblo normally closes for approximately ten weeks in late winter and early spring, with additional community-related closures possible. Check taospueblo.com or call 575-758-1028 before arranging your visit. Photography restrictions apply, and publication or commercial uses require prior approval.

The Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center is at 2873 North State Road 68 in Pilar, at the NM 570 junction. Orilla Verde’s individual campsites remain first-come, first-served; day-use and camping fees apply.

The Taos Visitor Center now lists 1201 Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Check its current schedule, especially for weekend visits.

The Millicent Rogers Museum closes Wednesdays, while Taos Art Museum closes Mondays and has seasonal hours. Taos Art Museum added the Janis and Roy Coffee Gallery in 2025.

Two corrections to the background text: the Rio Grande carved the gorge within the older Rio Grande Rift; it did not simply occupy a crack formed by separating plates. San Francisco de Asís Church was completed in 1816, rather than built in 1770.

Allow at least two days when combining this chapter with the Enchanted Circle, High Road, and substantial sightseeing in Taos.

Scenic Side Trip #24: Enchanted Circle and the High Road Updated October 2026  

The Enchanted Circle and High Road remain a rewarding combination, but allow a full day for the drive and selected stops. Separate days give the mountain detours, villages, churches, and galleries more breathing room.

At Wild Rivers, La Junta’s overlook remains a scenic destination, but La Junta Trail into the gorge is closed until further notice. Use NM 378 for access and confirm visitor-center hours and campground water availability before visiting.

Near Angel Fire, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is no longer administered as a state park. Management transferred to the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services in 2017. Chapel and grounds access differs from museum hours.

At Las Trampas, San José de Gracia underwent a major restoration completed in 2024. Interior access is limited and should not be assumed.

El Santuario de Chimayó is a National Historic Landmark. Its current website is holychimayo.us; principal chapel hours are listed as 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, subject to seasonal changes. Photography is prohibited inside the chapels. Along the approach, look for Juan Medina Road/County Road 98.

Santa Cruz Lake currently operates Thursday–Sunday with seasonal hours; confirm access before taking the overlook or camping detour. Nambé Falls also lists Thursday–Sunday operation, with sightseeing admission currently $20 per vehicle. Its lower waterfall trail involves walking through water.

For galleries and studios along the High Road, consult High Road Artisans and contact individual artists outside the annual September studio-tour weekends. Check NMRoads before departure for highway conditions and advisories.

Scenic Side Trip #25: Santa Fe to Raton via Abiquiú, Brazos Summit, Taos, and Cimarron — Updated October 2026

The “Whoa! Road” remains a memorable finale, but its approximately seven hours of driving leave limited time for extended sightseeing. Consider two days, with an overnight in Taos, if including museums, tours, and leisurely stops.

Advance tickets are recommended for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. Reservations are required for the Abiquiú Home and Studio tour, which begins at the Welcome Center at 21120 US 84. Ghost Ranch welcomes day visitors, but its museums are closed Mondays and have reduced Sunday hours.

Echo Amphitheater now offers upgraded camping facilities, including electric hookups; its current listing advises bringing your own water. Hopewell Lake’s campground and day-use area closed for rehabilitation beginning August 17, 2026, with reopening potentially as late as mid-August 2027. Confirm reopening before planning a stop there.

Pedestrian access to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge closed in September 2025. The adjacent rest area remains listed as open, but visitors should check current restrictions and construction information. The bridge is a steel truss structure; the book’s description as a suspension bridge is incorrect.

Cimarron Canyon has campground and day-use disruptions associated with facility improvements, along with seasonal trail restrictions. Check park alerts before planning an overnight stay or hike.

The St. James Hotel reopened under new ownership in December 2024 after a temporary closure. Confirm lodging and dining arrangements directly. In Raton, the recommended motel’s current name and website are Raton Pass Motor Inn and ratonpassmotorinn.com.