Grand Junction

[hurley842002]

Saint George was ridiculously hot when we were there last summer. I don't want to derail your thread, but would you mind talking about what attracts you to the desert? It's never been some where I've considered, but my wife loves the heat and would be down to move some where warmer.

Yeah we drove through there in July on our way to California, the heat literally slapped us in the face when we got out of the truck, my wife immediately got very irritable.

It would be safe to say not just any desert location would suffice. I like canyons and mesa's, warm weather, wide open space. I think part of my desire for the open space is growing up on the plains.

Ultimately I'd like to get close (reasonable driving distance) to California without living in California. St. George is a bit of a drive but do able, Boulder City Nevada would be nice, but my wife lived in Vegas for 5 years and won't go back because of the heat. Unfortunately it looks like my options are very limited at this point.

[Mtn.man]

Yup, it's HOT HOT HOT.

[Irving]

Alamosa?

[hurley842002]

Alamosa?

Alamosa wouldn't be too bad, I've hung out there a few times, but it's really not the change of scenery I'm looking for.

[alan0269]

A little off topic, but any of the options you have listed are gonna make meeting up for trades extremely difficult!

On topic - I've never lived there, but I find Grand Junction a very nice place to visit. Not far from some of the scenery you've mentioned that you like either. Just take a short drive into Utah and it's all there for you.

[hurley842002]

A little off topic, but any of the options you have listed are gonna make meeting up for trades extremely difficult!

On topic - I've never lived there, but I find Grand Junction a very nice place to visit. Not far from some of the scenery you've mentioned that you like either. Just take a short drive into Utah and it's all there for you.

We've had some very worthy deals, the trip to Denver might be worth it lol.

Yes, Moab is a big selling point for me. I've done lots and lots of wheeling and exploring in the Rocky Mountains, I'm kind of ready to explore somewhere else.

[Danimal]

Deleted

[hurley842002]

Plus, at the end of the day, if driving to California, I'll take 11 hours from GJ vs 15 from here any day. Those 4 hours at the end of a long trip add up.

[Great-Kazoo]

Plus, at the end of the day, if driving to California, I'll take 11 hours from GJ vs 15 from here any day. Those 4 hours at the end of a long trip add up.

One reason the spouse is looking west. Shaves 4 + drive time hours off the trip. Have to say some areas off 15 in UT look interesting. The tallest object we noticed in 4 towns was the American flag.
It's too bad CA is so screwed up. Between gun laws, taxes, Illegals, FSA entitlements etc. Central CA just outside Sequioa nat'l park is fantastic AND affordable.

[hurley842002]

Thanks a lot for the info Danimal.

One more question for you guys. I've only ever driven through GJ via I70, so I know what is available to the east. What's the best access to decent mountains? Is it going to be heading back east on 70, or are there other closer options?

Lack of decent mountains are my wife's only concern, not a deal breaker at this point, but I'd like to try and ease her concern.