Hi there, I'm going to be taking a trip in late May to the Southwestern United States (Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico), and would like to know if there are any items I should consider when travelling in my 2007 Prius. I have 50k miles on it and it is serviced regularly, so I'm not too concerned about vehicle reliability, but want to be prepared having read online that there really isn't much support once you get into the canyonlands and less populated areas, and temperatures in the desert areas can be extreme during the middle of the day. Since my sweet little Prius has only known Midwestern temperatures, altitudes, and road grit I was wondering if I should have any specific items on hand in the car that will help me out in a pinch and/or if there are any items specifically to watch out for. Any suggestions are very welcome. Thanks for sharing your experience/expertise! ~elitry
We live in Eastern Pa. and took our Prius across the USA 2 years ago thru the country your going to and had a blast. Car ran great, no issues at all. Have fun and don't worry about your Prius. Just make sure your oil changes and routine maintaince is up to date. New Air filter can't hurt.
Assuming you're sticking to the paved roads, don't worry. Just keep some water with you (for you to drink). In case you break down, this will make the wait for the tow truck more tolerable. There are areas that do not have cell service, but in that case you'll have to do it the old fashioned way of flagging someone down.
The most importnat thing is that you must visit the Grand Canyon. This is not Prius-specific. There are some roads where fuel stations are far apart so in those areas you should refill earlier than perhaps you usually do. Looking at 'a blinking E' can interfere with the fun. Set the spare to 60 psi and if you have never changed a tire, make yourself familiar with the process. Water mentioned already, so hat, sunscreen and comfy sturdy shoes. Take lots of pictures.
You'll be pleased to know they have indoor plumbing and electricity out them there western states, too. Seriously, we did a 5000 mile trip out west last summer and everything in the desert was normal. Avoid the urge to keep up with the 4x4s going 85mph. Important tip: don't try to save gas by turning off the AC and opening the the windows--open windows ruin the aerodynamics (you actually get worse gas mileage) and are really hot!
Just went through CO and UT a couple of days ago including Zion NP. Change the oil/filter and if needed engine and/or cabin air filter, pump up the tires and enjoy. Wayne
Keep in mind that everything is father apart out west. If you are starting to think about refueling and see a gas station, get gas. There is a lot of empty space. Don't forget to carry water. Tom
1. The national parks (and for that matter, many state parks) are fabulous, I hope that you will fit as many of them into your itinerary as possible. 2. Make sure that your engine and inverter coolant levels are full before you leave home; if necessary, invest ~$20 in a gallon of Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (the pink color). 3. Suggest that you have your engine oil and oil filter changed before the trip. 4. Make sure the engine and cabin air filters are clean; if not, this is a good time to replace them. 5. Check tire pressure before you start the trip. 6. Keep your gas tank reasonably full at all times; you really don't want to run out "in the middle of nowhere." 7. In high altitude areas you will notice that 85 octane fuel is sold as "regular" grade. This is OK to use, or you may decide to buy midgrade which is 88 octane. 8. Pack a cooler full of your favorite beverages and have snack foods available. 9. Highway speed limits outside major metropolitan areas will be 75 mph; you get to decide whether you want to maximize mpg or get to your destination as quickly as you can (in my case I usually choose the latter). Have a great vacation!
In all seriousness, this time of year, the car will be just fine. Temps are a bit higher than normal, but only for the next few days. So long as your A/C system is properly charged and functional, everything else should be fine.
Don't miss Angel's Landing at Zion. Take a light lunch to enjoy at the top. Unless, of course, heights aren't your cup of tea.
I traveled from Connecticut to Washington (the State) with a detour down to Las Vegas and through California in 2007 under Military PCS orders. I learned a couple of lessons the hard way: Colorado - Do not speed when entering the state or anywhere in the state. Their highway patrol will come down hills that are medians and pull you over!!! Utah - I got scared at one point because my tank was not too full (This was in an '06 Honda Civic Coupe) and I did not see a gas station for what felt like hours. Have plenty of gas in Utah!!!
May I recommend a few scenic drives -- from Holbrook, AZ to Phoenix, AZ ... go via Payson on Hwy 377, 260 and 87. Even MORE beautiful (but not by much) is going east of Phoenix via US Hwy 60 through Globe and up through Show Low and Snowflake on Hwy 77 ... you will wind your way down through a HUGE canyon along the way ... awesome!
Yes, I think you are referring to the Salt River Canyon? I agree this is beautiful, we spent a week at Pinetop-Lakeside a couple of weeks ago, and explored much of the eastern portion of AZ.
When I travel long haul I plan my next fuel stop from the one I'm at. The people at the petrol station will normally be able to tell you the next place to get fuel. When you know you will get fuel at a place and the distance isn't silly you remove that stress. I refuel at 500 to 700km intervals on a trip. Plan your side trips, take in the sights, it might be 200km from the highway but it's a bloody long way to come see it if you miss it this trip. Follow the great advice of other members.
If you hike Angel's Landing, start early to avoid the heat and crowds, and take plenty of water. It is 1200 vertical feet to the top. I went through an entire 48 ounce Camel Back water bladder on the way up. If you don't like heights, stop at Scout's Landing, where the Angel's Landing trail splits from the West Rim trail. Tom
