Route (stops) recommendations, KERV to PNW/Seattle

[nationwide]

I'm flying from the Motherland (KERV) up to my home in Tacoma WA in a week or so.  Wondering if anyone had recommendations on cool stops or layovers.  I'm trained in mountain flying, high-altitude ops, etc., so more interested in the 'cool places/things to see' and 'this FBO is great' type of recommendations.  The route generally would go from Kerrville past Midland, Roswell, Albuquerque, Cortez, SLC, Twin Falls, Boise, Tri-Cities (thereabouts).

I'm thinking there will be an overnight around Santa Fe (approx).

Cheers all,

Jason

[Bob - S50]

Along that route I would probably fly by Shiprock just west of 5V5 airport and over Canyonlands near Moab, UT.

If I was going to fly that far, I might be tempted to fly a little further and go to ABQ then fly by Shiprock, Meteor Crater, Grand Canyon, and Hoover Dam.  Then head North on the east side of the Sierras and fly by Lake Tahoe as all the mountains in the Cascade Range (Shasta, Crater Lake, Sisters, Jefferson, Hood, Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier).

Have fun!

[N9453V]

Done this trip many times... 2 routes I usually take...

1) North to Montana then west to Seattle. Usually stopping at AMA, CYS and GTF. Fairly low IFR altitudes till you leave GTF, then 12k to get to the Seattle area...

2) West to Bakersfield then north to Seattle. Longer, but usually is the best bet to stay clear of icing in the colder months. Usually stopping at ELP, CGZ, BFL and EUG.

-Andrew

[N201MKTurbo]

Other than the obvious big cities ABQ SAF SLC BOI, it is a pretty desolate route.

[carqwik]

Direct route takes you right over the top of KPSO...Pagosa Springs.  Nice FBO there, long runway, and it's worth getting a rental car to drive up to Wolf Creek pass....beautiful area.  In Pagosa, there is the Springs Hotel with something like 33 natural fed hot spring baths.  Probably a bit much in the summer days but probably wonderful at night.

[carusoam]

Don't forget posting pictures along the way is always appreciated.

KERV photos always get great reviews!

Best regards,

-a-

[Brian Scranton]

Nothing like spending the night in Telluride! Fly into KTEX!!!!!!!!!

[chrisk]

On 7/21/2016 at 4:30 PM, N201MKTurbo said:

Other than the obvious big cities ABQ SAF SLC BOI, it is a pretty desolate route.

I stopped at SAF about 3 months ago.  For those that don't know, they do some jet war bird training there.  It was really fun to hear the tower say "Mooney 21P, follow the Mig, cleared to land".  We fueled up at   "Jet Center at Santa Fe", took the crew car and visited the Blue Corn Cafe for lunch. 

[nationwide]

Thanks all, appreciate the great inputs.  Will do my best to post some good pictures.

[amillet]

My route on return from MAPA Convention in 2006 was KERV to KCAO for fuel.  KCAO to KBJC overnight.  KBJC to KEUL for fuel, then KEUL to W28 (home, NW of Seattle.

[mooneyflyfast]

Durango, Co. is a fun place with a good airport.. Stay in the Doubletree.. Request a riverside room.. The Animas river runs 50 feet behind from your room.. 4 brew pubs within walking distance.