Memphis to Palm Springs

[rob]

Considering a leisurely trip from Memphis to Palm Springs in a couple weeks. We'll have plenty of time, and will be going VFR. Anyone have any suggestions as far as places to visit/things to see along the way?

 

 

[rob]

Or suggestions as to routing, considering we're flying a N/A M20C...

[eldeano]

Last time I came through Memphis, we went from Olive Branch refueled in Fort Smith, nice FBO, Then onto Albuquerque Double Eagle airport, which was nice, nice little restuarant.  The next Day we went onto Winslow AZ. Great Mexican food restaurant, a lot of fly in customers, then overflew a big meteor crator around Flagstaff, and on to Sedona AZ.  Beautiful little art town nestled in the mountains. From there you can duck South to the palm desert area.

 

We were also vfr in a M20C.

[Rustler]

Rob--

 

You might consider routing MEM-->SAF-->FLG-->PSP. Terrain along that route is only moderately high, requiring not much more than 10,500 +/- and giving you the opportunity to stop at some wonderful places. Flying a little south of Las Vegas, NM, will allow you to get into Santa Fe at around 8,500'.

Santa Fe is a great small city, with abundant dining, great accommodations, and the Indian market in the Plaza. Flagstaff is a little touristy but pleasant.  If you want to make it a short first day, Tulsa is a nice place to stop.

You'll want to check the weather closely, since we can have some pretty fierce winds here in New Mexico and Arizona this time of year. You'll be flying over some mountainous terrain but nothing overwhelming. It is beautiful in places.

Have a great trip.