Red Dog Tales

A Great RV Stay in Las Vegas

by ChiliandCedar | Apr 12, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Las Vegas is a fun RV stay! The Oasis Las Vegas RV resort is located a few miles south of the Strip. This full amenity resort is the perfect location to enjoy all the Vegas attractions. No need to mention the casinos, shows, downtown Vegas – all a short drive or Uber trip away. The Hoover Dam and the dog-friendly Lake Mead National Recreation Area are a short drive away.

Key Takeaways:

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a great stay close to the Strip and downtown Las Vegas
The Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area are worthy of a day trip
Plan ahead for tickets to shows and events
Have fun!

Campground Review:

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a luxury resort near downtown Las Vegas. The resort is beautifully landscaped with a variety of sites to fit your needs. Our full hookup site was paved and close to the clubhouse and pool. The resort features a large pool for kids and a second pool for adults. There were several dog runs and a very large dog park. Our dogs enjoyed their long walks around the resort. This was a great stay and perfect location for Las Vegas attractions.

What to do:

Go to the Strip and plan to lose some money! You can catch an Uber from the resort (about $30 each way) or drive and park at one of the casinos
Catch a show; plan ahead for tickets for popular entertainers
Visit Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas – keep the kids at home!
Visit Hoover Dam, about a 30-minute drive from Oasis Las Vegas – leave the dogs at home!
Explore the Lake Mead National Recreation Area; take the dogs for hike on the Historic Railroad Trail
Stop at the dog-friendly Boulder Dam Brewing Company in Boulder City for brews and good eats

Las Vegas

Fremont Street Las Vegas

Fremont Street

Boulder Dam Brewing Company

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead Railway Trail

Hoover Dam

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Oasis Las Vegas is a very nice RV stay. Our site had grass and the park had several dog runs and a very large dog park. We loved our hike on the old Railroad Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Campground Rating: 4.8 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating: 4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Grand Canyon National Park

Casa Grande, Arizona RV Stay, Saguaro National Park

by ChiliandCedar | Apr 10, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande offers a good location to explore the Saguaro National Park and the Casa Grande Ruins. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande is a very nice RV stay with resort amenities.

Key Takeaways:

Casa Grande, Arizona is a great Arizona desert stay
The Saguaro National Park is a uniquely beautiful habitat for the stately Saguaro cactus
Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande is a dog-friendly luxury resort with tons of amenities
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is 30 miles from Casa Grande and features a museum and a preserved “great house”

Campground Review:

Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort is a large, luxury resort in Casa Grande. With a mix of RV sites and permanent residences, the resort has a friendly community feel. Amenities include pools, clubhouse, pickleball courts, golf course and several dog parks and dog runs. The RV sites are large, pull through sites with full hookups. Our dogs enjoyed their long walks around the resort and the dog run. There’s also a dog shower house – woof!

What to do:

Visit the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, located about 30 miles from Casa Grande. They offer a wonderful museum to learn about the Sonoran Desert people
Take a day and drive to the Saquaro National Park; drive through the two sections, located on opposite sides of Tucson. There are several hikes throughout the park; pets are allowed on the paved trails only – the Desert Discovery Trail and the Desert Ecology Trail
Drive by the Boneyard – the aviation graveyard on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on the southeastern edge of Tucson where all decommissioned military aircraft go to die

Saguaro National Park

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Chili & Cedar at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We are not really desert dogs – but we liked the Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort. We walked around the park every day and Chili played ball in the dog run – woof! No desert hiking for us but we liked the drive through the Saguaro National Park!

Campground Rating: 4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating: 4.5 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Las Vegas – Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Hoover Dam

Absolutely Stunning Sedona, Arizona

by ChiliandCedar | Apr 6, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Sedona, Arizona is incredibly beautiful! Surrounded by towering red rocks and sandstone buttes, Sedona is just mesmerizing. The area is known for hiking, shopping and a thriving art community. Several national monuments are a day’s drive to include Tuzigoot, Montezuma Castle, Walnut Canyon, Wupatkia and Sunset Crater Volcano. The nearby Verde Valley Wine trail leads to several excellent wineries and tasting rooms. We found several dog-friendly trails, restaurants and breweries during our stay. The Rancho Sedona RV Park provided an excellent location to explore the area.

Key Takeaways:

Sedona is a one of the most beautiful areas we’ve visited
Hiking trails abound in the area and offer the best vantage to view the spectacular scenery
The nearby Verde Valley is home to a thriving wine region
Several national monuments are within a day’s drive
Rancho Sedona RV Park is a great RV stay in Sedona

Campground Review:

Rancho Sedona RV Park is located within walking distance of downtown Sedona. The park has large, pull-through sites and a scenic locale next to the Oak Creek. Tall sycamore and cottonwood trees tower over the park and provide shade during summer months. The park has a nice-sized dog park and plenty of green space. Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the park and the grassy areas near our site.

What to do:

Stroll through the downtown shops and galleries in Sedona
Take a wine tour on the Verde Valley Wine Trail or check out the tasting rooms in nearby Cottonwood; we enjoyed the dog-friendly patio at the DaVine Tasting Room & Bistro – excellent food and wine
Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway; stop at the overlooks or trailheads for a picnic or hike
Visit several national monuments in the area:
- Tuzigoot – a hilltop pueblo built between 1000 and 1400 by the Southern Sinagua people; monument trail is dog-friendly
- Montezuma Castle – a well-preserved cliff dwelling used by the Sinagua people; the trail to view the castle is dog-friendly; the fascinating Montezuma Well is located about 15 miles north of the cliff dwelling
- Walnut Canyon – a series of Sinagua cliff dwellings; the .9 mile Island Trail hiking trail will take you by the dwellings (240 steps!); the .7-mile Rim Trail is dog friendly
- Sunset Crater Volcano – erupted between 1040 and 1100; pets are permitted on the paved portion of the Lava Flow Trail
- Wupatki – includes several Puebloan dwellings near the Sunset Crater Volcano
Sips some brews at the dog-friendly Grand Canyon Brewery in Flagstaff

Montezuma Castle

Red Rocks

Sunset Crater Lava Fields

Wupatki Puebleo

Tuzigoot

Grand Canyon Brewing Company

Wupatki

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We enjoyed our stay at Rancho Sedona RV Park. They had a nice dog park and plenty of green space for walks. We’ll be back – woof! We spent a lot of time in the car enjoying the scenery. We hiked at several of the monuments and took in a brewery and a winery along the way. The area is very dog friendly!

Campground Rating: 4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating: 4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Casa Grande, Arizona – Saguaro National Park

Taking It Easy In Winslow, Arizona

by ChiliandCedar | Mar 30, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

“Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see…” The corner is real to include the flatbed Ford! Winslow is located about 57 miles southeast of Flagstaff along Highway 66. Nearby attractions include the Petrified Forest National Park and the Meteor Crater. The historic La Posado Hotel and the Turquoise Room Restaurant in Winslow are worth a visit.

Key Takeaways:

If you are an Eagles Fan (the band – not the football team) you have to visit Winslow, Arizona and stand on the corner
Close to Meteor Crater -Barringer Space Museum and the Petrified Forest National Park
High desert with spectacular mountain views
Meteor Crater RV Park is a good location to explore the local attractions

Campground Review:

Meteor Crater RV Park is a nice park about 10 miles from Winslow. The park has electric and water and is working on sewer hookups. The showers were clean and functional. The park has a nice mountain and sunset view. Our dogs enjoyed the two dog parks.

What to do:

Stand on the corner in Winslow, Arizona! Listen to Eagles music on the downtown speakers, check out the flatbed Ford and shop at the local souvenir shops, sip beers and enjoy lunch or dinner at the RelicRoad Brewing Company on the dog-friendly patio
Visit the Meteor Crater Space Museum; watch the documentary film and visit the rim of the 550′ deep, 2.4 miles circumference crater created over 50,000 years ago and known as the best-preserved meteorite impact site on earth; dog kennels are on site
Explore the Petrified Forest National Park; a very pet friendly park; follow the 28-mile park road to historical landmarks and petrified wood forests, drive the Blue Mesa loop and hike the 1-mile trail, hike the Crystal Forest trail through a badlands of petrified wood, stop at the visitor’s center and hike the Giant Logs Trail – all trails are pet friendly – woof!
Visit the historic La Posado Hotel in downtown Winslow; enjoy drinks at the Martini Bar and excellent cuisine in the Turquoise Room

Meteor Crater

Flatbed Ford in Winslow Arizona

Dog-Friendly Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest NP

Studebaker-Petrified Forest

Crystal Rock Hike

Blue Mesa Trail

Winslow, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We liked our stay at the Meteor Crater RV Park. We spent most of our time in the dog park since there were too many pickers on the road – ouch!

Campground Rating: 4.6 PAWS

Petrified National Forest - Giant Logs Trail

We liked standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona – such a fine place to be! We joined mom and dad for beers and dinner at the RelicRoad Brewing Company. The Petrified Forest National Park is so pet friendly – we loved our hike on the Crystal Forest Loop Trail and the Giant Logs Trail.

Area Rating: 4.6 PAWS

Next Stop: Rancho Sedona RV Park, Sedona, Arizona

Sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico

by ChiliandCedar | Mar 28, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Simply stunning, Santa Fe, New Mexico! Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet elevation with 320+ days of sunshine and breathtaking landscapes. The cultural influence of Native American, Hispanic, Mexican and Anglo shapes the architecture, cuisine and art of this capital city. From skiing, biking, hiking and rafting, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Our stay at the Santa Fe Skies RV Park offered a great location to explore the area.

Key Takeaways:

Santa Fe is worth a visit any time of the year; our March stay was cold but perfect for hiking and exploring the town
The Santa Fe area is simply stunning with the mountains, and high desert landscape
The southwestern cuisine is excellent from the food trucks to local restaurants
Area attractions include the Petroglyph National Monument in Albequerque, Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park and Los Alamos National Labratory
Lots of dog-friendly activities from hikes to breweries
Santa Fe Skies RV Park is a wonderful RV stay close to local attractions

Campground Review:

We loved our stay at Santa Fe Skies RV Park from the stunning landscape to the art sculptures around the park. Our site was spacious and level with full hookups. Our dogs loved the .75-mile walking path around the park perimeter and the large dog park. The location was perfect to enjoy all the local attractions.

What to do:

Take the Sunset Serenade train tour from the Santa Fe Depot into the countryside; sip cocktails and listen to live music, enjoy the sunset from the open air train car
Sample excellent southwestern cuisine at Tomasita’s Restaurant in the Santa Fe Railyard (great option before the Sunset Serenade train tour)
Sip some local beers at the dog-friendly Santa Fe Brewing Company – excellent craft beer and food from their onsite Fusion Tacos Food Truck
Visit the Petroglyph National Monument in nearby Albuquerque; hike the dog-friendly Piedras Marcadas Canyon “canyon of marked rocks” – this dog-friendly, sandy trail is home to over 5,000 images created by ancestors of the Pueblo people between 400 and 700 years ago
Take a day and travel to Los Alamos and the nearby Valles Caldero National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument
- In Los Alamos, visit the Manhatten Project National Historical Park, a small museum that tells the story of the creation of the atomic bomb, take the downtown walking tour of historic buildings
- Visit Valles Caldero National Preserve; at +8,500 elevation, we found snow in March. The drive is beautiful, although changed by wildfires in recent years. The preserve is best experienced on the hiking trails, via horseback or crosscountry skiing in winter months
- Bandelier National Monument is awesome! The park has over 70 miles of trails to view ancestrial Pueblo dwellings. The Pueblo Loop Trail starts at the visitor center and goes through cliff dwellings and other structures. The monument is at 6,000+ feet elevation but had little snow during our visit. Try the awesome cafe at the visitor’s center!
Stroll through historic downtown Santa Fe; a fantastic city with shops, museums, art galleries and restarants

Sunset Serenade Train

Sunset Serenade Train Sunset

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyphs

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier Dwellings

Bandelier Cliff Dwellings

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Bandelier Cliff Dwellings

Bandelier Cliff Dwelling Cave

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Petroglyph National Monument

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We loved Santa Fe Skies RV Park! We walked the path around the park every day; we liked the dog park too. It was cold during our stay but we will definitely be back – woof!

Campground Rating: 4.9 PAWS

We saw many of the local sites in the car. We also hiked the Piedras Marcadas Canyon Petroglyph Viewing Trail – very cool! We were going to hike the Valles Caldera National Preserve but there was too much snow on the ground – maybe next trip.

Area Rating: 4.7 PAWS

Next Stop: “Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona . . . such a fine sight to see”

Beautiful White Sands National Park

by ChiliandCedar | Mar 26, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

White Sands National Park is an unbelievable oasis of white sand dunes in the New Mexico high desert. This park is also very dog friendly, allowing dogs on leashes on all trails and dunes – woof! Our stay at the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey provided a great location to see area attractions. With the Sacramento Mountains as a backdrop, Alamogordo has the rugged beauty of a high desert town.

Key Takeaways:

White Sands National Park is a very dog-friendly park in near Alamogordo in southern New Mexico. The unexpected beauty of the white sand is truly remarkable
The New Mexico Museum of Space History and the International Space Hall of Fame are located in Alamogordo
Alamogordo is home to Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range is also nearby
Pistachio ranges abound in Alamogordo; McGuinn’s PistachioLand boasts the world’s largest pistaciho
The nearby Cloudcroft Village, at 9,000 feet above sea level, is nice drive up the mountain
The Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey is a nice stay to see area attractions

Campground Review:

The Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey is located in Alamogordo and provides a great location to the White Sands National Park and local attractions. The pull-through sites are large with full hook-ups, picnic tables and privacy walls offering a barrier from the winds. The park is pet friendly with a nice dog park.

What to do:

Viisit White Sands National Park; pack a picnic, bring the dogs, hike or surf the dunes
Tour the New Mexico Museum of Space History; watch an IMAX movie
Check out the dog-friendly McGinn’s PistachioLand; sample piastchios, taste local wine, tour the pistachio ranch, view the world’s largest pistachio and try the pistachio ice cream
Visit the Village of Cloudcroft; enjoy the winding road to this mountain town, be prepared for cooler temperatures and sample some local beer – we enjoyed the Cloudcroft Brewing Company (patio is dog-friendly when weather permits)
Gamble at Casino Apache or Inn of the Mountain Gods in nearby Mescalero
Sample local wine and enjoy wine-paired entrees on the patio at the dog-friendly at D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro in Alamogordo

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park-Jean

Dunes Life Nature Hike

McGuinn’s Pistachio Ranch

Museum of Space History

Sacramento Mountains

World’s Largest Pistachio

DH Lescombes Winery

Chili at White Sands National Park

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

The Alamogordo/White Sands KOA Journey is a nice park. We enjoyed our walks around the park and the dog park. We’ve learned there is very little grass in New Mexico, so we didn’t look for it. We enjoyed our stay – woof!

Campground Rating: 4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Dune Life Nature Trail Hike - White Sands National Park

Finally, a national park that is very dog friendly! We enjoyed our drive around the park and our hikes into the sand dunes. We also had a very nice winery visit at the D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro in Alamogordo – woof-woof!