Tuba City to Jerome via Hopi Mesas & Meteor Crater
So after our Hopi Tour from 1PM to 3PM in May we will spend the night in Tuba City at Moenkopi Legacy Inn. Next day plan is to drive by the Hopi Mesas in the morning and look at roadside crafts. From there then to Winslow for lunch possibly at RelicRoad Brewing Company. After lunch we will head to meteor crater (and possibly Apache Death Cave). Then we will drive to Jerome for the night. I plan to book a ghost tour for that night in Jerome.
Can anyone recommend a good restaraunt in or near Tuba City?
Is RelicRoad Brewing Company as good as it looks?
Am I being overly ambitious given distances?
Your plan from Tuba City to Jerome via Hopi Mesas, Winslow, and Meteor Crater is ambitious but doable if you start early and keep an eye on timing. Here’s a detailed look at your itinerary and recommendations:
Tuba City Dining Options:
- Ranch House Restaurant: Classic diner-style meals, local favorites, and good for breakfast or dinner.
- El Tovar Restaurant (if you’re willing to drive a bit): Known for Navajo-style dishes and local specialties.
- Local cafes and gas station eateries: Tuba City is small, so options are limited. The Moenkopi Legacy Inn may also offer onsite dining that’s convenient.
RelicRoad Brewing Company in Winslow:
- Generally well-reviewed, casual atmosphere, good craft beers, and pub-style food.
- It’s a solid lunch stop, especially if you want a local vibe, but don’t expect a fine dining experience. Food quality is decent, and the historic Route 66 charm adds to the experience.
Itinerary Timing and Distance Considerations:
- Tuba City to Hopi Mesas roadside stops: Roughly 20–40 minutes depending on how long you spend at each craft site. Morning is ideal to avoid heat and have daylight for photos.
- Hopis to Winslow for lunch: About 1.5–2 hours driving.
- Winslow to Meteor Crater: Around 40 minutes.
- Meteor Crater to Jerome: Approximately 3.5–4 hours driving.
- Overall, this day involves a lot of driving (around 6–7 hours total), plus stops. It’s feasible but will be a long day, and your ghost tour in Jerome may feel rushed if you linger too long at stops.
Suggestions to Make It More Comfortable:
- Consider skipping Apache Death Cave unless you are okay with extra driving and limited daylight.
- Start your morning early to maximize time at Hopi Mesas and Winslow.
- Pack snacks and water for the road; dining options are limited between Winslow and Jerome.
- Check ghost tour timing in advance to ensure you won’t be cutting it close after a long drive from Meteor Crater.
In summary, your itinerary is doable but very full. Adjusting the number of stops or starting early will help ensure you enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
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