From Albuquerque to Ketchum, Idaho

[rtaylor537]

Thinking of driving to the Sun Valley Idaho Jazz Festival after the balloon festival in Albuquerque pulling our 30ft Excella with an F 250 diesel. Any suggestions or concerns will be greatly appreciated. Google maps suggests 550, 491, 191, 70, 15, 84, 93 and 75. I need a good typographical map to avoid any troublesome climbs/descents.
Thanks

[mojo]

Order a copy of the Western Mountain Directory and make your own judgment based upon your comfort level for which routes to pick. https://www.mountaindirectory.com/

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by rtaylor537

Thinking of driving to the Sun Valley Idaho Jazz Festival after the balloon festival in Albuquerque pulling our 30ft Excella with an F 250 diesel. Any suggestions or concerns will be greatly appreciated. Google maps suggests 550, 491, 191, 70, 15, 84, 93 and 75. I need a good typographical map to avoid any troublesome climbs/descents.
Thanks

Allstays Pro (online) can show, for example, steep grades and low clearances as well as camping, dump stations, etc. I highly recommend a subscription to their service. Here is screen shot of the Ketchum area with just the grades, runaway ramps and low clearance locations shown. You can click on an icon on your proposed route and get detailed information in a pop-up box.



I tried the Mountain Directory eBook but found it difficult to use. Richard Miller who publishes the eBook was excellent and quickly provided a refund. The paper books may be better than the eBook, however I purchase and use the iPhone version for use when travelling.

[rtaylor537]

Originally Posted by mojo

Order a copy of the Western Mountain Directory and make your own judgment based upon your comfort level for which routes to pick. https://www.mountaindirectory.com/

Thanks, I bought both the Western and Eastern Mountain Directories in 2002 and used them while traveling out West. They are currently home and I’m not but will review them when I return.

[rtaylor537]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Allstays Pro (online) can show, for example, steep grades and low clearances as well as camping, dump stations, etc. I highly recommend a subscription to their service. Here is screen shot of the Ketchum area with just the grades, runaway ramps and low clearance locations shown. You can click on an icon on your proposed route and get detailed information in a pop-up box.

Attachment 340237

I tried the Mountain Directory eBook but found it difficult to use. Richard Miller who publishes the eBook was excellent and quickly provided a refund. The paper books may be better than the eBook, however I purchase and use the iPhone version for use when travelling.

I’ve used AllStays for years and never knew or used the pro edition. Thanks for the info. Might be time to open the wallet.

[Mahon915]

We attended and volunteered at the Sun Valley jazz festival last year and had a great time. The music was fantastic. Camped with the Washington airstream club. Roads from Las Vegas where we live to Ketchum are good. Straight up the 93 to Twin Falls. Twin Falls to Ketchum is up hill but not steep, mostly straight. We have a 27fb and tow with a Ram 2500. We are on the wait list for the ballon fest.

[Mahon915]

Las

[rtaylor537]

Originally Posted by rtaylor537

I’ve used AllStays for years and never knew or used the pro edition. Thanks for the info. Might be time to open the wallet.

Don’t see the pro edition: Went to the App Store but no luck finding All Stays pro edition. ??

[rtaylor537]

Originally Posted by rtaylor537

Don’t see the pro edition: Went to the App Store but no luck finding All Stays pro edition. ??

My bad. AllStays pro (on line) PC/MAC version. Not an IOS app!

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by rtaylor537

Don’t see the pro edition: Went to the App Store but no luck finding All Stays pro edition. ??

You want the Truck Stops and Travel Plaza app for your iPhone if you want steep grades and runaway ramps. It also provides info on truck stops, washes, Walmarts etc., but not campgrounds. That is a separate app Allstays Camp and RV.

I prefer to use the Allstays Pro on my laptop for trip planning as it is easier to view and filter just what I want to see. Well worth the $33.

[rtaylor537]

Thanks.

[rtaylor537]

Waited a long time for the opportunity to see the ballon festival. I know it will be as great as everyone writes.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by rtaylor537

Thanks.

BTW, you can use the web browser version of Allstays Pro on your iPhone or iPad as well as your laptop if you have wifi or cell service. In that case you may not need the app.

[PKI]

Balloon Fiesta - assume you are reserved with the Airstream group on the Baloon Fiesta site. If not, get to the field very early.

Plan on not sleeping after about 5:30. The helicopters are up checking wind currents early and shortly after, the half dozen scout balloons launch to validate initial conditions. A pot of hot coffee, some chairs, warm lap quilt and a smile will outfit you well for the ascension. Many balloons will take off and land locally if they can't box the Fiesta site. When conditions are dismal, many balloons will fill but not launch. It pays to go down on the field to see the fill and launch process on at least one of the days you are there.

Afternoons are a bit dull as nothing much happens unless ideal conditions host the balloon games.

Evening when the sun goes away is time to fill the balloons and put on a light show. Color everywhere on the field.

The AS group stays over the first weekend, but the Fiesta continues through the week. Checkout the full program schedule. You may want to make arrangements with the campground management to stay a couple of extra days for the fun.

Good luck with your trip. Pat

[rtaylor537]

Wow, so thoughtful of you to send me all this information. We waited many years for this opportunity and were lucky to get our timely reservation accepted. From all I’ve read the AS rally is the place to be during the festival.