Thinking of doing a 6-7 day tour of the south west or NW in my Miata

[The Stigenator]

So I have 6 days off at the tail end of this month. I am forced to take it off from work. So I was thinking of doing a touring drive on my 2011 Mazda Miata PRHT. Its just me on this drive. No partner or friend on this trip.

I want to go to beautiful National Parks and the best drives, diners and dives.
I used: http://www.flavortownusa.com/ to get an idea of sorts.

My big issue is that I'll be driving alone in a Miata. I got AAA+ but that only gives 100 miles of towing if the car tires go flat. Also the Miata is not the most comfortable car for long distance touring. I'd take my Acura TSX on this but I really want to get some time driving in some of the best roads that the south west has to offer.

Any suggestions on routes and if this is even doable?

 

[thedarkwolf]

No spare in that gen miata? I've done 6 hours straight in my 95 without much trouble but I've never done days.

 

[The Stigenator]

yup no spares, just a tire inflation kit. The most I've driven is about 200 miles straight on that car, though I can drive more if needed. I'll admit that was quite the challenge. Getting out of the car after 200 miles was quite the experience.

 

[Throckmorton]

This is America, not Siberia... people go on road trips on motorcycles, I'm sure you'll be fine with a Miata. Take a camera with you. Stop every time you see something cool and take pictures.


If I lived in California I'd be driving 200 miles at least every weekend!

 

[Dr. Detroit]

SW!

Lots of unpatrolled back roads in Utah, AZ, NM.

Bryce, Zion, Grand Escalante, Arches, Grand Canyon, Chaco Canyon.................

Treat yourself and stay a night in Vegas on the way back. Still too cold for camping at the higher elevations.

 

[tbike06]

SW!

Lots of unpatrolled back roads in Utah, AZ, NM.

Bryce, Zion, Grand Escalante, Arches, Grand Canyon, Chaco Canyon.................

Treat yourself and stay a night in Vegas on the way back. Still too cold for camping at the higher elevations.

+1

 

[unokitty]

So I have 6 days off at the tail end of this month. I am forced to take it off from work. So I was thinking of doing a touring drive on my 2011 Mazda Miata PRHT. Its just me on this drive. No partner or friend on this trip.

I want to go to beautiful National Parks and the best drives, diners and dives.
I used: http://www.flavortownusa.com/ to get an idea of sorts.

My big issue is that I'll be driving alone in a Miata. I got AAA+ but that only gives 100 miles of towing if the car tires go flat. Also the Miata is not the most comfortable car for long distance touring. I'd take my Acura TSX on this but I really want to get some time driving in some of the best roads that the south west has to offer.

Any suggestions on routes and if this is even doable?

Sounds like great fun.

When I had my miata, I drove the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive more than once. Ditto for the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway.

Always found the miata comfortable. Though, mine was a '93. Don't know that I did more than 800 miles in any one day. Though, 250-400 mile days were much more laid back.

I wouldn't worry about not having a spare. Just throw a can of fix-a-flat in the trunk.

Remember the most difficult mile to do is the first one. They all get easier and more fun after that...

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[foghorn67]

If you are that worried, buy a reasonably priced wheel and tire and throw it in the trunk. Don't forget a tire iron and small jack.

 

[The Stigenator]

lol @ foghorn67, the rear trunk is so small, you wont be able to throw in a tire and keep the trunk closed..

I am looking into the fixaflat, it comes with something similar in the trunk. It will be going for a service at the dealer tomorrow or friday, so I'll have them check the car once over at that time so it will be ready.

As for routes, any help in the southwest?

 

[Throckmorton]

Route 66

And drive by where James Dean crashed

 

[foghorn67]

lol @ foghorn67, the rear trunk is so small, you wont be able to throw in a tire and keep the trunk closed..

I am looking into the fixaflat, it comes with something similar in the trunk. It will be going for a service at the dealer tomorrow or friday, so I'll have them check the car once over at that time so it will be ready.

As for routes, any help in the southwest?

Doh! Forgot to picture the car before suggesting the tire.

 

[Mursilis]

Please do this and please post pics (or even better, blog about it and link it here). It sounds like a great trip, and the south and southwest are beautiful. Good luck!

 

[nedfunnell]

Nebo loop, Utah.