Southwest trip - where should a gunnie visit?

[Swiss]

All these years I've never made it to the Southwest (Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, etc.) but I'll be correcting that in early April. I'm also curious what firearm related attractions exist.

What are some good places that a California gunnie should visit?

[sigstroker]

Attractions? Not sure there are any attractions, like an amusement park.

The best thing going is Big Sandy, which is this weekend.

[Swiss]

Sorry, by attractions I mean major gun shows, great gun shops, etc.

[myusername]

Visit the "Gun Store" in Las Vegas and shoot a machine gun!

Check out the Bass Pro store off I-15, unless there is a bigger one where you are from. They might even have ammo.

Phoenix gun shows are no different than CA gun shows but they have AR's. But you can't legally buy one anyway, and anyone selling you a gun illegally at a show is an ATF agent. Lots of speculator priced guns and ammo. Save your time and money and go to the Grand Canyon.

GunSite ranch is outside of Prescott. So is Ruger, but I don't think they give tours.

Here's an off the map gun excursion for you:

If you get east enough on the Navajo reservation, south of Canyon de Chelly National Park is the "Hubble Trading Post" (related to the guy the space telescope is named after and the oldest continuing trading post in the US - I think). It is on the map, just off the road to I-40.

They have a collection of authentic rifles that Mr. Hubble collected starting back around 1850. Original Winchester 94's etc. It is probably a nearly priceless collection and if you are nice to the Indian gentleman who works there, and there aren't a bunch of tourists he may let you fondle one or two!

Travelogue for you. Near Monument Valley, stay in Kayenta, in the heart of the Navajo Nation. Stay at the Hampton Inn, not cheap but the two other choices are old. Nice rooms, best restaurant in town, almost the only one. Have a tri-tip steak sandwich on "fry bread."

If you have a CCW you can carry on the Navajo reservation in AZ (I don't know about NM or UT) but do not open carry. Do not carry on other reservations. Some other tribes allow, but it's too confusing for a traveler to figure it all out. You can open carry in the rest of AZ without trouble. (Not in UT, or in cities in NV - legally you can in NV, but don't ruin your trip trying.)

Make reservations for lunch at the El Tovar lodge on the rim of the grand canyon. Lunch ends at 2pm, don't be late. Don't bother with dinner since you can't see the scenery anyway and it costs twice as much as lunch. Don't go more than 500 feet down the Angel Bright Trail if you aren't in good shape - you have to hike back up!

Do hike up to the "Narrows," in Zion. You need a day in Zion. Stay in St. George, the Best Western "Plus" is the place to stay.

In Flagstaff eat lunch at the Weatherford Hotel, and dinner at "Mountain Oasis" down the block. Stay in Flag and day trip from there to the Canyon, Prescott

Take some time and go up to the Lowell Observatory which is right in central Flagstaff. Many evenings they have free or low cost public viewings from the telescopes. - This is where the planet "Pluto" was discovered!

Take extra water bottles and fill up at the public spring on Oak Creek Canyon road outside Sedona. Best water west of California! (And I do mean west of... do the math. )

Enjoy Bryce, but don't miss Zion. Don't bother going to Page unless you have a boat.

Drive the southern "Vermillion Cliffs" route through northern AZ between Page and Zion/St. George. Very few people visit this amazing and beautiful area.
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And when you are done with your trip please go home we in AZ do not want to end up like Colorado after all the Californian's moved in.

[Swiss]

Wow, thanks for all the great tips! Don't worry, if we do decide to move we make really good neighbors.