Westward Ho!

Considering a visit to the Grand Canyon? A visit there can and should be tied in with a visit to other parts of the western United States especially if you are planning a fly/drive travel experience. Consider some of these options in planning your vacation.

Southern Utah’s Desert Scenery. Some of the best desert scenery in the world, this option includes all five of Utah’s national parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef) plus the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Consider taking the time to stop also at Dead Horse Point State Park, Lake Powell, and/or the Hoover Dam. Back in the mid-1990s, I was fortunate enough to take a 12-day camping trip where I spent time at four of the five national parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Lake Powell. While I probably will never get to experience the fun of tent camping again I do look forward to one day sharing with Mark the beauty of southern Utah and the expansive views of the Grand Canyon.

Best of Arizona Tour. Start out with a visit to Saguaro National Park, named for the large saguaro cactus that is native to its desert environment. This park has two sections that sit on either side of Tucson. In the western Tucson Mountain District, Signal Hill Trail leads to petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people. In the eastern Rincon Mountain District, Cactus Forest Drive is a loop road with striking views of the desert landscape.

While in the Tucson area, consider a side trip to the Wild West towns of Tombstone. The name, TOMBSTONE ARIZONA means many things to many people. It creates images of gunfights and dusty streets, whiskey and Faro games, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and a plethora of old western movie scenes. Tombstone has been called "The Town Too Tough to Die" partially because to this day people still live and carry on business there.

On the way north towards the Grand Canyon, stop in Sedona, a hub for arts, hiking and New Age attractions. While there, consider taking one of the Pink Jeep tours as I did when I went with a friend in 2012. Among other places, you can take the Pink Jeep tour to the Grand Canyon OR you can continue to Williams and board the Grand Canyon Railroad to the South Rim.

Land of Enchantment. Consider starting in New Mexico and tying incredible art, scenery, and culture into a trip to the Grand Canyon. Visit Carlsbad Caverns and its stalactites and then continue to Albuquerque. If you go in October (this year October 5-13, 2019), you’ll get to see the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Each year balloon teams from more than 50 countries around the world participate in the event. The Mass Ascension is an awesome sight to see!

From Albuquerque, move on to Santa Fe where you will find art studios and galleries full of southwestern art. Among others, Santa Fe was the home of Georgia O’Keefe.

Head north to Taos for more art and a visit to Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. Then hop on 40 West from Taos and head to the Grand Canyon South Rim before returning to New Mexico and visiting other national and state parks.

These are just a few of the options available to you in planning your trip to the Grand Canyon. When you are ready to head west, contact me and I will help you plan a memorable experience including the Grand Canyon. Just be aware that if you want to stay in the Grand Canyon you will need to schedule your stay at least a year ahead of time especially if you are going in the summer.