Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
58
Days
0
&
!
: Grand Canyon
National Park
From Canyon de Chelly, head south to
Ganado and visit the historic
Hubbell
Trading Post National Historic Site.
Then head west across the Hopi Reserva-
tion and stop in the village of
Walpi
(p. 102). You can take a guided tour of the
ancient mesa-top pueblo. Also be sure to
stop at the
Cameron Trading Post
(p. 105). At the Grand Canyon, stop at
Desert View,
just inside the park entrance,
and at
Lipan Point,
and catch the sunset.
The next day, get up for the sunrise, then
do a day hike or
mule ride
(p. 540) down
into the canyon. If you plan ahead, you
can even spend the night down in the
canyon at
Phantom Ranch.
If you're not
a hiker, spend the day exploring along
Hermit Road,
where there are numerous
overlooks.
Days
@
&
#
: Sedona
Sedona may be touristy, but the red-rock
cliffs, buttes, and mesas that surround the
city make it one of the most beautiful
communities in America. To get out amid
the red rocks, take a
Jeep tour
(p. 510) or
hike the 4- to 5-mile loop trail around
Bell
Rock
and
Courthouse Butte
(p. 506).
Although this trail sees a lot of hikers, it is
just about the best introduction to the
area's amazing hiking. Head up on
Airport
Mesa
for the sunset. If you arrive too late
for a Jeep tour, plan to do one the next
day.
On your second day in Sedona, in the
morning either take a Jeep tour or visit the
fascinating
V Bar V petroglyph site
(p. 508). In the afternoon, head west of
town to
Palatki Ruins
(p. 507) and go for
a hike in the area, perhaps up
Boynton
Canyon.
Head to the
Crescent Moon
Picnic Area
(p. 507) for sunset.
Day
$
(Option 1): Phoenix
Heading south from Sedona, you can stop
at the cliff dwellings at
Montezuma Cas-
tle National Monument
(p. 502). Then
spend the end of your trip lounging at a
resort or playing a round of golf on one of
the Phoenix area's many top-rated courses.
Also, before catching your flight out of
town, be sure to stop at the
Heard
Museum
(p. 434) or the
Desert Botanical
Garden
(p. 434).
Day
$
(Option 2): Las Vegas
If your interests lean more toward casinos
and neon lights, head west to Las Vegas,
where you can marvel at the nation's fore-
most city of excess. See chapter 18.
4
4
THE SOUTHWEST FOR FAMILIES
IN 2 WEEKS
Though the Southwest lacks the major theme-park variety of attractions, it makes up for
it by offering experiences that have a deeper impact. This trip takes families to the region's
most notable sights, including Grand Canyon National Park and White Sands National
Monument, and offers some poolside lounging and a hike through an archaeological site.
While you're planning this trip, keep in mind that in the Southwest, many miles can
stretch between spectacular sights. Parents who like to drive with their kids (some we
know actually do) can choose this journey. Those who find long drives with their kids
difficult might want to vacation at a guest ranch or resort, or focus in on one area with
lots of family attractions.
