Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Days
#
&
$
: Grand Canyon
to Sedona
Head back out the east entrance of the
park and then drive south toward Flagstaff
and Sedona. You can dawdle along the
way, perhaps by stopping at
Wupatki
National Monument
(p. 560). From
Flagstaff, drive down through Oak Creek
Canyon and stop at
Slide Rock State Park
(p. 508), where you and the kids can cool
off in the waters of Oak Creek and have a
blast on the natural water slide. The next
morning, do a Jeep tour so you can get out
in the famous red rocks of Sedona. In the
afternoon, head back to Slide Rock.
61
west of Tuba City.
Cameron Trading Post
(p. 105) is a good place to stop for lunch;
it has a huge selection of Native American
crafts as well as souvenirs that will appeal
to the kids. Just be sure you make it to the
Grand Canyon in time for sunset. In the
evening, you may be able to catch an inter-
esting interpretive program.
Spend the next day hiking a little way
into the canyon, riding a mule down into
the canyon (if your kids are old enough),
or exploring along Hermit Road. The his-
toric little Hermit's Rest is a good place to
get cocoa and hang out by the fireplace.
5
A MULTISPORT TOUR OF THE SOUTHWEST
Anyone who hikes, mountain bikes, or rafts knows that the Southwest's offerings for
outdoors enthusiasts are unsurpassed. The Grand Canyon has the world's greatest rafting
adventure, and Moab, Utah, is legendary among mountain bikers. Hikers are in awe of
the canyonlands of southern Utah—not only for their bizarre and beautiful rock forma-
tions but also for their narrow slot canyons. In a 2-week adventure, you can take in the
best this region has to offer.
Note:
Because Grand Canyon rafting trips are so popular and
need to be booked up to a year in advance, this itinerary is workable only if you first book
your raft trip.
4
Days
1
&
2
: Zion National
Park
Fly into Las Vegas and immediately head
out of Sin City bound for
Zion National
Park
(p. 567), a sort of paradise amid the
rugged cliffs of southwestern Utah. Hik-
ing trails abound; weather permitting,
plan a day hike up the spectacular Nar-
rows. This route follows the Virgin River,
and you will get your feet wet, but it's the
perfect introduction to the slot canyons of
the Southwest. You can hike as far up the
canyon as your stamina allows. The next
day, try the
Lower Emerald Pools Trail
or
the
Angel's Landing Trail.
Stay at Zion
Lodge (p. 572).
Day
3
: Bryce Canyon
National Park
From Zion, head north to
Bryce Canyon
National Park
(p. 573), which is not a
canyon but rather a series of bizarrely
eroded natural amphitheaters. A maze of
trails meanders amid the hoodoos and
forests of the national park. For a quick,
moderately strenuous hike, take the
Navajo Loop Trail
between Sunrise Point
and Sunset Point. Spend the night at
Bryce Canyon Lodge (p. 575).
Days
4
&
5
: Moab & Arches
National Park
After 3 days of hiking in Zion and Bryce
Canyon, you'll probably appreciate the
chance to sit for a while as you make the
long drive to Moab, the mountain-biking
capital of the Southwest. In Moab, rent a
