Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
63
canyons. Now for something completely
different: Although the Lake Powell reser-
voir is best known to houseboaters and
water-skiers, it also offers the most spec-
tacular
sea kayaking
in the Southwest.
Rent a boat and head out to Antelope
Canyon again. This time, you'll be pad-
dling up from the mouth. If there isn't too
much quicksand where the water gives
way to land, you can even get out and hike
up the slot canyon.
Days
8
&
9
: Buckskin Gulch &
Coyote Buttes
Using Page as a base, spend the next 2 days
exploring some of the most famous slot
canyons in the Southwest. The 37-mile
Paria Canyon
(p. 124) is a 3- to 4-day
backpacking trip, but you can day hike
into
Buckskin Gulch,
one of its tributar-
ies. The hike starts at the Wire Pass Trail-
head, about 30 miles west of Page. From
this same trailhead, you can also hike into
Coyote Buttes
(p. 554), but only if you
managed to get a permit, which can be
difficult. If you have a permit, spend one
day at Coyote Buttes and one day in Buck-
skin Gulch. Spend your second night in
Page or at Lees Ferry, depending on where
your rafting trip starts.
Days
0
-
$
: Grand Canyon
National Park
Rafting the Grand Canyon
(p. 541) is the
adventure of a lifetime. Although it's possi-
ble to spend less than a week rafting through
a portion of the canyon, such trips are in big
motorized rafts that detract from the wilder-
ness experience of floating through the
canyon. You owe it to yourself to make the
most of the trip and go by oar-powered raft
or dory. Talk about a thrill ride! If you opt
for a trip that puts in at Lee's Ferry and ends
at Phantom Ranch, you'll get to hike up out
of the canyon at the end of your trip, adding
one last great segment to an unforgettable 2
weeks in the Southwest. Spend your last
night at one of the lodges on the park's
South Rim, and the next day drive back to
Las Vegas. You'll have to arrange through
your rafting company to have your car
shuttled to the national park.
4
6
THE NATIVE AMERICAN &
CONQUISTADOR TRAIL
The Native American presence in the American Southwest stretches back as far as 3000
b.c. That history intersects with the Spanish conquistadors, whose culture has trans-
formed over 4 centuries into its own unique way of life. Visitors encounter ancient ruins
and artifacts, formidable mission churches, and poetic Spanish villages, set against the
backdrop of stunning scenery. Those who want to travel back in time will find plenty of
adventure here. Though you can take this trip anytime, it's best in spring, summer, or
fall.
Day
1
: Albuquerque
Enjoy a relaxing day. Stroll
Old Town
(p. 251), wandering some of the narrow
back streets in search of shops displaying
Native American and Spanish artifacts.
Nearby is the
Indian
Pueblo Cultural
Center
(p. 250), where you can get
acquainted with the cultures that you'll
encounter throughout the New Mexico
portion of your trip. If you have the
energy, head west of town to the
Petro-
glyph National Monument
(p. 251) to
hike and watch the sunset.
Days
2
-
4
: Santa Fe
In the morning of day 2, drive the
Tur-
quoise Trail
(p. 268) to Santa Fe. You'll
pass through old mining towns and hills
