Get ready to pack your bags, crank up the tunes, and hit the open road for an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting landscapes of the American Southwest! This itinerary is crafted for active families who want to experience it all! Prepare to fill your days with unforgettable activities! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey filled with memories that will last a lifetime!
Day 1: Sedona
From Phoenix, we head north to Sedona, a place where red rock formations kiss the clouds and mystical energy seems to dance in the air. Hike amongst the stunning scenery, stopping to admire the iconic Bell Rock and Chimney Rock (beat the heat and hike in the morning if you can). When the Arizona sun starts to sizzle, take a dip in the refreshing fun of Slide Rock State Park. Glide down natural rock formations and let the cool creek water rejuvenate you. In the late afternoon, take a guided jeep tour to explore hidden canyons and witness a breathtaking sunset paint the rocks in a kaleidoscope of colors. Nestle into your cozy haven at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa after a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant, Spoke & Wheel Tavern (their burgers are legendary!). Beneath a canopy of stars, choose your post-adventure indulgence: a refreshing dip in the sparkling pool or a muscle-melting soak in the hot tub.
Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park
Kick-off your day with breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, a local gem known for its hearty food and warm atmosphere.Then drive just over two hours and prepare to have your breath taken away as we arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park. Stand on the rim of this natural wonder, a mile deep and carved by the mighty Colorado River. Hike a trail on the rim for a closer look, or have a guide take you down into the canyon for a unique perspective. For a thrilling option, take a helicopter tour and see the full scope of the canyons. Wind your way down scenic roads until you reach Station 66, a historic eatery with wood fired pizza and pasta, ready to fuel your next adventure in the charming town of Williams, Arizona. At night, unwind under a canopy of stars, without sacrificing a touch of luxury! At Under Canvas Grand Canyon, your glamorous tent awaits. Sink into plush furnishings and gaze out at the awe-inspiring night sky, where a million twinkling stars will serenade you to sleep.
Day 3: Lake Powell & Antelope Canyon
On day three, you’ll journey two and a half hours to Lake Powell, a vast turquoise playground nestled amongst towering red cliffs. Rent a few kayaks and spend an hour on the water soaking up the sun. In the afternoon, you’ll drive a short distance to Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon renowned for its mesmerizing light displays. Take a guided tour to witness the sunbeams dance and paint the canyon walls in a symphony of colors – a truly unforgettable sight. You can make a quick stop at the Four Corners Monument, the only place in the United States where four states meet, then cruise on to Cortez, a town where time seems to slow down. For dinner, you have a delightful dilemma: savor the fiery flavors of Mexico at Tequila’s, a haven for traditional cuisine, or head to Main Street Brewery for classic American pub fare. Afterward, choose your own cozy adventure! Nestle into a charming cabin, a whimsical tiny house, or even a unique teepee – all nestled around the town of Cortez.
Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park
Fuel up for your adventures with a quick breakfast at Bean Tree Coffee House on Main Street, a local favorite. Then, it’s just a short 12-minute drive (10 miles) east on US-160 to Mesa Verde National Park. The perfect amount of time to savor your coffee and get excited for a day of exploring ancient cliff dwellings, testaments to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Puebloan people. Take a ranger-guided tour to explore these cliffside villages, learning about their history and way of life. As you take to the road again, make a pit stop for an early dinner in Farmington! Do you crave the fiery flavors of New Mexico? Then The Chile Pod awaits, ready to tantalize your taste buds. Or perhaps a classic diner experience is calling your name? Dad’s Diner beckons with its nostalgic charm and hearty comfort food. Then continue the three hour journey towards Albuquerque, where you can unwind under a canopy of stars at the enchanting Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa.
Day 6: Albuquerque & Route 66
Indulge in a morning of leisurely luxury at your hotel! Saddle up for a horseback adventure, weave memories with a basket-weaving class, or tee off on the championship golf course – the choice is yours! Refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s time to hit the road for a nostalgic adventure. Embark on a journey back to Phoenix via the historic Route 66. As you cruise down this legendary highway, let the spirit of wanderlust wash over you. In Tucson, a delightful pitstop awaits! Redbird Scratch Kitchen and Bar promises a delicious dinner and the perfect place for sharing stories and reminiscing about your enchanting adventure before you finish your hour and a half journey back to Phoenix.
(Alternative Day 6 & 7: Carlsbad Caverns & El Paso)
Eat an early breakfast at the hotel, then from Albuquerque, buckle up for an adventure that’s more than four hours long! Your destination: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a wonderland carved by time itself. Descend into a subterranean wonderland of otherworldly limestone formations, either through the natural entrance or take a thrilling elevator ride down to the Big Room. After marveling at the caverns’ majesty, refuel your body and soul with an early dinner at the Lucky Bull Grill. Then, it’s back on the open road for a relaxing two-hour drive to El Paso. There, the charming Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park awaits, ready to lull you into a peaceful slumber after your day of exploration.
The next morning, with a belly full of happy memories (and maybe a breakfast pastry from the hotel!), it’s time to cruise onward! Lucky for you, the vibrant city of Tucson is just a scenic four and a half hour drive away. When you arrive, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Redbird Scratch Kitchen & Bar, a Tucson gem known for its comfort food and creative twists. Your adventure reaches its delightful conclusion as you return to the vibrant city of Phoenix. Carry with you the memories of breathtaking landscapes, delicious meals, and unforgettable experiences.
