Phoenix

Arriving in Phoenix today, you'll instantly be captivated by the Valley of the Sun. This multi-cultural, historical and rapidly growing metropolitan area, which began as a small town in the middle of the desert, gets 360 days of sunshine a year, and has heritage, entertainment and recreation to spare.

Experience the splendor of the Victorian era at Historic Heritage Park, view one of the finest displays of Native American art at the renowned Heard Museum, and wander through the specialty plants and flowers at the Desert Botanical Garden. You'll find fabulous shopping in nearby Scottsdale. Enjoy two days in this unique area, throughout which you'll see the architectural influence of Frank Lloyd Wright complementing the striking landscape of the Sonoran Desert.

Sedona

"115 miles"

On your way to Sedona today, stop to explore the ruins of ancient Native American civilizations at Montezuma's Castle and the Palatkai Ruins. These early inhabitants had gathered around the healing springs and gardens at Sedona long before Europeans arrived. As you travel past striking red rock formations with names like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, make use of the frequent pull-offs that enable awe-struck drivers to safely take in the views!

Your two days in this mystical place can be filled with activity, with visits to Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks, a scenic drive along the Oak Creek Canyon, and hiking through the spectacular landscape, or with complete relaxation in an incredibly serene environment. Spend an afternoon wandering through the Tlaqupaque Arts & Crafts Village, a Sedona landmark and a unique shopping experience.

Grand Canyon

"143 miles"

Get ready for the magnificence of the Grand Canyon today, truly a wonder among natural wonders. Take the free shuttle bus from the Canyon Plaza Visitor Center to some of the best viewpoints along the South Rim, or enjoy the 25-mile Desert View scenic self-drive. Visit the Yavapai Observation Station, the Tusayan Museum, and the Kolb Brothers Studio for more fabulous views and a glimpse of the cultural heritage and history of the Grand Canyon. Treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the North and South Rims of the Canyon for thrilling bird's eye views of the Colorado River more than a mile below.

Chinle / Canyon de Chelley

"230 miles"

Unique among National Park Service areas, Canyon de Chelly is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land, which is still home to the Navajo canyon communities. Well-preserved Anasazi ruins reveal the culture of the ancient peoples who lived in the area, ancestors of the present day Navajo.

While you may drive the Canyon rim on your own, you must have a Navajo guide to hike or drive inside the Canyon. Thunderbird Tours, the National Park Service official guide service at Canyon de Chelly, offers a variety of guided tours that are worth taking for the information, access, and unique perspective the guide provides. Ancient and living history, extensive rock art and distinctive architecture make Canyon de Chelly one of the most significant stops on your journey.

Monument Valley

"128 miles"

If the dramatic landscape around Monument Valley seems familiar, you've likely seen a lot of Western movies. The flat, often desolate landscape, punctuated with striking buttes and mesas, has formed the backdrop of many a John Wayne film and more. Visit Goulding's Museum for a look at movie-making in Monument Valley and a history of the peoples who have called it home.

For the best views of the area, take the park's 17- mile Valley Drive, a dirt road beginning at the visitor center and heading southeast past spectacular towering cliffs and mesas. Monument Valley is a Navajo Tribal Park, and still very much home to the Navajo. The tribe maintains the visitor center, provides tours, and preserves the land for the use and enjoyment of future generations. Enjoy a very full day here.

Lake Powell

"121 miles"

On the way to Lake Powell today, keep an eye out for the spectacular Vermillion Cliffs on the left-hand side of the road. As you look up at the 3,000-foot escarpment, you may be able to make out some of the distinct geologic formations contained within the cliffs.

Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the country, longer than the entire west coast of the continental United States. The lake lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which was established to protect the Colorado Plateau, a vast landscape of colorful buttes, mesas, canyons, and cliffs. To explore the area's 96 major canyons, rent a watercraft or sit back and relax on a tour boat cruise. Glen Canyon also offers tremendous hiking and biking opportunities in its 1.2 million acre wilderness.

Bryce Canyon National Park

"152 miles"

Some of the most bizarre and extraordinary natural architecture awaits you today at Bryce Canyon National Park. Slot canyons, windows, fins, and the famous spires called "hoodoos" have been created over millennia by the forces of nature. The colorful and whimsically arranged rocks form a landscape of mazes, offering some of the most exciting and memorable walks and hikes imaginable. Take a horse or mule tour deep into the canyon. For a spectacular view of the entire Park, as well as the Kaibab Plateau at the Grand Canyon, drive or take the free shuttle out to Rainbow Point at the southernmost end of the park.

Zion National Park

"86 miles"

You'll have time to explore more of Bryce Canyon this morning before continuing on to Zion National Park, just a short drive away. Zion is a true desert paradise. The beautiful Virgin River carved Zion Canyon, the park's centerpiece, more than 2,000 feet deep in places. Light plays upon the sandstone canyon walls, plateaus, and monoliths in an ever-changing array of color. A free shuttle travels throughout the park, beginning at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. The Zion Human History Museum is well worth visiting for its exhibits on the park's rich geologic and human history.

Las Vegas

"165 miles"

From magnificent natural wonders to America's playground! Welcome to Las Vegas, a city created to provide non-stop entertainment. Enjoy two days in this fantastic city, wandering The Strip, enjoying show after show, taking in the view from the Eiffel Tower or catching an adrenaline rush on the Stratosphere thrill ride. For a break from the action, tour the world-famous Hoover Dam, or go for a hike or scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Museum lovers will enjoy the Imperial Auto Museum, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and the Liberace Museum. Whatever you choose to do, remember that "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!"

Phoenix

There is no better place to start your ancient journey than at the internationally famous Heard Museum. Feast your eyes on ancestral and contemporary arts and cultural artifacts woven into the story of the ancient peoples of the region. Learn the timeline of the ancient cultures, hear the pieces speak through their creators and appreciate the more recent contributions of today's tribes. The focus here is on delivering an accurate portrayal of the cultures, both old and new and a visit here will help put the rest of the trip into perspective. Your first visit to ancient ruins is right in Phoenix, where a 1,500 year old Hohokam Village spreads over 102 acres. At the Pueblo Grand Museum, begin you visit with the exhibit titled "The Hohokam: The Land and the People for a full introduction, before hitting the trail through Doorways to the Past: Hohokam Houses along the Ruins Trail and Dig IT, where you can explore the archeology of the site.

Traveling outside Phoenix as you begin to approach Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, you'll see the Great House in the distance surrounded by the architectural structure created to preserve the ruins from the harsh desert. The structure was once a part of Hohokam settlements scattered along the Gila River in the 14th century. It is thought that Casa Grande served as an astronomical observatory since the four walls face the points of a compass and the windows aligned with positions of the sun and moon. As at so many sites, the structures were surrounded by a Hohokam farming village.

Sedona

"115 miles"

The ancients considered the red rocks around Sedona sacred and the area has not lost its spiritual appeal even today. Before reaching there, you can tour Montezuma Castle National Monument, an imposing 20 room structure built 70 feet about the ground. The 5 story, incredibly well preserved structure was home to the Sinagua Indians who farmed the area between the 12th and 14th centuries. Further on, Tuzigoot National Monument features more 12th century dwellings. Unlike Montezuma, this monument is comprised of a cluster of lower scale buildings. Plan to spend plenty of time exploring Sedona with great shops and restaurants surrounded by spectacular red rocks. The current city, established in 1902 became a magnate in the 1960s for artists, wealthy retirees, followers of new age religions and others seeking to escape the pressures of city life.

Before leaving Sedona, visit Red Rock State Park, where waterless hillsides 50 feet above the creek are the foothills of red rock cliffs to the north and the east. Between Sedona and Flagstaff, the drive through Oak Creek Canyon, a steep, narrow and very colorful gorge, is breathtaking. North of Sedona, Walnut Creek National Monument features 12th and 13th century dwellings of the Sinagua Indians along the well protected ledges high above the canyon floor. The Island Trail descends steeply on 240 steps to a rocky plateau, an "island," where clusters of dwellings were constructed. The remains of 20 dwellings remain quite intact. Views from the high perch of the visitor center are dramatic. Further North past Flagstaff, the Wupatki National Monument preserves pueblos built from flat thin deep red bricks. All in all there are more than 800 identified ruins spread around many miles of desert. Five separate Pueblos are accessible on separate trails. Wukoki, the most distinctive in the park, is visible for several miles across the flat surroundings.

Grand Canyon

"142 miles"

Get ready for the magnificence of the Grand Canyon today, truly a wonder among natural wonders. Take the free shuttle bus from the Canyon Plaza Visitor Center to some of the best viewpoints along the South Rim, or enjoy the 25-mile Desert View scenic self-drive. Visit the Yavapai Observation Station, the Tusayan Museum, and the Kolb Brothers Studio for more fabulous views and a glimpse of the cultural heritage and history of the Grand Canyon. Treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the North and South Rims of the Canyon for thrilling bird's eye views of the Colorado River more than a mile below.

Lake Powell

"139 miles"

Keep an eye out for spectacular Vermillion Cliffs on the left today as you head for Lake Powell. Viewing the 3,000-foot escarpment, you may be able discern distinct geologic formations contained within the cliffs. Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the country, longer than the entire west coast of the continental United States. The lake lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, established to protect the Colorado Plateau. It's easiest to explore the area's 96 major canyons by watercraft or tour boat. There are also hiking and biking opportunities in the 1.2 million acres wilderness.

Monument Valley

"121 miles"

This route is about enjoying the scenery and Navajo culture all at once. A very scenic drive takes you across the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation with a stop at the Hopi Cultural Center at Second Mesa. At Tuba City, a little jog west takes you to the Little Colorado Gorge Navajo Tribal Park and the Tusayan Ruin and Museum. Once back on the road towards Monument Valley, a short stop at the Navajo National Monument, which is right in the Navajo Nation, introduces you to three preserved intact cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

Reaching Monument Valley, you'll soon discover that it is not a valley at all, but a wide, flat plain with red mesas and buttes surrounded by empty sandy desert. If it looks familiar you must have watched a few western movies over the years, because this is where many were filmed. Make sure to visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for the best views hidden behind the long straight cliffs. 

Mesa Verde National Park

"133 miles"

The granddaddy of Cliff Dwellers settlements awaits at Mesa Verde near Cortez, Colorado, but first you'll experience a journey that takes you to the wild, remote forgotten country of southwestern Utah. From Monument Valley, it's a short drive to Mexican Hat and the Valley of the Gods. Then it's on to Hovenweep National Monument which features six separate prehistoric villages from the mid 13th century. Hovenweep Castle is the most impressive with several rooms and D shaped towers built on a sliprock right on the canyon ledge. The turrets enabled the settlement to be defended. The other villages are located on dirt roads, but it's only 2 miles to Horseshoe and Hackberry. Back on US 191, you'll be traveling north to Blanding and over to Dolores, Colorado and the Anasazi Cultural Center. You'll end your journey at Mesa Verde National Park, where we've arranged for you to stay in their version of a Kiva, the ceremonial house of the ancients.

You'll then have all the next day to explore Mesa Verde National Park where more than 1600 years ago, the Ancestral Puebloans or Anasazi walked the trails. Begun in 550 AD, the newest structures represent sophisticated building and cultural cohesiveness. Grab your sense of adventure and go up and down ladders and through the tight spaces of Cliff Palace, the largest dwelling area. Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House and Long House can only be toured with a guide. You may also take self-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, Step House, Badger House and other sites on the Mesa Top. The Far View Sites Complex can also be toured independently. The 6-mile Mesa Top Loop Road driving tour takes you through 700 years of Mesa Verde history to several scenic overlooks including Sun Point Overlook and Sun Temple. Prepare to be awestruck!

Taos

"235 miles"

A little over 50 miles from Farmington, Chaco Culture National Historical Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, to be preserved at all costs. The setting for this largest and best preserved village of the ancients is strange, in that it is surrounded by desolation and emptiness. With only a few low gorges interrupt the flatness, this civilization of walled villages enclosed with hundreds of inter-linked rooms thrived for over 300 years. All in all, the settlement was linked by a network of roads that stretched for 100 miles to the south, west and north. From there, scenic roads take you through the Santa Fe National Forest on what are truly the roads less traveled. Ultimately, you'll reach Taos, likely the second coolest town in New Mexico.

One more day in Taos lets you drive the Enchanted Circle National Scenic Byway, a circular route laden with old West culture and ancient history that begins and ends in Taos. Taos was settled by the Pueblo Indians about 1000 years and established as an outpost for the Spanish in 1615. It later became a gathering place for mountain men and has been an artist's colony since 1914. You can meander through the western ruins of Elizabethtown and visit the Pueblo de Taos Indian Reservation which offers a glimpse of ancient living in the village's historic plaza, buildings, and side streets. The Rio Grande Gorge bridge, twelve miles northwest of Taos on US 64, is a must-see side trip. When it was built in the mid-60s, it was called the bridge to nowhere, because funding didn't exist to continue the road on the other side. It is the second highest suspension bridge in the United States.

Santa Fe

"70 miles"

Next up, Santa Fe, THE coolest town in New Mexico. Enchantment of a high order is available in Santa Fe, older than the Plymouth Colony at Plymouth Rock and settled only two years after John Smith arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. Beautiful adobe architecture surrounds a traditional plaza in high desert landscape. Always a royal place, Santa Fe served as the capital of the Spanish Kingdom of New Mexico, the Mexican province of Nuevo Mejico, and the capital of the New Mexico Territory.

In a thriving urban atmosphere, every day dozens of local artists sell their work under the long portal of the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building still in use in America. The Museum of Fine Arts, next to the Palace, is also older than the state itself. Paintings by Georgia O'Keefe, who called Santa Fe home for many years, are on display at the Georgia O'Keefe Museum located on Museum Hill with The Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian. Enjoy them all, as well as a respite on the wonderful plaza with its expansive views.

Albuquerque

"63 miles"

Another scenic byway, the Jemez Trail, makes the route between Santa Fe and Albuquerque particularly interesting. Bandelier National Monument is an unexpected delight with some of the most unusual ruins in the Southwest. Just a few miles from the research town of Los Alamos, mountains rise to 10,000 feet over the Rio Grand River. The Frijoles Canyon Trail takes you upstream to the cliff dwellings and a pueblo complete with a ceremonial cave and underground kiva. Bandelier is located on the Jemez Trail, about five miles from San Ysidro, located at the gateway of the majestic Cañon de San Diego. There are over 3,000 tribal members, most of whom reside in a single Puebloan village known as Walatowa - the Towa word meaning This is THE place. Enjoy traditional Jemez foods, and arts and crafts available at roadside stands in the beautiful Red Rocks area. Jemez Pueblo has recreation areas where you can picnic, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.

A second day in Albuquerque will allow you to enjoy the city. How you ask, did the Confederate flag of the old South come to fly over Albuquerque? Founded in 1706 by the Spanish, who stayed until 1821 and ruled by Mexico until 1846, America governed New Mexico from 1846 until it became a state 1912. The territory sided with the Confederates during the Civil War. Walking through Old Town Plaza, you'll be thankful that the Spanish required a plaza in every city. Serenity reigns in quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies. Be sure to visit Acoma Sky City Cultural Center and Haak'u Museum, where you can learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Acoma people and their resiliency. Renowned Acoma pottery and never before displayed textiles are featured at this brand new facility. A trip on the Scandia Peak Tramway transports you high above the deep canyons and spectacular terrain surrounding Albuquerque. An observation deck over 10,000 feet up affords a panoramic view over the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment.

Holbrook

"233 miles"

You can check another National Park off your list today, by visiting the Petrified Forest National Park in Holbrook. With one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of over 200-million-year-old fossils, this is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. In the museum, the Park has archeological objects from Anasazi, Mogollon, and Sinagua sites; ethnological objects related to Hopi and Navajo cultures; Triassic invertebrate and vertebrate fossils collected from the Chinle Formation; representative geological specimens collected from the Chinle Formation; a photographic archive; and a biological collection.

Phoenix & Home

"181 miles"

On your way back to Phoenix today, go via Payson and you'll be traveling a portion of The Apache Trail National Scenic Byway through the Superstition Mountains from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. Stop at Lost Dutchman State Park to learn the varied stories about the supposed lost gold mine worked by a lone prospector. Further on Tortilla Flat, booming with a population of 6, has ancient mining and agricultural relics.

The Apache Trail continues to Tonto National Monument established to protect the ruins of two cliff dwellings built by the Salado Indians in 1300AD. You can walk around inside the original structure with 19 rooms. The larger ruin of 40 rooms requires visitors be accompanied by a ranger, which can be booked in advance. The structures overlook Theodore Roosevelt Lake. At Jakes Corner, the Apache Trail joins another scenic road that takes you to Payson. Shoofly Village Ruins and Tonto Village are just north of there. The Valley of the Sun will once again welcome you at the end of this fascinating trip. You have truly traversed the roads less traveled and learned about cultures and landscapes that most do not see. Drop off your hire car later today and fly home.

Las Vegas

Welcome to Las Vegas, a city created to provide non-stop entertainment. Enjoy two days here, wandering The Strip, enjoying shows, taking in the Eiffel Tower or catching an adrenaline rush on the Stratosphere. For a break from the action, tour the world-famous Hoover Dam, or, for a preview of the natural wonders to come, go for a hike or scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Museum lovers will enjoy the Imperial Auto Museum, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and the Liberace Museum, to name just a few. Whatever you choose to do, remember that "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!"

Grand Canyon

"277 miles"

The magnificent Grand Canyon awaits today. Take the free shuttle bus from the Canyon Plaza Visitor Center to some of the best viewpoints along the South Rim, or enjoy the 25-mile Desert View scenic self-drive. Visit the Yavapai Observation Station, the Tusayan Museum, and the Kolb Brothers Studio for more fabulous views and a perspective on the cultural heritage and history of the Grand Canyon. Treat yourself to a helicopter ride over the North and South Rims of the Canyon for thrilling bird's eye views of the Colorado River more than a mile below.

Lake Powell

"146 miles"

Keep an eye out for spectacular Vermillion Cliffs on the left today as you head for Lake Powell. Viewing the 3,000-foot escarpment, you may be able discern distinct geologic formations contained within the cliffs. Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the country, longer than the entire west coast of the continental United States. The lake lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, established to protect the Colorado Plateau. It's easiest to explore the area's 96 major canyons by watercraft or tour boat. There are also hiking and biking opportunities in the 1.2 million acres wilderness.

Zion National Park

"112 miles"

On the way to Zion National Park today, plan to take a detour on the Kaibab to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Once you reach Zion, you'll recognize immediately, it is a true desert paradise. The beautiful Virgin River carved Zion Canyon, the park's centerpiece, more than 2,000 feet deep in places. Located along the edge of a region known as the Colorado Plateau, the park comprises one step of the Grand Staircase, a series of rock layers formed from different materials as the land slowly transformed. The bottom layer of Bryce Canyon is the top layer at Zion and the bottom layer at Zion is the top layer at the Grand Canyon.

Watch as the light plays on the sandstone, plateaus, and monoliths in an ever-changing array of color. Explore the park on the free Zion Park Shuttle which makes eight stops at major locations throughout the park. The Grotto and Weeping Rock can be reached by a quarter-mile hiking trail off the route. The Zion Human History Museum is well worth visiting for its exhibits on the park's rich geologic and human history.

Bryce Canyon National Park

"86 miles"

You'll have time to explore more of Zion this morning before continuing on to Bryce Canyon National Park, just a short drive away. Some of the most bizarre and extraordinary natural architecture anywhere is found here. Slot canyons, windows, fins, and the famous spires called "hoodoos" have been created over millennia by the forces of nature. The colorful and whimsically arranged rocks form a landscape of mazes, offering some of the most exciting and memorable walks and hikes imaginable. Take a horse or mule tour deep into the canyon. For a spectacular view of the entire Park, as well as the Kaibab Plateau at the Grand Canyon, drive or take the free shuttle out to Rainbow Point at the southernmost end of the park.

Capitol Reef National Park

"109 miles"

As water has eroded the sandstone layers, it has left basins known as "waterpockets." Named for the white domes of Navajo sandstone that resemble capitol buildings and for the rocky cliffs that act as barriers to travel, Capitol Reef is the most scenic part of the Waterpocket Fold. You can see for yourself on three scenic drives through the park. Travel the 10-mile Scenic Drive from the Visitor Center along the rugged western face of Capitol Reef. Explore the southern Waterpocket district on a 125-mile loop tour that includes side trips on spur roads and a number of hiking trails. The Cathedral Valley drive is a 60-mile loop that begins at the River Ford Visitors Center and includes Thousand Lake Mountain Road, known for its exceptional views of the surrounding painted desert. Along the way, keep an eye out for the myriad of wildlife that makes its home here; loons, hawks, falcons, boas, lizards and salamanders. A tour of Fruita, a 200-acre pioneer settlement that includes historic orchards and the old Fruita Schoolhouse, provides a glimpse of the park's human history.

Moab / Canyonlands & Arches National Park

"156 miles"

Carved out of vast sedimentary rock deposits, Canyonlands National Park possesses remarkable natural features that are part of a unique desert ecosystem. The foundation of the park geology is visible everywhere in cliff profiles that reveal millions of years of deposit, erosion and other geologic events. Island in the Sky is the easiest and most accessible district to visit in a short period of time. (On a foggy day, you'll understand the reason for its name, as the rock appears to float above the clouds.) The area offers expansive views from many overlooks along the paved scenic drive. Plan to drive out to Grand View Point as well as other overlooks perched 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain. Several short trails, including Mesa Arch, Upheaval Dome and Aztec Butte, lead to interesting natural and cultural resources. If time permits, there are many other things to see and do in the Moab area, including some excellent museums, Rock Art sites, Dead Horse Point State Park and self-guided driving tours to the sites of some well-known movie scenes.

Monument Valley

"150 miles"

Monument Valley is an iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation. Enjoy hiking, jeep tours, horseback riding and stargazing; visitors may explore the 17-mile scenic drive in private vehicles or book a half-day or full-day jeep tour to explore the area's backroads and sacred lands with the help of a local guide. The valley is host to towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, it truly is one of the natural wonders of the world. Step out after dark to appreciate the timelessness and wonder of the Milky Way.

Chinle / Canyon de Chelly

"96 miles"

Unique among National Parks, Canyon de Chelly is comprised entirely of Navajo Tribal Trust Land, still home to Navajo communities. Well-preserved Anasazi ruins reveal the culture of the ancient peoples who were ancestors of the present day inhabitants. While you may drive the Canyon rim on your own, you must have a Navajo guide to hike or drive inside the Canyon. Thunderbird Tours, the National Park Service official guide service at Canyon de Chelly, offers a variety of guided tours that are worth taking for the information, access, and unique perspective the guide provides. Ancient and living history, extensive rock art and distinctive architecture make Canyon de Chelly one of the most intriguing stops on your journey.

Sedona

"241 miles"

On your way to Sedona today, stop to explore the ruins of ancient civilizations at Montezuma's Castle and the Palatkai Ruins. These early inhabitants were gathering around the healing springs and gardens at Sedona long before Europeans arrived. As you travel past striking red rock formations with names like Coffee Pot, Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Bell Rock, make use of the frequent pull-offs that enable awe-struck drivers to safely take in the views!

In keeping with the theme of this trip, we recommend that you visit Oak Creek Canyon, world renowned for its spectacular beauty. Colorful rocks and unusual scenery accompany you down a series of switchbacks into the canyon, where you'll be met by crimson cliffs and crystal pools. You can experience the canyon entirely by car, or you can get out and hike, picnic, stand in awe, or cool off in a watering hole along the way. The rest of your time in this mystical place can be filled with activity, visiting Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks and hiking through the spectacular landscape, or with complete relaxation in an incredibly serene environment. Spend an afternoon wandering through the Tlaqupaque Arts & Crafts Village, a Sedona landmark and a unique shopping experience.

Scottsdale

"126 miles"

Arriving into the Phoenix area today, you’ll instantly be captivated by the Valley of the Sun. This multi-cultural, historical and rapidly growing metropolitan area, which began as a small town in the middle of the desert, gets 360 days of sunshine a year, and has heritage, entertainment and recreation to spare. Experience the splendour of the Victorian era at Historic Heritage Park, view one of the finest displays of Native American art at the renowned Heard Museum, and wander through the specialty plants and flowers at the Desert Botanical Garden. You’ll find fabulous shopping in nearby Scottsdale. Enjoy two days in this unique area, throughout which you’ll see the architectural influence of Frank Lloyd Wright complementing the striking landscape of the Sonoran Desert.

Phoenix & Home

"8 miles"

Enjoy another leisurely day in Scottsdale or Phoenix before you depart later today. As you leave for home, know that you’ve experienced the trip of a lifetime in the Canyonlands of the American West.

San Francisco

Surrounded by San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the 'City by the Bay' is arguably the most friendly and beautiful in America and there is certainly something here for everyone. Perhaps begin by driving over the Golden Gate Bridge on a city tour or explore the city on foot and visit Fisherman's Wharf, home to the city's playful resident sea lions at Pier 39 or Union Square for world-class shopping and dining. Be sure not to miss Alcatraz - the famous island prison a short boat ride across the bay. If you fancy getting out of the city for a few hours, visit Muir Woods and the great sequoias, relax in bohemian Sausalito or take a hot air balloon over the Wine Country.

Yosemite National Park

 "165 miles"

Yosemite National Park is breath-taking and has so much to offer its visitors. Make sure to look out for Half Dome and El Captain, two of the huge granite cliffs in the park, depicted in many photographs. You could also drive to Mariposa Grove to see the sequoia trees , visit the historic village of Wawona, enjoy the fantastic view of the valley from Glacier Point Overlook and hike back down the 8 mile trail to the valley floor. You could hike to one of the many waterfalls in the park; apart from Yosemite Falls, there are several other major falls including Ribbon, Bridalveil and Vernal Falls. Or you could hire a bike to take you around the valley floor, join a horseback trip or even learn to mountain bike.

Monterey / Carmel

 "187 miles"

Think Monterey, think picnics on gorgeous, uncrowded beaches and jaw-dropping views of beautiful coastline. The town is full of fabulous seafood restaurants; definitely make sure to try the famous clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf. Nature buffs can explore the bay by kayak for a close up look at sea lions, seals and otters. Monterey is an ideal destination to go whale watching and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must with children. The 'alternative' seaside village of Carmel, with its arty shops and tasting rooms boasting many varieties of hand-crafted wines from the surrounding California wine country, is only 17 miles south and well worth the journey along the winding coastal roads.

Pismo Beach

 "154 miles"

When you arrive in Pismo Beach, you'll find that this classic California beach town has it all; from gorgeous surf to fabulous wineries. Stroll along the beach boardwalk or the 1,200 foot pie, enjoy farm to table dining, fresh seafood and local produce. Hit the beach, where you can swim, surf, kayak or just soak up the sun. Discover California's largest dune complex, stretching 17 miles along the coast or visit the famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Santa Barbara

 "82 miles"

Known as the 'American Riviera', the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara, nestled against the Santa Inez Mountains, has the sophisication of a city with the feel of a small community. Founded in 1782 as one of a series of missions along the California coast, the lovely Spanish-Moorish architecture still stands throughout Santa Barbara today. Meander down cobbled streets and paseos into fragrant courtyards lined with unique boutiques and galleries. Complete your visit by basking in the Southern California sun on East Beach, one of the best beaches in the country, or by touring Santa Barbara's wine country.

Los Angeles / Santa Monica

 "95 miles"

Most visitors to LA stay somewhere in the city but we think instead of doing that, you should go straight up to Santa Monica and start relaxing on the beach where Cabrillo began his California journey. You can pretty much count on sun, since the area enjoys 340 days of sunshine a year and a constant gentle ocean breeze. You can count on pristine, as the city of Santa Monica cleans and rakes the sand daily. Have a cool drink and hit the boardwalk. Tomorrow's plenty of time for exploring.

Attractions in Los Angeles abound! Driving to get to them in Los Angeles is a way of life – and a glamorous one at that. So roll down the windows and head out on one of the fabulous scenic drives around the city. Cruise the Sunset Strip; check out the entertainment hot spots on Hollywood Boulevard, or journey through the city's historic, cultural and architectural roots along Wilshire Boulevard. Los Angeles is a city of suburbs that includes Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Anaheim, stretching east into the California desert. Enjoy classic boardwalk fun on the historic Santa Monica Pier, visit "the Mouse" at Disneyland, window shop on Rodeo Drive, and take in any number of LA's fabulous museums and attractions. The view from the Getty Center, sitting high above the city, is as spectacular as the art collection inside.