If you want to experience the richness and beauty of the Southwestern U.S., you will want to spend your time making memories. Here are our top southwest experiences based on personal travels this past year. These are the experiences that gave us even deeper appreciation of the southwest. Some are well-known destinations and some are our little secrets. All are worth a visit.
If you go to Zion National Park, which we did, you can't stop there. Keep on driving and go to Bryce Canyon National Park with it's fascinating hoodoo formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, approximately 250 miles from either Salt Lake City, Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada is located in southeast Utah. Bryce is northeast of Zion National Park. The beautiful red formations called Hoodoos left us awestruck. Spending time at Bryce and hiking a trail into the Hoodoos will help make some great southwest memories.
We were at the Grand Canyon in the cold of December doing an article on the Mule Rides. While the Canyon is always stunning, this morning was special. As the pink tinged dawn brought light to the canyon, mule riders arrived with bota bags around their necks and lugging big yellow panchos. We all stood at the edge of the canyon mesmerized by the beauty.
Hundreds of balloonists representing one-third of the world’s countries gathered in the dawn to launch their balloons and float gently over the beautiful New Mexico landscape. It was mid-week during Balloon Fiesta and I had the opportunity to ride along. Experiencing the quiet flight of the balloon in the crisp fall air will be an experience not soon forgotten.
Imagine relaxing on the porch of your own cabin with a view of the creek that runs through Sedona. Then imagine entering the cabin and finding yourself in a luxurious suite with fireplace. That was the L'Auberge experience. The L'Auberge de Sedona will provide you with the wooded natural setting, excellent service, gourmet dining and the Sedona beauty that you seeking whether you want a romantic weekend away, a relaxing vacation or a a place to plan that special wedding. It is a great place to relax and make memories.
As you drift along, the river boats will take you under the many bridges of the San Antonio River. The bridges are great for pedestrians. If you see a little restaurant on the other side of the river, you know there eventually will be a bridge for you to cross. They are also fantastic vantage points in the evening when you want to enjoy the boatloads of diners and musicians as they drift along the river.
Rancho de las Golondrinas, just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a Spanish colonial living history site. It is also a beautiful park with rolling hills, river valley and scenic mills and historic buildings dotting the countryside. It is so scenic that movies.. ranging from Westerns to Civil War sagas, have been filmed there.
I have been a westerner all my life. Yet, it took a visit to Gallup, New Mexico for me to really understand and appreciate trading posts. I came away with an appreciation for the authentic goods that are traded there and how important trading posts are to Native American commerce and financial viability. I saw beautiful Native American art, jewelry and textiles. For me, visiting the back rooms of a trading post was a once in a lifetime experience.
It's not hard to find La Posada. Just slow down a bit as you travel I-40 across the flat grasslands of northern Arizona and take the exit for historic Winslow. The La Posada Hotel, Winslow, Arizona is a gem of history that has continually changed and evolved from gracious hacienda to the Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter inspired beautiful hotel of today.
For three action-filled days thousands of visitors and participants enjoy the multitude of activities ranging from a shoot-out on Frontier Street, a rodeo, parade, arts and crafts booths and, of course, food. I especially enjoyed the parade with local officials describing the horse units, antique cars and floats as they passed us. We sat on the curb and had a great time!
Kartchner Caverns State Park, which was kept a secret for decades by those who discovered this natural treasure, is now open to visitors in the Benson area south of Tucson, Arizona. Kartchner Caverns is a living cave and is lovingly cared for by the State of Arizona. Visitors are limited and so reservations are necessary.
