Exploring the Southwest's National Parks & Monuments
Discover diverse landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of the Southwest on this two week road trip through three states, desert landscapes, and canyonlands. This journey will take you through some of the most notable sites in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Days 1 & 2
:
Saguaro National Park
Start at Saguaro National Park ( West - Tucson Mountain District)
Begin your Southwestern adventure at the Red Hills Visitor Center at Saguaro National Park to learn about the iconic saguaro cactus and local ecosystem. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the Valley View Overlook Trail (0.8 miles round trip) along the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, or visit the nearby Desert Museum to learn more in depth about Sonoran Desert flora, fauna, and geology.
Afternoon hike and sunset at Gates Pass
Explore the rugged terrain of King Canyon ( 0.8 - 3.5 miles one way) in nearby Tucson Mountain Park, where many trails of various lengths offer breathtaking views of the desert. Wrap up the day watching a colorful Tucson sunset at Gates Pass.
Hike Saguaro National Park (East - Rincon Mountain District)
Head to Saguaro East to start your day at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center before driving the Cactus Forest Loop. Hike to Bridal Wreath Falls (5.6 miles roundtrip) to look for local wildlife and the chance to see a seasonal waterfall.
Days 3 and 5
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Enchanting landscapes and history
Discover White Sands National Park
Drive east and stop at White Sands National Park’s visitor center to learn about the world’s largest gypsum dune field and to pick up a saucer for sand sledding. Later, hike the Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles roundtrip) to leave the crowds behind.
Explore Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Drive to Salinas Pueblo Missions, an important cultural crossroads. Visit the pueblos and missions in the Quarai, Abo, and Gran Quivira units.
Journey north to Santa Fe
Spend a day in Santa Fe, enjoying the arts and culture of this unique mountain town.
Days 6 & 7
:
Northern New Mexico
Discover Bandelier National Monument
Explore the dramatic Frijoles Canyon at Bandelier National Monument, home to cliff dwellings built by the ancestral Puebloans. Enjoy the 70 miles of trails that this national monument has to offer.
Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Drive to Chaco Culture National Historical Park and take the morning to see massive ancestral Puebloan great houses. Don’t miss the kivas at Chetro Ketl or the petroglyphs along the half-mile trail that connects it to Pueblo Bonito.
An afternoon at Aztec Ruins National Monument
Just an hour and a half north at Aztec Ruins National Monument, wander the rooms at another Chacoan cultural heritage site, the Aztec West Great House.
Days 8 through 10
:
Four Corners region
Venture through Mesa Verde National Park
Visit cliff dwellings tucked into the stately canyon walls of Mesa Verde, the largest cultural heritage site of its kind in the US. If available, take a ranger-guided tour of Cliff Palace or Balcony House for an unforgettable up-close experience.
Take in Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is home to monumental sandstone rock formations and canyons within the Navajo Nation. Drive the rim of the canyon for panoramic views of the rock formations, or take a Navajo-guided tour into the canyon for a deeper connection to its history and significance.
Visit Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Stop at the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation, Hubbell Trading Post, where visitors can browse and purchase beautiful authentic Native American crafts, including rugs and jewelry. Take a tour of the grounds to learn more about the history of this important community hub.
Days 11 through 15
:
Grand adventure
Make the trip to Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
Arrive at the Grand Canyon and marvel at this natural wonder carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. Walk the Rim Trail (13 miles, paved and accessible) for breathtaking overlooks or hike part of the Bright Angel Trail to see into the canyon.
Journey to Wupatki & Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Sunset Crater Volcano, where lava flows surround a massive extinct cinder cone volcano, and the incredible pueblo at Wupatki National Monument.
Experience Tonto & Casa Grande Ruins National Monuments
Head south to see incredible cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument. Continue onwards to Casa Grande Ruins, where you can marvel at the massive ancient structure built by the ancestral Sonoran Desert peoples. End your trip in Tucson.
Optional add-on
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Take in one more site, located only a 40-minute drive from Tucson, Arizona. Tumacácori National Historical Park is a beautiful and culturally rich landscape where you can learn more about this well-preserved mission and the lives of the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land since time immemorial.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Check park conditions, road access, and campsite availability before heading out. Some roads may be inaccessible during winter snows, and not all tours are available year round.
Watch the weather
Desert temperatures vary greatly both throughout the day and during the year. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter mornings can be chilly. Dress in layers and stay hydrated.
Gear up
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of food, water, and sun protection as you explore these beautiful areas.
Leave no trace
These landscapes are important to many Indigenous peoples. Respect fragile ecosystems and cultural sites. Stay on trails, pack out all waste, and avoid touching the preserved dwellings and petroglyphs.
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