This past weekend, we ditched the usual tourist spots to go on a road trip through some of Arizona’s most underrated (and jaw-dropping) places. If you are looking to explore new and culturally rich sites, this itinerary could be the one for you. This trip promises you genuine Martian vibes and unforgettable colors.
Start from Phoenix, AZ, in the morning.
Stop 1: Montezuma Castle National Monument – It’s basically a five-story high-rise… built into a cliff… 900 years ago. The ancient Sinagua people knew what they were doing. The trail is short and easy (kid-friendly), so you have time to marvel at this real-life time capsule before heading back on the road.
Stop 2: Walnut Canyon – One of the trails is a stair-filled trail that leads you into a canyon sprinkled with cliff dwellings. You can also take an alternate, easier route – the Walnut Canyon Rim and Ruins Trail, which is more kid-friendly.
Stop 3: Wupatki National Monument – Here, you can see the red-rock ruins rise out of the desert like something out of a movie. You can explore ancient pueblos, learn about the Hopi and Ancestral Puebloans, and soak in the surreal Martian landscape.
Stop 4: Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center and Marble Canyon – Cross the Navajo Bridge, stare down at the mighty Colorado River, and enjoy the serenity.
Stop 5: Vermilion Cliffs – Driving alongside the Vermilion Cliffs was unreal. It is like an abstract painting. Pro tip: Do not skip the Cliff Dwellers Stone House. You may drive past by and miss the Martian experience.
We stopped for lunch at the Himalayan Grill in Flagstaff and for coffee at the Jacob Lake Inn. Jacob Lake could also be an optional stop.
We wrapped it all up at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim is not crowded and less commercialized. It is at a higher elevation and is much cooler than the South Rim. There are no public restrooms (not even at the visitor center or restaurant), and one must rely on porta potties for answering nature’s calls. For that alone, I am glad that we booked a cabin at the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge.
You can do mule rides, camp, and hike at the North Rim. Key spots at the North Rim are Point Imperial (the highest point), Cape Royal, Cape Final, and Bright Angel Point. The sunset at Bright Angel Point was absolutely stunning. Fewer people, cooler temperatures, and the magnificent view will leave you speechless.
The trip made me realize that Arizona is a sneaky beauty. Arizona boasts a rich culture, ancient ruins, Martian-like features, stunning canyons, and colors that one will never forget. Over the last five years, I have learned to love the desert. Can’t wait to explore more hidden gems soon.
Of Sun and Sand 