Entertainment Capital of the World… or Outdoor Enthusiast Hot Spot? - Part 2! A Long Weekend
It’s been 8 Months since we published Part 1: Day trips! I hope you were able to explore some of our local hot spots that didn’t require tipping the bouncer to skip the line, or a high bar minimum for a night that you likely won’t remember. If you missed Part 1: Day Trips, check that out here.
I was raised in a family that spent our vacations camping and boating all over the Southwest. Then later married an outdoorsman who loves a weekend adventure. With these fine qualifications, I give you my top 3 long weekend trips.
Part 2 – These can all be visited in a weekend, but I like to add an extra day.
Sedona, Arizona - known for its outdoor, indoor, and spiritual adventures
Distance: 307 miles, ~4.5 hour drive
Why Go?
To see cactus and ponderosa pine’s painted across a red rock canvas.
Energy vortexes, said to heighten spiritual awareness and promote metaphysical growth—real woo woo and I’m here for it!
Tips & Tricks:
Bring your own or rent an off roading vehicle like a Jeep. There are a ton of incredibly popular hikes that have hundred of people on the trails. Wake up early and take the off roading trails to the following destinations and skip the masses who are awaiting their perfect photo for Instagram.
Favorite Hike Hot Spots: Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon & Birthing Cave (Devils Bridge is popular and each time I have gone there have been way too many people)
Jeep Tour Company: Pink Jeep Tours (in case you prefer the passenger princess route like I do)
Slide Rock State Park – natural pools and slides created from the Oak Creek. Go as early as possible, by mid afternoon this place is packed.
Foodie at Heart:
Lake Powell, Utah & Arizona - over 2,000 miles of shoreline, sunshine, and spectacular scenery
Distance: 309 Miles, ~7.5 hours drive
Why Go?
The state line of Utah & Arizona will not disappoint, this area of the country is one of my favorites.
Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
Tips & Tricks:
Antelope Canyon – book this Kayak trip and you will skip the long lines to hike through the canyons. After you get to kayak Lake Powell. The pictures of this place are incredible, but I promise they don’t do it justice.
Horseshoe Bend: get there early and take it all in, I’d pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy the peaceful beauty.
Splurge: Rent a houseboat for the weekend, Lake Powell’s unique rocks beaches and archways are like nothing I’ve experienced.
My only con for this area is the food. Go grocery shopping and make your own meals.
Moab, Utah - one of the world’s most incredible natural red sandstone landscapes and iconic National Park in America
Distance 457 Miles, ~7 hour drive.
Why Go
3 National Parks: Arches, Canyon Lands & Capitol Reef
Off-Roading Enthusiast?! Each of these National Parks has separate access points for you, and destinations that can’t be reached by tour busses. No crowds!
Tips & Tricks:
Ideal time to visit is spring or fall, we spent New Years 2022 there and it was magical, but the city is pretty much closed.
Red Cliff Lodge is right on the Colorado River, and they’re dog friendly. We were super impressed with their dinner menu too.
Our first visit we glamped at Under Canvas, unique experience with a ton of amenities. I had a hard time wrapping my head around +/-300 a night to still be sleeping in a tent.
Enter both Canyon Lands and Arches by their original entrances – off road trails. You can rent a jeep here.
The White Rim Road in Canyon Lands should be on everyone’s bucket list! Pack a ton of water, food and make sure the gas tank is full (high clearance 4x4 required). Once you’re on it, you wont want to turn back, so make sure you have enough daylight—most people take days to drive it, but it’s still amazing for a short out and back.