Road Trip – The American Southwest

A Spring Break road trip through the American Southwest just might be the best time of year for this type of travel. But no matter the temps, the desert roads seems to go on forever. For reference, we covered Southern Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and just a literal footstep into Utah. We traversed a lot of terrain and planned for desert heat. Mind you, we were seeking the heat as its time to put the skis up for the season. A heat that never came to be for a week. So for many, probably the best week ever to be in the desert.

Day 1: Glamping Pagosa Springs, Colorado

We’ve spent a good amount of time in the ski resort mountain towns around Colorado (Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs). But we had yet to really make it to much of southern Colorado and had always heard it was great. And the ride to Scottsdale was long, so this was a perfect spot to stop for a night.

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is a charming town. It’s particularly known for its stunning natural beauty, abundance of outdoor activities but mostly, the hot springs. The springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and offer a relaxing way to just unwind. But this was not the scheduled day for soaking and relaxing. We went glamping in a river dome and did some river soaking.

For a family that has seen spent a lot of time outdoors, camping is not really our strong suit. We’ve actually never done more than a tent in the backyard. But this kind of camping was just right for us. Everything was set up for us, enough space and some modern finishes. There was a miniature kitchen, and outlets to charge our phones. If you’re going camping, this is the way to do it. The boys spent the afternoon in their waders, fishing in the river. I got to sit on the deck with a good book. We made burgers on the grill and watched the stars and played some cards. We didn’t need the springs after all to get a chance to relax and just enjoy each other.

Day 2: Four Corners and Sedona, Arizona

Then there would be another day of driving as we made our way to Scottsdale. It was a pretty long and isolated path, but my best friend Google would make it fun. Google knows where everything is. And that would be how we ended up at the Four Corners National Monument. Definitely a touristy spot you don’t make its own trip. But when in Rome you stop and pay to take your Instagram picture standing on a small medallion. Who wouldn’t want to be in four places at once? This also gave us ten whole unplanned minutes in Utah. I chose to shop and now have quite a collection of colorful beaded jewelry.

And then the drive continued. And continued.

After what seemed like an eternity of driving and an infinite number of requests for the boys to get off the phone, we made it to Sedona. And after a day spent in the car, who wouldn’t want to stretch and move those legs with a hike? My children who still claim to not like hiking. But always mostly cooperative, we found our trail… and also traffic… and no parking spots. We continued down a bit further, and found another trail off the main road (Raven Caves). And this is where my best friend Google would deceive me. The trail would be “easy” and quick. But easy is relative. Also, wary from the drive, I’m pretty sure we deviated from the main trail, thus making it not as easy. Afterwards we had contemplated dinner, but found ourselves instead on the Bell Rock Trail… much easier. And flatter. And for someone with a fear of heights, less chance of falling out of a cave hole taking selfies.

For all the jokes I’ve made so far, the desert is actually oddly beautiful. The bright colors – reds and oranges – that you just don’t see in the suburbs. Towering red sandstone spires, vibrant canyon walls, and dense pine forests all come together. Sedona is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its vortex sites, locations that are believed to have special spiritual energy.

Day 3 through 5: Scottsdale, Arizona

First, the irony. Luke actually traveled with a buddy to Scottsdale the weekend before our voyage. The kid literally got home on Monday night, washed and repacked the same clothes and left again by Tuesday morning. His first trip came with airfare and and full round of eighteen. This version came with a long car ride and a pit stop to the library first.

But alas, we had made it to Scottsdale. We had done the hard work segment of the trip and was time to live our best resort lifestyle. “Resorting” is not our normal vacation mode, so it was a little odd to plan. But it happened – a pool day at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa. Pretty much, on arrival and a quick sunblock application, the boys were gone for a float. Down the lazy river to the water slides and water volleyball, we didn’t see them again for some time.

Old Town Scottsdale

The only actual planned day of this trip….

And then there was the day we had all waited for. And it turned out like no one had actually planned. Golf day. Golf has been quite the hobby amongst the boys these days. They were thrilled there would be a day dedicated to playing. I was planning a full on spa day. Needless to say, despite the number of courses in the area, reserving children clubs, standard right handers and left handers for tall men proved to be difficult. Especially if your not trying to tank the bank in doing so… Chris found a nine hole, par 3 course to save the day. But that would also not allow for enough time for a spa appointment. So family day at the range it was. Despite the hurdles to setting it up, I think it all actually worked out pretty well!

Day 6: Santa Fe and the Petrified Forest National Park

And just like that we were back on the road. The kinda, sorta midway back to Denver point this time would be Santa Fe. We had talked plenty of times about making our way down to New Mexico, saying it’s not to far. And I have to say, it did not disappoint.

Finally, Santa Fe

But first, another great Google find en route to Santa Fe – the Petrified Forest National Park. This was literally the weirdest National Park I think we have traveled to. Who would have thought though, we would enjoy looking at trees/rocks while meandering through the desert. Not expecting the hike, Luke was wearing his Hey Dude slippers and Jake had on some sport mode Croc’s. Always prepared….

This one was not a bucket list item. I really didn’t even understand what the words ‘petrified forest’ really even meant. Well, millions of years ago, this area was filled with trees that eventually fell and were buried by sediment. Over time, minerals seeped in and replaced the wood—turning the trees to stone! Now they look like fallen logs but glittery and rainbow-hued. It’s like nature’s version of a geology museum!

Last Stop, Santa Fe

It was not a big city by any means. But I LOVED Santa Fe! A town that had kept its pueblo architecture mixed with art galleries and eclecticism was my perfect fancy. Not to bustling and crowded and Mexican restaurants galore tickled the boys. We did only have a late afternoon and evening to spend together in the midst of March Madness. For the boys attention was limited to basketball, but this lady was ready to jump into the art scene and do some walking after two days of lounging and two plus days of car riding. (For more on the boys love of art museums read about our trip to Washington DC.)

We did make it to the down town for some walking and dinner. After dinner the walking continued through the lit plaza and some light window shopping. I was amazed at the number of museums and art galleries through out the streets. One night in Santa Fe was just what we needed. A little change of scenery, a dose of art and food, and memories that made the impending car ride home feel a little lighter. I’m already planning a longer trip. Grown up only trip next time? Chris and I did get a glimpse of the good life though the next morning. The boys decided they would sleep in, but we woke up early to find breakfast a very cute creperie near the Cathedral Basilica. We took our time back to the hotel and perused through the street markets until we found our way to the Loretto Inn.

And to end it all…

And a little like this story, the car ride home would drag on for the next day. So I’ll conclude with this: 1. If you want to travel the desert, skip summer and stick to Spring Break. These citrus lovers even got to pick some oranges at the Airbnb. 2. There are miles and miles of nothing to see, but take in the beauty around you. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else. 3. Do it all. Relax and lounge some days. Take the hard hike on others. 4. Definitely try glamping at least once!