Our time in New Mexico was loads of fun, but we were ready for Arizona. Our drive to get there provided lots for us to look at. The land was ever changing, so much to gaze upon and appreciate.
We parked the RV at the KOA in Holbrook, AZ just a few miles from the Petrified Forest National Park.
Excited to see an abundance of petrified wood, we entered the park at the north entrance. We were surprised to learn that the park follows a 28 mile road, mostly running north to south. As we worked our way south, we were delighted to watch the landscape change. The first stretch we encountered was the Painted Desert Wilderness Area, filled with picturesque canyons bursting with all shades of red.
The park goes right over a part of historic Route 66.
Next we came upon Newspaper Rock, home to a copious amount of petroglyphs capturing thousands of years of the human story.
This park also includes remains of ancient dwellings dating back to 1250 A.D.
Another unique land formation is the colorful blue striped hills known as the Blue Mesa. Layers upon layers, such a clear example of land development over time. It reminded us of sand art in the jar with its blue, purple and gray stratification.
We finally made it to the Petrified Forest. The ground was littered with all sizes of tree bits that had been covered up by sediment and starved of oxygen around 225 million years ago. As time passed ground water ran through the tree and replaced the plant material with all sorts of minerals and the fossils were formed. As you look at the remnants you quickly see that no two pieces are the same, each uniquely beautiful, erupting with color.
Another amazing feature protected by the park, is Agate Bridge. A 110 foot log that made a natural bridge. Back in 1906 when the land was first deemed a national monument, people were allowed to walk across the log. Today the ground on either side of the log is unstable and visitors are asked to stay off for everyone’s safety.
Also preserved as part of the park is a very unique, eight room pueblo made entirely from petrified wood, Agate House. It is thought to have been constructed and inhabited between 1050-1300.
A beautiful desert sunset to end an amazing day of exploration and our time in this area.
Addie had been talking about seeing the Grand Canyon since we started this leg of the trip back in May. We had finally made it. Our campground was inside the park at the Grand Canyon Village. Most National Parks do not have the capacity to handle a rig our size, so we were excited to fit here.
Our campground was full of the very tame local wildlife. The elk walked right through your campsite. It was mating season and they could be seen and heard bugling all over the campground.
We had another bit of wildlife that was a little less welcome, but very cool to see a long as it stays outside the RV and does not make a home in any of our stuff, Tarantula.
For a few weeks leading up to our arrival at GC we were not sure we would get to actually visit the park as they were threatening a government shut down. Lucky for us they got an extension. However, we showed up on Columbus Day and the visitor center was closed for the holiday and it would be closed for the next two days because of a shortage of workers, so no park movie for us. We were just excited to get to see it in person. It truly is a magnificent land formation.
Our second day at the park, we decided to do the well known Bright Angel hike. This trail takes you immediately down into the canyon at a steep grade on a number of switchbacks, which is the easy part. Every step down equals the same distance climbing back up. We went a mile down and decided we had seen enough.
We spent the afternoon relaxing.
Excited to see more of the Grand Canyon, the three of us head out for another day of sightseeing. From every angle the canyon seemed to go on forever; it is 18 miles wide, 1 mile deep and 277 miles long.
With more to see, we said goodbye to GC and drove 145 miles to Lake Powell Wahweap campground in Paige, AZ. This drive kept us sitting on the edge of our seats the whole way. It is almost impossible to explain to others just how incredible the landscape of the west really is. You really just have to see it.
We were thrilled to make it to Lake Powell, such a lovely spot. It would be a lot of fun to charter a boat for a week and cruise around the lake.
One of the have to things to do in Page, AZ is the Antelope Canyons. They have the Upper Canyons (above ground) and the Lower Canyons (below ground). We decided to explore the Lower Canyons. To get us in the right frame of mind, we were treated to a traditional Native American Dance prior to our tour. We entered the canyons by descending a ladder and then proceeded the half mile through the canyon and climbed a ladder out. The canyons are an amazing example of the power of water.
While we were in Page we got to see a partial eclipse. It was super cool to be in such an open space to take it in. The eclipse glasses made all the difference. Without them you might not have even known it was happening.
We spent the afternoon exploring Horseshoe Bend, another highly recommended activity for this area, which was just down the road from the campground. It was a short hike to get to the edge of the bend. We had never seen anything quite like it. Another spectacular example of the power of water.
With more of Arizona to discover, we packed up and made our way to Cottonwood, AZ. Excited to spend a few days in this more urban area. It was another impressive drive.
Our first day was a day of celebration! It was Shannon’s bday! There was some gift giving, eating and “spa’ing”. Happy Birthday Captain Shannon!!
Addie was quick to make friends, as we explored the town of Cottonwood.
We love a local community theater, so we were pleasantly surprised to see that we would be in town for the high school drama club’s performance of S.E. Hintons’, The Outsiders.
Our time here was extra special because Max and Julia (Granddad and Nana) came out to visit for a few days. We had a fantastic time discovering great food, visiting the historic copper museum, and wandering the old mining town of Jerome.
The small town of Jerome sits high on the hill tucked into the side of the mountain and is said to be haunted. The town has leaned into the idea with one of the most popular restaurants being the Haunted Hamburger, which we of course had to try.
The next day the five of us went to check out the town of Sedona, AZ. It’s setting is breathtaking; the red rock buttes that surround the city, catch your eye in every direction. While here we made sure to see Cathedral Rock, as well as visit a few of the many art galleries.
We had a ball exploring this sophisticated area of AZ with Max and Julia. It is extra special when we get to experience new adventures with family and friends. From here next stop is Scottsdale, AZ.
The western landscape is beautiful. The Grand Canyon is beyond description. I love every picture!
Gorgeous pictures! Looks like you’re having a wonderful time on the road.