2022 Travel
In 2022, we embarked on our first trip together, just the two of us, marking a special milestone in our journey. It was an opportunity to connect without distractions, explore new places, and create memories that were uniquely ours. The trip not only allowed us to discover more about the world but also about each other. It strengthened our bond, deepened our understanding, and gave us stories to laugh about for years to come. That first trip was more than just a getaway—it was the start of a tradition of traveling as a team, growing closer with every new adventure.
Day One
On day one, we flew into Arizona and hit the ground running, driving straight to Tombstone, the iconic Wild West town steeped in history. The journey itself felt exciting, as the desert landscape unfolded around us with its rugged beauty and open skies. By the time we reached Tombstone, we could almost feel the echoes of the Old West welcoming us.
Walking through the dusty streets lined with historic buildings was like stepping back in time. We explored legendary spots like the O.K. Corral, imagining the famous gunfight that took place there, and the Bird Cage Theatre, filled with stories of its saloon days and ghostly whispers. The whole town seemed alive with tales of cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws.
The blend of history and charm made it the perfect start to the trip. It felt like a unique adventure, and the journey was just beginning!
Day Two
Starting at Tumacácori National Historical Park, you delved into the rich tapestry of cultural interactions in the Santa Cruz River valley. Exploring the mission ruins and learning about the confluence of O'odham, Yaqui, Apache, and European influences must have been fascinating.
Next, at Lost Dutchman State Park, you were greeted by the stunning backdrop of the Superstition Mountains. The park's trails and desert flora offer a serene escape, and it's intriguing to think about the legends of the lost gold mine associated with the area.
Concluding your day with the "Chihuly in the Desert" exhibition provided a striking contrast. Dale Chihuly's vibrant glass sculptures set against the desert landscape at the Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West create a mesmerizing blend of art and nature.
Day Three
Visiting Tuzigoot was a fascinating experience! Walking through the remains of that ancient Sinagua pueblo gives you such a sense of connection to the past. Standing atop the hill where the pueblo sits, with its stunning views of the Verde Valley, you can almost imagine what life was like for the people who lived there centuries ago.
The intricate stonework and the stories of the Sinagua people—how they thrived in that environment—are so impressive.
Jerome was such an adventure to explore! It’s incredible to think about how this tiny hillside town was once a booming mining hub, and now it’s a quirky, artistic treasure. The narrow, winding streets, old buildings clinging to the hillside, and sweeping views of the Verde Valley all give Jerome its unique charm.
Visiting Montezuma Castle like stepping back in time! Seeing that ancient cliff dwelling tucked into the limestone cliffs is breathtaking—it’s hard to imagine how the Sinagua people built and lived in such a remarkable structure hundreds of years ago. The fact that it has withstood the test of time is a testament to their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The peaceful surroundings with the sycamore trees and Beaver Creek flowing nearby probably added to the serenity of the experience.
Visiting Red Rock and Cathedral Rock in Sedona is absolutely magical! The vibrant red sandstone formations are so iconic, and they radiate a natural energy that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there, surrounded by their beauty. Cathedral Rock, in particular, is such a striking formation—it feels sacred in a way, and it’s no wonder it’s considered one of Sedona’s energy vortex sites.
Hiking the Pyramid Trails was equally amazing, with sweeping views of the desert landscape and the quiet serenity of Sedona’s trails. The contrast between the vivid red rocks, the greenery of the desert plants, and the vast blue sky makes every step along those trails feel special.
Day Four
Driving on Route 66 was a nostalgic and iconic experience! Known as the "Mother Road," it’s like taking a journey through time, with classic diners, vintage motels, and quirky roadside attractions all along the way. The historic charm and Americana vibes make every mile feel special.
Bearizona was a fun and unique experience! Getting to drive through and see the wildlife up close, especially the bears, must have been thrilling. The mix of the drive-through and walk-through areas makes it feel like such an immersive adventure, with a chance to see animals like wolves, bison, and more in their natural habitats.
Visiting the Flintstones-themed park in Arizona was a fun and whimsical stop! The quirky recreations of Bedrock and its colorful, retro vibe really make it feel like you’ve stepped right into the cartoon. Wandering through the iconic stone houses and meeting life-sized characters like Fred and Barney was a playful break from the rest of the trip.
We were looking for a place to stay the night (we decided to not book hotels in advance, kinda risky but adds to the adventure) Nick took a shot in the dark and called a lodge by the Grand Canyon. To our surprise they had one left! We took it and punched it into the GPS and headed that way. Little did we know until we got close and it started directing us to go inside the park that we would be staying IN the park!
Staying at the Grand Canyon’s an unforgettable experience! Waking up near one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders and having the chance to explore it at your own pace sounds incredible. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the canyon, with the colors shifting across the layers of rock, must have been absolutely magical.
Day Five
Taking a small plane over the Grand Canyon was an awe-inspiring experience! Seeing the vastness of the canyon from the air, with its sweeping views of the rock formations, Colorado River, and endless landscape stretching out below you, was breathtaking. It’s such a unique perspective that you can’t fully appreciate from the ground.
A sunset tour around the Grand Canyon was the perfect way to cap off our visit! As the sun dips below the horizon, the canyon transforms, with the colors changing from golden to deep reds and purples. The quiet stillness and the vastness of the landscape during that time must have felt almost otherworldly.
Day Six
Consisted of more Route 66 and ‘standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona’
Visiting Meteor Crater was fascinating! It’s incredible to see such an enormous impact site up close, knowing that a meteorite hit the earth over 50,000 years ago and left such an iconic mark on the landscape. The size and depth of the crater are mind-blowing, and the surrounding views really give you a sense of the vastness of the impact.
Visiting the Petrified Forest was like stepping into a different world, where ancient trees have turned to stone over millions of years. The vibrant colors in the petrified wood—shades of reds, purples, and oranges—were stunning, especially with the desert backdrop. The landscape itself is also breathtaking, with wide, open skies and unique geological formations.
Visiting 2 Guns and Apache Death Cave was an eerie experience! 2 Guns, with its wild west history and stories of gunfights and outlaws, definitely adds an adventurous element to your trip. The abandoned trading post and ruins create such a ghostly atmosphere, especially with the nearby Apache Death Cave, which is known for its tragic history. The cave, where hundreds of Apache were reportedly trapped and killed, adds a layer of historical significance and haunting mystery.
Day Seven and the last day
Visiting Sunset Crater was incredible! Standing at the base of a dormant volcano and witnessing the stark contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the surrounding landscape is such a powerful experience.
Visiting Wupatki National Monument was amazing experience, exploring the ancient pueblos and learning about the people who lived there over 800 years ago. The site’s vast landscapes, dotted with stone ruins, give such a strong sense of history and resilience. The fact that these communities thrived in such a harsh desert environment is incredible.
Hiking to see petroglyphs was incredible! These ancient symbols carved into rock are like a window into the past, offering glimpses of the stories, beliefs, and lives of the people who created them. The combination of the natural beauty of the landscape and the sense of mystery around the petroglyphs makes for a truly unique hike.
Visiting the Wukoki Monuments was incredible experience! The Wukoki Pueblo is one of the most impressive ruins in the Wupatki National Monument, with its well-preserved structure perched on top of a rock formation. The combination of the ancient stone architecture and the expansive desert landscape around it makes it a striking sight.
Visiting Hole in the Rock was memorable adventure! This natural rock formation, with its hole perfectly shaped like a window, offers not only a striking visual but also a chance to explore the geological wonders of the region. The hike to the formation itself is often part of the experience, offering scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape as you get closer.
We had time to kill before our flight so we visited Phoenix Zoo
