what are the must sees in the southwest USA? (Utah, AZ, NV)

[KarenB]

Well, I think we have finally decided on next year's vacation. We are banking our add on DVC points, getting caught up on the borrowing and heading west. Here is our plan (DH, DSs 15 and 16, myself) for next June:

Philadelphia to Las Vegas flight

Las Vegas 3 nights (Hoover Dam, the strip, find a water park, relax)

Zion National Park 2 nights

Bryce Canyon 2 nights

Grand Canyon 2 nights

Sedona, Arizona 2 nights

Phoenix to Philidelphia flight

We just e-mailed the travel agent to see what she can do. What are some things we should not miss in this area?? We want to stay in the National Park Lodges.

Thanks,
Karen

 

[TigerBear]

What an amazing trip that will be!

 

[KarenB]

Thanks TigerBear! We did a similar trip in 1999 traveling from Salt Lake City through Yellowstone and it was wonderful. I have always wanted to see southern Utah. I'm afraid our DSs are not going to want to go on vacation with us soon and we thought this would be a great one for their age!

karen

 

[buckylarue]

Around Sedona, don't miss Oak Creek Canyon (rated one of America's top 10 scenic drives by Rand McNally), Montezuma Castle (the most well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in America), and Jerome (a former mining town, once one of the largest cities in the state and known as the 'wickedest town in the West', then a ghost town, now a thriving artist and historical tourist community).

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I think you have the highlights covered. You might want to try and see an actual ghost town When I was a kid, my parents took us there all the time and I loved the ghost towns.

Take lots of pictures of the gorgeous scenery.

 

[Serena]

The Salt River Canyon in Arizona is breathtaking. (I think it's in arizona)

 

[TigerBear]

I actually just got back on Saturday from Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. I absolutely loved it!!! I have a feeling the trip started a love of the national parks for me. I can't wait to see what advice you get on this thread.

 

[Rajah]

You might also try to go to Arches, if you have the time. Not sure that you would, though. And if you don't, what you have listed is a good summary.

 

[PoohnPglet]

I do not know how much time you have or how far you would like to travel, but the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde in SW Colorado are nice. There are also some amazing Sand Dunes in SW Colorado.

Oh, you could scoot down to Lake Havasu and see the London Bridge!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I haven't been to a whole lot of states in that area, but I love the state of Utah. Canyonlands is amazingly beautiful, when you get to the bottom of the canyon you can even seee pictographs. Arches is also an incredible park to hike. Just leave well before dark. I have great memories of looking out over San Rafael Swell in the snow!

If you are a skier try Solitude and Alta, it was inexpensive and one of the best skiing places I have ever been.

 

[castlegazer]

I was also going to pipe in with Arches and Monument Valley in Utah - but I am not sure you will be going near there in your itinerary. If you get the chance, they are both not to be missed.

Eat a lunch at the Boulders Resort in Arizona.