Example flight suggestion (subject to confirmation on Google Flights): Southwest/Alaska/American morning flight LAS -> ABQ (non‑overnight). Leaves after 5:00am, arrives mid‑morning in Albuquerque so you have a full first day. Verify exact flight number/times on Google Flights from your laptop.
Take the New Mexico Rail Runner Express or regional shuttle from Albuquerque Sunport/ABQ downtown to Santa Fe (public transport; ~1h15m–1h40m). It's scenic and avoids renting a car.
Check into centrally located Santa Fe Airbnb (walkable to Plaza). Lunch at Cafe Pasqual's or local taqueria — creative New Mexican cuisine near the plaza. Cafe Pasqual's typical hours ~8am–3pm; confirm before you go.
Explore the historic plaza, Native American vendors, and the 1610 Palace of the Governors (one of the oldest public buildings). Great first‑day orientation to Santa Fe culture and heritage.
Walk to Canyon Road for galleries and studios. Many galleries close by 5–6pm in winter — plan an afternoon visit. Perfect to soak in Santa Fe’s art heritage.
See the work and life of New Mexico’s most famous artist; museum hours typically 10:00am–5:00pm (closed Mondays). A must for Santa Fe’s cultural story.
Visit Bandelier for cliff dwellings and volcanic landscapes. Public shuttle options or regional transit run seasonally — confirm schedules online. Park typically open sunrise–sunset; visitor center hours can vary in winter.
Book a 2–3 hour hands‑on session with a local artisan to learn traditional techniques (great for cultural immersion). Confirm availability when booking.
Return by Rail Runner or shuttle to ABQ; arrive by late morning to connect to midday flight to LAS. Plan to arrive at ABQ airport at least 60–90 minutes before flight.
Book a non‑overnight midday flight that gets you back to LAS well before 5:00pm. Confirm exact flight number on Google Flights on a laptop and capture screenshot.
Example morning flight LAS -> Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) on American/Southwest/Alaska. (No overnight). Confirm specific flight number/times on Google Flights from a laptop.
Public shuttle or FlixBus from PHX Airport to Flagstaff (two public options: FlixBus/Greyhound or shuttle companies such as Groome). Travel ~2h30m; comfortable and scenic route.
Take a public tour bus or shuttle (Arizona Shuttle / tour operator) from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim; day trips are well organized and do not require a car. Depart early and return evening.
Visit Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and short rim walks for sweeping canyon views and heritage information at visitor centers (hours vary; visitor center often 9am–5pm).
Take the scheduled Groome or FlixBus shuttle from Flagstaff to Sedona (~1h15m). Arrive midday and check into Sedona Airbnb near Uptown or Village of Oak Creek.
Public shuttle and local transit options or short guided shuttle reach Chapel of the Holy Cross and Bell Rock viewpoint—great introduction to Sedona’s spiritual and natural heritage.
Use Sedona Trolley or guided shuttle to trailheads; many short hikes (1–3 hours) are accessible by public transport/taxis. Guided hikes add cultural context to the landscape.
If your return flight departs from PHX early on Jan 15, you can prebook an evening shuttle to Phoenix and overnight near PHX, or take morning shuttle to PHX depending on flight time. (Choose option that ensures arrival to PHX in time for your flight back to LAS).
Take scheduled shuttle (Groome/FlixBus/Greyhound) from Sedona/Flagstaff to PHX; allow time for airport procedures to ensure arrival back to LAS before 5:00pm.
Book a midday flight from PHX -> LAS so you arrive in Las Vegas well before 5:00pm. Confirm flight numbers on Google Flights from your laptop and capture the required screenshot.
Example non‑overnight morning flight LAS -> Salt Lake City (SLC) on Delta or Alaska. Confirm a daytime flight on Google Flights (laptop) — many direct flights are available and fit the budget.
Lunch at a downtown café; short walking tour of Temple Square to learn Mormon history and local heritage (self-guided or guided tours by the Church are available; check current tour hours).
Use UTA transit to connect with bus/FrontRunner links and park shuttle options to Antelope Island State Park on Great Salt Lake — note winter schedules, check UTA/park hours. Antelope Island offers wildlife viewing (bison), short hikes, and dramatic lake views.
Take the public Old Town Trolley or transit link / Park City bus (UTA partners) from SLC to Park City — regular scheduled public options exist; confirm winter timetables. Park City offers heritage mining history and mountain scenery.
Explore mining‑era buildings, independent galleries, and small museums. Many historical sites are accessible on foot; guided tours are available (book in advance).
Start with breakfast then explore the Church History Museum and other cultural sites around Temple Square (check museum opening hours; many open 10am–5pm).
Use UTA or canyon shuttle to access short walks and scenic overlooks in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Winter conditions vary; dress warmly and check transit schedules.
Book a late‑morning/midday non‑overnight flight SLC -> LAS to return by 5:00pm. Confirm flight numbers and capture Google Flights screenshots from your laptop.