8-Day Southwest National Parks and Monuments Adventure from Phoenix

Day 1: Cultural Ruins Exploration

Phoenix to Walnut Canyon and Montezuma's Castle, Arizona on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring classic American dishes made with local ingredients in downtown Phoenix, open from 6:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Explore cliff dwellings and scenic trails that showcase ancient Native American life. Open 8:30am–5:00pm.
USD10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Baldy’s BBQ, Flagstaff

Enjoy authentic southwestern barbecue with great local flavors on your way north.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Montezuma's Castle National Monument

Visit well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people, open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

4:30pm

Drive to Flagstaff – Overnight stay

Check-in at a comfortable hotel in Flagstaff to rest for the next day's adventures.
USD120, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Diablo Burger

Savor locally sourced gourmet burgers made with fresh ingredients.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 2: Volcanic Landscapes & Ancient Sites

Flagstaff to Wupatki and Sunset Crater, Arizona on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Macy's European Coffeehouse

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee in a cozy setting.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Wupatki National Monument

Explore ancient pueblos amid stunning desert landscapes, open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD20, 2h0m

11:30am

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Hike the volcanic cinder cone and learn about recent eruptions. Open 8:00am–5:00pm.
USD25, 2h0m

1:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Sunset Crater Visitor Area

Enjoy a packed lunch with views of volcanic terrain.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive towards North Rim Grand Canyon

A scenic drive preparing for the Grand Canyon exploration, check into a lodge.
USD150, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Grand Canyon Lodge

Dine with spectacular views overlooking the canyon rim.
USD35, 1h0m
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Day 3: Grand Canyon Adventure

North Rim Grand Canyon, Arizona on June 18, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Grand Canyon Lodge

Grab a quick breakfast onsite before heading out for a day of hiking and sightseeing.
USD20, 1h0m

7:30am

North Rim Scenic Trails

Explore less crowded hiking trails such as the Bright Angel Point Trail with breathtaking views. Open dawn to dusk.
USD35 (park entrance fee), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at North Rim Lodge

Enjoy traditional American fare while overlooking the canyon.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Petrified Forest National Park

Leave the canyon in the afternoon to reach Petrified Forest National Park for late exploration.
USD25, 3h0m

4:30pm

Petrified Forest Scenic Drive & Blue Mesa Trail

Visit colorful fossilized trees and desert landscapes; park open 8:00am–6:00pm.
Included, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Painted Desert Diner

Casual dining with local specialties near the park entrance.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30pm

Overnight stay near Petrified Forest

Check into a nearby motel to rest for the next day.
USD100, N/A
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Day 4: Volcanic & Historic Sites

Petrified Forest to El Malpais and El Morro, New Mexico on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast before your scenic drive into New Mexico.
USD12, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to El Malpais National Monument

Explore dramatic lava fields and caves; park open 9:00am–5:00pm.
USD10, 2h30m

10:30am

Hiking and Cave Exploration at El Malpais

Walk lava tube trails and see unique volcanic formations.
Included, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Grants, NM

Stop in Grants for New Mexican cuisine at a local cafe.
USD18, 1h0m

2:00pm

El Morro National Monument

Visit ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the sandstone cliffs. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
USD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Chaco Canyon

Arrive and settle in for guided tours the next day.
USD50, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner and Overnight at Chaco Lodge

Relax with southwestern cuisine at the remote lodge near Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
USD40, 1h0m
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Day 5: Chaco Canyon Experience

Chaco Canyon, New Mexico on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Chaco Lodge

Fuel up early as ranger-led tours typically start mid-morning.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Tour

Explore ruins of a major Ancestral Puebloan center with guided tours; park open 8:00am–6:00pm.
USD25, 4h0m

1:00pm

Packed Lunch at Chaco Canyon

Enjoy lunch while surrounded by dramatic desert ruins.
USD15, 0h45m

2:00pm

Drive to Canyon de Chelly

Travel to the stunning Canyon de Chelly and check into nearby accommodation.
USD60, 3h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Chinle, AZ

Choose local Navajo-inspired dishes at a reputable restaurant in Chinle.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 6: Canyon de Chelly Exploration

Canyon de Chelly, Arizona on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Chinle

Start with a fresh breakfast in town before canyon tours.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Guided Canyon de Chelly Tour

Explore majestic sandstone cliffs and ancient cliff dwellings on a Navajo-guided tour. Tours run 9:00am–3:00pm.
USD75, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Chinle

Casual local dining with traditional dishes.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Enjoy a longer scenic drive, arriving in the early evening.
USD50, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Shed, Santa Fe

Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine in the heart of Santa Fe.
USD40, 1h0m
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Day 7: Santa Fe & Albuquerque

Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Pasqual's

Taste gourmet breakfast in a colorful, eclectic environment, open from 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Santa Fe Plaza & Museums

Explore historic plaza, art galleries, and museums such as the New Mexico Museum of Art.
USD15, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tomasita's

Enjoy classic Northern New Mexican dishes with red and green chile sauces.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Albuquerque

A short drive to Albuquerque to explore its cultural and historic sites.
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Old Town Albuquerque

Stroll through Old Town’s plazas, shops, and mission church.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sadie's of New Mexico

Enjoy southwestern cuisine with signature margaritas.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 8: White Sands & Gila Wilderness

Alamogordo to White Sands National Park and Gila National Monument, New Mexico on June 23, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast in Alamogordo

Grab an early meal to maximize time at White Sands.
USD12, 0h45m

7:30am

White Sands National Park

Explore the stunning gypsum sand dunes by hiking and sledding. Park open 7:00am–8:00pm.
USD25, 3h0m

11:00am

Drive toward Gila National Monument

Head west for exploration of rugged wilderness and archaeological sites.
USD10, 3h30m

2:30pm

Gila National Monument

Hike and tour ancestral pueblo ruins and scenic canyons; park open 8:00am–5:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive back toward Phoenix

Begin the approximate 5-hour journey back to Phoenix.
USD50, 5h0m
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