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14-Day Southwest USA Adventure: Grand Canyon to New Mexico's Historic and Natural Wonders

Viewed by 152 travelers

Day 1: Explore Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ, USA on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast, famous for its farm-fresh ingredients and traditional American breakfast dishes. It opens at 6:00am.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Desert Botanical Garden

Explore diverse desert plant species at the Desert Botanical Garden, open 8:00am-8:00pm, a perfect intro to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
USD30, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco

Taste some of the best artisanal wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Bianco, located in downtown Phoenix. Open till 9:00pm.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Heard Museum

Visit the renowned Heard Museum to experience Native American art and culture. Open 9:30am-5:00pm.
USD18, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kai Restaurant

End your day with a fine dining experience at Kai Restaurant, featuring Native American cuisine with modern twists. Reservation recommended.
USD65, 2h
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Day 2: Walnut Canyon Visit

Walnut Canyon National Monument, AZ, USA on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel/nearby cafe

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast near your hotel before a day of hiking.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Walnut Canyon National Monument hike

Walk the Island Trail and enjoy views of cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people. The monument opens from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD15, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Diablo Burger, Flagstaff

Try locally sourced burgers at Diablo Burger, a great choice in Flagstaff about 20 minutes away.
USD18, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff

Stroll through Flagstaff’s historic district, visiting local shops and cafés. Enjoy the mountain town ambiance.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Beaver Street Brewery

Relax with local brews and American comfort food at Beaver Street Brewery, open until 9:00pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 3: Wupatki & Sunset Crater

Wupatki National Monument & Sunset Crater, AZ, USA on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a simple breakfast before heading out for the national monuments.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Wupatki National Monument

Explore ancient ruins and learn about the prehistoric inhabitants. Park opens at 8:00am and closes at 5:00pm.
USD15, 2h

11:30am

Hike Sunset Crater Volcano

Walk the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater to see volcanic landscapes just north of Wupatki. National Park Service site open 8:00am-5:00pm.
Included with Wupatki, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Historic Cameron Trading Post

Stop at Cameron Trading Post for Navajo-inspired cuisine and local crafts. Open till 7:00pm.
USD20, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Montezuma Castle National Monument

Visit Montezuma Castle to see well-preserved cliff dwellings. Open 8:00am-5:00pm; it closes later but arrive early enough to tour.
USD15, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Tavern Grille, Camp Verde

Comfortable dining serving American cuisine in nearby Camp Verde, open until 9:00pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 4: Petrified Forest

Petrified Forest National Park, AZ, USA on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early for a full day at Petrified Forest National Park, open 8:00am-6:00pm.
USD10, 0h45m

8:30am

Visit Petrified Forest National Park

Drive along the park’s scenic route and hike to marvel at petrified wood, Painted Desert vistas, and ancient petroglyphs.
USD25 per vehicle, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at the Painted Desert Visitor Center Café

Grab sandwiches and snacks with scenic views at the visitor center café inside the park.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Continue exploring park sights including Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest trails

Enjoy afternoon hikes in Petrified Forest’s unique landscapes.
Included in park fee, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Holbrook at Joe & Aggie's Café

Dine at a local favorite restaurant in Holbrook serving classic American dishes, open until 9:00pm.
USD20, 1.5h
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Day 5: Canyon de Chelly

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ, USA on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat an early breakfast before driving to Canyon de Chelly, open 24 hours but ranger-led tours start around 8:00am.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Self-guided visit and guided jeep tour of Canyon de Chelly

Explore spectacular Navajo cliff dwellings and ancient ruins via walking trails and optionally a guided tour with a Navajo guide for deeper insight. Tours vary but book in advance.
USD0 for self-guided; USD90+ for guided tours, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Spider Rock Café

Enjoy southwestern cuisine at Spider Rock Café, located in Chinle, AZ near Canyon de Chelly. Open for lunch until 3:00pm.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Drive toward Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Prepare for next day’s exploration in New Mexico; overnight stay en route (recommended to stay near Cuba, NM, or a nearby town).
USD0, Drive several hours (4-5h)

7:30pm

Dinner at local diner en route

Dine at a simple diners or roadside eateries depending on stop location around Cuba, NM area.
USD15, 1h
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Day 6: Chaco Canyon Ruins

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM, USA on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Early breakfast for day of archaeological exploration. Prepare with water and snacks.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Explore the extensive ancestral Puebloan ruins and visitor center. The park is open from 8:00am to sunset (approx. 8:30pm in June).
USD25, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch picnic or local hub

Bring lunch or eat at nearby Cuba or Nageezi village if possible.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Short hikes and photography

Spend afternoon walking a couple more trails and capturing Chaco Canyon’s landscapes.
Included, 2h

6:00pm

Drive to Grants, NM for overnight

Head to Grants (approximately 2 hours) which offers dining and lodging.
USD0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant, Grants

Enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine in Grants, open till 9:00pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 7: El Malpais & El Morro

El Malpais & El Morro National Monuments, NM, USA on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Grants

Simple breakfast before a scenic day among volcanic and historic monuments.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore El Malpais National Monument

Hike lava tubes, sandstone bluffs, and see unique geology. Open 8:00am to sunset.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch break at local café in Grants

Casual dining in Grants before heading to El Morro.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit El Morro National Monument

See historic petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the bluff. Open 8:00am - sunset.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Santa Fe

Head to Santa Fe for next day’s exploration, about 2.5 hours drive.
USD0, 2.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Shed, Santa Fe

Enjoy New Mexican cuisine in a historic setting in downtown Santa Fe, open till 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 8: Santa Fe Art & History

Santa Fe, NM, USA on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Pasqual's

Start with an organic, locally sourced breakfast at Santa Fe’s landmark cafe. Opens at 7:30am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Discover masterpieces of one of America’s most iconic painters. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
USD18, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tia Sophia's

Try traditional New Mexican dishes in a casual setting. Open until 3pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Santa Fe Plaza & Palace of the Governors

Walk the historic plaza, shops, and visit colonial-era Palace of the Governors museum. Open till 5:00pm.
USD0, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Loretto Chapel

Admire the miraculous staircase in this Gothic Revival chapel. Open till 5:00pm.
USD5, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Geronimo

Fine dining with global and regional influences in a stylish adobe home. Reservation recommended. Open till 9:00pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 9: Albuquerque & Surround

Albuquerque, NM, USA on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Standard Diner

Popular spot for classic American breakfast and creative dishes. Opens at 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Albuquerque Old Town

Explore historic Old Town plaza, shops, and San Felipe de Neri Church. Mostly outdoors and free.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks near Winslow

Drive to Winslow area to visit the notable dinosaur track sites. Check accessibility and opening with local visitor info, generally open daylight hours.
USD10 donation recommended, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Turquoise Room, Santa Fe Depot (on route if returning to Santa Fe)

Classic southwestern lunch if passing Santa Fe, open 11:30am-2:00pm (check seasonal hours).
USD25, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

Explore historic trading post and Navajo arts near Ganado, AZ. Open 8:30am-4:30pm, best to check with park service for access and hours.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Flagstaff or hotel near Winslow

Dinner options include local diners or chain restaurants, many open till 9-10pm.
USD20, 1.5h
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Day 10: Page & Antelope Canyon

Page, AZ, USA on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café in Page

Start early with breakfast and coffee before canyon tours. Options open from 6:30am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Antelope Canyon tour (Upper or Lower)

Reserve a guided tour in advance to explore this famous slot canyon. Tours run from early morning and last about 1.5-2h.
USD60-80, 2h

11:00am

Visit nearby Horseshoe Bend

Short hike (1.5 miles round trip) to spectacular overlook of Colorado River’s Horseshoe Bend. Park open dawn to dusk, no cost but parking fee applies.
USD10 parking, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Big John's Texas BBQ, Page

Enjoy hearty BBQ and Texan cuisine, open 11:00am-8:00pm.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Elephant’s Feet near Tuba City

Drive to Tuba City to see unique petrified wood formations known as Elephant’s Feet. Best visited in daylight hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, Page

Try sushi and global flavors in a lively atmosphere. Open till 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 11: Monument Valley

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, AZ/UT, USA on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Page or en route

Light breakfast before heading early to Monument Valley.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park scenic drive and tours

Explore iconic sandstone buttes by self-drive or Navajo guided tour. The park is open 6:00am to 8:00pm.
USD20 entrance; guided tours USD60+, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The View Restaurant inside Monument Valley

Enjoy southwest-inspired meals with spectacular valley views. Open 7:00am-8:00pm.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Tonto National Monument

Travel toward central AZ visiting Tonto National Monument with cliff dwellings, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
USD10, 3h drive plus 1h visit

7:00pm

Dinner near Phoenix or local town

Stop for dinner and overnight rest in nearby town or Phoenix area.
USD20, 1.5h
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Day 12: Aztec Ruins & Tent Rocks

Aztec Ruins National Monument & Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NM, NM, USA on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local diner

Fill up for a day of hiking and exploring ruins.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Aztec Ruins National Monument

Explore well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan structures, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
USD10, 2h

11:30am

Drive & hike at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Hike stunning slot canyons and cone-shaped rock formations. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
USD5 parking, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch or late snack at nearby cafe in Cochiti Pueblo or Santa Fe

Light meal or snack as you head back toward Santa Fe or Albuquerque.
USD15, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Santa Fe

Choose a local restaurant offering New Mexican flavors to unwind after a full day. Options like Tomasita’s open till 9:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Aztec Ruins National Monument & Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NM

Day 13: Gila Dwellings & Catwalk

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument & Gila National Forest, NM, USA on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near Gila or en route

Early breakfast to reach the remote Gila area.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Tour Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Guided ranger-led tours are offered; see centuries-old Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
USD10, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch nearby or picnic

Enjoy packed lunch or local food around Silver City or Gila area.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Gila National Forest Catwalk trail hike

Take a scenic walk on the Catwalk Trail, a historic railroad path turned walkway along a steep gorge. Trail access conditions vary seasonally.
USD0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner in Silver City

Local dining with southwestern options in Silver City, open till 9:00pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 14: White Sands & Return

White Sands National Park, NM, USA on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Alamogordo or nearby

Start with a breakfast at a local diner before entering the park.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

White Sands National Park

Walk, sled, or drive through the beautiful gypsum sand dunes. Park open 7:00am-7:00pm. Entry fee applies.
USD25 per vehicle, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at local café in Alamogordo

Light lunch to refuel before heading back or onward travel.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Drive back to Phoenix or next destination

This concludes the tour. Begin return travel to Phoenix or next destination per your plans.
USD0, 5h+ depending on destination
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