My sister-in-law had fond memories as a child traveling through Arizona and seeing the Grand Canyon so she decided to go back for her 40th birthday. Six of us hopped on an early flight Saturday morning and were having margaritas and Fundidos at a Mexican restaurant in Phoenix by lunch time.

Amazed at the Saguaro Cacti that grew along the streets (and even more so after learning of their age and role in the environment) we made our way to see the Montezuma Castle National Monument. You pass through the small visitor center and only walk a few minutes before standing in front of the historic cliff dwelling of the ancient Sinagua people. The site provides a miniature display of what a day in the five level, twenty room castle would have been like around the 1100-1300s. We learned more in the visitor center where they exhibited history of the monument and it’s inhabitants along with tools and artifacts that were used in that time. We then drove to Red Rock State Park, walked to Oak Creek to dip our feet in the water and took in the surrounding views. Afterwards, we picked up groceries before heading to our Airbnb in Flagstaff. After an early travel day then hitting the ground running, everyone was ready to turn in.

Day 2 would be our visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We arrived at the entrance around noon which is later than recommended so there were lines of cars waiting to get in. We walked along the Rim Trail from the visitor center to the Hopi House. About halfway through the path, the Trail of Time begins which is a geologic timeline featuring exhibits and rock displays (labeled with type and age) for insight on the formation of the Grand Canyon. This was my second time visiting the National Park but like my sister-in-law, it had been a long time. I tried to really take in the sights while reading the exhibits and gain more appreciation for the natural wonder. We spent several hours at the park before heading back to the house.

On Day 3, we had two exciting tours planned. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. We booked through Antelope Canyon X with Taadidiin Tours and made our way to the check in area around 11:45am. They ask that people bring nothing but their phones (for photos only as there is no cell service and no video allowed) and a water bottle on the tour. The van drove us in groups to the canyon entry where we would be assigned a guide to lead us through the trail. We were showed the different formations and given an informative tour which took about an hour total from entry back to the exit. It was a warm day but did cool down when inside of the canyons. I’d recommend bringing light layers and wearing closed toe shoes. While it was a quick tour of the magnificent slot canyons we were able to enjoy our visit without feeling rushed or crowded. We then drove a few minutes to the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center and walked along the bridge. Shortly after we were off to see Horseshoe Bend. It’s impossible to take a bad photo once you’ve reached the overlook. Just like the Grand Canyon, there were so many people traveling from all over the world to see the fascinating rock formation hugged by the Colorado River. It’s a sight so beautiful you’ll wish all the people you loved were there to see it with you.

The 4th day would be when we check out of our lovely Airbnb and head back to a hotel near the Phoenix airport. We had one planned stop that day which would be to see Meteor Crater in northern Arizona. We were able to catch the short documentary playing in the museum theatre on the 4100ft across, 700ft deep crater that was a result of the meteorite striking earth 50,000 years ago. This quickly became one of the highlights of the trip for me as I walked the Discovery Center and Space Museum. Learning about these natural occurrences and what science researchers have come to discover was astounding before I’d even peered out at the crater. We walk out and spot the different Lookout Points but the very first thing we did was climb the stairs to the highest one. You gaze upon the crater and imagine the estimated 130ft across meteorite (weighing several hundred thousand tons) crashing into the ground at 26,000mph. I can’t begin to imagine what it was like at first impact but to have stood in front of it, seeing the cavity it created with trees now able to grow on it was an extraordinary experience.

As you can see, a visit to Arizona creates lasting memories for both children and adults (from all origins) that also makes you realize how wonderfully complex and fascinating nature can be. To have so many historic places to visit just within hours apart made this one eventful birthday weekend for all of us. Happy Birthday, Christi!