Are you tired of the same ole tourist traps and are seeking something different? The best trips in the U.S. aren’t always where you would expect, like expensive theme parks in Florida or a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. While those are great ideas and fun trips, we aim to think outside of the box and to Travel The Unexpected. Therefore, we are bringing you along on what we think is one of the best trips in the U.S. for an unconventional vacation that may not have even been on your radar!
So, what if we told you that you don’t have to shell out big bucks to keep your family entertained on your next trip together? Further, what if we told you that your kids might actually enjoy unplugging, and as a result, experience some real family bonding? Too good to be true, you say? Hmmm….
Some of the best trips we’ve taken together as a family were the ones where we unplugged and took in nature. Now, before you roll your eyes and scroll away, just hear us out! We’re about to introduce you to – wait for it – Arizona! Yes, Arizona! Believe it or not, we have some fantastic ideas ahead for a family vacation! Even better, this trip doesn’t have to be a budget buster! While we are sharing plenty of ideas, you can pick and choose what best fits your family and budget!
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Why Arizona Is One of the Best Trips in the U.S.
Arizona is definitely one of those places that is often overlooked when it comes to planning a family vacation, but it has so much to offer. Indeed, it’s hot in the summer. However, June tends to be a bit milder compared to the peak of summer. You can expect daytime highs in the low 90s, but evenings cool off to a comfortable 66 degrees on average, making the nights pleasant. Obviously, if you prefer cooler temperatures, you could always opt for a trip like this for spring break or Thanksgiving break.
Grand Canyon Railway
For this trip, we recommend flying into Flagstaff, AZ, and staying for a night or so at Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel in Williams, AZ, a gateway to the Grand Canyon. From the hotel, you will step back in time by taking a round-trip train ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, where the old West comes back to life!
Moreover, this train ride isn’t just about the beautiful scenery and toe-tapping tunes – it’s an experience! As you make your way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you are treated to live music, gorgeous views, and a little Wild West action. However, be warned, before you know it, you just might find yourself in the middle of a “hold-up” when the infamous deviants, the Catraract Creek Gang, stop the train for a robbery. Don’t worry; it’s all part of the adventure, and the kids will love it! The Grand Canyon is a must-see destination, and it frequently earns a spot on “100 places to visit in your lifetime” lists. We love this extremely unique way to visit this location!
Navajo Culture & Sleeping In A Hogan
After enjoying the views of the Grand Canyon and returning to Williams, AZ, rent a car and head to Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat. Here, you can stay on sacred Navajo land for a unique, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. You will also learn about the Navajo culture and traditions, and you can opt to stay in a tent, Sheep Wagon (covered wagon), or Hogan. These are all great, unusual accommodations! However, to really immerse yourself, we recommend staying in a Hogan.
Huh? What’s A Hogan?
A Hogan is a traditional dwelling of the Navajo people, basically made up of natural materials such as dirt, juniper bark, and trees. They are formed into a dome shape, which keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Hogans can accommodate up to 6 people. Additionally, breakfast here is served outside by a huge communal fire pit. It consists of fresh fruit, muffins, yogurt, breakfast bars, and coffee or tea. These accommodations, inside Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat, are truly unique. Since Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat is located just 20 minutes from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, these accommodations allow quick and easy access to other local attractions.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is known for its breathtaking views and almost feels like it’s located on another planet. During the day, the sunlight constantly changes and filters through the canyon, creating spectacular displays of colors and light. Antelope Canyon requires guided tours. As always, we recommend planning ahead.
Horseshoe Bend
You can easily hike/see Antelope Canyon & Horeshoe Bend in one day. Horseshoe Bend is only a one-and-a-half mile loop and can be completed in a self-guided, one-hour hike. This is an iconic sunset spot! We recommend staying to watch the orange glow spill over the rocks, because it’s STUNNING! Make sure to bring a flashlight, though, for the way back.
The Wave
Depending on the age of your kids and/or your adventure level, you might also want to visit The Wave. The sandstone formations here look like liquid rock frozen in time. The colors shift continuously throughout the day, making it a great place for photography. This is a surreal hike located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, about 45-50 miles – or 1 to 1.5 hours – from Shash Dine’ Eco-Retreat. This route involves a mix of paved and dirt roads. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Pro Tip: The trailhead for The Wave requires a permit. Due to limited availability, advanced planning is necessary. This works on a lottery system. You can find out more about how to apply for a permit here.
Things to Know About the Wave
- Best time to visit: Start EARLY at sunrise to beat most of the heat.
- This is a 6.4-mile round trip (5 – 6 hours). It’s considered a strenuous hike.
- There is no marked trail! It requires navigation skills with GPS.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Bring lots of sunscreen!
Other Accommodations / Activities if Time Allows
Go to the Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn: Located on historic Route 66, near Peach Springs, AZ, the Grand Canyon Caverns is part of a 345-million cave network, sitting 220 feet below the surface. You descend down 21 stories by an elevator, where you can take a tour or even stay overnight in a suite. Reservations are required. (They can only accommodate six people a night.) Believe it or not, they have a TV and a bathroom with a shower in the suite. They claim that their hotel is the darkest, quietest hotel room in the world!
Additionally, you can also choose to eat in their four-course restaurant inside the Grand Canyon Caverns, called the Caverns Grotto, which is 300 feet below the surface! This is an intimate setting with only 4 tables in this restaurant. Talk about unique!
Kayak or Paddleboard: Launch a kayak or paddleboard from Antelope Point Marina and enjoy Lake Powell, where the rock walls tower over you! You can actually touch the canyon walls from your kayak! This area is not part of the protected Navajo Nation land, so you don’t need a guided tour or permit for this route.
Enjoy a Rodeo: For some affordable fun and a thrilling experience, don your cowboy hat and enjoy an outing to a rodeo where you can witness competitive bull riding, barrel racing, and bareback riding. This is an inexpensive but fun way to spend an afternoon. For more information, check out Rodeo98 to see when their next event is.
UTV Off-Road Tour: To amp up the excitement a little, go off-roading! If you have tweens or teens, they will love this!. You can rent a UTV to explore desert trails and dunes. The UTVs seat 5 and are $275 per vehicle for a 1.5-hour tour. Drinks are provided.
Pro Tip: You will need to put a credit card on file for a damage deposit. Renters must be 21. All drivers have to be 18. Participants must be 5 and older.
Rafting the Colorado River: If off-roading isn’t your thing, how about experiencing Horseshoe Bend from a raft on the Colorado River? There’s no white water rafting here. This is a 15-mile trip on a raft with a tour guide. It is a calm and peaceful float, lasting about half a day. Wear your bathing suit, because you can stop to get in the water. This is all about relaxing and enjoying the sheer beauty of being in a river canyon. You may even see some mountain goats and wild horses!
Conclusion
In the hectic-paced world that we live in today, filled with constant distractions, phones, computers, etc., we think that Arizona serves as one of the best trips in the U.S. for families. This is a vacation to unplug, bond, and form lasting memories together. Sure, it may get you and your family out of your comfort zone a little, but those are the best and most interesting kinds of trips to take! Right?
For more unique locations, check out our post on “21 Star Wars Locations You Can Visit In Real Life!”
