New Mexico and Arizona Tour - Daily Schedule Day 8 - 15

Day 8: Las Cruces - Truth or Consequences
Drive to Truth or Consequences (T or C), formerly the town of Hot Springs, a mineral hot spring area known for many decades. It  sits on the Rio Grande and is near the largest lake of New Mexico, the Elephant Butte Reservoir. Enjoy this lovely area with a variety of optional activities including hot spas, historically famous for the healing power, and a boat trip on Elephant Butte Lake.  Or relax at the hotel and go for a nature walk.

Truth or Consequences
Spa at Rio Grande

Elephant Butte Lake
 

Day 9:  TorC - Fort Craig - Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Preserve - El Camino Real National Heritage Center - Sandia Peak, Albuquerque - Santa Fe
A short stop at the ruins of Fort Craig provides us with some 19th century history. At Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Preserve we get to know a successful wildlife re-introduction program. Then we visit El Camino Real National Heritage Center in the middle of nowhere directly adjacent to the historic El Camino Real, the famous immigrant trail that brought the first colonists from Spain and Mexico to this region in 1598. In Albuquerque, we will take a scenic ride on the world's longest tramway reaching Sandia Peak at 10,378 feet. We enjoy dinner (not included) with a view over thousands of lights far down in the city of Albuquerque. Drive to Santa Fe and stay there for the following two nights.

Fort Craig
 In

Sandia Peak
 

Day 10: Santa Fe
This day is open for independent exploration of Santa Fe, the beautiful capitol city of New Mexico. Here, artists and retirees have been attracted by the cultural richness. Santa Fe is an artist's heaven offering some of the best art galleries in the Southwest. The unique Adobe architecture of most buildings adds to the cultural richness of the area.  Experience some of the museums, galleries and the famed Santa Fe Railroad.  You can sign up for an optional whitewater rafting trip.

Museums,Galleries
Churches

Santa Fe Railroad
 

Day 11: Tent Rocks National Monument - Acoma Sky City Pueblo - Route 66 - Holbrook, Arizona
In the morning we explore the country side of New Mexico and stop at the unique rock formation of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Here we go for a hike among high towering strangely formed hoodoos. Later, we participate at a Native lead tour to the Acoma Sky City Pueblo, situated high upon a table rock.  We drive along Route 66, the Mother Road and stay for the night in Holbrook, Arizona.

Tent Rocks

Acoma Sky City

Day 12: Petrified Forest National Park - Flagstaff - Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument - Cameron, Arizona
This morning you will be amazed by the world's largest concentration of colorful petrified wood at the Petrified Forest National Park.  We explore this wondrous area oft multi-colored badlands on several walks and a sightseeing drive. Then, we drive on to Flagstaff for a short stop.  Explore the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, one of the younger volcanic landscapes where lava flows and cinders still look fresh and rugged.  We choose an interpretive one-mile loop walk on the Lava Flow Trail. We stay 2 nights at Cameron, Arizona at an authentic Native American trading post and nicely designed lodge on the edge of the Little Colorado River. The trading post offers a large selection of all kinds of souvenirs and original Navajo and Hopi arts and crafts including beautiful Navajo rugs and blankets.

Petrified Forest

Route 66

Day 13:  Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim - Cameron
Today's highlight is the Grand Canyon National Park. We spend the day at the Grand Canyon South Rim and soak up the incredible overwhelming views over a gigantic landscape of deep canyons. We drive along Desert View Drive with a stop at Desert View Watchtower and other view points. We visit the visitor center and hike along the rim trail for special views all day. Optional helicopter ride is available at Tusayan.  Second night in Cameron.

Grand Canyon
 

Sunset Crater NM
 

Day 14: Cameron - Oak Creek Canyon - Sedona - Phoenix
Today, we drive down through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, where we enjoy a variety of activities including a walk through the giant red cliffs, shopping, unique southwest cuisine, and art galleries. Later, we drive back to Phoenix, Arizona and spend our last night in Phoenix.

Sedona

Phoenix,AZ

Day 15:  End of tour
Today, the tour ends. Fly home or extend your stay. We will be happy to assist you with your travel plans.