Road trip

Question

Hello,

Me and my friend will travel to the US in September for 9 days - returnflight Phoenix. We want to visit Flagstaff (we studied at NAU 25 years ago so this is a must visit) and since we've seen a lot from that area already (and I know, there is MUCH more to explore), we want to drive to the Rocky Mountains. Antelope canyon, Moab and Colorado Springs are on our list, but we realize it is quite ambitious to go from Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon, to Moab, to Colorado Springs, maybe to Durango and unwind in Sedona before our flight in only 9 days. :) We like to drive / travel, but also to experience places. Can you please give us advise what to do or skip? Also, it would be great to get some insider tips of less known places but worth the visit. Thanks in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting road trip planned! With only 9 days and a lot to see, it’s definitely a good idea to balance between seeing iconic destinations and leaving time to actually experience them. You’re right that traveling from Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon, Moab, Colorado Springs, Durango, and Sedona in just 9 days might be a bit too ambitious, so I’ll provide some suggestions to help you prioritize and also share a few hidden gems that you might enjoy along the way.

1. Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon (Day 1 & 2)
Since you studied at NAU and Flagstaff is a must-visit for you, I’d suggest taking some time to really enjoy the town. Flagstaff has a lot of charm with its historic downtown, and the surrounding areas like Walnut Canyon National Monument and Lowell Observatory are worth checking out.

Antelope Canyon: A trip to Antelope Canyon should definitely be on your list, but it’s a bit out of the way. It’s best to plan for a half-day or full-day trip from Flagstaff, depending on your schedule. Antelope Canyon is breathtaking, but remember that it’s best explored with a guided tour, which will take you into the slot canyons and give you the best photographic opportunities.
Page: If you have time, also consider visiting Lake Powell or Horseshoe Bend nearby. Both are iconic spots and can be done in a couple of hours.

2. Flagstaff to Moab (Day 3 & 4)
Moab is about 5-6 hours from Flagstaff, so it's a long drive, but it’s worth it if you’re into outdoor activities and scenic views. Moab is home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, both of which are must-visits if you have time for some hiking and sightseeing.

Arches National Park: This is one of the most iconic places in the U.S. for rock formations and offers relatively easy hikes (like the Delicate Arch hike) with incredible views.
Canyonlands: If time allows, consider a drive through the Island in the Sky district. The scenic viewpoints here are stunning, and you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding desert.
Insider Tip: If you’re into off-the-beaten-path spots, check out Dead Horse Point State Park near Moab, which offers breathtaking views over the Colorado River.

3. Moab to Colorado Springs (Day 5 & 6)
The drive from Moab to Colorado Springs is about 5 hours, so it’s a bit of a stretch, especially with all that you’ve already seen. Colorado Springs offers a lot in terms of scenic beauty and outdoor activities. However, if you want to fully enjoy the natural attractions, I’d suggest sticking to just one day here.

Garden of the Gods: This park is a must-see and is free to visit. It features stunning red rock formations, and you can do a nice hike or drive through it.
Pikes Peak: If you enjoy scenic drives, Pikes Peak offers one of the best views in Colorado. If you’re up for a more adventurous drive, you can take the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit.
Insider Tip: If you’re interested in a more quiet, hidden gem, check out the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, which is built into the side of the mountain and offers a unique experience with great views of the city.

4. Colorado Springs to Durango (Day 7)
If you’re really keen on visiting Durango, it’s about a 6-hour drive from Colorado Springs, so it’s a bit of a stretch for one day, especially if you want to enjoy the town. Durango is known for its historic railroad, so if you’re interested in scenic train rides, consider taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which is a fun and scenic experience.

Durango: If you visit Durango, take some time to explore the old town, which has great restaurants and a historic district. The Animas River Trail is a great place for a relaxing walk or bike ride.
Insider Tip: The drive along Highway 550 (known as the Million Dollar Highway) from Durango to Ouray is one of the most scenic in Colorado, with views of the San Juan Mountains.

5. Sedona (Day 8 & 9)
Sedona is a perfect place to unwind after your road trip. It’s a little over a 6-hour drive back from Durango to Sedona, but it’s totally worth it for a relaxing last stop before your flight. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, and there are plenty of scenic hikes and vortex sites to visit.

Red Rock State Park: If you’re up for a scenic hike, head to Red Rock State Park for some easy-to-moderate trails with amazing views.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: This is one of Sedona’s iconic landmarks, with a beautiful church built into the red rocks.
Insider Tip: For a unique experience, try a jeep tour through the rugged terrain or visit one of Sedona’s many spiritual vortex sites if you’re looking to unwind in a peaceful setting.

Final Suggestions:
It’s definitely possible to visit all of these places in 9 days, but it will be a bit rushed, especially considering the drive times. If you’re keen to explore and really soak in the scenery, I’d recommend cutting out Durango or reducing the time spent in Colorado Springs. Alternatively, you could consider focusing more on the southwest and cutting out some of the longer drives.

To truly experience places, I’d also recommend leaving time for unplanned stops—whether it's a hidden gem you discover along the drive or simply some time to relax and enjoy the view. This will make your trip more memorable and less stressful!

Road trip

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