For the ultimate archaeology road trip through the Four Corners region, look no further! From the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park to the petroglyphs at Chaco Canyon, the sandstone spires in Canyon de Chelly, and plenty of other incredible dwellings, hikes, and sites in between, this 10-day itinerary is the southwestern archaeology itinerary of a lifetime.
Conveniently located less than a two hour drive from the Front Range, Sterling is just as easy to get to as it is to explore! Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful getaway in Northeastern Colorado’s arts and culture hub. This historic town offers unparalleled access to nature and has something for everyone: biking, birding, fishing, art, history, great food, and more!
Just under two hours away from the bustle and the crowds of the Front Range, the historic town of Sterling feels like a blissful breath of fresh air. The arts and culture hub of Northeastern Colorado offers unparalleled access to nature and has something for everyone: biking, birding, fishing, art, history, shopping, great food, and more! Choose your own adventure as you mix and match a wide range of activity options.
Make a morning stop at the Farm-to-Fantastic Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Saturday morning throughout the year. Stock up on farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, locally-sourced foods, and delicious baked goods before heading into the desert.
Leave the city behind and explore nature and an up-and-coming art scene in this historic mining town.
When the only crowds are wildlife, the only lines are trails leading into the forest, and the streets are crowded with the waves of locals. We’re big fans of this mountain town in the shoulder season.
Small-town charm settles in along the benches and Canada geese of the river walk, and you’ll find yourself unwinding with nature in the heart of the biggest city in the region.
Williams, Arizona, is the crossroads of the American Southwest. From Grand Canyon National Park to Route 66 to rodeos, there’s plenty to explore in the area. Naturally, summer is the busiest season for visitors. However, since attractions remain open year-round, why not visit during one of the other equally enjoyable seasons? The only thing you have to lose are the crowds, heat and higher summer rates! Sounds like a no-brainer to us!
This three-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore the gateway town to Grand Canyon National Park without all the fuss of the busy season. Live like a local AND see all of Williams, Arizona’s favorite attractions when you visit during the off-season midweek.
When traveling to National Parks and other beautiful places in the Rocky Mountain West, you also travel across the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage in the Rocky Mountain West on your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the land, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
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Find out the location of the hidden gem pictured below in our next newsletter!
Photo credit: @markwoodsoutdoors via Instagram
