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.
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.
You can take a leisurely, shady walk along the Verde River after grabbing a meal in town, or make it an all-day outing.
Explore lush riparian forests, New Deal-era architecture, and Native American history in the heart of Arizona’s Verde Valley.
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.
Changing leaves, haunted houses, and more nature trails than you could possibly explore in a single weekend—this is autumn in Sturgis, South Dakota.
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Find out the location of the hidden gem pictured below in our next newsletter!
Photo credit: @markwoodsoutdoors via Instagram
