That time of year we all look forward to so much, especially those needing a long break from school and work is just around the corner. Whether you’re planning a getaway with your friends from school or a family vacation with your kids, the Southwest is the perfect place to escape to for Spring Break. Whether you’re just starting to plan your spring break vacation or if you’re seeking advice for how to make sure your Southwest adventure goes smoothly, we’ve got you covered.
DETOURS of the Southwest offers a wide range of trip options to ensure there is a little bit of adventure and excitement for everyone joining the journey. Here’s an overview of all the must see Southwest spots and the corresponding tours you can book now to lock in your soon to be unforgettable spring break trip to the wild, wild west!
Grand Canyon
Head to the Wild West and tour Grand Canyon this Spring break, for it is a unique array of activities, adventures and amusement. Hiking For the adventurous, from short two hour hikes to a multi-day hiking expeditions, there are unlimited options for those wishing to explore the Grand Canyon on foot. The South Rim train and Bright Angel trail are great starting points and offer hikes up to 12 miles. If you need some steeper terrains, lookup the South Kaibab Trail and the Hermit trail.
For extreme hiking, the Grandview Trail offers many steep challenges. Train rides for the nostalgic, take a journey into the Wild West and chug along the Grand Canyon’s diverse terrain in fun vintage coaches. Horseback rides for the Wild Westerner with horseback and mule rides galore in the Canyon. River rafting for water junkies on The Colorado River offers a plethora of opportunities for river rafting and Grand Canyon Rafting tours are available Grade 1 through Grade 4.
Experience sunset and sunrise in the Grand Canyon National Park at the South Rim. This two-day tour offers a full experience of Grand Canyon National Park. Arizona’s natural wonder of the world is yours to enjoy with the best Grand Canyon South Rim views. The Grand Canyon South Rim Overnight Tour departs the Las Vegas strip at approximately 6:30am and returns the next day at approximately 7:30pm.
Antelope Canyon
During your adventures to the Wild, Wild West make sure you take time to experience Antelope Canyon. This historic landmark is home to some of the most spectacular views in the world. This spiritual sanctuary for Navajo is called “the place where water runs through rocks” and is mostly accessible only by guided tour. One word to the wise – even professional photographers find capturing the essence of Antelope Canyon to be challenging, mainly due to problematic light reflection. No worries – once you’ve experienced the Canyon, you’ll never forget.
Enjoy Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and a Zion National Park scenic drive on this two-day, one-night guided private tour from fabulous Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon: This historic sight is comprised of two main areas within the canyon, Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is also called Tsé bighánílíní, “the place where water runs through rocks” by the Navajo. It is the most frequently visited by residents and tourists for two reasons. First, its entrance and entire length are at ground level, requiring no climbing. Second, this portion of the canyon allows beams of direct sunlight radiating down from openings in the top of the canyon, creating the most incredible moment you can experience in nature. Lower Antelope Canyon, called Hazdistazí, or “spiral rock arches” by the Navajo Indians, are located a few miles away.
There are so many tantalizing views and backdrops that you instantly feel transported into a serene southwest peace. In addition to Antelope Canyon, enjoy the scenic one-mile walk to the breathtaking Horseshoe Bend Overlook which is highlighted by awe-inspiring views into this deeply carved channel and the Colorado River below. Photos from the edge of this natural beauty are widespread across the world and are nothing short of amazing. Why not whisk yourself away to one of the most tranquil destinations in the American West for Spring Break? Book a tour to one of the most photographed places in America and immerse your senses in the incredible natural beauty of the canyon.
Monument Valley
Spring Break in Monument Valley Gouldings, Utah, has so much to offer if you love the outdoors. Monument Valley, which extends into both Arizona and Utah, is on tribal land run by the Navajo Nation and remains one of the most iconic images of the American Southwest. Enjoy Monument Valley Tribal Park on the Navajo Nation on a two-day, overnight tour from fabulous Las Vegas. This private, guided tour explores Monument Valley, Navajo culture, Lake Powell overlooks, Zion National Park scenic drive, and views of Glen Canyon Dam.
After departing from the Las Vegas Strip, your DETOURS guide will travel through the Mojave Desert eventually crossing over state lines into Arizona. You will have the option to enjoy lunch in Kanab, UT or Page, AZ. After lunch, there are many scenic options including Lake Powell overlook for a photo stop, or Glen Canyon Dam and Visitor Center. In the afternoon, the tour will take you to Navajo National Monument Ruins and/or the Shonto Trading Post in the Navajo Nation.
The second day of this guided tour will allows for three hours exploring the magic of Monument Valley with Navajo tour guides. After experiencing Monument Valley, there will be time to visit any stops you weren’t able to see yesterday like Lake Powell or Glen Canyon Dam. Your DETOURS guide will return to the Las Vegas Strip at approximately 8:00pm. Oh, and did we mention visiting the Elephant Feet on Navajo Nation? Plenty of vehicles stop on the side of the road near the pair of lonely sandstone towers jutting out from the flatland’s east of Navajo Nation. To everyone who sees these formations, they look exactly like their name: Elephant Feet. There is no visitor center, but that’s part of the beauty of these pachyderm formations — you can walk right up and touch the “toes” of these rocks. (Photo hint: give the camera to a friend, stand between the “feet,” and tell your friend to frame the shot so that it cuts off the top of the rock formations. This way it looks like you really are at the feet of a giant elephant!)
Sedona & Grand Canyon
Satisfy your Southwest wanderlust and visit two of the most majestic sights in Arizona with our Sedona overnight with Grand Canyon tour from Phoenix. This 2 night, 3-day tour will allow you to discover dusk and dawn in Sedona, paired with the best Grand Canyon views. This two-day guided tour offers a full day in Sedona among the world famous red rock formations as well as a full tour of the Grand Canyon National Park. Arizona’s Wonder of the World is yours on the second day of the tour to take in the best Grand Canyon South Rim views. Guests will also experience the Navajo Nation to enjoy the expert craftsmanship and unique history of the local culture. No matter how much time you have in Sedona, you can’t see everything. With clusters of natural wonders in every direction, it’s difficult to pin down a specific list of attractions. But here are a few highlights we recommend including in your Spring Break adventures.
Enjoy the stunning Red Rocks & numerous hiking trails, venture to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, visit local Sedona art galleries, create your own adventure at slide rock state park & red rock state park and immerse your senses in one of the many Sedona vortex’s. Beneath the skin of the red rock landscape, the Earth has a breath, the landscape has a pulse. Powerful vortexes are believed to unleash an energy field that resonates with all who come in contact. People travel from around the world to experience these swirling centers of energy that are conducive to spiritual healing, meditation and self-exploration. For many people, arriving in Sedona is just the beginning of their journey. Discover dusk and dawn in Sedona, paired with the best Grand Canyon views. This two-day guided tour offers a full day in Sedona among the world famous red rock formations as well as a full tour of the Grand Canyon National Park. Arizona’s Wonder of the World is yours on the second day of the tour to take in the best Grand Canyon South Rim views. Guests will also experience the Navajo Nation to enjoy the expert craftsmanship and unique history of the local culture. Atop the Mogollon Rim, we will travel the outskirts of the Route 66 town of Flagstaff on our way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Guests will enjoy about three hours within the National Park marveling at the beauty that is the Grand Canyon.
While at the South Rim of the National Park, you will have opportunities to walk the rim, shop, capture an unlimited number of photographs, or enjoy your lunch and relax with the best seat in the house. During our time in the National Park we will also explore the famous 30-mile section of road that winds east along the rim of the canyon, showcasing the best rim views and history along the way. Before returning to Phoenix from the Grand Canyon, we will be treated to distant views of the Painted Desert as well as close up views of the Little Colorado River Gorge and Navajo Nation. The Painted Desert is the perfect backdrop for our stop in the Navajo Nation at a prominent trading post. You will be able to get a glimpse into the past, view the highest quality authentic Navajo artwork and craft work, as well as visit a gift shop to bring back souvenirs for friends and family.
Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park
Your Spring Break experience in the Southwest would not be complete without stops to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Bryce Canyon is the historic site that houses the largest collection of Hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion) An imagination of wonder paired with your best friends or family members will serve you when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park. Discover the colors, shapes and long views in Bryce Canyon National Park. Immerse your senses with views of the Virgin River Gorge, the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument and amazing panoramic views of the famous “hoodoos” and 100 mile vistas across Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument.
Whether you’re watching the sunrise or the stars shine you will be thankful you added this destination to your Spring Break visit and were able to experience this forest of stone in the heart of the southwest. Visit Zion National Park and soak in stunning views of the The Watchman, the most photographed icon in Zion National Park. This beautiful and shapely rock mountain that happens to “face” the valley from the South is stunning during the daylight and glows at sunset. Make sure you have plenty of space on your iPhone or film in your camera when visiting this landmark.
Experience Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lee’s Ferry and the Navajo Nation all in a single action packed day tour. Antelope Canyon is one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world located just east of Page, AZ. Enjoy a guided tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim and soak in the views of what President Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed as “one of the great sights every American should see.” As you venture just south of Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah, there is a ghost town named Grafton. Said to be the most photographed ghost town in the West, it has been featured as a location in several films, including 1929’s In Old Arizona—the first talkie filmed outdoors—and the classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The nearest inhabited town is Rockville.
National Parks of the American West
Complete your National Parks of the American West bucket list on this 9-day, 8-night guided tour. You’ll experience Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon North Rim, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell. Experience the view at sunrise from the edge of Bryce Canyon National Park changes rapidly as the light spreads over the sandstone formations.
Embark upon one of the most scenic and isolated routes in North America, the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. Hike the famous Calf Creek Trail in the Grand Staircase and then continue along Highway 12, rising to the aspen forests of Boulder Mountain and to our unique hotel near Capitol Reef National Park.
While you’re driving through Utah make sure you take a moment to stop and enjoy some of the best local fare courtesy of Mesa Farm Market. This small organic food stand in the middle of nowhere in Utah between Capitol Reef and Moab is famous for their cinnamon rolls, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and their fresh milk, cheese and butter from their local farm animals. Stop for an afternoon snack of yogurt and cinnamon rolls while driving from Arches to Capitol Reef, sit on the screened porch and relax while watching a flock of goats soak up the sunshine and fresh farm air. While you’re in Moab, Utah hike to the famous Delicate Arch for sunrise, which is moderately strenuous and worth every effort. After a short hike to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, it is a scenic drive to Lees Ferry and the Vermillion Cliffs for a visit to the beginning (or ‘zero mile’) of the Grand Canyon. From the Vermillion Cliffs, our route climbs to the Ponderosas of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for unforgettable vistas at Cape Royal and Point Imperial.
How the West Once Was
Create a once in a lifetime Spring Break experience and take a step back in time and explore how the West was once with a customized tour to Chiricahua National Monument, Bisbee, Tombstone, Amerind Museum, Fort Bowie and Fort Huachuca. These sights can all be seen through a Platinum Tour from Phoenix (3 days, 4 nights).
Explore the wonderland of rocks inside Chiricahua National Monument, which is a historic monument established in 1924 to protect its extensive balancing rocks and hoodoos located in the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. Visit the Faraway Ranch, the historic home of Swedish Immigrants, Neil and Emma Erickson dating back to 1886. Next up visit the historic copper and silver mining town of Bisbee, Arizona located just 92 miles southeast of Tucson. Bisbee is known as a haven to artists, retirees and history buffs, Bisbee astounds visitors with vibrantly colored rock faces and picturesque houses hugging the edges of cliffs. Its history can be discovered in its numerous museums, historic staircases and a mine tour that leads deep into one of the remaining caverns. As you continue your Arizona adventure, make sure you make time to visit the “Town Too Tough to Die”.
Tombstone is the perfect place to explore classic western history in the heart of Southern Arizona. The town is famous for its lawmen and bandits, was the metropolitan hub of the American West for its commerce as well as mining and local cattlemen. Explore the wild west history, the historic San Xavier del Bac Spanish Mission, the famous cemetery at Boothill, as well as the Tombstone Courthouse, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, Birdcage Theatre, and OK Corral. Continue your journey into the historic Southwest by visiting the Amerind Museum. This Southwest treasure is a museum, art gallery, and research center dedicated to archaeology, Native cultures, and Western Art. Bring a lunch and enjoy the scenic picnic area with spectacular views of Texas Canyon.
Extend your travels to Fort Bowie National Historic Site, which commemorates the story of the bitter conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the United States military. It also stands as a lasting monument to the bravery and endurance of U.S. soldiers in paving the way for westward settlement and the taming of the western frontier. The remains of Fort Bowie are carefully preserved, as are the adobe walls of various post buildings and the ruins of a Butterfield Stage Station. Finish your tour at historic Fort Huachuca, which has served as a cavalry post, an infantry training center, a test center for electronic equipment and a major signals installation.
Death Valley
Experience California’s Death Valley National Park and its amazing display of natural colors and dramatic mountain ranges. This guided tour includes a stop at Badwater Basin to view the lowest point in the western hemisphere. Death Valley is referred to as “Mars on Earth,” with the amazing diversity of this park often under-appreciated. There is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon between Badwater Basin and Telescope Peak, seen together during your tour of Death Valley.
From peaks to salt flats to amazing colors, Death Valley has many faces. Along with the legendary landscape, there is a long and lively human history that brings personality and reality to Death Valley. Early pioneer explorers and borax mining have inspired many entertaining stories of Man vs. Mother Nature. The basin that Death Valley lies in is quite diverse in that the occasional rainstorm brings with it large patches of wildflowers, and the mountain peaks surrounding the valley are consistently snow-covered each winter. The guided tour of Death Valley offers approximately four hours in the National Park. A stop at the Badwater Salt Flats marks the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, at approximately 280 feet below sea level. The Badwater Salt Flats also boast the hottest recorded temperatures on earth, taken in 1913. A tour to the oldest structure in Death Valley, the Borax Museum at Furnace Creek Ranch, is also highlighted on this trip.
Photo stops at Artist’s Palette and Zabriskie Point badlands, along with views of 20 Mule Team Canyon, and the Funeral and Black Mountain Ranges will round out the tour. On our return to Las Vegas, we journey through Death Valley Junction, home of the Armargosa Opera House and Hotel. Built between 1923 and 1925, the opera house did not blossom until Marta Becket made it her home and her canvas. As an actress, opera singer, painter, and builder, evidence of Marta’s hard work still exists in this National Historic Building. For more than 40 years, Marta Becket has lived and shared her art and dreams with those fortunate enough to find this wonderful and magical place. Located a few miles west of the California-Nevada border, near Death Valley National Park, no journey to this part of the world would be complete without a visit to this unique and inspiring destination. Reports of hauntings in the buildings were investigated on the paranormal television shows Ghost Adventures in 2010 and The Dead Files in 2013.
