Absolutely one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in Sedona. While most people only venture a mile or so in, the canyon really gets more beautiful the further you go back (and more peaceful!). Between the creek that you cross several times, the towering cliffs, and the lush trees and ground cover you really can't ask for more. Take a lunch and go back 3-4 miles and you will have the place to yourself. Take time to sit down and take in your surroundings as the canyon is overwhelming. My favorite time of year is fall and time of day is mid to late afternoon. That time of day really allows you to take in the beautiful colors of the surrounding cliffs as the sunlight sneaks away. Make sure to wear good shoes and be prepared to fall in love with this place. I would give this trail 5 stars but the $11 fee to park is a little high in my opinion and your regular red Rock passes that everyone stops and buys in town do not work there. Also the fact that they only accept cash is a little inconvenient as there is now where close to go and get it if you forget. So make sure you have money before you take the drive up. Plan in spending at least a few hours and make sure to look around, as there are hidden ruins and things to see everywhere you look!!

Absolutely gorgeous and easy hike. Very family friendly with amazing views to take awesome family photos. There are restrooms and parking at the entrance. The trail is 3.3mi one way and has 13 stream crossings.

Parking is cash only, so be prepared! A stunning hike once you get farther from the start and the road. It can be crowded at the beginning. When theres water, its a fun place to find slide rocks and get your feet wet! There is plenty of shade to keep cool in, and though certain river crossings can be more precarious, kids would be fine. Be prepared to pet some adventure doggos too! An awesome hike if youre looking for something a little more shaded than cathedral rock.

Unfortunately we missed the fall color by two weeks but this was still an amazing lil adventurous hike . Suggestion get to trailhead early. This place gets packed and no other place to really park around other than parking lot. Also you may get wet at one of the many water crossings

Stayed in Sedona for 2 weeks. Hiked many trails, this being my favorite. Easy casual walking, lots of shade from vegetation. Historical architectural ruins along the path. Take a walk in the creek, sit on the rocks, and be present with the ravens, singing birds, butterflies, dragon flies, and little fish swimming at your feet. Locals hiking around me verbalized Fort Creek Trail was their favorite too.

Excellent place to hike, beautiful scenery and very calming atmosphere. People are friendly and helpful when you’re unsure as to how much further you have to go. Highly recommended for the photo opportunities and for a place to bring your significant other.

Absolutely gorgeous hike! Be prepared to cross the creek numerous times. My watch showed 7.33 miles round trip.

We are so glad we made the trip. Was a really wonderful experience, and Tim, the Park Host, was kind, knowledgeable, passionate, and a joy to meet! Note the hours it's open because it's usually only mornings because of the heat and we ready for about a half mile walk from parking to get to the site.

The friendliness of the staff, Anne Tatarsky and Tim Rimmer, cannot be overstated. They were cheerful, helpful, professional, and knowledgeable, though special kudos goes to volunteer Audie Brinkmeier, whose passion and excitement in describing the petroglyph symbols and meanings was extraordinary. The trip north from the Valley (Phoenix metro area) was worth it just to learn more about the Southern Sinagua who left their marks on the gorgeous stone wall. The fee is a bargain at only $5 per vehicle and the brief walk to the visitor center to check in is where your journey begins. Then there is a wide, dirt path (wheelchair accessible with a little help) that takes you on a short (.4 mile) walk that's mostly unshaded to the completely shaded petroglyph wall. The site is not open when it's 100°F, so be sure to double check the timing of your visit there. We arrived yesterday (a Sunday in early July) at ~9am and it was already quite warm out. Also, be sure to watch for the signs instead of completely relying on GPS or you'll end up passing the entrance once you've made the turnoff into the property.

One of the most interesting hidden gems! Get ready to nerd out a little. We went on that rare overcast day and some of the petroglyphs were even more visible in the lower light. These have been here for an incredible amount of time and look like they were made last week. The stories told by the guide were engaging and invited you to interpret the drawings yourself. Quick stop (a little over an hour in and back with most of our time spent staring in awe), but made such an impression!

I went in mid-May, when the weather was nice. This place is absolutely amazing and so rich with history. There are so many places to explore. The next time I go, I'll definitely spend more time here.

Love this Sight - a must see, check out my Instagram & TikTok for videos of this location 🌀

Off the beaten path, $5 to park, 1/4 mile easy walk, take water.

Wow wow wow. Crane, renamed from V Bar V just a couple weeks ago, Petroglyph Heritage Site was by far the highlight of our tour of Verde Valley federally managed lands. The rangers and volunteers are excellent storytellers, respecting and informed by the tribes who trace their origins to these panels. The solar calendar is amazing. Seeing that astroarcheology set in stone brings to life imagination of past lives and communities.

Snowbowl in Flagstaff is always a great time during snow season! If you’re looking for family fun, the gondola ride is a must. For those who love snowboarding or skiing, the slopes are fantastic—just be mindful, your speed can pick up pretty quickly. Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, the atmosphere alone makes it worth the trip. And if you happen to forget something, their shop has everything you need to make the most of your snow day. Highly recommend!

This is the first time I’ve ever given a review that’s not five stars—and unfortunately, it’s due to the worst customer service I’ve received, especially from a manager, at the Snowbowl Store next to the Gondola ride. On September 28th, our group of five came for the Gondola scenic ride. It was raining and cold, but our excitement to see the mountain wasn’t dampened. As season pass holders, we visit often in the winter and were eager to see the fall colors. However, we underestimated how cold it would be that day. The ride operator kindly told us that the store sold blankets and jackets, so we went inside. I printed our passes and purchased a blue blanket (around $20 and it just had a price sticker with no tag tied on it, it’s probably returned by someone but I didn’t give it much thought) and two jackets (around $240 total). We placed our water bottles and an extra jacket we’d brought into the large bag given to us, went up the ride, and enjoyed what little scenery we could see—it was foggy but still a nice experience. We planned to come back later if the weather cleared up. After coming down, I remembered that we never used the blanket, so I decided to ask if I could return it. The cashier politely asked if it had been used, and I said, “Not at all, since we ended up using the jackets.” She went to ask her manager, and while waiting, I picked up a few small items for the kids. When the manager came out, he asked, “Why did you buy the blanket?” I explained that it was in case it got too cold, but we forgot about it and never used it while feeling his judgement in his eyes. Then he said, “We are not runing a rental shop here. You know what I believe? I think you used it and now want to return it…” I was stunned by that accusation and said, “I swear to God, I did not use it.” He replied that it was not returnable—though there were no signs anywhere in the store stating that. I, suck at arguing, walked away soon after. If he had simply said from the start, “Sorry, we don’t accept returns,” I would have understood. I spent over $400 in that one hour between the jackets and lift tickets. I wouldn’t have minded the no-return policy for $20ish but the fact that he accused me of lying made it the worst experience I’ve ever had as a customer. I left angry and disappointed, telling myself I wouldn’t spend another penny there. Unfortunately, since I already purchased the 2026 season pass, I’ll have to return. Then a couple of days later I read in a holy writing that if someone wrongs you, forgive them immediately so I’ve made peace with this unpleasant experience. However, during a family dinner last weekend when my family asked about our trip and I shared the experience, they encouraged me to leave a review—so that this kind of behavior might be corrected. To be fair, most of the staff member we’ve met at Snowbowl over the years has been wonderful. We’ve had many great experiences skiing there with our kids… But you know what they say about one bad apple… I wouldn’t wish anyone to experience what we experienced… So watch out and hope you have a good time.

We had a fantastic time yesterday here . The area is absolutely gorgeous and very well maintained too ! The hamburger and fries were delicious too . There were many activities for the whole family . Awesome customer service too . We will definitely be back soon . Have a blessed day 😇

We met a super friendly man here. He helped us to go from the ticket purchase place to the ski place 😍 You can shop the ticket both online and offline. Recommend to shop it online so you can go straight to the ski center.

I visited in early August to see the Aspen leaves flutter. It was extremely peaceful with beautiful views. The gondola was working but I didn’t try it. 100% you should make time to visit.

If you're looking for a great place to snowboard in Arizona, this is pretty much the only spot—but luckily, it's a solid one. I had an awesome time hitting the slopes with my friends. The runs are fun and well-maintained, with options for both beginners and more experienced riders. The views from the mountain are amazing, especially on a clear day. The rental process was smooth, and the staff was helpful. It can get a little crowded on weekends, but that’s expected at a popular spot. Overall, if you're in Arizona and want to snowboard, this is the place to go. Definitely recommend!

Visited the Arizona Snowball this August with my kids. We rode the gondolas to the top, got out and walked around for a bit, and took in the views. I had purchased my tickets earlier in the week and then noted before we headed up from Phoenix that the gondolas were on hold due to rain and lightning. The website said you could only get a rain check if you were present on site, so we drove up and hoped for the best. When we arrived the gondolas were still on hold. Customer service said that we could hang out and wait to see if they open up as the lightning seemed to have moved on or get a refund on a gift card to use in the future or other activities on site. Because there were other activities we decided to hang out. We purchased snow cones, played in the hamster wheel and poked around the gift shops. There was an event going on with a live band, a restaurant and a section that was for 21 and up only. They also had a bungee trampoline, and downhill tubing slides for kids. The gondolas did open up within about 30 minutes and we were good to go even with it sprinkling. The views from the top were beautiful. It seemed there were some hiking trails but they were closed presumably due to the rain and lightning.

What a wonderful place to visit for the whole family! Toddler play room, interactive room for all ages, demos and talks. Looks like these guys thought of it all. Very beautiful campus to walk around. Definitely go see different telescopes they have and take a look at the sun and the sun spots during the day. Make sure to come back at night because this place is happening! You will see a variety of celestial object in the sky through telescopes and with a naked eye. Make sure to ask questions. Everybody who works here is super friendly and will gladly engage in a conversation about all space matters ❤️

I cannot say enough good things about this place. It was absolutely amazing. I live in Colorado and I have no problem making the 8 Hour Dr. back exclusively to visit this place. The staff is wonderful, the amenities are very nice and clean, it’s incredibly family, friendly, and well designed, and the night viewing is fantastic. One of my favoriteplaces I’ve ever gone to.

My first visit was a fantastic experience! The live constellation show, while an additional cost, felt like a worthwhile investment for a complete nighttime experience. There are plenty of exhibits to explore, making it easy to spend a lot of time on the grounds. The auditorium show was a definite highlight, with the immersive elements truly enhancing the sense of scale. For those planning a visit, I'd highly recommend checking the moon phase beforehand, especially if you're interested in the rooftop observation. When the moon was nearly full, it made spotting constellations more challenging, as they were often positioned behind us, away from the observation area. It was also difficult to see the guide's laser pointer due to the bright light. Planning around the moon's cycle could help you get the most out of this particular part of the program."

WOW. That's all ai have to say about the updates and new visitor center. I took my family today and had a wonderful experience. The exhibits are educational, but so much more! They are interactive with sensory based learning, and everyone left with new knowledge. I have always recommended Lowell and now I can be even more enthusiasts about it. Bravo.

My 9 year old daughter is obsessed with space. This place was great!! We didn't make it early enough for tickets to the outdoor planetarium which was a bummer. We had a great time walking around the grounds at night, looking through the telescopes and playing in the play zone. The inside exhibits are very informative. The smells are the best and worst! I feel like I can still smell one in particular weeks later. 😂 I wish there was better organization at the group of outdoor telescopes. And maybe better signage or markers between the Clark and the indoor exhibits. We still made it where we needed to go but I could see how it'd be easy to get lost or end up somewhere you don't belong. All in all it was an amazing visit. We showed up around 8pm on a Friday night and it was definitely busy. But the skies were clear and the weather was nice. We'll absolutely be back. Especially since Lowell participates in the Museums For All program.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Lowell Observatory! The exhibits, engaging activities, and telescopes were absolutely fascinating. The staff was knowledgeable and made the experience even more enjoyable. We didn’t have enough time to explore everything, but we’re definitely looking forward to returning on a dark night to get the full stargazing experience!

I definitely recommend if you're in town to visit. The interactive entertainment is great for all ages. They even have inside playground for kids now. The outside campus is also amazing. The entire campus is ADA accessible I have a food court if you want to snack.

The rangers and volunteers here are so kind and sweet. Loved this park so much. Love that its less crowded too. Ive been to a few with native dwellings. I plan to see all of them. This one is in the top 3. Beautiful views.

The history here is incredible, what a great place to visit. You need to know that it is not a quick in and out if you want to hike the whole trail, and there are a billion, or maybe 10 billion stairs. 😄 But it really is a good hike, read up on it a bit before you go so you can see the significance of this awesome place. The visitors center has restrooms, information, and a small gift shop. There is the Rim trail also which is shorter and flat, in case the stairs are an issue. Plenty of parking too, I highly recommend.

Wulnut Canyon was a surprise for me and I would recommend to visit this place. Amazing walk and tour through the Canyon. There's a parking place on the front and you pay the National Park entrance fee what is valid for next 7 days if you visit again or other things in National Park. It's not valid for the Grand Canyon, you pay for that separately.

A wonderful experience exploring ancient cliff dwellings in a spectacular setting. Great visitor center with helpful park staff to learn about the villages and the people who once lived there. There are two paved trails, The Rim Trail with great overviews, and the Island Trail, which was my favorite. The Island Trail has more than 700 steps, and it takes you right up to the dwellings.

A Hidden Gem on the Road: Walnut Canyon National Monument During a road trip, we discovered Walnut Canyon National Monument by surprise, and it turned out to be a truly beautiful and unexpected place. It's a slice of nature that hides from the highway, revealing a spectacular landscape with ancient ruins. A Place to Explore and Enjoy: The park is very well-organized and maintained. The facilities are clean, including the restrooms, and the staff is very friendly. Although it was a quick visit for us, we realized it's a place where you can stay as long as you like. There's a picnic area with breathtaking views of the canyon, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The site has a visitor center, a souvenir shop, and, most notably, trails that lead down into the canyon. These paths allow visitors to get a closer look at the ruins, which are like "houses" built into the canyon walls by past civilizations. Although we didn't have time to do these hikes, they looked safe and well-marked. A Worthwhile Destination: In summary, Walnut Canyon National Monument is a tranquil and beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting. It's a perfect addition to a road trip and a gem we hope to explore with more time in the future.

Absolutely beautiful place! The scenery is breathtaking and the trails are very well maintained. A special thank you to Ranger Lucy — she was so kind, caring, and incredibly patient with us, even though we arrived about 20 minutes before closing time. She took the time to explain everything clearly and made us feel so welcome. Her dedication truly made our visit extra special. Highly recommend visiting this gem!

Walnut Canyon National Monument is absolutely stunning. It does not require a long hike and you can take in so much of the canyon with just a short walk. The staff here was so friendly and helpful. The views were stunning and very much worth stopping by.

Highly recommend for visiting! It was very interesting to see really crater and visited museum and trued astronauts foods… Nice point!

Definitely one of my favorite parks. If you're going to be in the area, it's absolutely worth a stop. If you're looking for a spot to camp for free, basically all of the roads outside the park allow dispersed camping.

Beautiful crater with an interesting history as to its formation and magnitude. Trails at the base offer unique views.

Small, but wonderful park. It doesn't seem as over run with people as some ofvthe others. Very peaceful. It's a shame that so much of the park was burned in a fire in '22. Some of the trails are closed. Still some very interesting walks to take, getting up close the the lava. Beautiful views. Nice visitors center.

We were there on Dec. 4.2023. We had Ben hear back on April 2018. We found this place simply awesome . Seeing the lava flows. Around and the nice walk ways around the Crater part is really nice also have nice trials to walk on to . There where area when come in to park you can pull off and get a good Picture of the Sunset Crater . And the Mountains behind you when there they had snow on them . It was really pretty to see.

We love coming here, it's peaceful, has great trails and I love the "crunch- crunch" sounds when walking on the rocks of the lava flow. Beautiful!!

Neat place to observe volcano(s). Lots of plants growing in the lava remains and nice trails

The Trading Post was such a convenient and beautiful place to stay! Easy off/easy on to Hwy 89. We were in the Hopi building, 3rd floor, and had a great view of the river. It was surprisingly quiet given that it is right on the highway. So nice to have the restaurant right next to the rooms. Really good food, extremely reasonable prices! Our server was so kind and helpful. The trading post had some very unique Native American crafts and art, plus a huge selection of touristy souvenirs. We were just passing through on this trip, but the next time we head to both rims of the Grand Canyon, we'll stay there again. Bonus: there is a post office on the grounds as well.

We stopped in for dinner/shopping during a road trip. The restaurant is decorated wonderfully with a beautiful tin ceiling and native art hanging everywhere. The building is historic and feels amazing to spend time in a place so many other souls have passed thru while traveling. Take time to see all the beautiful art in the shop as well- these artists are so talented!! It should be a museum.

My Lady has never had a Navajo Taco. Cameron Trading Post serves the BEST Tacos in the area, so we took a little trip out for her to experience them first hand!! The food was AMAZING, and the rustic decor and views are worth checking out!! The gift shop is also amazing offering just about anything you would want, and even several things you didn’t know you wanted or need too!! Great place to stop for great food and also things to remember the trip through!!

We went to the restaurant. The flavors were amazing, the staff were pleasant, and the service was fast! We ordered the Navajo taco, prickly pear chicken, and the prickly pear drinks. 10/10 would recommend all of it! It’s also a beautiful dining area with a s s unset view of the mountain!

We Always stop here for lunch when we're up in the area. All the staff are friendly!! Lots of items in the large gift shop are made by the local Navajo/Hopi tribes...beautiful items & I always find something to buy for myself or as a gift. I love the Indian Fry Bread!! Did I say how much I like the staff?? Very lovely people...Always! We've been here numerous times since moving to the Verde Valley last year & we'll keep coming back. Dining room is very large so they can accommodate large groups, plenty of staff to take care of all the customers.

It was a recommended visit for reliable and authentic navajo jewelry. Jeff, Theresa, and a manager (who's name i can't remember!) Were awesome. I found a navajo pearl bracelet that I had been looking for but it was too big. Jeff immediately asked his mgr if it could be re beaded and then shipped to me. Theresa was more than willing to help and they all made it happen. Jeff was extremely knowledgeable with the pieces and stones that they sell and even shared with me how he has started making his own jewelry and silversmithing, which was beautiful. I couldn't have been more pleased with meeting him and finding exactly what I was looking for. I will definitely stop in when I'm in the area again.

I just stopped at the Cameron Trading Post restaurant, and honestly, I wasn't super impressed. The food was nothing special and the fries were quite bland. The Trading Post was very out of the way and I had about an hour of a drive just to get there. Much of the jewelry in the shop was greatly overprices, but a very large selection.

Very cool! Glad I stopped to see it. The have it set up nicely. Even though you can on go out so far (to prevent humans from damaging it) you still can see how everything was setup and the way of life. The visitors center has a lot of information and items to buy (I got a mug).

Awesome sunrise and sunset shoots at wukoki Pueblo. Great sunrise at the Wuptaki pueblo, barely any ppl here, lovely dark sky park for astrophotography, bathrooms at most Pueblos, easy walking distance to view each Pueblo.

We drive to the park, but the park was closed. Looking some structure, sink hole and beautiful view.

Very cool ruins. The house structure was neat and my husband was very impressed with the blow hole that blows cold air.

Wupatki is a well preserved gem and a must visit place if you're interested in ruins. It is a place that gives you a true sense of what living must have been like in the harsh environment of the area. Never crowded and easy to get to. You could explore here all day and not seeing everything

We decided to drive through Wupatki, Az. It was really amazing to see these structures that were built so long ago still standing. You are allowed to walk on the ruins. The natural blow hole was interesting. The hat kept getting stuck on the bill. The rangers were so nice and informative. We saw a raven and it was really friendly too . Haha

What a great experience, from the pueblos to being able to hike in a lava field, this was awesome!! The "mothers breath" vent that blew COLD air, I did not want to leave!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We recently visited The Creator in Arizona, and it was an unforgettable gorgeous, experience! The vast beauty of the wide-open spaces took my breath away, and the stunning views were nothing short of spectacular. The family-friendly visitor center was a great addition, providing informative displays and a welcoming atmosphere. Definitely pack your own snacks and water- no food onsite. I also want to highlight the knowledgeable tour guides who made our visit even more enjoyable. They were passionate about the area and shared fascinating insights that truly enriched our experience. I highly recommend visiting The Creator for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Arizona!

We had a great visit to the Meteor Crater! The drive itself was beautiful on a cool Saturday morning - calm and pleasant with little traffic despite the rain warning. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared fascinating details about the crater’s history and science. The museum and 4D experience were engaging, and the highlight was getting to see and actually touch a real meteor - truly the star of the show! If you enjoy astronomy, you could easily spend the whole day here.

What a spectacularly massive site to see!! Even the little ones easily made it to the top. There are free water bottle filling stations and a great coffee shop. The children’s play area is neat. The gift shop is great too and even has meteor shards for sale. I’ll never forget the smell of the meteor chunk either-like a huge bag of nickels and iron. The amount of informational displays in the visitors center is phenomenal and fun! We’ll absolutely be back!!!

Visited 11/1/2025 Amazing to see - we were greeted with smiles and welcomed in. The building was clean the restrooms were clean very well kept. The grounds were beautiful. Getting to the crater (the view point) was steep walk the rails came in handy. The rails were nicely painted. They do have an elevator to assist getting to view point. The gift shop was great loved all the mineral rocks they do have space items also. They have tours, attractions, a little museum and other room for kids. It was an interesting. Place. Price 29.00 adult or each.

We had a a great time! The kids and husband loved it and I’m a space nerd so I really enjoyed this! I was like a kid in a candy shop! Just 20-30 minutes out side of flagstaff! Worth the money and the time! Worth the experience! There is soo much to do kids zone restaurant/coffee shop gift shop a 4D movie and a 3D ride! Hayden did the tour and was amazing he made the whole group laugh and he was very patient with our 5 year old answering ALL the questions/statements he asked! We highly recommend stopping for a visit if your around meter crater!!

Impromptu stop on our way to Vegas 🔥 Awesome addition to our road trip. We loved the facts shared at the site. The information gained from the discovery of that meteor crater that helped with discoveries world wide was game changing. Super cool. Glad we all had jackets! Happened to be raining and was pretty chilly out. Overall great. Worth the 31 dollars per person because I'm a nerd and like things like this.

I get it. It’s a hole in the ground, but somehow it’s more. If you’re interested in science this is a worthy stop. You can spend several hours here if you want, including hiking around the crater, but you can also get the highlights and views in an hour or so if you’re in a hurry. There are some interactive things for kids, including a 4D “ride” where the seats move around with a big screen to simulate flying into space. If you’re worried about motion sickness there are some seats that don’t move. There’s also a brief video that explains what happened there, and they offer guided tours (included with admission cost).

Rode the 43 mile road on my dual sport motorcycle. Such a beautiful ride. First couple miles is pavement then all dirt. Reccomend 4wd or AWD on the dirt portion.

Love this place! We have camped up there and just love the peacefulness on the Rim. Such beautiful scenery! Great camping spots with her most glorious sunsets

I 100% recommend to any outdoor enthusiest! We dispersed camped off the FR300 Mogollon Rim Road, turned down FR169 and drove until we found a spot of I think Deer Lake fire road. It was late and dark so a bit hard to find for us first timers to the area, but as soon as the morning sun hit we knew we had found a great spot. Beautiful views all over, I really dont think there is a bad spot here on the rim to camp. On a whim we drove to Bear Canyon Lake and hiked down to the shore, secluded and beautiful. We will bring our paddle boards next time, as the lake was all but empty except a few fishing. Totally serene and beautiful. But there are no roads to the shoreline so it does require some fitness to hike down and back up. Our aim was Woods Canyon Lake so that was our next stop, glad we hit Bear Canyon first because woods canyon was packed on this busy camping period in the middle of September. We didnt stay, too busy for us but we did refresh our ice and beverage stock at the market! Instead we parked at the outlook along the rim and walked a bit along the trail before heading back for a mid day nap to recharge before playing games and cooking dinner around the camp fire. Can't wait to come back for some more rest, rewind, and exploration! Happy camping!!

Wow! This was quite a fabulous place. Highly used on weekends. Wild coyotes, wild horses, beautiful singing birds. I was so lucky to see so much. High up so always breezy. Absolutely loved it. A lot of spots for large rigs too. Road in great shape. 7,000 to 8,000 feet. The Rim is stunning.

Breath taking views! Very green

One of my favorite places with a great view. There are a few lakes nearby as well as plenty of places to camp. Very versatile location and if you forget something there are gas stations a few miles down the road.

The Rim Trail runs right along the edge of the Mogollon (say mugghee on) Rim. It is easily accessible from the Rim Road, which is also called FR 300. The best views are right before the turn to Woods Canyon Lake Road, as the Rim Road is nearest the rim's edge there.There are several turnoff parking areas, (none with facilities) and in my opinion, the best is Rim Lakes Vista Overlook. The rim edge is quite near the parking area. There are trails along here and several are paved and in good shape. It's not a tough walk. This view is south and west and during the day, the view provides vistas of several mountain tops, including the Four Peaks. The sunsets are great from the vantage points, and then when the stars come out on clear nights, it's like a window into heaven. It's cool here at just about 7,000 feet and there is often a gentle breeze blowing across the rim edge. There are no guardrails, and it is very inviting to scramble around on those huge boulders. The drop is steep, straight, and hard, landing on more rocks, so use caution. The are benches in various places to sit and admire what you see. If you bring snack food, please pack out the trash, and leave this place pristine for the next person.

So other than the corner and a couple of bars and gift shops there's not a lot to do here. It's really easy to get too just off the interstate, but if you're driving an RV parking could be challenging. If you're looking for a short stop and a bit of food at an old fashioned tourist place then this is the perfect place to go

A fun afternoon standing on the corner! Nice shops for souvenirs. I was here in '22, but didn't stick around long r/t homeless on each corner. Happy to day none this time. The town has added outdoor eating/pubs since then. You have to see the world smallest chapel n garden area. Overall definately worth seeing, esp if you like Eagles music!

We had a lot of fun there taking pictures.. The surprise was the tiny Church and the hotel. We enjoyed the hotel immensely. Don't miss the famous hotel if you go to Winslow.

If you're an Eagles fan then you will want to stop at this "famous" corner. It's nice that a small town can create a tourist attraction from song lyrics! As I was driving around Winslow on my way to the corner, I figured that my wife and I would be the only visitors. I was surprised at how many other people took time to stop by this iconic corner. It's a terrific tribute to Glenn Frey and the Eagles and worth the time to stop by!

This is tough to write. The actual homage that has been created is really well done and very engaging - but Winslow is the 4th most dangerous city in Arizona and you can really feel it as you are driving in. I was by myself and felt as though I had to keep my head on a swivel the entire time, rather than enjoy the spot. Just beware and be safe.

If you know the musical group The Eagles then you know this site. Famous for being mentioned in the lyrics of the song Take It Easy, written by Jackson Brown and Glen Frey. Also a popular spot on Route 66.

Loved this Town and all the Route 66 memorabilia. Great meal and beverages at RelicRoad Brewery and fun staff!

Coveniently located near the entrance to the Petrified Forest, this huge shop offers a wide variety of items including raw materias as well as finished goods. The shop has many interesting displays including the fossil of Wild Bill the alligator, vintage toys, insects and native artifacts. It us a good place to grab souveniers fro the area. Enjoy the photo ops outside with donosaur statues. Plenty of free parking and clean restrooms.

I absolutely loved this place. They had tons!!! Of petrified wood for sale. If you love crystals you will love this place! Don't miss it. They have some very cool private collections on display!

This place is a must see store! Thousands of items to look at for sale… massive, whole petrified wood logs, beautiful displays of rough & polished petrified wood slabs, huge log pieces down to small pieces the size of a quarter. All different types of gem quality rocks & minerals and collectibles, rough and polished. Absolutely AMAZING store! We went shortly before closing time and wanted to spend way more time there!

This store is definitely worth the stop. The owner has a beautiful "personal" collection inside the store plus MANY beautiful pieces for sale. #Arizona #Route66 #Holbrook

If you are into rocks and minerals this is the place to visit. There are so many different options and at the very least, it has a very cool museum with lots of collectibles, artifacts, fossils, etc that aren’t even for sale. I was so impressed with this place that I came back a second time with a friend who uses rocks and minerals for healing. We overheard people talking about how much they overpaid at the previous place they stopped by. They couldn’t get over how good these prices were. I happen to agree. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and it was such a pleasure buying from this store. Definitely worth a stop by if you are in the area. Not too far from Petrified Forest National Park.

This place is amazing! There are a lot of cool items, and the staff are very friendly. They had a lot of interesting items on display, and its definitely worth visiting to get some great crystals and fossils. I had fun just walking around and looking, and also bought a shark tooth and some rocks and petrified wood. There is a huge selection, and I added some photos of things that caught my eye.

A MUST STOP FOR ROCK LOVERS!!! Excellent selection of carved and raw specimens at pretty great prices!! Their Labradorite is pretty cheap too!!! Love their stuff for kids as well as us "Kids at Heart"! Staff is super friendly and packed our purchases well for our travels!

Our first time visiting! The person at the information booth said fishing was slow, but on our first cast caught a decent small mouth bass from shore! The shoreline is very rocky with no shade, but above the lake there are nice, sheltered picnic areas. Beautiful pine trees and blue skies, but no bugs to speak of. Just a great place to spend the day!

We stayed in Mallard campground and tent camped. Excellent restrooms very clean and the park was very quite even being full. The lake was gorgeous to walk around and enjoyed the bird watching. There is a rental business on-site for water craft activities. Thank you Fran, Park Staff, and Volunteers for keeping this park so spectacular. We'll be back again!

Nice camp area we were in the Cinnamon Teal loop.Our only concern was it would be nice to make more clear at reservation that some of the sites are "Buddy" sites as our site neighbors were smokers and that made it difficult to open windows. Besides that, the area is well kept and the staff is very friendly. The restrooms and showers are very clean.

Magical. Simply magical. Spot 6 in redhead loop was fantastic. Lake and sunsets were breathtaking. Trails fantastic food and walmart right down the street? Couldn't have planned this better if we tried. Show Low you've outdone yourself.

It's a beautiful place. We had a great time camping here. we will definitely be back.

First visit here and had an absolute great time all weekend! We saw some people catch some bass, but we caught all trout, great sizes and super fun! They liked worms and powerbait on some bobber action, lol... place was clean, lots of easy parking, bathrooms were clean! Can't wait to visit again, definitely recommend!!

Our family stopped to fish. We all enjoyed this Lake. I recommend it. Its quite and not to many people. Nature is very peaceful and beautiful! My family and I will be returning Soon.

Nice and quiet but do don’t bring your outside pets to this location. Tons of stickers everywhere. Also, not a very good spot for big rigs. But we felt safe and the stars are beautiful. No highway noise.

The Petrified Forest was closed due to Federal shutdown. However the gift shop was open. They have lots of wonderful things and the prices are reasonable compared to some shops we visited. Very nice displays of private collections. See photos, clock is amazing. One of my favorite piece I have seen.

What a great gift shop. They have everything that you would need from large expensive pieces to small, not expensive pieces.

This is a quaint shop as you enter the park! I appreciated the diverse deals around the store. I was able to purchase a geode bookend set at 50% off for my younger sister, which I'm sure she'll love! My only complaint was that there was a series of nails sticking out of a shelf around thigh-level, resulting in a small tear of my favorite pants 😩.

They’ve got all the usual stuff (hats, shirts, stickers, magnets, mugs, etc) but this place has TONs of petrified wood, and ICE COLD BEER! Plus, overnight camping in their parking lot.

Thank goodness they were open. The museum that we drove to see closed up early. The gift shop has the same items. It was wonderful. I bought souvenirs to take home. Thank you for being there!

This was a fun shop to poke around in after leaving the Petrified Forest. There are tons of things in there ranging from different types of petrified wood (claiming to be collected from legal sites not within the PF) to fossils to minerals and to even some Native American souvenirs. We felt that lots of stuff in here was overpriced, especially the petrified wood and fossils, but the minerals and Native American souvenirs were decently priced for the most part. We did buy a few small things for future Christmas gifts, and the shop owner was nice. We especially liked the goofy setup outside with the cars trying to haul off giant chunks of petrified wood.

If you are going to do one hike in park do this one. Especially if you have never had chance to visit badlands national park. Mini version of badlands. Also cool to see if you can’t make the hike worth driving down this loop road just to get out and see at overlook.

Blue Mesa is well worth the short drive/detour off the main road through Painted Desert, and the short hike around the well paved trail an absolutely fabulous way to spend 30-45 minutes. The colours of the mesas are subtle but beautiful, and the area strewn with lovely petrified wood. Overall, one of the highlights of the Painted Desert.

It's a short but occasionally strenuous trek through the gouged-out beauty of the Blue Mesa. Which actually isn't all that blue. The dominant hues are white, gray, red and brown, with a little blue mixed in here and there. The sides of the mesa seem to be melting away, creating canyons and enormous piles of stoney soil. The tableau you see looks like a snapshot of scoops of ice cream melting.

Amazing nature. Ever see this before 😍😍

Nice easy walk down below. I expected it to be more blue, but it wasn't even its in the name.. You get to see some petrified wood around the area too upclose.

Blue Mesa has become my favourite place we've visitied in a road trip in the US, amazing and magical place. Breathtaking colors, couldn't get enough of it!

Amazing blue mesa.

Until this week I didn't even know this National Treasure existed. Needed a place to stay, wanted something new and different so here I am. The first thing that struck me is the absolute friendliness and wonderful Navajo people I've met. Each and every person has been a wonderful host and perfect example of what Americans should be. The Canyon is breathtaking and worth visiting. Yesterday evening we stopped at all the south overlooks, today we went to the north side overlooks. Each and every stop was a treat for this traveling beardedrvtech. I hope my photos do shine justice to the Canyon. This morning I booked a jeep tour with Beauty Way Jeep tours. Our guide Arianna was knowledgeable, sincere and willing to answer our questions. He family owns the property in front of Antelope ruins. We actually had fry bread right where he ancestors act 100s of years ago. I highly recommend you give Canyon de Chelly a visit.

Visited this park as part of a northern Arizona tour my husband and I decided to take. We absolutely loved it! The White House Trail was open, and while challenging, it was completely worth it. Each of the overlooks had a unique view. I saw a few reviews complaining about "panhandlers" at the overlooks, but honestly, everyone was extremely polite, willing to share the local history and their personal stories, and definitely NOT pushy in any way. I felt it added to the experience where I was definitely a visitor in their land. We visited at the end of September, the weather was perfect and the park was not crowded. I differently recommend!

Friendly staff at the visitor center. I recommend driving the saw rim all the way to the end to the vista point then stopping at all view points on the way back. Beautiful views, especially in late afternoon with the sun to the west. It’s also free.

A cultural treasure. The local guides add to the richness of this incredible place. An overnight stay is well worth the time.

Wow. Super quiet all along the canyon rim. Not crowded in early May, but still a bit of a chilly wind. Spectacular views at pull offs with decent parking situation.

Unbelievably beautiful! Definitely worth exploring but keep a close eye on small children and pets- extremely high cliffs and no barricades in most areas. High winds possible- we froze to death while visiting here in March- dress accordingly.

One of the most beautiful places I visited while working in the Navajo Nation and touring the southwest USA. Highly recommend doing a Native-led tour IN the canyon, which I ran out of time to do.

Driving down HWY 53, as you come around a bend in the road, off in the distance, a tall, beautiful, and commanding sight comes into view. El Morro. A mesa that is a natural History museum in its own right. The Park is beautifully maintained by the NPS. The museum has beautiful pieces of history in it. The gift shop has so many cool things inside. The restrooms were clean, the water fountain had ice cold water available. Park Ranger Boone stands out almost as much as El Morro itself. Ranger Boone welcomed us as we entered as if we were entering his own home. He told us the tale of the history of El Morro, it's cultural significance, walked us through the map of the park with expert experience. He told us about how he came to El Morro as a child and now has his dream job of working there. His passion and knowledge of the park and history made our trip to El Morro so much more special. Thank you Ranger Boone for making us feel so welcomed to El Morro. Thank you NPS for keeping the park in such excellent condition. So yeah, definitely come here. It was a fantastic hike, beautiful views, and cool history.

El Morro is a beautiful hidden gem in western New Mexico. The 2+ mile loop trail is super well-marked and scenic, with stairs carved right into the rock. Definitely go left at the trailhead, it’s an easier climb that way. The views from the top are incredible, and the historic carvings along the trail make it even more special. The park ranger we met was super helpful and friendly, pointing out cool spots we would’ve missed. The campground was also a nice surprise, quiet, clean, and surrounded by trees. Great stop if you’re passing through or looking for a peaceful place to camp.

Wonderful place to visit. See petroglyhs, inscriptions, take a hike up to the Pueblo ruins on top. Well worth the trip. The staff here is excellent , knowledgeable, and super friendly. Everything was well kept. Go see it.

Visited on 9.17.2025. The hiking trails to the top and along the perimeter of the rock formations are very easy and they provide some dramatic views. Highly Recommend spending a few hours here during a visit to New Mexico. Make sure you have plenty of water.

Been here many, many times over the years. It's a bit out of the way,but one of my favorite places to visit. A beautiful NM gem with a rich history. There is no charge for this site. A nice visitor center houses a small museum and gift shop. A mo is of the history of the area can be wat he'd upon request. There is a short trail, about a mile, that takes you to a pond, many signatures carved into the rock, and that goes up and over the buff, where there are spectacular views. You overlook a box canyon on top. There are also pueblo ruins. A long steep staircase brings you back down. I do like to pack a picnic lunch, as there is nowhere you can count on for food and the gift shop doesn't sell food. There is a water refilling station. It's definitely worth the side trip.

We had a fabulous day here hiking and climbing. Easily accessible. Trails are easy to follow and the entire place is photo worthy.

Closed. Really stupid to have this closed when nobody's needed to be there for you to walk around and do the hikes and such. Their website doesn't even have everything described correctly, it doesn't say that it is closed just that the visitor center is closed. Others drove around this and found that there's a big gate that's closed that doesn't let you go any further.

Love the Bisti bad lands, just wish it was better marked. We hiked for 4 hours and really enjoyed the landscapes and sites. Even saw 4 Jack rabbits.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area but an avid hiker, Bisti Badlands is an amazing area to check out on your own, so long as you’ve come prepared with GPS coordinates, maps, and parking advice. I have no affiliation with it, but we used Firefall Photography’s website for excellent resources on all of that, including pinpoints for the north/south parking areas. As experienced hikers (Grand Canyon, Utah parks, Himalayas, etc.), we know our limitations, including the fact that our GPS apps often make quirky jumps in extremely remote areas, so we tried to pick and choose our priorities, ultimately deciding that we could manage the Bisti portion by ourselves. (We did the De-Na-Zin side the following day, with a guide. We had limited time to explore and didn’t want to waste it false-navigating to permitted parking sites or major landmarks on our own, especially in monsoon season, so we signed up for the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah tour offered by Navajo Wilderness Adventures for that area — absolutely wonderful!) On our independent day at Bisti, we arrived around 3 p.m., and a few sprinkles started just after 7 p.m., cutting off our desire to stay into the golden/blue hours, but it’s worth visiting no matter the time of day. Since we had only one sunrise moment to spend there, we decided to end at Wings, despite having read that the Eggs don’t photograph well in brighter light, and we were pleased with that choice in the end, since we had “near sunset” at the gorgeous hill of wings. Overall, in just under five hours, we made it from the Eggs to the Wings and hit nearly every major formation in between, including the Rock Garden, petrified wood, Hoodoo City, Vanilla Hoodoos, Manta Ray, and more. We found that some of our GPS points didn’t quite match the Firefall map (including at the Beige Hoodoos and Manta Ray), but going armed with general AllTrails locations, Firefall and AllTrails maps, Gaia, and a tiny print map with photos made it all come together, allowing us plenty of time to photograph the landscape from vantages up, down, and all around. The relatively flat terrain made our nine miles of hiking relatively simple (but do avoid it after rain where possible), and it was a fantastic journey — such mesmerizing formations and astounding landscape!

This wilderness area is a beautiful place filled with adventure and incredible scenery. A word of caution, this area is pretty desolate, and the weather can be extreme. The summer heat can be dangerous, and rain storms can make the dirt roads very difficult to drive on. Cell phones don't always have connections, so just make sure you're prepared for anything that could go wrong. Make sure to have plenty of water, proper shoes, or anything else that you normally hike with. That said , enjoy your adventure and the incredible scenery.

Wow!! The pictures don’t justify the beauty of this place. We did few trails on this BLM managed wilderness and badlands. This place is wide spread, high clearance vehicle is recommended by not necessary on dry days! Trails are not marked, we had trails and maps downloaded in All Trails App and it was easy to follow the track through app. Without maps we would not have made it to alien throne and wings! Unbelievable and awesome rock formations throughout.

A long way to see little. But it was still an experience due to the sand storm, the desertedness, off the beaten path all alone with no trails to follow.

We went in from the south entrance. I recommend taking frequent pictures of the trail as you go in so you can find your way back.

The unpaved road and lack of signal makes it very difficult to access. No restroom, or anything. You are completely by your own. We drove for 20 min without seeing any other car, that part really concerned me. What if something happens, we would have no way to ask for help 😭

El Malpais National Monument is an awe-inspiring destination that blends rugged volcanic landscapes with serene desert beauty. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the vastness and variety of the terrain—lava flows, sandstone bluffs, cinder cones, and the stunning La Ventana Arch all made for an unforgettable experience. We started our visit at the Sandstone Bluffs, which offered panoramic views that were absolutely breathtaking. The short hike to La Ventana Arch was easy and rewarding, and the arch itself is a natural wonder. We also explored the Lava Falls area, which felt like walking on another planet—challenging but totally worth it if you're up for a bit of scrambling. The visitor center (when open) is informative and welcoming, with friendly rangers who are passionate about the park’s geology and history. Even when it was temporarily closed, we found plenty of signage and online resources to guide us. This park is perfect for those who love geology, solitude, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a sense of wonder. We’re already planning a return trip to explore the lava tubes and hike more of the trails! A stunning landscape by land and from the air.

This monument was awesome. We are driving through NM and saw a sign for this place. We decided to take a quick pit stop and it was totally worth it. It only takes just a few minutes of great paved road to see true beauty. 10/10 worth it.

Great place to visit. Lava rocks. Bring water and a snack, as it's a remote location. There aren't too many trails, but a few excellent look-out points. Sunset and/or sunrise are highly recommended.

We visited El Malpais National Monument in July last year, and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly rewarding stops of our trip. One of the biggest highlights for us was the campground, which turned out to be a hidden gem. It’s rustic and minimalistic in the best way, no frills, just pure, quiet solitude. We barely saw anyone else during our stay, and that seclusion made it feel like we had the entire place to ourselves. If you’re looking for a place to truly disconnect and get away from the crowds, this is it. Don’t skip the Sandstone Bluffs overlook or La Ventana Natural Arch, both are stunning. We explored a few short trails and scenic overlooks, and even in the summer heat, the dramatic landscape kept us captivated. If you’re into geology, photography, or just crave quiet places that still feel wild and untouched, El Malpais will absolutely deliver. This place is seriously underrated. We almost skipped it, and now it’s one of the spots we talk about the most from that trip.

Great place to do some fun scrambling, amazing views and great natural landmarks! Take plenty of water cause it gets hot!

A very beautiful drive up to the park. You start to see the lava flows for the volcano after you enter Pueblo Acoma prior to getting to the park. The Visitor Center is located at the top edge of the park with one small viewing trail. The other trails for the volcano are located 20-30 minutes away. You literally have to drive back up to Exit 89 to see the main part of the park. Not sure why they set it up like this. Also be aware some areas of the park requires you to have a 4x4 vehicle. Park is located approximately 60 minutes away from Albuquerque and 200 miles from Flagstaff. I-40 that carries you to the park parallels Route 66, so you’ll see some pretty cool stuff on the way up.

just WOW. Definitely worth a drive and hike if you have time to detour off I-40. Spectacular cliffs, and weirdly beautiful lava fields. There are a couple trailheads and picnic grounds worth stopping at!

⭐️ Chaco Culture National Historical Park – A Hidden Gem in New Mexico! 🏜️ Absolutely stunning and powerful place — full of ancient energy and breathtaking desert views. 🌄 The drive is long and partly on a rough dirt road, but once you arrive, it feels like stepping back in time. The ruins are well-preserved, and you can explore multiple sites like Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl up close. 📸 Great photo spots everywhere — from the welcome sign to the cliffs and open desert. 💡 Tip: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks — there are no facilities once you’re deep inside the park. 🚗 A must-visit if you love history, archaeology, or off-the-beaten-path adventures!

If you can manage the bumpy slow drive into the park, it’s well worth your time. It’s definitely out in the middle of nowhere. Take the time to get a guide or read up on the history before attending, bc the history here is remarkable. The trail you can take to the top of the mesa is really cool and goes up in between some rock walls. The other trails are much easier. The bathrooms and picnic areas are very nice.

This place is a true treasure. Rough to get to. But it's so worth the trip. It's beautiful, you've never seen anything like it. My pictures don't do it justice. Will definitely go back. If you see the Navajos selling food, stop and support them. The fry bread is amazing 👏

I love this place. From the stairways carved into cliff faces, to miles of roads that rival modern roads, to the intricate stacking and chinking of blocks for the buildings, to the petroglyphs and pictographs, this place is simply incredible. Beautiful trails to hike and magnificent ruins that are still largely intact, this ancient village speaks to the soul.

This is such a historical and spiritual place. I can feel the vibrations from the land. There are very interesting structures to visit. Just try to envision life there 1,000 yrs ago.

Chaco Culture NHP is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the home of the ancestral Puebloan culture, (c.850-1250AD) the park has the largest excavated ruins in the southwest and remains sacred to mant indigenous peoples. Hiking, biking, and camp sites are available. The visitors center can get you started with information, maps and an introductory film. Getting to the park is tedious. There is a 21mi. rough, rutted and washboard dirt road and you're on open range.

Pretty incredible place. Visited here in August 2024. Not too crowded or too hot. Wish we would have been able to stay overnight to see the stars. Visitor center was great: great exhibits/displays, junior ranger, and bookstore. So I had thought about going several times before, but I was scared away by the commentary made about the road. How difficult it was and dangerous to go on. Well, I decided to try it anyway because it was one of the last few NPs to visit. Drove my Ford Transit passenger van all the way from MD on this road. Not nearly as bad as I had heard. Came down from north (we stayed in Farmington night before) and rode in on the east road. You go down a regular paved road for a while before turning right. That is paved for a bit then turns into a paved road until the visitor center. For first 1/2 to 2/3 of road, I was cruising along at 55 on the washboard road. After that it was a little worse and had to slow down. Last 2 to 4 miles are the real deal with lots of potholes and bumps. Was definitely going quite slow there. I feel like you can do it in a sedan and did see one or two in parking lot. Dont let the road hold you back from seeing this great park!

We went here during the government shut down. The staff was still there! Giving directions and answering questions. Now the visitor center was closed of course but they were still outside the gates to help us. Wonderful humans! They didn't have the passport stamps at the "Main Gate" but drew a date stamp for me in my book. That guy made my day doing that. I loved him for doing that. When we got to one of the trails they had the stamp there so I got both ❤️. It made a sad situation in our country that more memorable because of the human nature, kindness, regular people sharing an experience together, for each other. It was amazing seeing the art someone left behind so long ago. Trying to understand what they were thinking. Seeing a captured moment in time of the thought of another human being. Some make perfect sense and some you will walk away wondering what in the world was that. If you get the chance take a walk where others have stepped for so long.

Really neat place. Much larger than I thought. Started at the middle parking lot and walked to the rinconada trail to the south... thats a good distance away and not many petroglyphs along the way. Turns out there's 3 parking lots... north , central and south and I think even on the back side fir the volcano. After the south trail I drove to the north and there is neighborhoods and gas stations and restaurants in between... feels like an entirely different park but its connected. This was my first time getting ours of petroglyphs and I had no idea it would be so fun to find them hidden in the rocks. Gonna add this to my list of things to photograph as I travel.

A piece of history that you definitely need to see! Very well maintained and great signage! The hiking trails range from moderate to difficult, depending on which site you choose to visit. We went with the Boca Negra Canyon which showcases around 100 petroglyphs and is not a difficult hike at all. I didn't see all of them but I saw quite a few. We spent about 1 hour and 30 minutes there. Also, I started with the Visitors Center and got some good info and a map to start. It is free to visit...

Amazing place to hike. Do be aware there isn't much parking (I went to boca negra canyon after not being able to park at the visitor center). Also, no shade, so wear a hat if you sunburn easily. Loved seeing all the pictures on the rocks from the past.

Amazing stop some difficult hikes if you have mobility challenges but there is a nice walkway for easier options. Well worth the hike if your are moderately fit. Beautiful historical artifacts at no charge.

From what we could see during the government shutdown it was a good place to visit. We walked in via the access trail and were able to go into the canyon to see petroglyphs. I really liked how there were very few signs pointing out where the petroglyphs were - it was like a scavenger hunt!

A rock storybook! You have to wonder what these ancient people were trying to tell us. Though we will never fully know, we can know they were leaving behind something they hoped would be seen thousand of years later. This place is amazing!

I love our zoo. Its much nicer than many we have been to. There is a great selection of animals to view: elephants, hippos, rhino, zebra, giraffes, polarbear, but to name a few. I love the fact that the animals have the choice to be out in their enclosures or inside where they have temperature controlled environments. That does may mean, however, that if animals choose to be inside, you will not see them. Sometimes I walk around twice just to double check. In the summer, it's always good to go early in the morning. There have been some great changes to the habitats at the zoo. The animals really do have great space. However, there has been ongoing construction due to this, and it seems about 1/3 of the zoo is currently closed. Four more habitat construction. I have been super excited about most of the changes except for the Australia shores. That has been disappointing after the big build up to its opening. The paths are well maintained, and zoo well mapped out. It's great that even in the heat of the summer, many of the areas are shaded by trees. You can always pop into the Penguin Chill to cool down and watch these cute amazing little creatures. It's always entertaining. There is also the reptile house and indoor amphibian exhibit. While the cost of entry is low compared to some other zoos, unfortunately the food prices inside are exorbitant. You might wish to pack a lunch or take snacks, and water in the hot summer. There are water bottle, refilling stations throughout the park. I do really miss the train and think it's a shame that the shuttle is no longer in service. One thing I think really needs to be remedied. Overall it really is a great zoo worth visiting.

DEFINITELY DO NOT RECOMMEND VISITING THIS ZOO IN THE SUMMER. We were just passing through Albuquerque and decided to visit the zoo — what a disappointment. You won’t really see any animals. A few birds and some exhausted kangaroos hiding in the shade — that’s about it. It felt like a complete waste of time and money. I strongly suggest checking the weather forecast and asking the staff if animals will even be out before you buy tickets. My husband and I love zoos and try to visit one in every city we travel to in the U.S. There were times when the weather was cool and a zoo employee actually told us in advance that the animals would be hiding indoors. We appreciated that honesty. Here in Albuquerque, nobody warned us about anything — not a word. I think that’s unfortunate. If we had known, we absolutely wouldn’t have gone. I get it — they’re trying to make money — but this felt wrong. We left feeling quite disappointed. The choice is yours, but personally, I wouldn’t return or recommend it during hot weather.

While season can affect what animals are active and when, going when it's lunchtime can ensure the most popular beings like the chimps, orangutans and elephants are out on display. Most of the displays are spacious and allow for movement and enjoyment. I have a photo of a very unhappy tiger in a small cage from the 1970s, so these environments made me happy. The aquarium, botanical garden and zoo are worth visiting if you're here as tourist.

I absolutely loved my visit to the ABQ BioPark! The highlight was the adorable new baby hippo — what an incredible addition. It was so beautiful to walk around the park; everything felt peaceful and well cared for. The giraffes and zebras were amazing to watch, and the staff members were friendly and helpful. The pathways were clean, shaded, and easy to navigate, making it a really enjoyable walk. I highly recommend getting a membership — it’s very practical and includes access to all areas of the BioPark, including the Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanic Garden. It’s such a great deal, especially if you plan to visit more than once or bring family and friends. This is a wonderful place for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys animals and nature. I can’t wait to come back soon to see how the baby hippo grows!

We enjoyed our visit even though many exhibits were closed for maintenance. Our visit coincided with the NM State Fair and the zoo obviously wasn't expecting many visitors. Still, we had some surprisingly sweet encounters - an older gentleman playing his violin for the giraffes, a baby orangutan pressed up against the bars to get as close as possible to a fan, and a beautiful ostrich standing in line (?) to get ice cream!

We visited Nov 12th on a Wednesday. It was perfect Weather and there was a small amount of fellow visitors so seeing everything was easy. It's still being constructed but every area they finish is great.

Been about 25 years since I was here last. Pretty cool to be here to celebrate Rosie the elephant's 33rd birthday today. Of course of the peacocks wanted a close up while we rested.

My wife and I loved this place! The woman who checked us in was friendly, we paid and read the rules posted. The springs were incredible, some are hot and some warm. Lots of seating to lounge in the shade if you get too hot. Highly recommend going during the week when it's not crowded for a more relaxed experience.

Tranquillising hot springs, it’s in the beautiful mountains so the back drop view is breathtaking. The staff here is informative and so so sweet. Keep voices to a whisper and just relax and allow all the minerals from the earth to just do their thing.

Although we have never stayed overnight here at Jemez Hot Springs, we have been coming to soak for 2 hours on a regular basis for years. The atmosphere is beyond compare, the water is always so nice and the staff is great! Especially the manager who knows us well now 😂 We love the smoothies and we bring water bottles and a light snack like protein bar or banana or something. The views are gorgeous and I love to hear the sound of the river running right behind the pools. This most recent time we got to be in a light rain until about the end of our soak it started to pour! It was magical… The pricing is reasonable compared to like experiences available at a farther drive for us. We come here more often because it’s only an hour and a half away and we can come in the afternoon and stay to eat dinner at the local diner. Makes for a nice date day after sleeping in on a day off. I will say my one peeve is some of the people who attend seem to be completely disrespectful of the signs that are literally EVERYWHERE saying “please whisper” or “keep voices low” and it often makes causes us to move pools because we came to relax not listen to you talk about politics or religion 🙄 However that’s not enough to deter us from visiting often 😊

We had a wonderful time at the springs. Our family of four stayed at the Red Mesa cabin on site. It was such an easy process to reserve and check in and out. I know many of the reviews are reporting that the staff are rude, but that is the opposite of our experience. Staff were professional and super helpful (especially April). They made our stay that much better! The springs were relaxing and beautiful. A very serene getaway close to home! Highly recommend this place to locals or travelers.

"I recently had the pleasure of staying at and soaking in the Jemez Hot Springs in Jemez, New Mexico, and it was a wonderfully peaceful and calming experience. The hot springs themselves are incredibly therapeutic; an hour soaking literally made me feel like I'd turned back the clock! It's truly a place to de-stress and rejuvenate. I also stayed in one of their guest houses, which was incredibly inviting, spotlessly clean, and beautifully decorated with a charming New Mexico aesthetic. It really added to the overall serene atmosphere of the property. My only minor point for improvement relates to clarity on their website. While it states walk-ins are welcome during business hours, it also hinted that on-property guests might have access to the springs a little longer after public closing. Some clearer information here would be helpful. For anyone planning a visit, my top tip is to stay for two nights if you can, or at least arrive right at check-in time. This will give you the most opportunity to fully enjoy and maximize your time in these amazing hot springs. Highly recommend for a truly relaxing getaway!"

I highly recommend Jemez Hot Springs! Short version: - gorgeous property - peaceful and romantic place - no sulfur smell - excellent management - affordable It was my first time at a hot springs and I could not have loved it more. The water did not have the expected sulfur smell, the temperature was perfect (there were 4 different pools with slightly different temps so you could pick hotter or cooler). The property was gorgeous - the pics dont do it justice. The peaceful feeling, sound of birds chirping, Mountain View, landscaping… all made for a such a romantic spot The owner was very kind and gave us plenty of time to get dressed before starting our timer for the amount paid. The first day we left earlier because of unexpected hailstorm, so she just kindly offered us extra time the following day. Will definitely come back. Anyone who lives in NM should try it at least once.

The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. The changing and shower areas were very clean, which I really appreciate. It was a nice, quiet, and relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding. I would highly recommend it!

a bit on the pricey side, but absolutely worth it. We went on a partially cloudy afternoon, and the shifting light made the scenery even more dramatic, with layers of mountains, sky, and city unfolding beneath us. The ride itself is smooth and scenic, and once at the top, the short trail along the ridge to the cabin was breathtaking — one of the highlights of the visit. Do keep in mind that temperatures can drop quickly at dusk, even in the middle of summer, so bring an extra layer if you plan to linger for sunset.

Beautiful! Lift operators were knowledgeable and friendly. All the staff were very helpful. We only managed a hike up to the Kiwanis cabin due to time constraints but it was beautiful. I would recommend bringing something a little more sturdier than running shoes to hike in, a water bottle and be prepared for altitude. My wife experienced a little bit of sickness. Her first time experiencing it. Other than that I highly recommend this tour.

The tram ride takes about fifteen minutes and the views along the way are incredible, especially the deep canyons below. Our tram guide was entertaining and shared a lot of interesting facts during the ride. At the top the altitude is around 10250ft and it is an amazing place to watch the sunset and see the entire city light up afterward. It does get very cold once the sun goes down. We visited on a Saturday evening and the wait for the return tram was around forty minutes since many people leave right after sunset. Overall the experience was worth the price and made for a memorable evening.

Must have tickets in advance. Arrive 2 hours early. If possible have 1 member of your party wait in line and others walk around. Bring layers, it is cold at night. Packed in to the tram 🚊, hard to see out. On the way down folks were nice and let the kids be by the window. Need a reservation for the restaurant. Go during the day so you can hike. We went up when it was light, then down after sunset. If you looked hard, saw lights in the distance from the balloon fesita glow.

Hiked up La Luz trail and decided to get the tram down. Was pleasantly surprised that it was very close by the end of the trail and easily visible. I was almost out of battery on my phone without internet service and was pointed to the password to purchase the ticket on their website. I was afraid my phone was going to die to reached out to another employee (very nice lady) that told oh no worries we can do it right here in the booth! That was nice of her I was not told that there was any other option and was getting frustrated. Lost the tram bcs of it. The next one took about 13 minutes. Nice little ride down. At the gift shop I also had a great experience and was allowed to charge my phone :)

Amazing experience! Highly recommend taking this tram 🚋 for stunning views! ⛰️ 🤩 ☁️ We had the earliest reservation and checked in at 8:45am. We were the first group to go up around 9:17am. Window🪟 view was great for photos and videos. 📸 🎥

We had such a wonderful experience with the staff. They were attentive to our young kids and gave them a sticker before we boarded the tram. We went on a Saturday, arrived 10 mins before our time window and were the first in line. On our way back, we didn’t wait more than 15 mins.

These formations are pretty amazing. The "Cave loop" trail isn't difficult but isn't wheelchair friendly at all. We didn't have time for the "Slot Canyon" trail, but other visitors said it was difficult at times. The Veteran's Overlook is pretty good, though it is a dirt road for a few miles. You need both a Recreation.gov reservation and a Pueblo pass per person to gain entrance, making this a pricey proposition for groups and families. The Pueblo Visitor center where everyone has to check in has a few snacks and souvenirs as well as clean rest rooms. There is no National Park service Visitor Center, and the only literature you get going in is a single page map without any information about what you're looking at. Bottom line is we're glad we went but would not likely return.

To visit Kasha-Katuwe you need two different “passes”. A park permit and a Cochiti Pueblo tribal pass. I purchases both online in advance. There is a visitor center with a gift shop and restrooms where you check in before heading to the entrance. There are two main trails. I started with the Slot Canyon Trail. That is about 1.5 mile long each way. It goes to the Mesa top. You start on the parking lot walking on a well marked through a narrow slot canyon carved into volcanic tuff. The walls of the canyon are beautifully sculpted into smooth curves. Some parts are very narrow, you may need to use your hands and scramble in places. After the canyon, the trail switches to a steeper climb with about 630 ft elevation gain up to the mesa. It’s not just walking, but scrambling and choosing safe footing. the views open up and are spectacular. The views of the canyon allow to see the tent rock hoodoos from above. The overlook isn’t just about the hoodoos. You have a view of the entire formation, and also distant mountain ranges and the valley below. The Slot Canyon is 3 miles total round trip . I finished with the Cave Loop trail that is an easy 1.2 mi hike back to the parking lot.

This place was the highlight of our trip. Yes, you need reservations at recreation.gov and Purple Pass, but easy to obtain and well worth it. Slot Canyon is a must - signs are a little intimidating, but it wasn't that bad. Cave Loop trail is relatively easy. The Veterans Loop road was closed due to previous monsoon washout. Utterly fantastic place!

Amazing geology that I have never seen before. Challenging hike through the slot canyon and to the top of the overlook peak but well worth it! You must get tickets in advance as the Pueblo only allows 150 people into the park each day.

Incredible hiking area with beautiful hoodoos and canyons! Especially appreciated the low crowds which allowed for quiet moments throughout the trails.

Magical place! Did have to scramble uo some rock pile "staircases", but worth the minimal effort. Walk thru a slot canyon and then climb to the top for fantastic views. I would go back and do it again. The additional walk to the cave (which you don't go in) is mostly just to say you completed the loop on the way back to the parking lot. They do have porta potties at parking

One of a kind National Monument. Must see if you are in Santa Fe or Albuquerque NM. Just make sure you buy tickets in advance and then get the pueblo pass the visitor center.

They are mostly closed for the gov shutdown, but one campground was open still. There was access to one hiking trail from the campground, Tyuonyi Overlook was accessible. Pueblo Trail is closed. Visitors center is closed. The overlook is incredibly scenic. Just do not expect to see the cave homes right now.

Super fascinating national monument showcasing the natural landscape of the area and the Pueblo culture/dwellings. Nice gift shop and visitor center too. Unfortunately the Alcove House was closed for repairs this summer when I visited, but I did the Pueblo Loop trail and definitely recommend as it goes by the majority of the cliff dwellings, some of which you can even climb up into via ladders.

🤩 what an underrated gem!! Beautiful and easy hikes to see the ruins. Climbing the ladders to the Alcove house was the highlight. Parking lot was full by noon. But there’s so longer, harder back packing trails. Don’t let this one slip by!!

It was such a privilege to visit this site in 2023. There was a visitor center with a small but great museum- including a gift shop. The grounds are open to guided tours and individual exploration. You can also get up close to the wall dwellings via some ladders which was super cool! 20/10, an important cultural site that has a lot to interact with.

I visited Bandelier National Monument and was honestly amazed by the beauty and history of the place. The cliff dwellings and trails were incredible to explore, and the scenery felt peaceful and untouched. The only downside was the limited parking and the shuttle schedule, which made getting there a bit tricky. Still, it was totally worth it for the views and experience.

I really enjoyed this park, it could easily be argued to be included as a national park the historical aspect and Native American dwellings in this area, makes it unique, especially the cliff dwellings. Unfortunately the Alcove House Trail was closed when I was there so I missed out on one of the main sites to see.

A relaxing environment with lots of hiking trails, camping, small restaurant and gift shop. A great park for families to spend the day exploring the ancient Pueblo homes and enjoying the Frijoles Canyon. Your park entry also includes entry to the nearby Valles Caldera

I loved my visit to the Bradbury Science Museum — it's a fascinating place filled with unique artifacts and compelling stories that bring history and science to life. The exhibits about the Manhattan Project and the science behind it are incredibly well-done and informative. I especially appreciated how interactive and thoughtfully curated everything was. It is also free! The staff were also amazing — super friendly, helpful, and clearly passionate about the museum and its mission. Whether you're into history, science, or just looking for something unique and engaging to explore, this place is a must-visit in Los Alamos. Highly recommend!

This is the place to visit in addition to the National Museum of Nuclear Science to learn about Nuclear science, what made the U.S. starting to develop those weapons during WW2 and how the science still used for energy development on top of other research been created at the National Laboratory up the road. The National Laboratory was an integral part for the development of Nuclear energy and applications today still a research facility for the development of other products and research. The Bradbury Science museum is phenomenal and free to visit. Highly interactive with plenty to learn and explore while there. We spend a few hours and had a great time. You also learn about the atomic bomb and the scientists behind it like Robert Oppenheimer and the National Laboratory. While in the area check out some of the locations from the movie Oppenheimer including the house where he lived, locations around the town and other areas around New Mexico where the movie was filmed. Overall a great experience and highly recommend it for the whole family.

Bradbury Science Museum is an excellent resource for learning about the scientific method. The hands-on exhibits are informative for all ages. Watch the 15 minute film to have a good overview of the work at Los Alamos. Be sure to visit the gift shop for interesting science oriented products.

This great museum is FREE!! From the outside, this museum looks small, but it is packed with fascinating displays. You could easily spend an entire day and not go through everything. It is arranged well, so you can focus on your areas of interest, and skim over the others. Two great videos, one of the history and another of the future. It is exciting to see what is happening at Los Alamos today!

Because I did the Los Alamos history museum tour, I didn't get breakfast. And I was starving when I got to the Bradbury museum so I didn't stay as long as I meant to. However, I still managed to catch both 15 min movies that were featured in their respective auditoriums. It's an incredibly informative museum that is well maintained, with loads of interactive exhibits that really draw a visitor in, regardless of age or attention span. I'm looking forward to visiting again with my whole family! Also, entry is FREE.

The Bradbury Science Museum is a great educational experience. This museum is dedicated to everything regarding nuclear weapons. They gave plenty information about the history of the Manhattan project, nuclear weapons design, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and current safeguards in place. There were two full size models of the “little boy” and “fat man” bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There were also plenty of interactive simulations. Everything at the museum was free of charge. There is so much to learn and experience at the Bradbury Science Museum for people of all ages.

If you are in Los Alamos for a tour of the Manhattan Project, you definitely need to drop by the Bradbury Science Museum. If nothing else, I found the timeline composition to be a good backstory, add to that the analytical run-down of the different sites (buildings) which you cannot access on the lab grounds, and the full-size mock-ups of "Fat Man" and "Little Boy" the museum highlights filled-in my need for the 'science' side of the story that you will not get from the walking tour. Don't get me wrong, the history of the town is great and looking at old buildings from the '40s that were not snatched up by the park service until very recently, is kind of fun. However, seeing the wiring of the detonation mechanism for Fat Man was really cool and unexpected.

Best time ever! The ride was great the views are amazing. We had not ridden in years, you were given information about what to do and not to do, and it made the ride easy and enjoyable. Brad, our guide, gets all the credit for his knowledge of the area, his knowledge of each individual horse and his own personal experiences that were engaging and interesting. We’d love to come back again-and so will you.

No-frills, humble horseback ride. Definitely not a tourist trap. The instructors are serious about safety. You ride up the mountain to absolutely beautiful views, then back down. Wear jeans, boots, hat/sunblock. Also, it's dusty. It's the desert. If you're not familiar with riding, it may be a little scary. I loved every second!

Edit for 2021: We tried to do a trail ride again during the week of thanksgiving 2021, and made reservations for a specific day. As it turns out the old man on the phone had written down the wrong date, and when we called to double check we were met with hostility. “I don’t need you people to tell me what to do” direct quote. And then he cancelled our reservation altogether and did not refund us. Amazing experience. Lovely guides and beautiful trails. I recommend going in the morning when it is cooler during the summer. Loads of fun for all experience levels

This was so fun and such a pleasure to experience. The horses were gorgeous, friendly, and well cared for. Harold is an absolute legend/was a great tour guide and made riding even more enjoyable. I would suggest this experience for anyone who wants to ride and check out the scenery!

I took my 10 year old daughter for an 1hr and 15 minute ride and couldn't have experienced anything better. We were both inexperienced riders and our guide was very informative and made us feel comfortable. It was absolutely beautiful and we had an amazing time. Definitely an unforgettable experience.

We read some of the reviews before we came however I say no matter what always give an individual a chance and go off of your own opinion. Harold was amazing, very personable, gave us a great tour, his lessons while on that tour have surpassed many lessons that I received when horseback riding at other places. I learned so much from him. The sunset ride that we went on and the trail was absolutely breathtaking and he offered to take our picture at the top for us. Thanks for going above and beyond Harold you definitely have our business when we come back to Santa Fe and we let the in know about you as well for great recommendations.

Most excellent experience. Wife and kids rode a couple years ago, wife and I did it again this spring. Brad is a great guide, Shadow and Cisco are great horses. Definitely on our to-do list when we get back to NM.