Red Rock Country (Arizona)

50 States of TravelTravel
Written By Jane Vazquez

Red Rock Country - Arizona would be our Spring Break 2016 vacation. This would be the 2nd time my son would fly.  I had a full itinerary planned for this trip, including the Grand Canyon and (I had hoped) a Hot Air Balloon trip.

  • On our way to Arizona

Our flight out of Ft. Myers was delayed so we didn't arrive in Phoenix until midnight, therefore we didn't get an opportunity to check things out in Phoenix as we were due to drive north the next morning to The Grand Canyon Railway Railway and Hotel in Williams Arizona. 

Welcome to Arizona

Before we left the hotel in the morning, Alex wanted to see what the landscape was like in Arizona.  Since he was born and raised in Southwest Florida, this was completely new to him. 

I had planned for us to take a train up to the Grand Canyon and found a hotel that we would stay at which included a train ride up to the Grand Canyon for the day.  We'd never been on a train, so this would be new for both of us. 

The drive North was very relaxing, being able to take in the mountains and change in the atmosphere from what we were used to.  The temperature was cooler as we drove North and we were seeing snow on the side of the road.  Alex had only seen snow one time and he was only 2 years old and had no memory of it so he was excited about this.

  • Snow in Arizona

We got to the hotel in Williams early enough to explore the small town a little bit.  We saw the street signs for the infamous Route 66 and had lunch in a quaint little cafe.

The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

Alex was happy to see that there was snow at the hotel as well.  The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel was a really nice place.  The staff was very nice, the rooms were spacious and the set up was really cool.  There was a huge, separate building with a restaurant and gift shop.  I had paid for a package that included 2 dinners and the train ride the next day, with lunch included. 

The following day, we were to board the train for the ride up to the Grand Canyon.  Our train provided food for us and had entertainment on board - there was also a skit of a train robbery.  Alex was asked to participate and acted like he was playing the violin. He really enjoyed this ride. 

  • Train ride - Grand Canyon
  • Entertainment on board
  • Alex participating in the entertainment
  • Train ride - Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, South Rim

I had been to this amazing National Park a few times before this trip with Alex but was still amazed at the grandeur of this National Park.  Alex was amazed by what he was seeing.

  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon

Sedona, Arizona

The following day, we drove to Sedona.  I had also been to Sedona before, many years earlier with my daughter and cousin.  I really like this small town.  I had hoped to take the hot air balloon ride here in Sedona. But my son opened up to me before we left home that he was nervous about this (my husband admitted the same thing, he was nervous for us). 

So, I decided we wouldn't do that and instead I booked a Jeep Tour through the canyons of Sedona.  I had booked a room at a hotel up on a hill overlooking Sedona so the first night we just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery.

  • Sedona Arizona
  • Sedona Arizona
  • Sedona Arizona
  • Sunset Sedona, Arizona

The next day, we did some shopping and sight seeing after our morning Jeep tour.  The Jeep Tour was awesome.  The gentleman that took us had been touring Sedona for almost 3 decades and was able to tell us a lot about Sedona and Arizona.  I really like those kinds of tours that come with knowledgeable guides. 

  • Sedona Arizona
  • Sedona Arizona
  • Jeep Tour - Sedona, Az
  • Jeep Tour - Sedona, Az
  • Jeep Tour - Sedona, Az
  • Jeep Tour, Sedona, Az
  • Jeep Tour - Sedona, Az
  • Jeep Tour - Sedona, Az
  • Alex with our Tour Guide

Phoenix, Arizona

We spent 2 nights in Sedona and then headed back to Phoenix for a couple of days.  I have cousins that live in the Phoenix area so we were going to visit with them one evening.  We also went to a Botanical Garden in Phoenix. I found it very interesting "Garden" since, being from Florida, we were used to a lot of colors, blooming flowers, but in Phoenix, there was not as much color.  This Botanical Garden had glass art during our visit.

  • Botanical Garden, Arizona
  • Botanical Garden, Arizona
  • Botanical Garden, Arizona
  • Botanical Garden, Arizona

This was our 2nd official trip on our journey to visit all 50 states.  I really enjoy traveling with my son.  He's fun and engaging.  Arizona did not disappoint.  

With Serenity,

Jane Vazquez
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