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Treads - Drive - Arizona

Touring Red Rock Country

Get off the highway for quieter views.

By gowestusa Staff

The red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona are known around the world. Since Sedona is an easy drive out of Phoenix and a nice halfway point to the Grand Canyon, the result can be highways that are too crowded and road side pull offs that are jammed with cars. But there are many ways to avoid the crowds.

--Visit in off-season. Although Sedona has mild weather year round, it tends to be more crowded in May, October, and the summer tourist ... [continued]

Experiences | History - A personal memorial to a lost hero and son. [more]

Trails | Hike - A loop hike to an alpine lake built by glaciers. [more]

Treads | Drive - A saga of wild mustangs and river canyons. [more]

Cowboys | Indians | Ghost Towns and Forts | It Happened Here

Mouse's Tank Trail

It’s the journey, not the destination, when it comes to Mouse’s Tank Trail in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park. Mouse’s Tank itself, where the trail ends, is disappointing. But among the canyon walls that frame this short hike are many examples of prehistoric petroglyphs, most well-preserved and untouched by visitor graffiti.

Prehistoric users of the Valley of Fire area included the Basket Maker people and later the Anasazi Pueblo farmers from the nearby fertile Moapa Valley. The span of occupation has been dated from 300 B.C. to 115...[continued]

Old West | Indians - Much the same as when it was built in 1883. [more]

Old West | Ghost Towns and Forts - Every downtown building is designated Historic. [more]

Old West | Indians - Have you always dreamed of being an archaeologist? [more]


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	Heads Up! Crack-in-the-Rock Guided Backpack: For a special ranger-guided backpacking experience, consider the Crack-in-the-Rock hike in Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. It's offered only on weekends in October and April, and must be booked in advance. This trip explores fantastic rock art and pueblo architecture in an area not normally open to the public. This is a strenuous 16-mile cross country overnight trip, carrying a 30-40 pound pack. Each hike is limited to 13 people; minimum age is 10. Cost is $50.00 per person, and participants are selected through a lottery system. 928-679-2365 Related Story: Wupatki National Monument Almost Time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: One of the first signs of spring is a Heads Up for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival north of Seattle, Washington. The flower viewing season starts with yellow daffodils in March, a rainbow of tulips takes the stage in April, and irises and lilies provide color well into the month of May. Related Story: Skagit Valley's Tulip Festival Campground Reservations in Glacier: Two campgrounds in Montana's Glacier National Park take reservations up to six months in advance: St. Mary's and Fish Creek. St Mary's is the largest campground on the east side of the park. You may sign up through the National Reservation System at http://www.recreation.gov. Sites not reserved ahead of time are available on a first come first serve basis. Related Story: Going to the Sun Highway River Rafting the Yampa: USA Today just named rafting the Yampa through Dinosaur National Monument as one of its Ten Amazing Adventures Under $1000. There are four and five day trips down this only undammed river on the Colorado River drainage system. USA Today recommends O.A.R.S. Gowest prefers the personalized service and great food offered by Sheri Griffith Expeditions. Related Story: Dinosaur National Monument's Gates of Lodore Grand Canyon North Rim Mule Trips: Most folks don't realize that mule trips can be taken into the Grand Canyon from the North Rim. Although they don't go all the way to the river like their more-famous South Rim counterpart, these full-day expeditions do drop down 4300 feet to Roaring Springs. Even better, they don't have to be reserved a year or more in advance. Related Story: Don't Do the Tourist Thing! [more Heads Up!]


	Qs and Tips Q: I'd really like to know when would be a good time to visit the parks in Utah. Spring? Fall? Summer? Have a suggestion? --Robert R., Washington DC TIP: It really depends on which areas of Utah you visit. Here are a couple of suggestions. Southwest... [read] ASK