- Imani J.
ARIZONA ROAD TRIP: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
After the New year, I decided to visit my dad this past January in Tucson. I had been to Arizona many times to visit him before but, had never been to the Grand Canyon. I told myself next time I go, I absolutely will see the Grand Canyon. I set my plan in motion and started planning this 3 night road trip from Tucson to the Grand Canyon and here are all the places I went and the things I saw while on it!
Where I went:
Saguaro National Park
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Jerome
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Saguaro National Park
I started off my Arizona adventure in Tucson at Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert home to the Saguaro Cactus. The Saguaro Cactus is the largest cactus species in the US, and Saguaro National Park in particular has some of the tallest ones!
The park is a perfect place to take pictures with the views of the mountains in the background with the cacti speckled throughout almost looking like a crowd of people. It is truly a beautiful sight. The park has trails, and pull outs so you can stop and really take in the beauty or take pictures like I did.
Nitty Gritty:
Entrance Fee $25/Vehicle
There is an east side and west side to the park. I went to the west side
I went in January, cold mornings but perfect throughout the rest of the day
Total time spent: About 2 hours
If you're pressed for time take a scenic drive through it, because you definitely don't want to skip this park!
Montezuma Castle
The next day I hit the road headed about 3 hours north of Tucson to Montezuma Castle.
Despite it's name, this cave dwelling has nothing to do with the Aztec King Montezuma and as you can see does not resemble a castle.It was built by the Sinagaua people, who were able to access the dwelling by ladder. Although Arizona is known for its naturally beauty, Montezuma Castle is a great way to squeeze in some history and culture on your road trip.
Nitty Gritty:
Entrance Fee: $10/Person for 1 week including access to Tuzigoot National Monument
Total TIme Spent: About 30 Minutes its a decently small park
Jerome
After a short 40 minute drive from Montezuma Castle I made it to the mountain town of Jerome, Arizona. Jerome has had many iterations, from the rough and tumble "wickedest town in the west" moniker, to now being a cute little village for artists. Although I randomly ran in to a friend from college who actually lives in Jerome it is really more of a tourist attraction to hear ghost stories or visit the artisanal shops. The best shop by far is Nellie Bly, where they have the biggest collection of kaleidoscopes in the world!
Nitty Gritty:
Access to the town is free! Just walk around and explore!
Total time spent: About 2-3 hours but if you're pressed for time you could see it all in one hour at max