Stunning Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell, Arizona

Stunning Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell, Arizona

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Page, Arizona is home to several must-see natural and man-made wonders: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Recreational Area, Lake Powell, and the Glen Canyon Dam. We really enjoyed our stay at the Wahweap RV and Campground with Lake Powell views and access.

Key Takeaways:

  • Antelope Canyon is stunning! Advanced reservations are required to tour the canyon with authorized tour operators
  • Horseshoe Bend is another amazing geological formation on the Colorado River, near Page
  • The Glen Canyon Dam in Page is closed for tours but the Carl Hyden Visitor Center is open
  • Local resorts and marinas offer tours of Lake Powell
  • The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is about a half hour drive from Page and offers scenic dog-friendly trails to view rock sculptures and hoodoos
  • The Wahweap RV & Campground is an awesome RV stay in Page to explore local attractions

 

 

Campground Review:

We loved our stay at Wahweap RV & Campground. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the campground is 1/4 mile from Lake Powell. Our pull-through, paved site had full hook-ups and beautiful views of Lake Powell. We could access paved park trails for long walks with the dogs. One trail led us to Utah – only a mile away. Another trail led to the Wahweap Lake Powell Lodge where we enjoyed coffee and breakfast sandwiches outside with the dogs. This was one of our favorite campgrounds to date.

What to do:

  • Reserve a tour of Antelope Canyon well ahead of your visit; we toured the Upper Canyon through Antelope Canyon Slot Tours – an awesome experience; midday tour times are best for viewing the light shafts
  • Visit the Glen Canyon Dam; start at the Carl B. Hayden Visitor Center; drive to Scenic View Drive and hike the short Dam Overlook Trailhead for great views of the dam and the Colorado River
  • Visit Horseshoe Bend; the hike from the parking lot is 1.5 miles round trip and is dog-friendly
  • Drive to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah; stop at the visitor center to get maps and info on numerous hikes and drives; we hiked to the Toadstools, a dog-friendly hike to scenic rock formations and toadstools
  • Visit the Grand Canyon Brewing Company in Page for great beer and food; the patio is dog-friendly – woof!
  • Sample awesome BBQ at Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page; their patio is dog-friendly – woof-woof!

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon Entrance

Upper Antelope Canyon

Glen Canyon Dam

Colorado River

Horseshoe Bend

Cedar – Toadstools

Toadstools

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We really, really liked this campground! We had long walks in the morning and night on paved trails, so no pickers on our feet! 

Campground Rating:   5 PAWS

Lots of dog-friendly hiking trails in this area. We liked hiking in the Grand-Escalante National Monument to see the toadstools. The trails in the Glen Canyon National Recreaton Area were very fun too! Horseshoe Bend is dog friendly as well as the Grand Canyon Brewing Company — woof!

Area Rating:   5 PAWS

Next Stop: Mesa Verde National Park, Dolores, Colorado

Spectacular Grand Canyon National Park

Spectacular Grand Canyon National Park

by | Apr 15, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

The views of the Grand Canyon never get old – each overlook and viewpoint is unique and truly amazing. We hiked the easy, dog-friendly Rim Trail every day of our visit and could have stayed several more days to experience the entire Rim Trail. We opted not to hike into the canyon, as do 99% of visitors to the park, and viewed the park from the rim. Our stay at the Trailer Village RV Park, in the National Park, was a perfect location to explore this natural wonder.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks we have visited
  • The views from the Rim Trail are so amazing, from sunrise to midday to sunset
  • Hiking into the canyon is a strenuous endeavor; the park recommends taking two days to make the trek down into the canyon and back
  • April is a good time to visit the park, still snow on the ground in some places but crowds are manageable
  • Trailer Village RV Park is a great RV stay in the park

Campground Review:

The location of Trailer Village RV Park doesn’t get any better to explore the Grand Canyon National Park. This RV park has full hookups and is within walking distance of Market Plaza and the Rim Trail. Free shuttle buses stop every 15 minutes at Trailer Village. Our site was paved and spacious. Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the RV park.  Elk frequent the park but they kept to themselves and did not pose a threat to our dogs.

What to do:

  • Walk the Rim Trail; park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and hike the short distance to Mather Point- views are spectacular; hike the dog friendly Rim Trail from Mather point – views continue to amaze along the Rim Trail in both directions
  • Drive to the Verkamp’s Visitor Center; visit the Hopi House and El Tovar Hotel; more access to the Rim Trail here
  • Follow Desert View Drive and stop at spectacular lookouts – Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point and continue to Desert View Watchtower- have lunch and checkout more amazing canyon views
  • Take the shuttle bus to Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Pima Point and Hermits Rest (Hopi Point and Pima Point are known for spectacular sunsets)
  • Enjoy more sunset views at Mather point (Tip: continue left on the Rim Trail for more sunset views with less crowds)
  • Drive to the town of Cameron – about 30 minutes from the East Entrance Station; check out several Navajo roadside markets along the way and the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron
  • Hike into the Grand Canyon – be aware, what goes down must come up – the park recommends taking two days to hike down to the Colorado River and back up – the canyon hikes are very strenuous
  • Schedule a mule ride into the canyon – plan ahead as these trips can book up early

Grand Canyon Dog-Friendly Tips

  • The South Rim Trail is paved and dog-friendly
  • Grab a drink on the patio at the Yavapai Tavern
  • Take the dogs along on the Desert View Drive, stop at the overlooks and have lunch at Desert View
  • Hikes into the canyon are not dog-friendly — stay on the rim

Cedar-Grand Canyon

Dogs on Rim Trail

Grand Canyon

Desert View Watchtower

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Trailer Village RV Park is our kind of park – rustic and dog-friendly. We enjoyed our walks around the park and the elk didn’t bother us at all. The Grand Canyon National Park is our favorite National Park. We loved our walks on the Rim Trail!

Campground Rating:   4.8 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.9 out of 5  PAWS

Next Stop:  Page, Arizona – Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend

A Great RV Stay in Las Vegas

A Great RV Stay in Las Vegas

by | Apr 12, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Las Vegas is a fun RV stay! The Oasis Las Vegas RV resort is located a few miles south of the Strip. This full amenity resort is the perfect location to enjoy all the Vegas attractions.  No need to mention the casinos, shows, downtown Vegas – all a short drive or Uber trip away. The Hoover Dam and the dog-friendly Lake Mead National Recreation Area are a short drive away.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a great stay close to the Strip and downtown Las Vegas
  • The Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area are worthy of a day trip
  • Plan ahead for tickets to shows and events
  • Have fun!

 

 

Campground Review:

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort is a luxury resort near downtown Las Vegas. The resort is beautifully landscaped with a variety of sites to fit your needs. Our full hookup site was paved and close to the clubhouse and pool. The resort features a large pool for kids and a second pool for adults. There were several dog runs and a very large dog park. Our dogs enjoyed their long walks around the resort. This was a great stay and perfect location for Las Vegas attractions.

What to do:

  • Go to the Strip and plan to lose some money! You can catch an Uber from the resort (about $30 each way) or drive and park at one of the casinos
  • Catch a show; plan ahead for tickets for popular entertainers
  • Visit Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas – keep the kids at home!
  • Visit Hoover Dam, about a 30-minute drive from Oasis Las Vegas – leave the dogs at home!
  • Explore the Lake Mead National Recreation Area; take the dogs for hike on the Historic Railroad Trail
  • Stop at the dog-friendly Boulder Dam Brewing Company in Boulder City for brews and good eats

Las Vegas

Fremont Street Las Vegas

Fremont Street

Boulder Dam Brewing Company

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead Railway Trail

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Oasis Las Vegas is a very nice RV stay. Our site had grass and the park had several dog runs and a very large dog park. We loved our hike on the old Railroad Trail at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Campground Rating:   4.8 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.6 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Grand Canyon National Park

Casa Grande, Arizona RV Stay, Saguaro National Park

Casa Grande, Arizona RV Stay, Saguaro National Park

by | Apr 10, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande offers a good location to explore the Saguaro National Park and the Casa Grande Ruins. Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande is a very nice RV stay with resort amenities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Casa Grande, Arizona is a great Arizona desert stay
  • The Saguaro National Park is a uniquely beautiful habitat for the stately Saguaro cactus
  • Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande is a  dog-friendly luxury resort with tons of amenities
  • The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is 30 miles from Casa Grande and features a museum and a preserved “great house”

 

Campground Review:

Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort is a large, luxury resort in Casa Grande. With a mix of RV sites and permanent residences, the resort has a friendly community feel.  Amenities include pools, clubhouse, pickleball courts, golf course and several dog parks and dog runs. The RV sites are large, pull through sites with full hookups. Our dogs enjoyed their long walks around the resort and the dog run. There’s also a dog shower house – woof!

What to do:

  • Visit the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, located about 30 miles from Casa Grande. They offer a wonderful museum to learn about the Sonoran Desert people
  • Take a day and drive to the Saquaro National Park; drive through the two sections, located on opposite sides of Tucson. There are several hikes throughout the park; pets are allowed on the paved trails only – the Desert Discovery Trail and the Desert Ecology Trail
  • Drive by the Boneyard – the aviation graveyard on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on the southeastern edge of Tucson where all decommissioned military aircraft go to die

Saguaro National Park

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Chili & Cedar at Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We are not really desert dogs – but we liked the Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort. We walked around the park every day and Chili played ball in the dog run – woof! No desert hiking for us but we liked the drive through the Saguaro National Park!

Campground Rating:   4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.5 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop: Las Vegas – Lake Mead National Recreation Area – Hoover Dam

Absolutely Stunning Sedona, Arizona

Absolutely Stunning Sedona, Arizona

by | Apr 6, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

Sedona, Arizona is incredibly beautiful! Surrounded by towering red rocks and sandstone buttes, Sedona is just mesmerizing. The area is known for hiking, shopping and a thriving art community. Several national monuments are a day’s drive to include Tuzigoot, Montezuma Castle, Walnut Canyon, Wupatkia and Sunset Crater Volcano. The nearby Verde Valley Wine trail leads to several excellent wineries and tasting rooms. We found several dog-friendly trails, restaurants and breweries during our stay. The Rancho Sedona RV Park provided an excellent location to explore the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sedona is a one of the most beautiful areas we’ve visited
  • Hiking trails abound in the area and offer the best vantage to view the spectacular scenery
  • The nearby Verde Valley is home to a thriving wine region
  • Several national monuments are within a day’s drive
  • Rancho Sedona RV Park is a great RV stay in Sedona

 

 

Campground Review:

Rancho Sedona RV Park is located within walking distance of downtown Sedona. The park has large, pull-through sites and a scenic locale next to the Oak Creek. Tall sycamore and cottonwood trees tower over the park and provide shade during summer months. The park has a nice-sized dog park and plenty of green space. Our dogs enjoyed their walks around the park and the grassy areas near our site.

What to do:

  • Stroll through the downtown shops and galleries in Sedona
  • Take a wine tour on the Verde Valley Wine Trail or check out the tasting rooms in nearby Cottonwood; we enjoyed the dog-friendly patio at the DaVine Tasting Room & Bistro – excellent food and wine
  • Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway; stop at the overlooks or trailheads for a picnic or hike
  • Visit several national monuments in the area:
    • Tuzigoot – a hilltop pueblo built between 1000 and 1400 by the Southern Sinagua people; monument trail is dog-friendly
    • Montezuma Castle – a well-preserved cliff dwelling used by the Sinagua people; the trail to view the castle is dog-friendly; the fascinating Montezuma Well is located about 15 miles north of the cliff dwelling
    • Walnut Canyon – a series of Sinagua cliff dwellings; the .9 mile Island Trail hiking trail will take you by the dwellings (240 steps!); the .7-mile Rim Trail is dog friendly
    • Sunset Crater Volcano – erupted between 1040 and 1100; pets are permitted on the paved portion of the Lava Flow Trail
    • Wupatki – includes several Puebloan dwellings near the Sunset Crater Volcano
  • Sips some brews at the dog-friendly Grand Canyon Brewery in Flagstaff

Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle

Red Rocks

Sunset Crater Lava Fields

Wupatki Puebleo

Tuzigoot

Grand Canyon Brewing Company

Wupatki

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We enjoyed our stay at Rancho Sedona RV Park. They had a nice dog park and plenty of green space for walks. We’ll be back – woof! We spent a lot of time in the car enjoying the scenery. We hiked at several of the monuments and took in a brewery and a winery along the way. The area is very dog friendly!

Campground Rating:   4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Area Rating:   4.7 PAWS out of 5 PAWS

Next Stop:  Casa Grande, Arizona – Saguaro National Park