Carlsbad Natl Park to North Rim Grand Canyon

Several NM's along potential routes. Chaco Culture and Canyon de Chelly are off the main roads. Near Flagstaff, Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater are worth exploring. If you take a more northerly route, you could head through Durango. A variety of NM's in the vicinity, including Hovenweep and Canyon of the Ancients. If you decide to check these NM's out, stop at the Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores for info on hiking trails. We really enjoy the Sand Canyon trail about 15 miles west of Cortez on Co Rd G. The part of Hovenweep in UT has an interesting loop trail through the ruins that's worth the drive to get there. While in Durango, take the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR. We're not big fans of touristy things, but really enjoy the scenery and feeling of this ride. Explore north from Durango all the way to Ouray. Loop back through Telluride. I think this area would have been a National Park were it not for all the mining activity in the 1880's.

While in the Capitol Reef area, make sure you hike to Calf Creek Falls off of UT 12. Peekaboo and Spooky slot canyons are in Escalante Grand Staircase NM and a lot of fun to explore.