10 Great Western Attractions

Sedona – Red Rock Country

Sedona is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Southwest, if not the entire US. I was lucky enough to live in Flagstaff (a 30 min drive) for a few years where I had easy access to these incredible red rock hikes. It would be unfortunate to take a vacation to the Grand Canyon and not take the extra time to explore this red rock wonderland, which lies just 2 hours south. For the best views of all, consider a hike along the stunning Devil’s Bridge trail, pictured above. Tourists arrive in droves to walk across this sandstone arch (don’t be scared – it is much wider than it appears!).

Even if you are not a fitness or nature buff, there are plenty of other ways to take in the incredible scenery. For starters, you can drive the amazing 14 mile long Oak Creek Canyon which will take you from the high altitude ponderosa pines of Flagstaff to the red rocks of Sedona. There is so much to do, see, eat, and view on this hike that I made a separate guide to highlight the best aspects. You can check out my Oak Creek attraction guide for full details.

Many of the restaurants in town feature outdoor patios where you can dine alongside the beautiful rock formations. You could also sign up for a scenic trolley tour or Pink Jeep tour if you are unable or simply do not want to hike. Basically, there are a lot of options. You can check out my guide to non hiking fun to explore more ideas. One of the things I love most about the western states is that there are a lot of options for everyone, no matter your fitness ability or budget.

Sedona is an incredible vacation destination for nature lovers, photographers, and fitness buffs. Regardless of whether or not you are visiting the Grand Canyon, I recommend at least a daytrip to Sedona to take in the incredible red rock vistas you will not find anywhere else.

Griffith Observatory

Did you know that the 3000+ acres surrounding the observatory, including the exhibit hall and planetarium were offered as a donation to the City of Los Angeles by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith in 1896? Griffith wanted to make astronomy accessible to the general population. Hence, we have this beautiful Observatory today, complete with magnificent views, educational opportunities, and even public opportunities for telescope gazing. It’s totally free for every tourist and local. This is what I loved most while living in the L.A. region – there are so many freebies lurking around to justify that high rent.

Mike and I spent a lot of time here while living in the region. We loved the hiking trails, stargazing, and of course, the wonderful views of the famous Hollywood sign.

There is an overlook with great views of the iconic sign, plus great cityscape views on a non smoggy day. The night views of Los Angeles are absolutely incredible. The best amenity here is the on-site hiking trails. You can get up so close to the famous Hollywood sign (see me doing funny photos below). Plus, there are great views of the city, surrounding mansions, and beautiful mountains.

You can also browse science and space exhibits, although the real highlight is gazing up at the stars at night with the city lights in the background. A public telescope is available nightly (as long as there are clear skies) for visitors to use, with assistance from knowledgeable staff. What a great free date night activity!

All this is free, although there is a small fee to see the planetarium shows. I recommend both a daytime visit (to hike the beautiful Mt. Hollywood trail) and a night visit (to stargaze and appreciate the beauty of LA from a distance).

The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 E. Observatory Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon was pretty high up on my bucket list while living in Flagstaff. There was no way I was missing out living an hour and a half away. You have seen it in TV shows and magazines before, however, you really need to see it in person with your own eyes to truly appreciate the immense beauty.

There are many unique ways to explore the canyon besides the most popular choice of gazing over from the various overlooks along the paved Rim trail. Whitewater rafting trips, mule rides, helicopter rides, and my personal favorite, hiking within the canyon will all give you a much more personal & memorable experience. Hiking is by far the most amazing and peaceful way to explore this natural wonder. And, there is no extra fee like the other pricey attractions listed above.

If you have the stamina (and you must as the trails are high altitude and extremely hilly), hiking is the way to go. Even if you are not in the best of shape, you can just go out to the first overlook and turn back. The best hike is the South Kaibab Trail. There are 3 turn arounds, so you can choose your preferred distance.

If you are up for a real challenge, complete the 1.5 mile journey to Skeleton Point. It is a tough, although quiet and secluded hike, with tremendous ending views of the river which you cannot see from any of the overlooks. It’s a once-in-a- lifetime experience that I (and my sore legs) will not forget anytime soon.

To make your trip even more memorable, I recommend staying in Flagstaff and enjoying all the wonderful hikes and natural attractions in and around each city. There is a great downtown here with local coffeehouses and restaurants. Also, a gorgeous city park where you can enjoy views of the state’s tallest mountain.

National Elk Refuge

While on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Mike & I decided to check out the National Elk Refuge. We don’t ski, so figured this would be a fun alternative (and it was!). This refuge was established as a winter habitat for elk. Each year, thousands of elk migrate down from high country beginning in the winter months. The food draws and keeps them at the refuge. A sleigh ride takes you around the refuge.

You will notice antlers lying about; these are shed by the elk. They have been collected and displayed in several arches around Jackson Town Square.  Make sure to stop by downtown after your ride to take a look. This quaint area is worth strolling around and perhaps stopping for a snack (Pearl St. Bagels is great!).

The tour guides are excellent; ours gave us an interesting, informative history of he refuge and the overall Jackson Hole area. They definitely keep your attention and make the ride more interesting and educational unlike some boring tour guides who make you wish the ride was over. Unfortunately, we visited too late in the season for the sleigh ride.

Due to the lack of snow on our visit, the sleigh ride was transformed into a wagon ride. Most of the elk had already migrated, so if you want to see thousands, plan your visit during the snowy winter months.  I loved the snow capped mountains, seeing the free roaming wildlife, and enjoying the uninterrupted open land.

Visit my post on the refuge for more pics and info. Tip: take the drive along Gros Ventre Road in the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest. This is a great drive for spotting wildlife: we saw several moose along the route!

The National Elk Refuge is located at 675 E. Broadway Jackson, WY 83001.

Harriman State Park

When planning a vacation to Idaho, most people only think of the big parks like Yellowstone and Coeur d’Alene Parkway. However, there are lots of hidden gems that the tourists don’t know about including my favorite, Harriman State Park. This beautiful park is located just 45 minutes from Yellowstone. In fact, we passed it several times on our way out to Yellowstone before deciding on a separate visit.

The natural beauty of the area is unparalleled, especially during the serene winter months. They offer 25+ miles of groomed trails for cross country skiing. The views are absolutely amazing no matter which trail you pick (over a dozen varieties ranging from beginner to advanced exist). This was my first time cross country skiing and I loved it. We loved the feeling of being by ourselves in the wilderness. I loved the open landscapes, pretty mountain views, and isolated setting.

In the summer, you can look forward to wildlife viewing while biking, hiking, or horseback riding. It’s also a gorgeous camping destination. Special events are held throughout the year. Visit the Harriman website for information regarding upcoming events.

I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful state park, whether as a side trip on your way to Yellowstone, or as a day out in itself. You will get in a great workout while also enjoying some of the best scenery in the country.

Harriman is located on Green Canyon Road in Island Park, Idaho.

Southern Idaho is a surprisingly great destination for nature lovers. I got to explore a lot while living in Idaho Falls. My guide will cover a few highlights of the area.