So many great hiking trails, so little time...It's challenging to choose just one hike, but we eventually opted for the 8 km (5 mile) loop comprised of a long section of the Brins Mesa, Soldier Pass, Jordan Road and Cibola Pass trails. Highlights included fantastic views, the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen and The Mitten. We completely missed the Hole in the Sky and Soldier’s Arch in our trip planning, so that means we have a ready-made reason to return some day.
Connected by a lovely scenic drive, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments make for a great half-day trip out of Flagstaff, AZ. Wupatki appeals to those with an interest in anthropology, archaeology and nature, while Sunset Crater Volcano has a couple of short hiking options and appeals to those with an interest in geology and nature.
For day trippers based out of Flagstaff, AZ, winter is a great time to visit Grand Canyon National Park's South rim. There's plenty of parking, visitor services are open, Hermit Road is open to private vehicles, and there's still great shuttle service for those wanting to hike at least part of South Kaibab Trail.
Valley of Fire State Park is an excellent (and very manageable) day trip out of Las Vegas. Highlights include red sandstone formations, a scenic drive, a few short hiking trails, petroglyphs, and desert flora and fauna. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch, sunscreen and plenty of water!
As first-time visitors to Death Valley National Park, we seriously underestimated the scale of America's hottest, driest and lowest national park. A day-trip to the largest national park in the lower-48 is barely enough time to get a sense for the dramatic and varied landscape and definitely not enough time to get out to do much exploring on foot. If we ever make a return visit to Death Valley NP, we'll plan for an overnight stay in the park, for more boots on the ground hiking time plus opportunities for sunrise and night photography.