Flagstaff – we’re off to the parks

We’re on the road….headed to the Grand Canyon – but first a couple of pitt stops in the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. Out of New Mexico we go – into Arizona – for the beginning of our Parks tour. The Petrified Forest is a quick hour from the border of New Mexico – and a really beautiful Park. The colors of the hills and canyons in the Painted Desert are just incredible – the pictures just don’t do it justice.

We detour off of Route 40 and into the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. Check out the pix – they describe everything! After visiting the Painted Desert Inn (a historical inn, and an original Fred Harvey House), we headed out toward the Petrified Forest, crossing the original Route 66 route, marked by an old car grill. The landscape is incredible – all different hues of pinks and reds. Once into the Petrified Forest, the landscape becomes even more arresting – looking like a pink and white glowing moonscape – with an asphalt road running through it!

We hiked one of the trails into the Blue Mesa – walking along the floor of the canyon with all the petrified wood – looks just like real wood logs, cut by chain saws. Amazing! We’re still getting used to the altitude though – climbing back up from the mesa – that was an adventure. But, there’s a cool breeze (or we should say gale force wind!) that at least dries us off as we walk. After our hike, we continued through the scenic road, and walk a quick little loop through the largest concentration of petrified wood and then stop at the visitors center for a rest stop and our park stamp.

Pictures are here for the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.

Cool! Now the drive through Arizona – even through “Winslow, Arizona”!!! Singing the Eagles song all the way – until we arrive in Flagstaff and the Alpine hotel. This is the coolest hotel/motel! It’s an old roadside motel converted into a boutique little place. King size beds, luxe bedding and pillows, redone baths. The room they originally give us is great except there’s no room for desk or a chair – so we asked for another if possible –and they upgraded us to a 2 room Jacuzzi suite. Yes! That Jacuzzi was just what the doctor ordered for our tired and aching muscles! Plus they have a complementary happy hour with beer and wine every night – can’t beat that. We soaked and drank – then headed out to an Indian/Nepalese restaurant. Yes, we are in Flagstaff Arizona! Great food, wonderful evening – we’re ready to hit the road early to The Canyon!