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http://www.papillon.com | Find your dream vacation in the American Southwest’s natural beauty, where springtime travel offers mild temperatures. Indulge in a spa resort, or shop and play in Las Vegas. See the greatest natural wonder of the world on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
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Southwest Spring Vacation Ideas
A combination of western and Native American influence pervades nearly every southwestern
state, making for unique, characteristic locations to visit, with plenty of fun, fascinating learning
opportunities for all ages. Find inspiration in the extraordinary natural beauty that draws millions
of visitors from around the world, indulge in a luxurious spa resort, or explore one of the world’s
most popular adult playgrounds—Las Vegas, Nevada, where families are welcome, too.
Destination Las Vegas
According to a 2014 survey by TripAdvisor, their users voted Las Vegas the fourth top tourist
destination out of 25 U.S. favorites. The city has everything, from high-rolling casinos to world-
class stage shows, acres of shopping for any budget, and an all-around fun, theme park
atmosphere aided by fanciful hotel designs modeled after the world’s iconic locations.
Las Vegas makes an ideal “home base” for a family vacation. Enjoy the big-city excitement,
comfortable amenities, and endless dining choices, and then schedule side trips to nearby
locations, like Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas to the Canyon, and back again in one day.
Explore Natural Wonders
Grand Canyon – The mother of all natural monuments, it defies description, but that doesn’t stop
us from trying. Everyone should see this wonder of the world once. At many miles wide, and a
mile deep, you can view the Canyon from a number of locations, the most popular and easily
accessible being the South Rim.
Get a more in-depth experience by hiking one of the trails, checking in advance for level of
difficulty (ranging from easy and brief, to athletic and challenging). In late spring, through
summer and fall, there are opportunities for camping, rafting trips on the Colorado River (limited
due to current drought conditions), and sightseeing by bus. Take one of the thrilling Grand
Canyon helicopter tours to see it all in a half-day or full day, with views of areas that are
inaccessible by any other means.
Four Corners Monument – Located where four southwestern states intersect: Arizona, Colorado,
New Mexico, and Utah, the area contains some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the
country. Much of the Monument is located on lands of the Navajo Nation. It is a day trip out
from Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, with some careful pre-planning, but overnights in the
Monument are for well-prepared campers. You are rewarded with views of the beautiful rock
formations of Monument Valley, and the prehistoric ruins in Canyon de Chelly, built by the
ancient Anasazi people.
Explore New Mexico and Arizona
Santa Fe, NM – Steeped in the history of the Pueblo and Navajo tribes, Santa Fe was first visited
by Spanish explorers before the Mayflower ventured to the East Coast. They built one of the
earliest settlements in North America, including the oldest U.S. church, San Miguel Mission,
which the still-active church dates at 1610. Do some exploring of your own, and visit the dozens
of galleries tucked into adobe buildings, plus the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Native American
jewelry and turquoise is plentiful.
Be sure to sample the unique cuisine with its blend of Spanish, Mexican, and indigenous
influences. Enjoy the cozy feeling of an overnight stay in one of many hotels that feature
southwestern-style adobe casitas, with furnishings in natural, earthy tones and beautiful Navajo
décor.
Rancho de los Caballeros, Arizona – Combine the western adventure of a dude ranch with the
luxury of a spa resort. Located in Wickenburg, this family-run ranch features casita guest rooms.
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert, a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in the
world. There is something for each member of the family, with a full spa, golf course, and plenty
of riding and roping. Extensive kids’ programs will keep them occupied and learning outdoors.
Daily riding lessons and trail rides are the main focus (open October through May).
Springtime travel in the southwestern U.S. offers something for everyone. Take advantage of
milder temperatures, avoiding the heat and crowds of summer, as you view some of nature’s
masterpieces up close. Return home with memories of the ancient southwest desert peoples, the
pioneering spirit of the westerners, and the forward-looking energy of 24-hour Las Vegas.