Travel Diaries
Into the Wild of Arizona and New Mexico
by Michelle Halpern of Live Like It’s the WeekendRoad tripping through the classic Southwest landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico has long been on my bucket list, and this fall, those dreams finally became a reality. For two weeks, my friend Lauren and I explored the natural beauty of the open road, driving from Scottsdale to Tucson, making plenty of stops at some of the beautiful national parks the desert has to offer along the way.
ADVENTURING IN SCOTTSDALE & PHOENIX
A popular destination for wellness travelers and bachelorette parties alike, we kicked off our trip in Scottsdale. We drove straight from the airport to charming Old Town, where we indulged in post-flight macarons from Růže Cake House and then escaped the blistering heat at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
In the early mornings, to beat the heat, we adventured through the iconic desert landscape that makes Arizona so unique. One must-do is the Metate Trail in the Sonoran Desert, which is an easy nature trail winding through hundreds of saguaro cacti (or beautiful wildflowers if visiting in the spring). Though more urban, Camelback Mountain is another epic hike offerings 360-degree views over Phoenix.
THE AWE-INSPIRING RED ROCKS OF SEDONA
Upon arriving in Sedona, our first order of business was checking into Enchantment Resort, an otherworldly hideaway cradled within Boynton Canyon. It’s hard not to be spoiled by the unmatched panoramic views here. Towering red rocks surround you at every angle of the property, which makes sunrise and sunset an extra special treat as the light reflects off the canyon walls in every shade of orange and coral.
In between, hiking as many miles as our feet would carry us—including Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock and the “secret” Subway Cave—we spent our days poolside at Enchantment soaking up the energy of Sedona’s powerful vortexes and eating our way through their restaurant offerings, Tii Gavo and Che Ah Chi. Both dining options are inspired by Indigenous ingredients of the Southwest and feature unparalleled views, but I was especially impressed by our dinner at Che Ah Chi under the stars, made even more magical by the live music of the evening. Don’t miss the chargrilled bison tenderloin and goat cheese semolina, which are both decadently delicious.
GETTING CREATIVE IN SANTA FE
As New Mexico’s cultural hub attracting artists and creatives from around the world, Santa Fe is a destination that shouldn’t be skipped. We dove headfirst into the artistic culture here, exploring the many downtown artist markets and galleries on Canyon Road, riding horseback through Georgia O’Keeffe’s backyard and attending Meow Wolf—an overwhelming and immersive psychedelic art installation that can’t quite be explained.
One of the most special experiences we had during our time in Santa Fe was our stay at Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge Resort property that recently completed a $75 million renovation and opened on July 1st. Peacefully set within the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the lodge’s charming adobe architecture is a beautiful display of cultural authenticity, while spacious guestrooms display the area’s heritage with traditional textiles and local crafts.
The property offers on-site experiences that capture the true spirit of Santa Fe, and we took part in a unique Color Experience class with a local artist. The two-hour class brought back memories from my childhood, playing freely with color and collage in a way I hadn’t done in far too long.
THE DUNES OF WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Next up, we drove to what truly felt like the end of the Earth, but was really just the route to southern New Mexico. One worthwhile stop is White Sands National Park, which was re-designated as a national park in 2019. At sunset, the stark white dunes begin to change from golden tones to pinks and purples—you won’t want to leave your camera behind.
CHASING SUNSETS IN TUCSON
A drive through Gates Pass at sunset in Saguaro National Park is the perfect way to cap off a trip through the Arizona desert. Head into the park to explore Bajada Loop Drive which provides access to some of the most popular hikes through the never-ending vistas of saguaro cacti.
WATCH THE HIGHLIGHT REEL
