Flagstaff area

June 13 - 14.  After leaving the Watch Tower area, we headed south into Flagstaff where we arrived at the Hotel Aspen on Route 66.  This was the lowest priced hotel during our trip.  While unpacking our bags from the Mercedes SUV, we were immediately approached by a homeless person asking if we're going to Happy Hour (at 10pm?).  He then asked for a quarter.  Anyway, the hotel has a nice pool, and includes a free breakfast buffet.  The room was small but clean.  They provided only two towels per room.  We got what we needed - a place to sleep.  After all, we're in Arizona to see the sights, not stay in the room.

We started by visiting the Meteor Crater.  The visitor's center has some good information about the event and the kids enjoyed the movie, and the "what if" simulator where they can change the size, composition, speed and trajectory of a meteor to see what would happen.

Next, we visited the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest.  In the "forest", there are many trees that were turned to stone.  After seeing a few, we were ready to move on.  There are many great photo spots for the Painted Desert.  The road through these two is about 28 miles long.  They check your vehicle at entrance and exit to be sure you did not take any rocks.  There is a $375 fine for that.

As with most places in Arizona, be sure to take plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen along.  Driving between these locations - there are not many places to stop for these supplies.

We ate at Lumberyard Brewing.  Good food, large portions, good prices and fun atmosphere.  We visited the Lowell Observatory that night for viewing of Saturn and some star clusters.

The next day, we visited Sunset Crater National Monument.  The visitors center includes details about the history of volcanic eruptions in the area, and video simulations of what it may have looked like.  We hiked up  a neighboring volcano.  A short walk but very steep, and the path is sort of lava crushed into sand.  There are some impressive views of lava rock, but - once again - you are not allowed to remove any of it.

Last, we visited the Wupatki Indian Nation Monument.  We walked through the ruins, and climbed where allowed.  The kids enjoyed the "Blow Hole" which sends cold air out of the ground.  The outside air temperature was about 95, but the air coming out of the ground was about 68.

Getting natural air conditioning.

Next entry: Sedona