Why I Travel (and Why One Day Is Sometimes Enough)

I didn’t start traveling because I was trying to escape my life or “find myself.” I started traveling because I’ve always been a travel nerd. Long before I ever boarded a plane or stepped onto a ship, the world lived on the map above my bed — in atlases, history books, and stories about places I couldn’t stop thinking about. This is the story of why travel has always mattered to me, and how turning places I’d only read about into real experiences shaped the way I travel — and plan travel — today. 

I had a world map on the wall above my bed when I was a kid. And I mean right above my bed. I would stand there for hours tracing places with my finger — places I was reading about in books and encyclopedias — just staring at the map and imagining what it would be like to actually be there. I was that kid at the library trying to check out atlases and reference books… and being told I couldn’t, because “those don’t circulate.” (Which felt deeply unfair, by the way.) 

So I’d just sit there instead, flipping pages, memorizing things, connecting dots. I followed Greek soldiers and Alexander the Great across maps. I watched empires expand and collapse on paper long before I ever set foot outside the U.S. History wasn’t abstract to me — it was geographic. It lived on maps.

 That nerdiness spilled into movies too. The Sound of Music was my absolute favorite as a kid. I didn’t just love the songs — I loved the setting. The mountains. The city. The idea of place. And years later, I finally got to go there and see it with my own eyes, standing in spots I’d only known from a screen and my imagination. At some point, all that reading and dreaming turned into urgency. Life got busy. Loud. Full. I was working hard, taking care of everyone else, doing all the responsible adult things — and I realized that if I didn’t start going now, I might spend my whole life reading about places instead of actually standing in them. 

 So I went. Not perfectly. Not slowly. Sometimes not comfortably. Sometimes that meant chaos. Sometimes that meant a whirlwind. Sometimes that meant one very full day in Rome, walking forever, surrounded by crowds, seeing ancient things I’d followed across maps years earlier — and being completely okay with the fact that it wasn’t serene or cinematic. Because here’s the thing: Sometimes it’s okay if travel is a little chaotic. Sometimes it’s okay if you only have one day. Sometimes showing up matters more than doing it “the right way.” (If you read my Cruise Port posts in my Facebook Group, you already know this about me.) 

 Travel wasn’t fixing anything for me — it was feeding something. That part of my brain that lights up when a place stops being a dot on a map and starts being real. When something you’ve read about your whole life suddenly has weight and sound and scale. And over time, I realized that’s what I love helping other people do too. Not chase perfection. Not wait for the “ideal” amount of time or circumstances. But to thoughtfully, intentionally, actually go — even if it’s busy, even if it’s fast, even if it’s not how Instagram would script it. Because seeing places you’ve been reading about your whole life changes you in a quiet, lasting way. And honestly? I don’t think you ever regret going — you only regret not going sooner.

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Ironwood Forest National Monument: The Arizona Wilderness That Tests Your Marriage, Your GPS, and Your Ground Clearance

You’ve Probably Driven Past It 47 Times (And Yes, It’s Real)

Ironwood Forest: where the sunsets are dramatic, the roads are questionable, and your GPS whispers “good luck, babe

Ironwood Forest National Monument is one of those Arizona places everyone has “heard of” but almost no one has actually visited. Northwest of Tucson near Marana, it protects more than 120,000 acres of Sonoran Desert and one of the richest stands of ironwood trees in the world.

It’s rugged. It’s wild. And it is absolutely not developed for your comfort. The monument doesn’t have visitor facilities, restrooms, or a formal trail system, and the roads are unpaved with conditions that can change quickly after storms.

Nothing says “you’re really out there” like a sun-faded BLM sign held together by hope, rust, and maybe a few staples.

But honestly? That’s the magic. No crowds. No lines. No tour buses. Just saguaros, mountains, and you wondering why the road suddenly turned into a suggestion.

Or in my case:
Me: “Babe, it’ll be fine.”
Warren: silently gripping the door handle like it’s his lifeline.
The RAV: reconsidering its life choices.

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What Makes Ironwood… Ironwood?

The monument is named after the mighty desert ironwood tree, one of the longest-living trees in the Sonoran Desert. Ironwood Forest is home to the world’s largest stand of these trees, some living up to 1,200 years and growing more than 45 feet tall.

Ironwood bloom season: proof the desert does soft girl spring better than I ever could.

• Ironwoods act as a keystone species, providing shade, habitat, and protection for countless birds, animals, and young plants.
• In late spring, their pink-purple blooms light up the desert.
• Their wood is so dense and heavy that “ironwood” is not just a cute name — it’s legit.

Keeping the ironwoods company are mesquite, palo verde, creosote, and an army of saguaros, all tucked beneath rugged ranges like the Silver Bell, Waterman, and Sawtooth Mountains.

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Views That Make You Forget Your Vehicle Warranty

Ironwood Forest doesn’t do subtle. It’s all big sky, bigger cacti, and mountain ranges that show up like they own the place. Elevations range from around 1,800 feet up to more than 4,200 feet, which means huge views and serious vertical.

Ragged Top, being all dramatic and photogenic like it knows it’s the main character

                                    

Highlights:

• Saguaro forests that look like they go on forever.
• Ragged Top — the jagged, iconic peak that dominates the horizon.
• Dark-sky stargazing — far from city lights, the Milky Way is often faintly visible.
• Wildlife watching — including the last indigenous desert bighorn sheep herd in southern Arizona.

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Must-See Spots (& Story Fuel) Inside the Monument

Ragged Top

Ragged Top is the crown jewel of the monument — a jagged peak that glows at sunrise and steals the show in every photo. It’s steep, rugged, and best left to confident, experienced hikers who know their limits.

The 80-Armed Saguaro (“Shiva”)

This spectacular saguaro has more arms than any plant reasonably should. Finding it requires time, a high-clearance vehicle, and a sense of humor — but it’s worth it.

The 80-armed saguaro—one of those desert surprises you don’t forget once you’ve seen it.

Petroglyphs 

Scattered throughout the monument are petroglyphs—ancient carvings etched into dark basalt rock by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. These aren’t random scratches; they’re symbols, stories, maps, calendars, and messages from another time. Little glimpses into daily life, migration, ceremony, and survival in the desert. If you ever come across them, admire from a distance, take photos, and leave them exactly as you found them. They’re fragile, irreplaceable, and deserve care.

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Getting There: Paved Roads, Dirt Roads, & Questionable Decisions

From Tucson, take I-10 west to Marana (Exit 236), a quick jog on Sandario Road, then west on Marana Road until it becomes Silverbell Road — the main gateway into Ironwood Forest.

Once you hit the monument, it’s all dirt roads. Officially, roads are unpaved, conditions vary, and high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended in many areas.

My RAV has PTSD from the dirt roads 

Unofficially:

Yes, it’s remote. No, you won’t die. But also… maybe don’t take your Prius.

— Me, a woman who owns a Prius and absolutely wanted to take it anyway while her cop husband questioned his life choices. My poor RAV got the job instead and....well...you can see how that went. 

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What You Absolutely Need to Know Before You Go

• No facilities: No visitor center, restrooms, or trash cans. Pack out what you pack in.
• Bring plenty of water: At least one to two gallons per person, per day.
• Prepare for heat: Summer temps can top 110°F; spring and fall still bring intense sun.
• Limited cell reception: Let someone know your route and expected return time.
• Road safety: Stay on existing roads and avoid washes after storms.
• Wildlife & lambing season: Desert bighorn sheep lamb from January to April; some areas may have restrictions.

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So… Is Ironwood Forest National Monument Worth It?

If your dream vacation is all-inclusive cocktails by the pool (no judgment), this might not be your place. There are no frozen drinks, no pool towels, and absolutely no one asking if you want to upgrade to oceanview.

But if you crave:

• Real desert solitude
• Big, wild views and dark skies
• Ancient trees and actual wildlife
• A story that starts with “So we drove down this dirt road…”

…then yes. Ironwood Forest National Monument is absolutely worth it.

You’ll go home dusty, tired, maybe slightly concerned about your suspension — and completely in love with this side of Arizona. And if you do it in a Prius? Congratulations. My hat goes off to you 

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Planning Your Own Off-the-Map Arizona Trip?

I’m a travel advisor based in Arizona, obsessed with National Parks, weird corners of the desert, and helping people turn “someday” trips into real ones. If you want an Arizona itinerary that goes beyond the usual Sedona-and-out, I’ve got you.

Plan a trip with Karen

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The No-BS Guide to Booking the Trip You Actually Want

(How to stop overthinking, avoid mediocre vacations, and travel like someone who knows better — because you do.)

Stop Googling and Start Traveling

You have been there: forty-seven tabs open, three resort reviews deep, and one meltdown away from screaming "forget it, we will just stay home."

Welcome to the travel-planning spiral — population: everyone who thinks they can out-Google experience.

Hi, I am Karen. I am a travel advisor based in Arizona. I started this business for a free cruise (true story), but I stuck around because I got tired of watching smart people waste their money on bad trips. Somewhere between my first balcony cabin and my fifth "you can't see the Northern Lights in June" conversation, I realized something important:

People don't need fifty options. They need the right one.

This isn't another "how to find cheap travel deals" blog. This is your no-fluff, no-apologies guide to planning travel that doesn't suck.

1. You Don't Need More Options — You Need Clarity

Most travelers come to me saying the same thing: "We just want something tropical."

Great. That narrows it down to… every beach on Earth. And half of New Zealand.

When someone says "Alaska," I don't reach for a brochure. I ask, "What about Alaska draws you in?"

Do you want to watch glaciers drift by from your balcony, or are you the type who laces up their boots and hikes where Wi-Fi fears to tread?

That one question — "what do you hope to feel?" — tells me everything I need to know.

Travelers think the hard part is picking the place. It's not. The hard part is being honest about what you want. If you say you want adventure but secretly crave spa robes and room service, I will spot it. (It's my superpower. That and finding National Park signs before anyone else in the car does.)

Because here's the truth:
You can't get the trip you want until you know what you actually want.

2. Alaska, Cruises & All-Inclusive Myths (a.k.a. What People Get Wrong Every. Single. Time.)

Let's talk Alaska first — because apparently, the Internet is still out here recommending the wrong cruises.

Biggest rookie mistakes I see:

• Skipping Glacier Bay. It's the crown jewel, not an optional extra.
• Booking an inside cabin "to save money." You're in Alaska, not a shopping mall. Get the balcony.
• Waiting to book excursions. By the time you decide you want to see bears or go flightseeing, the only thing left is the souvenir shop.

Then there's the "I want to see the Northern Lights in June" crowd. Bless them. I gently explain that the sun doesn't even set in June, so unless those lights are neon and battery-operated, that's not happening.

Here's my process: I show them my "What to See in Alaska When" guide and ask,

"What's your biggest priority — the weather, the wildlife, or the Northern Lights?"

That one question saves everyone a lot of disappointment (and keeps me from needing a second Black Rock Orange Dream Iced Fuel).

Now let's cruise into the cruise-versus-all-inclusive debate.

If you want to see multiple places without repacking, cruise.
If you want to plant yourself on a beach, sip something fruity, and move only when the buffet opens, go all-inclusive.

But between us? I can sell almost anyone on a cruise. It's the perfect middle ground — adventure, pampering, and an excuse to dress up at least once without needing to iron.

3. How Real Travel Planning Works (Spoiler: It's Not Magic, It's Method)

Let's get something straight: I don't throw darts at a map.

I do a full Zoom call where I dig in like a detective who also really likes maps.

I ask about:

• Where you've stayed before — and what you loved or hated.
• If you're more buffet or fine-dining.
• How you feel about crowds, nightlife, and being social with strangers.
• What you actually do on vacation — explore, relax, unplug, or try to do all three in one day.

While you talk, I watch for body language, hesitation, and tone. Because sometimes what you don't say tells me more than what you do — thank my cop husband for that one.

I don't send ten quotes. I send my first and best proposal. And ninety-nine percent of the time, clients say, "How did you even know this was what we wanted?"

Easy. I listened.

My husband's a cop, and I swear I've picked up a few interrogation tricks — tone, hesitation, micro-expressions. But honestly, it reminds me of something they teach in NP school: if you listen long enough, the patient will tell you what's wrong. You'll look like a hero, but really, you just paid attention.

That's what happens when you work with someone who's done the homework and isn't afraid to tell you the truth — even when it's, "You can't drive there in a day, trust me."

4. The Truth About "Cheap" Travel

Let me be blunt: Cheap travel isn't smart travel.

It's regret in disguise.

You get what you pay for, whether it's a resort, a cruise cabin, or a car rental that smells like wet socks.

I never start by asking your budget. I start by asking what you want. Then I tell you what that costs.

If that number makes you clutch your pearls, we look at compromises. Maybe fewer nights, different dates, or a lower room category. But I don't build trips on "wishful pricing."

If you want champagne and sunset views, don't expect them at beer-and-nachos prices.

And don't get me started on bargain all-inclusives. There's a reason that place costs less than your monthly grocery bill. You'll taste it in the buffet and feel it in the service.

Travel should feel effortless, not cheap.

5. Boundaries, Ethics & Booking Like a Grown-Up

Myth: "Travel agents work for free."

Reality: Good ones don't.

I charge fees because my time, research, and experience have value.

When someone DMs, "Can you just tell me where to go?" I smile and say, "Sure — once we have a consultation booked."

I'm not being rude. I'm setting a standard.

That's how I separate the serious travelers from the "I just want ideas for fun" crowd.

I also tell clients the truth about timing: if you wait until the last minute, prices go up, rooms disappear, and the universe laughs. If you book late and your vacation sucks — sorry, that one's on you.

6. Travel Like a Decent Human

This one shouldn't need to be said, but here we are.

Don't call people rude because they don't act like you think they should.

I once had a travel agent tell me she hated France because "everyone there is rude." No — they're not rude, she just didn't understand their demeanor. The French are reserved, formal, and value quiet respect. That's not attitude — that's culture.

You're in their country — be grateful they let you in. Learn a phrase or two. Smile. Tip well. The goal isn't to make the world adapt to you; it's to experience how other people live.

I promise, the kindness you give out there will come back tenfold. And if it doesn't? You'll still come home with a better story than the guy who yelled at a waiter for not speaking English.

7. Why This Work Matters (And Why You Should Care)

I didn't grow up with a passport or a trust fund. I know what it's like to work hard, save up, and look forward to that one big trip all year.

That's why I take this work seriously. Travel isn't "just a vacation." It's your time, your money, and your memories. You don't get those back.

When you hand me your trip, you're trusting me with something that matters. I don't take that lightly.

That's also why I vet every vendor, double-check every itinerary, and read every fine-print clause most people scroll past. Transparency isn't a marketing slogan for me — it's how I sleep at night.

8. My Personal Rules for Travel (Take 'em or Leave 'em)

• Be early. I'm three hours early for flights because chaos is not a vibe.
• Take the photo. Especially in front of National Park signs. You'll regret the missed ones more than you'll ever regret stopping.
• Don't expect perfection. The best stories come from detours.
• Don't call it "roughing it" if there's still Wi-Fi.
• Stop waiting for the "right time." It doesn't exist.

Because at the end of the day, travel isn't about ticking boxes. It's about realizing that this — this moment, this view, this weird little roadside diner — might be something you never see again.

Or, to borrow a little wisdom from the Eagles: "We may lose and we may win, but we will never be here again. So open up, I'm climbin' in."

That's the heartbeat of it all — taking the chance, savoring the moment, and letting the road surprise you.

Conclusion: Take the Damn Trip

You've made it this far, which probably means you're serious about traveling — or at least serious about not screwing it up.

So here's my professional, no-BS advice:
Stop researching. Stop overthinking. Stop waiting until you "have time."

Book the trip. See the world. Eat the weird food (or the safe cheese platter if you're me).

And if you need someone to handle the logistics, fight for your vibe, and make sure it's your favorite trip — until the next one — I'm your girl.

Want help timing your dream Alaska trip? Grab my free guide — "What to See in Alaska When." It'll keep you from standing in June sunshine wondering why the Northern Lights aren't showing up.

Because life's too short for mediocre vacations.
Take the damn trip.

Want more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions?

My Facebook group is basically a bunch of smart travelers who get my jokes.

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Red Rock State Park — Sedona’s Quieter, Cooler Cousin

Sedona views, zero chaos. Welcome to Red Rock State Park

 Here's the thing about Sedona: Everyone wants to go there....until they actually get there 

It’s beautiful… but not exactly peaceful anymore

Don’t get me wrong — it’s gorgeous. Those red rocks really do glow at sunset, and there’s a reason every influencer with a yoga mat has a photo there.

But if you’ve ever tried to find parking on a Saturday, you know what I mean.

That’s why locals (hi, it’s me 👋) head somewhere else when we want those same iconic views — minus the chaos, traffic, and tour buses.
Just a few miles down the road sits Red Rock State Park, Sedona’s quieter, cooler cousin — equally stunning, blissfully peaceful, and still somehow under the radar.

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The Local Secret Sedona Doesn’t Want You to Know

Locals love Red Rock because it feels like a secret garden in plain sight. It’s everything you want from Sedona — red cliffs, cottonwood trees, and that honey-colored light photographers dream about — minus the chaos.

Five miles from Sedona, a world away in peace and quiet

The park sits quietly along Oak Creek, tucked just enough out of the way that most visitors skip right past it in search of the “big name” hikes. Which is fine. More peace and parking for the rest of us. 😏

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We Hiked the Smoke Trail — and Had It Practically to Ourselves

The Smoke Trail is one of those hikes that makes you forget time exists. It winds gently along Oak Creek, shaded by cottonwoods and framed by postcard-worthy red rock formations in every direction.

Trailhead 

We went on a weekend — a weekend! — and it was virtually deserted. Just the sound of the creek, the crunch of the trail, and that perfect Arizona mix of sun and breeze that makes you remember why you live here in the first place.

Smoke Trail along Oak Creek — short, scenic, and surprisingly empty

Fall leaves changing color over Oak Creek 

It’s short, easy, and ridiculously scenic. Perfect for a relaxed morning stroll or a “let’s actually talk while we walk” kind of hike. 

View along the Trail 

Proof I actually go places before recommending them. 😏

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Don’t Leave Just Yet — Red Rock Crossing Awaits

I almost don’t want to tell you this… because once word gets out, it might not stay this peaceful forever. But if you’re anything like me, you appreciate the quiet kind of magic.

When you leave the park, don’t be in a rush to get back to the main road. Keep driving down Red Rock Loop Road until it dead-ends at Red Rock Crossing.

Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing — a view you’ll want to keep to yourself.

As you come up the hill at the end, the view opens up in this postcard-perfect reveal — Cathedral Rock standing proud, Oak Creek winding below, and (if you time it like I did)… total silence.

No crowds, just quiet 

No crowds. No chatter. Just you, the breeze, and that “wow, this can’t be real” kind of view.

I was the only one there. And honestly, that’s the kind of moment Sedona used to be known for.

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Real Talk About Sedona

Okay, full honesty? I don’t actually love Sedona anymore.

It used to be magical — quiet trails, peaceful air, views that made you stop mid-step. Now it’s… well, Disneyland with crystals. Beautiful, yes, but packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, traffic jams, and people burning sage in the parking lot.

When “spiritual retreat” starts feeling like a theme park. 😂

That’s why I love Red Rock State Park so much more. It gives you everything Sedona promises — the views, the color, the calm — without the chaos. 

No traffic. No energy vortex sales pitches. No yoga poses blocking the trail.
Just red rocks, blue sky, and room to breathe.

Real Talk Moment

This weekend, a guy at the creek asked me, “Is this the vortex?”

No, my dude. What you’re feeling is nature. You’re sitting beside flowing water under a cottonwood tree in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. That peace? That awe? That’s just your nervous system remembering what calm feels like.

We don’t need fake energy spirals or pseudoscientific dogma to explain the power of the natural world. Just go outside. Take a walk. Look up. Touch the dirt.

Real magic doesn’t need marketing. ☀️

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Know Before You Go

• Location: About 5 miles west of Sedona — easy drive, easy parking.

• Fee: $10 per adult (worth every penny for that level of peace).

• Best time: Early morning or golden hour — the light is pure magic.

• Bring: Water, camera, and maybe someone who appreciates a good quiet moment.

A little planning, a lot more peace 

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The Bottom Line

If you love Sedona’s views but could do without the chaos, make your next stop Red Rock State Park — and keep going just a little farther to Red Rock Crossing.

It’s where the locals go to remember that peace and beauty can still coexist — and that sometimes, the best views don’t need an audience.

Sometimes the best views don’t need an audience.

Want more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions?
My Facebook group is basically a bunch of smart travelers who get my jokes.

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The Painted Desert Project : Discover Arizona’s Hidden Highway Murals on the Navajo Nation

 

Somewhere between Tuba City and Wait, where even am I?—there she was. A woman’s face, forty feet tall, staring out from the crumbling wall of an old roadside building. Her eyes didn’t follow me as I drove by—they stopped me. Literally. I pulled over on that lonely stretch of Highway 89, dust kicking up behind me, and realized this wasn’t some random graffiti. This was a story.

Welcome to The Painted Desert Project, one of Arizona’s most quietly powerful art experiences—part road trip, part open-air gallery, part love letter to the people of the Navajo Nation.

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The Road That Sneaks Up on You

If you’ve ever driven that stretch between Flagstaff and Page, you know the rhythm: wide prairies, long horizons, old dormant volcanos, the kind of silence that feels alive. It’s easy to zone out, to let your playlist and the hum of the tires take over. But then, if you’re paying attention, the landscape starts to change—not just the mountains and meadows, but the walls.

Grain silos, abandoned gas stations, old trading posts—suddenly they’re wrapped in faces. Massive black-and-white portraits, printed from photographs and pasted onto these weathered surfaces. The contrast is striking: art that fades and cracks with the desert wind, blending into the land that inspired it.

It’s called the Painted Desert Project, and it was started by Dr. Chip Thomas, a physician, photographer, and artist who’s lived and worked on the Navajo Nation for decades. You might know him by his street art name, Jetsonorama—and if you don’t yet, you will.

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The Story Behind the Paint

Back in 2009, Dr. Thomas began wheatpasting photographs of local Navajo people onto roadside structures, turning these forgotten walls into canvases for community pride and storytelling. Over time, the project grew into a collaboration between local youth, visiting artists, and travelers who happened to notice.

Each mural tells a story—sometimes quiet, sometimes defiant. A grandmother’s face layered with the textures of a crumbling gas station. Children laughing across the side of a barn. Historical photos reborn in modern light.

It’s art that doesn’t shout for your attention—it waits for you to earn it.

Dr. Thomas once said his goal was to “reflect back the beauty of the community to itself.” That’s what struck me most. These murals aren’t for tourists—they’re for the people who live here. We just have the privilege of seeing them if we slow down long enough.

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How to See It (and How Not To)

Most of the murals are scattered along Highway 89 and Route 160, between Gray Mountain, Cameron, Tuba City, and Bitter Springs. There’s no official map, and that’s kind of the point. You have to look. The best way to experience them is the old-fashioned way—eyes open, no rush, camera down until you’ve actually looked.

If you’re driving from Flagstaff to Page, give yourself at least an extra hour. Pull off safely when you see one of the murals, but don’t block driveways or wander onto private land. These are living communities, not roadside attractions.

And maybe skip the geotagging. Let other travelers find them the way you did—by paying attention.

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Road Trip Layer: The Karen Way

If you know me, you know I’m all about weaving real experiences into travel....the kind that make you feel something. So here’s how I’d build a day around the Painted Desert Project:

Start in Flagstaff

Grab breakfast (and in my case, an Iced Fuel from Blackrock—because you know I don’t do coffee) before hitting the road north. Take Highway 89 toward Cameron.

Stop 1: Wupatki National Monument

About 45 minutes from Flagstaff, pull off for one of the most underrated historic sites in Arizona. Wupatki was once home to thriving Indigenous communities long before Route 66 was a twinkle in anyone’s eye. Walk the short loop trails past ancient pueblos and stone structures that still hum with desert heat.

It’s one of those places that makes you whisper without meaning to.

Stop 2: The Murals (Wupatki → Tuba City)

This is where you start to watch the walls. There’s no official sign saying “Art this way!”—you just start noticing. Maybe it’s a portrait under the eaves of a gas station. Maybe it’s a family in monochrome staring across the desert. You’ll feel when you’ve found one.

Take your time. Step back. Feel the mix of beauty and honesty.

Stop 3: Tuba City or Return to Flagstaff

If you keep going north, Tuba City makes an easy turnaround point (and if you stay overnight, check out the Tuba City Trading Post and local Diné eateries). Otherwise, head back toward Flagstaff as the sunset paints the mesas every shade of fire.

Stop 4: Cameron Trading Post

You’ll hit Cameron about an hour before Wupatki. It’s a perfect rest stop—but more than that, it’s a piece of living history. The trading post has been operating since 1916 and is still Navajo-owned. Inside, you’ll find local art, jewelry, and rugs worth more than any souvenir shop trinket. And yes, the fry bread tacos are absolutely worth it.

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Why It Matters

The Painted Desert Project isn’t just about art—it’s about visibility. About giving voice and form to people who’ve been here for centuries, long before the highways, the road-trippers, or the hashtags.

It’s also about changing how we travel. Instead of blowing through the Navajo Nation on the way to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, we can slow down and listen—to the land, to the art, to the stories that aren’t ours but that we can honor by paying attention.

For travelers like me (and probably you), that’s the good stuff—the reason we go at all.

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If You Go

Route: Flagstaff → Wupatki National Monument → Cameron Trading Post → Tuba City → return or continue to Page.
Drive time: About 3.5–4 hours round trip, plus stops.
Best time: Spring or fall for cooler temps and vibrant desert color.
Respect reminders: Stay on public roads, don’t climb on structures, and always ask before photographing local people.
Bring: Water, sun protection, and a willingness to get a little lost.

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The Lesson in the Paint

Out here, art doesn’t hang in climate-controlled museums. It breathes on cinderblock walls, fades in the wind, and lives in the stories of the people who call this desert home. It’s beauty with grit. And honestly, it’s the kind of experience that reminds you travel isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about connection.

So yeah—pull over. Take the detour. Let the Painted Desert Project remind you that every highway holds a heartbeat if you’re willing to listen.

Because life’s too short not to take the damn trip.

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#OffTheMapWithKaren #PaintedDesertProject #NavajoNation #ArizonaRoadTrip #CulturalTravel #TravelAdvisorLife #SeeTheWorldBetter

Discover Arizona’s Painted Desert Project, a stunning highway art experience by Navajo Nation artist Chip Thomas. Road trip itinerary, local tips, and hidden gems from travel advisor Karen.

Want more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions?
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Florence, Arizona: More than a Prison Town

 

🌵 Off the Map with Karen: Florence, Arizona ; More Than Just a Prison Town

Let’s be honest: when people hear Florence, Arizona, they usually say, “Oh yeah… the prison town.”
And I get it. The name is on a lot of state-issued return addresses.

But what they don’t know is that Florence is one of Arizona’s oldest, quirkiest, most authentically Western towns — and if you drive through without stopping, you’re seriously missing out.

🕰 A Little Backstory

Founded in 1866, Florence was once a booming hub on the Gila River ....think cowboys, copper, and stagecoaches, not steel bars and orange jumpsuits. The historic downtown is still lined with 19th-century buildings, some lovingly restored, others with that “if these walls could talk” vibe.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk down Main Street and feel like you accidentally wandered into an old movie set ... except there’s Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

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🏛 What to See and Do

Historic Downtown Florence
There’s no official visitors center here, but honestly, the Fudge Shop on Main Street does a better job. Stop in for something sweet, chat with the owners, and you’ll leave with directions, town gossip, and probably a new favorite treat. My personal favorite is the Rice Krispy Treats 

McFarland State Historic Park
A bite-sized museum that tells the story of early Arizona justice and statehood, housed in the original 1878 courthouse. It’s small but surprisingly fascinating — and right in the heart of town. In the winter they host Saturday Farmer's Markets 

The Gila River & Box Canyon
Just a short drive out of town, you’ll find wide-open desert, rugged canyon walls, and some truly beautiful backroads. Locals know these as the go-to spots for ATV rides, off-roading, or a quiet picnic while the sun drops behind the mountains.

Pinal County Historical Museum
Okay, yes — there’s a prison exhibit. But there’s also pioneer history, Native artifacts, and vintage Arizona memorabilia. The volunteers are the real treasure here: friendly, funny, and full of stories.

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🍴 Where to Eat, Drink & Hang Out

Florence might be small, but it knows how to feed you and show you a good time.

🍽 Mt. Athos Restaurant & Café
Old-school Greek meets displaced New Yorker vibes. Get the spicy gyro if you like a little kick — or go full experience with the saganaki, where they light the cheese on fire right at your table. OPA! It’s dinner and a show, Florence-style. Tell Pete I sent ya! 

🔥 Your Behind BBQ Company

When the craving for meat hits — and you know it will — this is the spot. Order the ribs or the pulled pork, and don’t skip the pork rinds. They’re the best this side of the Mississippi, and I will die on that hill.

🍺 The Irish Cowboy Bar & Grill
Karaoke, cold beer, and a local crowd that feels like family by the end of the night. If you’re lucky enough to catch karaoke night and you like your pints with personality, grab a Kilkenny and stay awhile.

🖼 Casa de Baca Studios
This is my go-to for gifts that aren’t stamped “Made in China.” The owner is a photographer who turns his stunning desert and Southwest images into calendars, mugs, prints, and more. It’s creative, personal, and perfectly Florence. I may also be biased because he took really good photos of my boys :) 

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💬 Karen’s Take

Florence isn’t trying to be trendy — and that’s exactly why I love it. you won't find a Dutch Bros or a Black Rock Coffee here. Hell, we don't even have a Walmart or a Family Dollar, which is required infrastructure for every small town in the US. 

It’s real Arizona: a mix of Wild West history, friendly faces, and hidden gems that reward anyone curious enough to slow down and look around.

So yeah, we’ve got a few prisons. But we’ve also got a whole lot of character  and some of the best food, music, and small-town charm in the state.

Next time you’re heading between Phoenix and Tucson, don’t just drive through. Stop in, eat something delicious, listen to a little live music, and see why those of us who call Florence home know it’s off the map… in the best way possible

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