Colorado Road Tripping—A trip down Route 66

TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME this month to a prehistoric forest, an ice age-era crater, and an ancient canyon so massive it’s considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

What could be more fitting than a bygone byway to take you there? This is road tripping, Route 66 style.

Day 3:

Day 1:

Break up the 10+ hour trip to Northern Arizona with a stop at the Great Sand Dunes where you’ll enjoy sparse, off-season crowds and, if you luck out with fresh powder, a chance to sled down the massive sand formations. www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Day 2:

In the morning, a twohour drive will find you at the south entrance to the Grand Canyon. Open year round, the south rim sees its smallest crowds this time of year, which means incredible views and space to spread out for visitors willing to brave average temps in the mid40s and the possibility of snow in the canyon (sounds breathtaking, doesn’t it?) Board a shuttle or take your car from overlook to overlook as you take in one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. www.nps.gov/ grca/index.htm

Wake up in northern Arizona (we recommend spending the night in Holbrook) and head east on U.S. Route 66, known today as I-40, to the Petrified Forest. Vibrant colors and exceptional visibility with average temps nearing 60 degrees make late winter an appealing time to visit the national park, where a series of easy trails allow guests to take in the wonder of giant, petrified trees and colorful, mineralized stumps. Continue on through the Painted Desert area, where a sunset of color splashes the hilly landscape year round. Be sure to stop for a photo op at the Route 66 monument—just watch for the 1932 Studebaker marking the path. www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm

Haven’t picked up your National Park Passports yet? Find them at shop.americasnationalparks.org or at any national park visitor center and get to work recording those memories. This trip’s the perfect time to get started!

In the afternoon, make the hour drive to Meteor Crater, where a 150-foot wide meteor struck Earth over 50,000 years ago. Explore the mile-wide crater it left behind before making your way into the Discovery Center and Space Museum where hands-on exhibits and a 4-D theater await you. www.meteorcrater.com.