10 Days in the Southwest: Exploring Arizona and Utah’s Hidden Gems

By: Georgina Antwi-Boasiako 

January 29, 2025

At the end of 2024, I celebrated two major milestones—turning 28 and completing my master’s degree—with a 10-day solo trip through the Southwest. As my third visit to Arizona, a state I’ve fallen in love with and plan to return to every chance I get, I was eager to explore its beauty more deeply. What began as a birthday celebration in Arizona unexpectedly extended into Utah, turning the trip into a journey of discovery and reflection.

This solo adventure, my longest one yet, was filled with stunning landscapes, hidden treasures, and moments of gratitude for how far I’ve come. Join me as I share the highlights of each day and the experiences that made this trip unforgettable.

Day 1 - Touchdown in Phoenix and the Journey to Flagstaff

I landed at Phoenix around 8 a.m., ready to kick off my 10-day adventure. After picking up my rental car, I had some time before heading to flagstaff, where I'd be staying for the first half of the trip. So, I made my first stop at Papago Park to check out the famous Hole-in-the-Rock. It was an easy hike—the easiest of the trip, actually—but what made it memorable were the incredible people I met, including five stunning Black queens who radiated joy and positivity. 

Solo trips, though I haven't been on many so far, always challenge me to break out of my introverted shell and connect with others. This hike reminded me how rewarding that can be. Afterward, I met up with a coworker from my current project for lunch—our first time meeting in person! Later, I spent some time with her and her younger sister, who showed me around the area before I hit the road for Flagstaff.

The 2-hour drive tested my energy levels, but I pushed through and arrived around 6 p.m. I checked into my stay, grabbed a delicious dinner at Salsa Brava (highly recommend!), and called it a night. With an early start planned for my first hike—one I've done twice before but wanted to complete even faster this time—I was ready to rest up and see what Day 2 would bring. 

Day 2 - Devil's Bridge, Dr. Dan, and Reflection in Sedona

Okay, I lied—I said I'd wake up early for this hike, but I needed the extra rest. Still, I managed to wake up and get on the road in time to secure parking and beat the long lines at Devil's Bridge. Though I stayed in Flagstaff, about a 40-minute drive away, the savings on lodging (over $1k!) and the scenic drive more than made up for it. After grabbing breakfast at my stay, I set off, energized for the day ahead. 

This time, I took a different path to Devil's Bridge, which was both faster and more enjoyable. The hike tested me with its rocky stairs and steep inclines, leaving me huffing and puffing. Still, it wasn't as intense as Cathedral Rock , which I tackled on a previous trip. Once I reached the bridge, I waited in line for my photo, meeting some kind folks along the way—key to ensuring my pictures turned out great! The sheer number of people surprised me, far more than I'd encountered on my past visits. 

Back at the parking lot, I parked next to a trailer and met Dr. Dan, one of the most genuine people I've ever encountered. Though I had other spots on my itinerary, our two-hour conversation was worth every second. He shared heartfelt advice, wished me well, and fed me. His kindness truly made my day and left a lasting impression on me. 

After saying goodbye to Dr. Dan, I visited the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, a serene space perfect for reflection. I took the opportunity to pray, give thanks for 2024, and set intentions for the year ahead. 

Once back in flagstaff, I opted for a quiet dinner at an Indian restaurant (Delhi Palace; Cuisine of India)—delicious as always—before heading to bed to prepare for the next day's challenging, new hike. 

Day 3 - Conquering Subway Cave & Ancient Sinagua

This hike was a new one for me, and I have TikTok to thank for putting it on my radar during trip planning. Known for being challenging—not because of the trail itself, but the climb into the cave and the descent—it lived up to its reputation. After grabbing breakfast, I set out, excited to tackle what would become one of the most fulfilling hikes I’ve done to date.

The trail to Subway Cave was peaceful and stunning, with scenery that no photo could ever truly capture. Moments like these remind me of how incredible God’s creation is—science explains the how, but it’s still His handiwork, and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. A fun coincidence? My hiking outfit matched the exact shade of my rental car, which I thought was such a cute touch to the day! The journey took about three hours roundtrip, including plenty of stops to soak it all in and snap some photos. I even met Laurie, a hilarious and kind fellow hiker, who added to the joy of the experience.

By the time I returned to Flagstaff, it was already dark, and given the winding mountain roads to Sedona, I decided to stay put for the night. I ended my day with a hearty dinner in Flagstaff, reflecting on the beauty of the hike and feeling grateful for the adventure.

Day 4 - Exploring Secret Cave, Hiking in Utah, and Embracing the Unexpected

This day was full of surprises and spontaneous pivots, and it turned out to be an incredible adventure. My morning started with a drive from Flagstaff to Page, AZ, which took just over two hours. My destination? A secret cave I found on TikTok—which, judging by the number of people there, isn’t much of a secret anymore! Still, it was a really cool experience. Finding the exact curve I had seen in the TikTok video took a little patience, but I got it and even managed to snag a photo without too many people in the background.

Now, I’m someone who loves to plan my trips to a T—not so I stick rigidly to the schedule, but so I always have a framework to fall back on and avoid wasting time figuring things out on the spot. That said, I often end up veering off-plan, and today was no exception. I initially had two hikes lined up after the secret cave, but I realized they were much farther than I’d thought—about four hours away. Quick pivot time!

TikTok came through again with a nearby hike just 30 minutes away, and to my surprise, it was in Utah. I hadn’t realized I was that close to another state! The trail was called Toadstools Trailhead, and it was absolutely stunning. I spent about two hours there, soaking in the unique landscape.

Afterward, I made a stop at the Glen Canyon Dam, which wasn’t originally part of my plan (was any of this part of the plan? lol) but ended up being a great bonus. The view of the dam from the road was pretty spectacular, so I took a moment to snap a picture and take it all in.

I then grabbed a quick bite at McDonald’s, where I discovered they’d updated the packaging for McFlurries. Apparently, it’s been a thing for a while, but I thought it was pretty cool, especially since my McFlurry was packed to the brim! 

On my way back to Flagstaff, I spotted both the “Welcome to Utah” and “Welcome to Arizona” signs. Naturally, I had to stop and take pictures with them—it might seem cheesy, but it was a fun little moment for me.

This was my last day in the Flagstaff/Sedona area before heading to Tucson, another city in Arizona. The drive would typically take about four hours, but knowing me, it turned into closer to nine hours with all the stops I planned to make along the way. 

Day 5 - Road Trip to Tucson with Historical Stops and Quirky Discoveries 

Today marked the start of the second half of my trip, with the journey to Tucson. I checked out of my stay, grabbed a quick breakfast, and hit the road. My first stop was Montezuma Well, an incredible natural wonder that’s about 12-15 thousand years old. The area has such a rich history—apparently, the first Anglo-Americans to settle here were Wales and Jennie Arnold in 1870. Some say Spanish settlers passed through as early as the 1500s, but they didn’t settle in the area. I spent about an hour and a half here, learning about the fascinating history and soaking in the views of the cool well. It was a peaceful and reflective stop.

Next, I headed toward Jerome, also known as the Ghost Town. Jerome was such a cute and quirky place to explore! I grabbed lunch at the Haunted Hamburger, which was a great choice— their burger and milkshake were delicious, and definitely worth the stop. After lunch, I wandered around town and then went to the Jerome State Historic Park. There, I watched a video that told the story of how the town came to be, and all the challenges the residents faced. Jerome got its ghost town nickname because, after the mines closed in the 1950s, the town was almost abandoned but managed to survive and eventually be revitalized. It also had its share of fires, but despite everything, it’s still a charming place with a lot of history.

On my way to Tucson, I couldn’t resist stopping when I saw something I’d never seen before—a Dollar General and Dollar Tree sharing the same building, right next to each other! Had to snap a quick picture because it was just too funny to pass up.

By the time I got to Tucson, it was pretty late, but I checked into my hotel and got ready for the next day—New Year’s Eve! 

Tuscon: A Step Back in Time to the Old West

Before we dive into Day 6 of this trip, let’s take a quick moment to reflect on Tucson, Arizona. This city truly transports you back to the days of the Wild West, with places like Trail Dust Town, Old Tombstone, and Bisbee giving you that nostalgic Old Western feel. From its rich history to the remnants of the frontier days, Tucson captured my heart with its charming, rustic vibe. Now, let’s move on to day 6. 

Day 6 - New Year's Eve 

Not much on the agenda for this day, but it was New Year’s Eve! I started the day with a Sabino Canyon Crawler tour, which was just a short distance from my hotel. I had a wonderful conversation with Dorcas, who once worked at Accenture (formerly Arthur Andersen). We connected on LinkedIn, and I’m so glad we did. After the tour, I freshened up and headed out for a delicious lunch at Alafia West African Cuisine Beninese Restaurant, where I had Jollof with fried red plantains—one of the best meals I had on this trip!

I spent the afternoon exploring downtown Tucson before taking a nap in preparation for a late night. For New Year’s Eve, I went downtown to witness the Taco Drop and enjoy some free live music while ringing in the new year. What a unique way to celebrate! And with that, I ended my day and welcomed 2025!

Day 7 - New Year's Day

Happy New Year! After a late night celebrating, I took it easy today. I got back to my hotel around 2 a.m. due to traffic, so I rested up. I started my day with breakfast, then went back to sleep before heading out for a cave tour I had scheduled.

The Colossal Cave tour was a fun and interesting experience, and the guide had me laughing throughout. It was my first cave tour, and I was lucky to have such an awesome group to share it with.

 The cave, located just outside of Tucson, has a fascinating history. It was first discovered in the late 1800s and has since been a popular spot for explorers and tourists. The cave’s name comes from its vast size, with over 20 miles of passageways that stretch beneath the surface. Historically, it was used by the Hohokam people for shelter and was later mined for bat guano in the early 1900s. Now, it's a protected site that offers visitors the chance to explore its unique formations and rich history.

After the tour, I had lunch/early dinner at Med Cuisine, then strolled downtown, which was peaceful with fewer people around, likely because of the holiday. It was a nice, quiet way to reflect on 2025. And that wraps up Day 7 of my adventure!

Day 8 - The Adventure That Was Meant to Happen

Today felt like one of those days where everything just lined up perfectly. I started with breakfast at my hotel before heading out to my first stop, San Xavier Del Bac Mission. This historic Catholic mission, built in the late 1700s, is known for its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and artwork. It's a peaceful place for reflection, and I took a moment to pray and reflect on the year ahead before buying a few souvenirs to remember the visit.

Next, I made my way to the Garden of Gethsemane, a serene place filled with statues of Jesus and his disciples. While reading about the history of the sculptures, I met Tim, who kindly offered me a slice of pizza. We struck up a conversation, and I learned about his family and his life, which made the moment feel even more special.

After a great conversation, I headed to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a peaceful spot filled with lush greenery. The butterfly exhibit was closed, but I still managed to see a few fluttering around the glass walls. Hunger soon called, so I headed over to Noodleholics, where I had some of the most delicious noodles. Highly recommend it if you're ever in the area!

Later, I visited Trail Dust Town, which transported me straight back to the Old West. What was supposed to be a simple visit turned into an afternoon/evening of fun. I got old-fashioned photos taken at Barking Iron Photography and even watched a Christmas-themed gun show. It was such a fun, unexpected experience!

The day ended with a lovely dinner at Little Anthony's Diner, a unique spot with great food. While there, I met two best friends who had just celebrated their 15th year of friendship by getting spontaneous tattoos together. It reminded me of the time my best friend and I did something similar for our 10-year friendship anniversary.

Day 9 - Exploring Old Tombstone and Bisbee

I can't believe my trip is almost over! Day 9 was packed with adventures, starting with a drive to Old Tombstone—an authentic Old West town about an hour and a half from Tucson. This place was alive with real cowboys, and let me tell you, it was a different world! I barely saw anyone with my skin tone, which was the same experience I had in Trail Dust Town. But the cowboys I met were incredibly friendly. One was around my age, probably in his early 30s, and we got to chatting. I even caught another gunfight reenactment that told a fascinating story of events that shaped the town's history.

After Tombstone, I made my way to Bisbee, a quirky, artsy town just 30 minutes away. I had a mine tour (Copper Queen Mine Tour) scheduled, and I was almost late, but I made it just in time! The tour was led by someone who actually worked in the mine, and let me tell you, I have a whole new respect for miners. They really endured so much—definitely not a job I’d want to take on!

Afterward, I strolled through the town, which was filled with creative shops and colorful art. For dinner, I had some delicious pho at Thuy’s Noodle Shop, then headed back to Tucson.

I could write so much more about the experiences I had today, but I’ll leave it here to keep this post from getting too long. Another awesome day filled with history, culture, and unique experiences!

Day 10 - Farewell, Arizona 

I woke up feeling a bit sad knowing this was the day my amazing trip had to come to an end. The thought of leaving Arizona’s warmth and adventure for Columbus’ cold, snowy weather wasn’t exactly thrilling. And as I had worried, I returned home to snow, with winter warnings and freezing temperatures greeting me in the days that followed.

For my final day, I stuck to a simple plan. After breakfast at my hotel, I packed my bags and checked out. Before heading to the airport, I made one last stop at Chez Peachy, a cute dessert shop known for its vintage-style bento cakes, cookies, brownies, and colorful drinks. I also took a few moments to admire some local artwork in the area—such a lovely way to close out the trip.

Dropping off my rental car was bittersweet, but the Phoenix Sky Train ride to my terminal gave me one last glimpse of the city before I checked in my bag, breezed through TSA, and prepared for my flight home.

This trip was incredible, and while solo travel isn’t for the faint of heart, it is absolutely worth it. It teaches you so much about yourself, boosts your confidence, and allows you to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s another state, a different country, or just a nearby town, I hope this post inspires someone to take that leap and embark on their own solo adventure. You won’t regret it.

Let Me Help You Plan Your Next Trip!

I’ve realized how much I love planning trips, and I’m thinking about turning it into a small side hobby. If reading about my trip has you feeling inspired and you’d like some help planning your own adventure, reach out!

I’m just starting out, so I’d charge a small fee, but I’d love to share my detailed plans from this trip or others I’ve done so you can see what you’ll get. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip, a solo getaway, or something else, I’d be happy to help.

Hit me up if this sounds like something you’re interested in—I’d love to work with you to make your next trip amazing! 😊