This Thanksgiving, we decided to ditch the usual traditions and road-trip to the Grand Canyon. Before you came to me with the idea, our kids had already let us know they weren’t available for our annual dinner. As many of you know, we’re empty-nesters with a blended family, and getting everyone together during the holidays is becoming more complicated as they move away, take on holiday work schedules, or split time with other parents.
So, we packed lightly, hopped into our Tesla, and headed out. The original plan was to hike at the Grand Canyon, stop in Scottsdale, and finish our trip in New Mexico. Road trips always remind me why I love them, no airport delays, no packed crowds, no rushing, and the freedom to change plans whenever needed.
Day one took us to Grand Junction, Colorado. We spent the evening wine tasting at Carlson Vineyards, followed by a cozy dinner at The Goat & Clover Irish Pub. We ended the night soaking in the hotel hot tub under a blanket of cool stars—simple but perfect.
The next day, we drove to Arizona and checked into the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel. Staying close allowed us to maximize our time inside the park. Because of freezing temperatures, we had to modify our original hiking plans, but we still walked eight miles along the South Rim Trail, from the village area all the way to Hermits Rest. This paved trail follows the canyon’s edge and offers stunning lookout points the entire way. At the end, we hopped onto the free shuttle, which runs every 15 minutes.
The panoramic views were breathtaking, layers of color carved by time, revealing a canyon that’s as mysterious as it is humbling. Even from above, you can feel the depth and power of nature. We’re already hoping to return during warmer weather to hike the Bright Angel Trail all the way to the bottom.
The forecast changed again, so we changed our plans again. Snow started to fall, and instead of heading to Scottsdale, we drove toward Santa Fe and Taos for a couple of days. We explored museums and small shops in Santa Fe, but once more, the weather cut our outdoor plans short.
Even with the shortened visit, a few stops really stood out:
- The Boxcar – a lively sports bar with great energy in Santa Fe
- Casa Chimayo – delicious New Mexican cuisine and warm hospitality
- The Alley Cantina – a great lunch spot in Taos
The drive home was easy and quiet, giving us plenty of time to reflect. We learned that winter isn’t the ideal time to visit if your goal is outdoor adventure but it’s still worth the journey if you’re flexible and open to surprises. In the end, the road trip became a reminder that plans change, kids grow, life shifts, and sometimes the best memories are the ones made by simply hitting the road together.