Arizona, Travel, Adventure Monica Ortega Arizona, Travel, Adventure Monica Ortega

The Best Way To See Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of those places that many people know about but not many experience. At least, not experience well. Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley is seemingly in the middle of nowhere but also in between iconic locations like Moab, The Grand-Staircase Escalante, and The Grand Canyon. It’s a sacred valley in the heart of Navajo Nation and became a tourist destination for its towering red rock beauty and its infamous filming locations.

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Travel, Adventure, Arizona, National Parks Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Arizona, National Parks Monica Ortega

Two Incredible Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

I’d been to Grand Canyon National Park a few times on various road trips and made the stop along the way. I’ve gotten out of the car and snapped the obligatory Instagram-worthy pics and then hopped right back in the car. But that’s not truly experiencing this magnificent park and seeing it in all of its glory. That’s why when I had the opportunity to take an REI adventure tour flying over the canyon and then hiking into it, I jumped at the chance.

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Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega

Arizona Biking, Kayaking, and the Superstition Mountains with REI Adventures

REI offers adventures that range from 1 day to 10 days and they have something for everyone. They offer women’s-only trips, beginning adventures, under 30, and more. If you’ve been wanting to get out and explore but are nervous to go alone or overwhelmed by the planning of an adventure excursion, I highly recommend these trips!

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Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega Travel, Adventure, Arizona Monica Ortega

10 Things To Do In Tempe Arizona

Every time I go to or through Arizona I just fall more in love with that state! From the desert wilderness, to the red rocks, to the mountaintops, it just gets more and more beautiful! But when I had the chance to visit Tempe last month I wasn’t sure what to expect other than a fun little college town. But, like the rest of the state, it completely took me by surprise; full of adventure, fun, and good food! Here are 10 things to do in Tempe, Arizona.

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The Devil's Bridge Hike - Sedona Arizona

The final push to the top was a bit of a rock scramble and lots of "stairs". And then I saw it. The Devil's Bridge. The bridge is the largest sandstone arch in the Sedona area and stands just over 50 feet tall. The narrow walkway out onto the bridge is terrifying and my fear of heights almost won out and prevented me from trying it. It's wide enough for two people to easily walk out on but it's more of the mental game knowing both sides have a steep drop off. After some quick photo ops it was time to head back.

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Superstition Mountains - Beauty, Tragedy, and One Heck of a Hike!

We later learned a bit more about the incredible Superstition Mountains. First off, this hike is considered strenuous and only for experienced hikers so it’s definitely a good thing I turned back with Millie (and heck yeah Kristin for making it up to the top!) Secondly, there are a lot of spooky things that seem to happen in this place! It all began with the legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine.

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