When my company sent me to Phoenix for meetings on the eve of a holiday weekend, I decided it would be silly not to take advantage. I booked my return for the following Tuesday, giving me four days to explore Arizona.

Red Rocks State Park

Tuzigoot

With the federal government shut down, I only got to see Tuzigoot from the locked entrance gate.

Jerome

This tiny copper mining town perched on Cleopatra Hill now houses art galleries, cafes, and glorious views of the Verde Valley.

Sedona

Moonrise hot tub

Sunrise hike at Airport Road

Oak Creek Canyon State Park

I took the scenic drive north from Sedona so that I could meander through Oak Creek Canyon, stopping at the West Fork for a hike.

Sunset Crater National Monument

Grand Canyon National Park

Meteor Crater

Driving from Winslow