I don't know about you, but my father is quite excited about planning another family vacation this summer. Who doesn't love a roadtrip? The last few years he's been in a bucket-list mentality: "If we don't go see the Grand Canyon now, then we'll just put it off and never do it." We all nod and go along, and then surprisingly end up on quite the adventure. (We now call this the #freemanadventure.) This year, we're heading to Grand Teton Park, so more on that next month. However, last year we spent an epic week in Arizona... so here are some of the must-sees for all the summer roadtrippers out there:

1. Arcosanti. This place gives me hope for the future. It's a community surrounding the idea of arcology (architecture + ecology) built over the past few decades by thousands of volunteers. It's a little oasis in the desert and artist haven... Arcosanti is worth stopping by if your driving North from Phoenix.

2. Sedona. This is a magical place. As anyone who has been will tell you. You can happen upon a mysterious vortex, which is a spot where the Earth's magnetism is thought to have special properties. You can hike and stroll throughout the day, enjoy the shops and cafes, and catch some amazing sunsets. Sunset at Bell Rock Vortex pictured below. PS I woke up like this.

3. Red Rock State Park. While in Sedona, you can hop out into several hiking trails in Red Rock State Park, and you'll basically feel like a badass. I really don't know how people don't die climbing up these things. There are no rails, and you're often climbing up on all fours. It feels like a choose-your-own-adventure, if you're into those types of things. I'm glad we didn't lose someone over the edge and were able to find a nice watering hole to jump into after.

4. Grand Canyon- South Rim. Yeah yeah, this is definitely the first thing you'll think about hitting up in AZ, right? Well the Grand Canyon is pretty grand. And though you may have seen millions of pictures of it, you've got to see it and climb all over it for yourself. It makes you want to put your hands out in reaction of the grandeur of it all! If you're just driving through, the South Rim has all sorts of trails, walkways, and viewpoints for any level or duration of stay.

5. Antelope Canyon. After spending a few days in Sedona, we headed up to Page, AZ to yes another part of that big hole in the ground we were checking out above. You must check out Antelope Canyon. It's in a Navajo Nation Park, so you'll need to make arrangements with a guide in order to have have access to it. We went to Upper Antelope Canyon, and they're careful about how many people they let in at one time. Our guide was awesome, it was picturesque, and we had a pretty sweet ride there.

6. Glen Canyon. Page, AZ may be the smallest town ever. Just a warning. There's not much night life, or food after 9pm for the matter. We spent the day on the first 15 mile stretch of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon. The boys were in heaven hearing the history of it all, and we rafted along the inside of the Grand Canyon's walls that rose thousands of feet on our sides...talk about a different perspective! Oh and we met 12 new friends that were motorcycling across the country. (We didn't make it to Havasu Falls like Meg did. Sad face.)

7. Horseshoe Bend. To finish out the day on the Colorado River, you must get the view of the sun going down above it. We rafted through that bend, and we made the trek out to see it. To get to the viewpoint from where you park your car, it feels like you're walking into a desert-y horizon. I'd have to say people were a little crazy about getting a good photo and were so close the edge that I got nauseous looking at them. One dude put his wife on a leash!

8. Jerome, AZ. I'd have to admit exploring Jerome is a bit depressing. It's an old mining town that is stuck in a time warp, because people don't really live there anymore once that industry ran its course. It's worth stopping in for lunch to see what a ghost town looks like.

9. Montezuma Castle National Monument. If you're super into history, or your mother is, this stop will appease you. A castle hundreds of years old on the side of a mountain! Montezuma is a quick stop and worth seeing with your own eyes.

10. Poolside. Before you hop back on the plane (or car) you owe yourself a day by the pool. Especially if you find yourself in Phoenix during the summer...it is hot as balls. Your phone can't even handle it. You can relax from your hiking days, stay cool, and prepare yourself for your trip back to reality. For us- that would mean heading back to the East coast. Like a Girlboss. (if you didn't read it last year, get with it.)

notes:

- this was my first adventure with a GoPro & and we may have had fun with it :)

- there are plenty of other things to do in Arizona (now I know!) so this list is merely what we encountered upon our bucket-list-driven-path

- family vacations aren't the worst, but i do recommend finding activities so you don't kill each other

After some California lovin' in Joshua Tree and San Diego, our little group plus a new addition crossed over into Arizona for the next portion of our adventure: hiking into Havasu Falls.

We awoke before dawn, attempting to beat the sun while heading into the canyon.

Apprehensive and excited, we arrived at the trailhead ready to descend 2000 or so feet in a mile and a half of switchbacks followed by about 9 more miles to the campground. Logic and reason would tell you that perhaps preparing for a backpacking trip of this sort would be wise. Practice hikes with your pack, getting to know your gear, maybe even just making sure you can walk 10 miles easily without any major elevation changes and gear. But for the most part, we did none of this. At least not to the extent that we should have. So somewhat naively, we began our trek high on adrenaline and excitement for what was waiting for us around the corner.

The beauty of the canyon is not to be underestimated nor can I adequately describe it. It is to be seen and taken in - appreciated for the incomprehensible number of years it took to form as well as for the the seemingly infinite time it will last long after we are gone. We took our time making our way to the campground, stopping along the way for frequent snacks and to just simply stare in awe.

Once in the canyon, you are in many ways untouched by the outside world. Your only companions are other backpackers and those living at the only village in the canyon - Supai. After a day of hiking in with 25+ pounds on our backs, we wanted nothing more than to play around in the falls and explore the surrounding area. The color and size of the falls are unreal. They cascade into one another creating pools of turquoise water, perfect for lounging in while resting one's tired bones. Inflatable inner tubes are always a necessity.

After spending some quality time at Havasupai Falls in the morning, two of us made the slippery descent down at Mooney Falls. This is not for the scared of heights and falling for them crowd. The path takes you through two enclosed tunnels of rock and down a series of chains and ladders. At one point I stopped moving, my knuckles white from clutching mud-laden chains, because I had no idea of how to proceed. Ten points to fellow hikers who helped me find my feet (and also offered some exploring tips).

The anxiety-provoking path to the bottom of the falls is completely worth it. The canyon walls are covered by ferns and moss due to the constant mist from the falls. Taking the less traveled path means that there's a lush, overgrown creek leading from the falls. We wandered about for a bit climbing up and over various boulders and trekking through side creeks, finding one spot more stunning than the next at every turn.

Due to an unintended knee injury for one of my travel companions, we ended up riding horses out of the canyon. The perspective offered by being along for the ride is something I will never forget. Instead of keeping my focus mainly on my feet, I was able to stare up at the canyon walls and appreciate what time had created. I realize that this all may sound kind of cheesy. It's some rock and waterfalls, how different could it be? But there is something special about Havasupai. Something that needs to be experienced and felt. So go. You will not be disappointed.

notes:

- know your limits. besides my buddy's bum knee, i saw a girl have to be medivac'd out due to an injury from waterfall jumping.

- horse is my preferred mode of travel. if you have limited or no riding experience, riding a horse for 10+ miles out of the canyon will not be entirely pleasant. you've been warned.

- we spent the night at the Hualapai Lodge before hiking in the next morning. it was well worth the dough to be well rested before the hike. for a fee, you can also shower there on your way out.

- fill up your gas tank before getting off of the main road. for us, this was in kingman. there are no places to refuel once on the road to the trailhead.