Our October 2010 trip through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. We flew into Las Vegas and immediately drove to the South rim of the Grand Canyon, where we would be the next three days. After leaving the South rim, we next drove all the way around to the North rim for two days of a completely different perspective. Following the Grand Canyon, we headed east and north towards Valley of the Gods in Utah. Along the way we stopped to see a dinosaur track site near Tuba City, Arizona, and the colorful Coal Mine Canyon. From Valley of the Gods we were able to make forays to see the ancient ruins of Hovenweep National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park, as well as see the towering rock formations of Monument Valley. From there it was north to Moab, Utah, and two great National Parks - Arches and Canyonlands. Our time was limited in Colorado, but were fortunate enough to get through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to see the steep cliffs and unique rock. We next turned south traveling into New Mexico and the remote ancient ruins of Chaco Culture National Historic Park. What was planned to be a quick visit turned into most of the day at Acoma Pueblo, to learn of their ancient culture and see the old San Esteban del Rey mission church. After a hike through Petroglyph National Monument to see, what else, petroglyphs, we headed further south. Our path took us through the three ruin sites of Salinas Pueblos Missions National Monument. The three 17th Century Spanish mission churches of Abo, Quarai, and Gran Quivira are now in ruins, but are still impressive. Further south was a visit cut short in White Sands National Monument. We were able to get there in time for sunset, but my chance for sunrise pictures the next morning was cancelled due to a missile test launch being held at the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. As luck would have it, we were still able to visit the White Sands Missile Museum during the test launch. Distance prevented much of a view, but the sound was clear. Heading west, we made a brief stop at City of Rocks State Park, and then on to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The journey now headed back southwest into Arizona and Chiricahua National Monument with its unique rock formations. Being so close, I felt obliged to stop in Tombstone and see the old town & courthouse. On the way north towards Tucson, we stopped to see the ancient and still functioning San Xavier del Bac mission church. A short distance from there was the Titan Missile Museum to see some of what kept us safe during the Cold War. Our last stop was at Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert. When we got back to Vegas the odometer said we had gone over 4400 miles in 18 days, a new record for us.