When it comes to exploring the world, Monet Hambrick, her husband and two daughters have seen and done so much. So, it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about planning epic family adventures. On one such trip, The Hambricks set out to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and sites found throughout Arizona. But they did it with a twist.
“On our visits to Arizona, we’ve always done road trips. I think it’s a great way to explore with kids because you’re on your own time,” Monet Hambrick shared with EBONY. “You can make stops whenever you need to, they can get out and play, you can take bathroom breaks, all that good stuff. On one of our last visits to Arizona, we actually did an RV trip through the state, which was even better because it’s something unique. I know typically, as Black families, we aren’t the main demographic for RV’ing, but it was nice to expose the kids to something new, and it made exploring fun.”
Renting their perfect vehicle from Outdoorsy, a website Hambrick describes as “the Airbnb of RVs,” the family of four started their journey in the picturesque city of Sedona. Known for its array of spas and wellness options, as well as world-class cuisine, there was still plenty to do, even with children.
“Sedona was such a great starting for our road trip. It’s so beautiful.”
One of their highlights from the city was the Broken Arrow/Scenic Rim Combo Pink Jeep Tour. A popular excursion for travelers of all ages, the iconic Pink Jeep Tour provides the opportunity to get up close with sites from some of Hollywood’s most famous Western classics and take in photo-worthy glimpses of the stunning red rock formations. While in Sedona, the Hambricks also became immersed in nature through hikes along Bell Rock Trail, Seven Sacred Pools, Sedona View Trail and Sugar Loaf Loop.
“I feel like you can’t go to Sedona and not do those,” Hambrick shared. “Although we didn’t get to do this, I would also recommend a hot air balloon ride, too.”
From there, it was off to marvel at one of the most famous natural phenomena known to man— the Grand Canyon. To prepare for this portion of the road trip, they booked a spot for their RV ahead of time within Grand Canyon National Park at Trailer Village RV Park. By doing so, it ensured they would have a spot for the dates of their visit, as the RV park can fill up fast. On-site, there was everything from a pool for the kids to play in, laundry, shower facilities, water and electricity hookups and more.
Although her daughters have varying interests these days, Hambrick recalls how the visit to The Grand Canyon appealed to both— in large part to the park’s Junior Ranger program.
“I have one daughter who is a complete history buff, and the other is all about fun and adventure,” the mom of two explained. “Of course, the Grand Canyon is a bucket list adventure, and the Junior Ranger program was a great way to make it more interactive. Based on their age group, they had to essentially find different things around the park, which also makes it educational. After, they got to officially “pledge” into the program, it was super cute.”
According to Hambrick, if you’re into hiking, this is also a great place to do so. Some of her recommended trails that were short and easy for kids are Desert View Point, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point, Grandview Point, Yaki Point, Tusayan Museum and Ruin and Trailview Overlook.
To round out this already memorable RV adventure, there were a few more stops that couldn’t be missed— Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell.
“They’re really beautiful spaces, especially Antelope Canyon and knowing that floods are the reason the formations are in the shapes that they are,” Hambrick said as she reminisced on her trip. “It was nice with the kids because on the tour that we took— the Upper Antelope Canyon Tour— the guide was pointing out various formations and asking the kids to use their imaginations to figure out what they thought they looked like to them.”
“In Monument Valley, you’re able to go horseback riding there. You’re also able to meet with members of the indigenous community, many of whom still live on the Nation, and they’ll show you their traditional homes, how they would cook, hunt for their food and make their clothes. There’s also Lake Powell, which is stunning. We camped there one night. You can also take boat rides. It’s very scenic with gorgeous views,” she added.
Overall, the family’s RV journey through Arizona is one that certainly built core memories that they’ll talk about for years to come. We asked Monet Hambricks to offer a few additional tips for those looking to plan a similar adventure. She shared the following:
- 5–7 days is recommended to truly make the most of your trip.
- Book accommodations with pools or playgrounds, so the kids can have fun after long days of exploring and hiking.
- There can be lots of driving if you’re visiting multiple places, so before getting on the road make a grocery store run for snacks, water and easy foods to make sandwiches. Sometimes there may not be anywhere to stop for food for a while when driving to more remote areas of the state.
- If traveling in the summer, pack light breathable clothing and bring portable fans to stay cool during the heat. If traveling in colder months, layers are key, as the temperature can change from day-to-day and throughout the day.
- Keep hikes to earlier in the morning or an hour before sunset. Bring plenty of water. Planning is key.
- Before your trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace principles, which help promote sustainable tourism practices throughout the state.
