On the Ground in the American Southwest: My Experience on Collette’s New Tour
Journey through New Mexico & Arizona — explore Santa Fe, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon on Collette’s immersive Southwest tour.
April 23, 2026
8 minute read
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel through the American Southwest on a ground review of Spirit of the American Southwest: Landscapes & Cultures of New Mexico & Arizona — a brand-new tour for Collette.
As a Product Marketing Manager, much of my work happens behind the scenes as I shape how we tell the story of our tours. But every so often, I get to step away from my desk and experience those stories firsthand. This trip was one of those moments.
Before a single traveller sets out on a new itinerary, Collette conducts what we call a “ground review.” It’s essentially a full-scale dress rehearsal of the tour. Teams from across the company (Tour Design, Operations, Delivery, Marketing, and more) come together to travel the route, experiencing it exactly as our guests will.
In a way, we’re the first travellers — testing every detail, from timing and logistics to the flow of each day. It’s our job to spot what’s working, fine-tune what isn’t, and ensure everything feels seamless long before the inaugural departure.
By the time travellers arrive, the journey has already been thoughtfully refined and shaped by meaningful experiences.
And after being part of this one, I can say with confidence: this is a journey that truly delivers. Travellers are in for something special.
First Impressions: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Our journey began in Santa Fe — one of the oldest cities in the United States and the cultural heart of New Mexico.
Coming from the Northeast, the contrast was immediate. I’m used to colonial architecture, brick-lined streets, and coastal scenery. But Santa Fe felt entirely different in the best way. The warm, earth-toned adobe buildings, the wide desert sky, and the layers of history woven into every corner of the city made it feel like I had stepped into a completely new landscape.
We started with a locally guided walking tour through the Santa Fe Plaza, where the city’s story really began to unfold. As we moved through historic landmarks, we learned how Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences have shaped Santa Fe into what it is today — a place where cultures don’t just coexist, they’re deeply intertwined.
What stood out to me most was the pace of it all. With a three-night stay in Santa Fe, there’s no need to rush. You have time to unpack, settle in, and truly connect with the destination — whether that’s wandering the plaza a second time, discovering a favourite café, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
It’s the kind of start that eases you into the journey and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Bandelier National Monument: Walking Through Ancient History
One of the standout moments of our time in Santa Fe was a visit to Bandelier National Monument — a striking landscape of mesas and canyons that was once home to the Ancestral Puebloan people from around 1100 to 1550 CE.
From the moment we arrived, the scale and stillness of the place made an impression. Carved directly into the canyon walls are remarkable cliff dwellings, preserved in a way that allows you to truly step into the past. Standing there, looking at homes that were lived in centuries ago, it’s hard not to feel a sense of connection to the people who once called this place home.
At one point, we climbed a series of ladders to enter one of the dwellings. As we stepped inside, our local guide, Monique from Great Southwest Adventures, smiled and joked, calling it a “luxury four-bedroom.” It got a laugh from the group, but it also did something more. In that moment, the space shifted from being a historical site to something more personal. You could almost picture families gathered there, looking out over the canyon just as we were.
It’s those small, human moments that stay with you long after the tour ends. And for me, that’s what makes travel truly meaningful.
Acoma Pueblo: The Oldest Continuously Inhabited Community
Another powerful moment on the journey came during our visit to Acoma Pueblo, also known as Sky City.
Perched atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa, it’s recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, with its origins dating back to at least 1150 CE, Even before arriving, there’s a sense that you’re about to experience something truly unique — but nothing quite prepares you for standing there in person.
As we walked through the pueblo with a local guide, we learned about the Acoma people’s history, traditions, and the deep-rooted commitment to preserving their way of life. What struck me most was how intentionally unchanged Sky City remains. There’s no electricity, no running water, no sewer systems — not by limitation, but by choice. It’s a conscious decision to honour and protect the traditions of their ancestors.
While most community members no longer live there full time, many families still maintain homes and return for important cultural and spiritual events. That connection to place, carried across generations, is something you can feel as you move through the space.
Hearing these stories directly from a member of the tribe added another layer entirely. It wasn’t just a story — it was living history, shared in real time by someone who is part of it.
It’s hard to put into words just how impactful that experience was, but it’s one that stays with you.
Canyon de Chelly: Stories From Navajo Nation
From Santa Fe, we made our way to Chinle, Arizona — the gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, located within the Navajo Nation.
This stop quickly became one of my favorites. Although, I found myself saying that a lot on this trip.
We explored the canyon floor on an open-air Jeep tour with a local Navajo guide from Beauty Way Jeep Tours. As we drove between towering red sandstone walls, the landscape alone was breathtaking, but it was the storytelling that truly brought it to life.
Our guide didn’t just share general history. He pointed out specific places tied to his own family — where relatives lived, where stories had unfolded, where life continues today. That perspective completely shifted the experience.
You weren’t just taking in a beautiful landscape — you were being welcomed into someone’s home.
Canyon de Chelly has been continuously inhabited for more than 5,000 years, which is almost impossible to fully grasp. Standing there among ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs, while also hearing about present-day life in the canyon, created this powerful sense of continuity.
Monument Valley: A Sunrise I’ll Never Forget
From Canyon de Chelly, we travelled deeper into Navajo Nation to Monument Valley, where we spent two nights at Goulding’s Lodge overlooking one of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest.
I’ll never forget walking into my room and seeing the view for the first time; it made me a little emotional. Massive sandstone formations stretched across the horizon, rising from the desert floor in a way that almost didn’t feel real.
The next morning, we had the option to join a sunrise experience led by a local Navajo guide, Brad, who also happens to be the lodge manager. Before the sun rose, we gathered inside a traditional Navajo hogan, where he shared the cultural significance of sunrise as a time of renewal — a chance to begin again.
Afterward, we made our way to a quiet viewpoint and watched the sun slowly rise over Monument Valley. It wasn’t just the scenery that made it special, but the meaning behind it.
As a finale to the experience, we enjoyed a BBQ dinner in a secluded part of the desert, with Navajo musicians performing beside a campfire. It was truly an unforgettable blend of landscape and culture that I will never forget.
Sedona: Red Rocks and a Grand Canyon Day of Choice
From Monument Valley, we continued south to Sedona for another two-night stay, known for its striking red rock formations and vibrant arts scene.
One of the things I love about this stop is the flexibility. With a full free day, you can explore Sedona your own way — whether that’s browsing local shops and restaurants, relaxing at the hotel, or taking advantage of nearby hiking trails. It’s also known as a place of spirituality and renewal, which you can really feel in the atmosphere.
For me, it was my first time being this close to the Grand Canyon, so I chose the full-day optional excursion to the South Rim.
If you’ve never been, it’s something you have to see.
One of my colleagues joked it’s “just a really big hole in the ground.” But standing there, looking out across the vast canyon walls and layers of geology carved over millions of years, it’s hard to describe just how breathtaking it is.
Scottsdale: The Perfect Ending
Our final stop brought us to Scottsdale, Arizona — a fitting place to wrap up the journey.
After a week of exploring, learning, and constantly being on the move, it felt like a chance to slow down. The resort offered beautiful desert views and all the amenities you could want, making it easy to relax and reflect on everything we had experienced.
We closed out the trip with a group dinner, sharing stories and moments from the week for one last chance to take it all in together.
Why This Trip Meant So Much to Me
What stayed with me most wasn’t just the landscapes, though they were incredible — it was the people and cultures we encountered along the way.
From learning about Ancestral Puebloan history to spending time in Navajo Nation, the experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the Southwest and the stories that continue to shape it.
Travel has a way of shifting your perspective. It reminds you how much there is to see, to learn, and to appreciate beyond your everyday routine.
This trip left me feeling genuinely grateful for the opportunity to experience it, for the people who shared their stories with us, and for the chance to help bring this journey to life for others.
I can say with confidence that anyone who joins Spirit of the American Southwest will walk away feeling that same sense of connection.
