When seeking a travel destination for the perfect vacation we decided to head to Scottsdale, Arizona. We never realized this trip would be a such a nurturing retreat, filled with natural beauty and arts, and much needed pampering. We found all this and more in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is peaceful and serene retreat, where you can enjoy nature and local history as we discovered while in Northeastern Arizona’s quieter canyon. This serene canyon is the perfect place to visit during the winter season or any time of the year. For accommodations we turned to the beautiful Thunderbird Lodge, the only accommodations within the boundaries of the 83,840-acre national monument.

Weekend Specials & More At The Thunderbird Lodge

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday's overnight visitors at the Thunderbird Lodge receive special coupons good for continental breakfast, 10 percent off canyon tours and gift shop purchases. The reduced rates in the winter season are 43 percent off regular-season rates, which gave us more money to spend shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind treasures found in the area. The highlight our visit is a tour in six-wheel drive touring vehicle with our experienced and knowledgeable Navajo guides. Having an experienced guide offers insight into the history of the canyon, which is one of the most sacred as well as historically and culturally significant places in the Navajo Nation. Be sure to bring your camera to capture memorable pictures of the Anasazi ruins, pictographs, petroglyphs and the sites of confrontations between the Navajo and the Spanish, Mexican and American governments.

Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto

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eave plenty of time to enjoy the tours through the Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. During the winter, half-day tours last 3 ½ hours. Tours in the open-air vehicles leave from Thunderbird Lodge at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and escort visitors on a fascinating trip into the lower halves of both Canyon de Chelly and Canyon del Muerto. (Tours are subject to a minimum of six participants.) During inclement weather the vehicles are covered with clear caps engineered by the lodge’s maintenance staff to offer visitors great views of the canyons. We also hiked the White House Ruin trail, otherwise we were accompanied by a park ranger or authorized Navajo guide when we wanted to explore the canyons.