Trip of the Week

Visitors to Flagstaff, Ariz., can learn about native cultures at the Museum of Northern Arizona and see glimpses of the region’s fascinating past on scenic side trips to three nearby national monuments.

Parowan, Utah, occupies a peaceful valley at the floor of a stream-carved canyon just off Interstate 15 north of Cedar City, about 200 miles from Las Vegas.

In Southern Nevada, the Spring Mountains in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest provide the closest access to early autumn color viewing.

U.S. 89 remains a vital link for Utah residents, for it leads to many of the state’s best-known scenic attractions and serves as Main Street for numerous small towns.

It is not too soon to plan a leaf-peeping outing, as the show typically begins by the end of September. If you head for the high country first and explore lower elevations later, you can enjoy Utah’s autumn color through mid-November.

The Verde Canyon Railroad provides a scenic adventure through spectacular canyons in a wilderness area along the Verde River near Sedona, Ariz.