Planning to take a couple of weeks to explore the American SouthWest in January. With my wife and 4 years old daughter. So far, I'm having a hard time narrowing it down. We love the out doors and are not really into shopping. Attached is a list of to much that interests me...... plus, we need to keep a 4 year old invloved. I am looking for any advice to things that might not be worth the effort, or, God forbid, even more stuff to consider . Actaully , we will likely return sometime so other things, highlights and other ideas are welcome..... as well as things on the current list that might be better to do in other seasons

Also, it will be winter, are some of these better/worse in other seasons?

All Thoughts welcome

Grand Canyon
Zion
Bryce
Page AZ - Antelope Canyon, HorseShoeBend, vermilion cliffs
Monument Valley
Sedona
White Sands NM
Tucson AZ - Saguaro NP, Bird watching near Wilcox, Sonora Desert Muesum
Santa Fe
High Road to Taos
Mesa Verde

Thanks!

Grand Canyon gets snow in the winter. There was snow there in April when I went. Because it's winter you can only go to the south rim, not the north rim. Not sure if that will matter to you. Though you may want to build in extra time. The day before I arrived at the GC, there was so much snow that no one on the rim could see the canyon, so you want to be flexible on time you can spend each place in winter.

Generally the places with the higher elevations, like the Grand Canyon, will be pretty wintery. However, I think winter is a good time for the low elevation deserty type spots like Tucson.

You might just check the weather info for the places you are planning to hit to see if it meets your expectations.

Zion might be challenging in that with the wee one you'll be unable to do interesting hikes. There are a few short easy walks that might be OK.

Not certain if the shuttle runs during the winter at Bryce. There are numerous easy short walks to vista points that the child should be OK with. Hold on to that stoller!

Lake Powell is best seen from a rent a boat although the weather may be colder than H. Navajo Canyon is a must if you do the boat. As with most of your trip ideas, bring layers of clothing to maintain comfort level.

Sedona I'd suggest deleting your sweat lodge possibilities. Must see the Frank Lloyd Wright designed church.

Santa Fe can be done by day trips from Taos, heh, heh, heh. Must see the Lareto Chapel with it's center supportless 2 revolution spiral staircase.

High road or valley road will be good. High may have snow and ice in January. Drive within your limits and watch for others! Santuario Chimayo is a good stop! Rancho Chimayo is now open after a major fire for very good food.

When the people of Mesa Verde moved from that site, they generally populated most Northern NM pueblos. That includes Taos which has been inhabited over 800 years.