
REI Adventures has unveiled a great list of 2010 trips, starting the year off with an icy tour of the Grand Canyon. It’s six days of winter hiking around the desert landscape swathed in snow - a sight many tourists will never see - plus evenings in a plush lodge. Oh yeah, and a New Year’s party. The trip departs from Phoenix. L.A. to Phoenix: 5 hrs 40 minutes.

I also like REI’s trip to Zion National Park at the same time. Snow decorating the west’s red rocks creates the same holiday magic as tinsel on a Christmas tree, only better, because you’re outside. This New Years trip is also six days and includes snowshoeing. Departs from Las Vegas. Los Angeles to Las Vegas: 4 hours