The Jim and Lauris Phillips Center for the Study of Southwestern Jewelry showcases the world's largest collection of Navajo and Pueblo jewelry. This laid-back desert city is home to so many wonderful hikes. After all your hard effort, you will be treated to a birds eye view of the city and surrounding mountains. While hiking Camelback Mountain is often touted as the must-do in the Phoenix area, in all reality, this hike is very difficult and also very crowded much of the time. Then there is Grand Canyon that is 277 miles long and1 mile deep and has steps that you can go on that are made of rocks. Encompassing Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, the Southwest of the States is home to some of the country's most iconic natural sights, with the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, and Monument Valley just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the region has to offer. More info on the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The uniquely shaped rocks really standout in contrast to the flat surrounding desert. The 3 mile long distance makes it a perfect choice for an easy bike ride or nature walk, and thus, suitable for all visitors no matter your fitness ability. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. Its one of the most popular trails within the Coconino National forest for good reason. In recent years, the towns and their people have become the main attractions of the southwest. With over 2,000 natural arches in the park, the adventure possibilities are endless in Arches NP. Location: Northern Arizona along Rt 89a, in between Flagstaff & Sedona, 2 hrs north of Phoenix, More info and a full list of things to do along Oak Creek Canyon. Groer Osser. The edge dunes are just a few feet high, supporting some plant life including grass, yucca and saltbush, but further in, there is little to no vegetation, only an unbroken sea of white. Beautiful as it is, the area also holds some interesting historical significance. Horseshoe Bend is a really unique roadside geological wonder in Page, Arizona that is worth checking out if you happen to be traveling anywhere near the Northern Arizona/Southern Utah region. Saint Joseph New Buffalo A marker commemorates the exact spot of the borders, placed in 1912. Location: Las Vegas (about 20 minutes from the Strip). The various hoodoos and weird rock formations really give this park a unique look, even for Arizona where you can find all sorts of interesting rock formations throughout the state. The scenery is so diverse out here that you can go from hiking amongst the cacti to snowshoeing through a pine forest, all in the same day. Its hard to pass up on one of the worlds most magnificent natural wonders, especially when there are numerous other national monuments, parks, and wonders within close vicinity which you can combine for one amazing trip. Visitors can explore the site throughout the year and view one of the American Southwest's most extensive collections of indigenous art, protected on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The petrified forest in Arizona consists of trees so old they have turned to stone. After the War of 1812, the Southwest generally meant Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana; after Texas was annexed, it, too, was included. The American International Rattlesnake Museum is a unique animal conservation museum in Old Town Albuquerque, devoted to the history and biology of rattlesnakes and other snake species native to the American Southwest. Or bring with a sled and pretend like a winter storm just passed the desert! Come ready for adventure by reserving camping spots early, waking up before sunrise to hike your favorite trails, and bring patience for shuttle wait times if youre coming during peak season. Location: Oak Creek Canyon, in between Flagstaff and Sedona in between milepost 384 and 385. The trail involves a challenging 2+ mile climb to the summit, however, the gradual switchbacks and lack of big boulders to scramble up make it feel a bit easier than it appears at first glance. This enchanting 14 mile long river gorge lies in between the high altitude pine covered wilderness of Flagstaff and the colorful red rock wonderland of Sedona. The great thing about the Watchman Trail is that is does not see nearly as much traffic (especially so early in the morning) so hiking the trail is a nice solitary experience in which you feel like you get to take in the wonderful views all to yourself. Natural wonders within the cave include the massive Big Room limestone chamber, which extends for more than 4,000 feet. Its easily one of the most gorgeous areas in the country. Along the way, you will have access to hikes, picnicking areas, scenic overlooks, and even a small lake. We got there when it opened at 10am to have some time before the crowds arrived, and by the end of our time people were asking to race through parts and do tricks! The haze-free and often cloud-free skies make stargazing a year-round activity. Likewise for all other desert hikes! Snake-related artwork and artifacts are on display throughout exhibits, ranging from ceramics and jewelry to toys, games, and indigenous artifacts. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Southwest is a region where 20 hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Mesa Verde National Park is a delightful national park stretching across 52,485 acres near the American Southwest's Four Corners region in southwestern Colorado. This pine tree oasis offers a number of very scenic hikes in a beautiful woody setting that you will not find in the surrounding desert lands of southern New Mexico. The steep challenging Cookstove trail leads you on a scramble up to a breathtaking overlook of the area. Towering red rocks soar into an almost always bright blue sky that has inspired artists and photographers for years. Southwest New Mexico This territory has been the dominion of Old West miners, and now, hopeful space tourists. Other events include a mass ascension, a special balloon shape rodeo, and the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race. National Parks and Monuments Death Valley National Park, California - beautiful desert landscapes; multi-colored rocks, jagged mountains, sand dunes, salt flats and extremes of temperature Havasu Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the Colorado River's route, located along Havasu Creek within Arizona's majestic Grand Canyon. For truly awe-inspiring views head over to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique Roman Catholic church built in between 2 massive red rock formations. Southwest Georgia is known as the country's quail hunting capital, thanks to its premier plantations, but this region is no one-trick pony. Devils Bridge is the largest and most fascinating of the many beautiful sandstone arches found in the Sedona area. Not An Early Riser? Hiking is popular throughout the year at the park's incredible dune areas, which also attract sandboarders and sandsledders. The whole trek is especially interesting for anyone interested in geology. We also are wanting to explore more of the states of Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico! Connections are offered to other area trail systems, including the Nature Conservancy, Atalaya, and Dorothy Stewart Trails. Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous natural wonder located just minutes from picturesque Lake Powell, within the lands of the Navajo Nation indigenous reservation near the city of Page, Arizona. In the meantime, here are gorgeous places to add to your list: We know this wont be our last time taking an American southwest road trip! The Narrows can be viewed by hiking the easy, paved Riverside Walk for a mile from the Temple of Sinawava. Read More: Packing For Utah with Paige Denim. Interested in more inspiration for your own American southwest road trip? [wp_my_instagram username="themandagies" limit="6" layout="6" size="large" link=""], Top 15 Epic American Southwest Destinations That Will Blow Your Freaking Mind, road trip through the Southwest United States, The Perfect 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, 101 Road Trip Questions To Uncover Your Friends Secrets, 30 Road Trip Essentials For Your Next Trip, 20 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks You Need To Try, Car Camping 101: The Complete Guide To Sleeping In Your Car, 10+ Easy Camping Meals To Make On Your Next Adventure, 10 Insanely Useful Road Trip Planner Tools For Your Best Trip Yet, explore the Devils loop for some incredible natural arches, read this article to see what photography gear we bring. There were many more stops to see on our list, so Im going to share more stops for you to take below. The Top Places to Visit in the Southeast U.S. - TripSavvy Facts About Southwestern States - ScienceBase-Catalog Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, The interior features ornate statues and paintings. More info on the Hidden Canyon Bowel Loop. Each museum is full of history and art! Read More: Spending A Day At Grand Canyon National Park. Not only does it provide basics like accommodations and food, but you can also sign up for awesome tours and guided adventures to lesser-known spots in the area. There is a high Hispanic population in the area. Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House, Long House, Square Tower House, and Step House are some cliff dwellings you'll see as you explore the park. This is a great detour on the way to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Park. The area is split on the border of two states half in Utah, half in Arizona, so pay attention to things like time zone changes and sunrise times (we got confused when we visited!). Nevertheless, it is well worth the climb for the amazing foliage and opportunity to stroll through breathtaking uninterrupted nature. Places Of Interest in Southwest, PA. About Search Results. Hiking alongside the creek, viewing the oaks and maples of the West Fork trail changing beautiful autumn hues, aweing at the red rocks dusted with a fresh layer of snow after a winter storm, sipping a coffee on the lovely tree covered patio of Indian Gardens on a beautiful cool summer morning every season offers a new & exciting opportunity to see & do something different, the same of which cannot be said of the Sonoran Desert just 2 hours away. Most of the monument's lands belong to local indigenous groups, including the Navajo Nation reservation, which operates a number of nearby visitor attractions. 50 Mesmerizing Attractions in the Southwest - Top Ten Travel Blog This may be one of the best places to hike through the high desert or climb a mountain in relative solitude. Thank you so much for taking the time and reading our post! City of Rocks is a really strange and fascinating place which basically appears out of nowhere in the middle of the barren New Mexico desert. Spending A Day At Grand Canyon National Park, Our Essential Tips For Waking Up Early For Sunrise, click here to get $40 off your first Airbnb booking, Conquer Zions Dangerous Angels Landing Hike, 5 Amazing Activities In Bryce Canyon National Park, Discover Secret Locations In Capitol Reef National Park, A Sunset Hike To Cathedral Rock In Sedona, Arizona, 5 Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona To Take This Weekend, Exactly How To Find Movie Road In Alabama Hills, The Birthing Cave Trail Sedona, Arizona, 10 Incredible Things To Do In Anchorage, Alaska, 8 Simple Ways To Drastically Improve Your Travel Photography (And Our Essential Gear Recommendations). You can stroll around a bit more here taking in the exotic plant life and enjoying a birds eye view of the area. Views are great anytime of year, although particularly thrilling come fall when the aspens turn the most brilliant shade of gold, and again during the winter when the mountains & pines are covered in a fresh blanket of snow. 202 San Felipe St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, Phone: 505-242-6569, Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway: Poconos, NY, TN, MI, OC, All Inclusive, Family weekend getaways, NJ, NC, VA, TX. As a result of the isolated location, this lake feels like a true oasis in the middle of a dry desert. The former is actually the better option as you save time, plus you get to see new views as you travel by bus one-way on the incredibly scenic San Juan Highway (Highway 550). This magical four-season playground truly offers something for everyone, with its picturesque desert landscape creating a breathtaking backdrop for all kinds of active as well as spiritual pursuits. They include several formations and various forms of wildlife. Visitors are welcome to browse all the exhibits in their own time with the help of an audio guide or join one of the docent-led tours. The American Southwest is filled to the brim with some of the most iconic and beautiful national parks in the United States. Red Rock Canyon is one of Nevadas treasures and easily missed by those who never venture off The Strip! Enjoy Southwest Ohio's tourist attractions, fests, and events in Cincinnati, Dayton, and small-town destinations, too. You must be careful driving near the resort early as they are prone to cross the road quickly. More than 90 canyons can be reached by boat or kayak.