Who doesn’t love a great sunny outdoor adventure?
The American Southwest is my go-to place when I am looking for some perfect trails to hike or jaw-dropping views to partake. Really not sure why it resonates so strongly with me, but when I plan a trip it seems I always start looking at these beautiful places first. I am always up for an exciting Southwest RV adventure, but remember to research RV accessibility beforehand.
I understand that many people are overwhelmed with the crowds most of these parks draw during peak seasons. It is really all about timing and knowing when to visit certain parks.
First, these destinations are enormous in size.
Second, they offer plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.
Lastly, the beauty of the color palette is pure splendor.
Search landmarks of the American Southwest by state
Search by the state if you know where you will be traveling and are looking for the best places to visit and things to do in the Southwest. Each of the states on our list has uniquely beautiful and breathtaking views you really need to see at least once in your life.
38 American Southwest adventures to see and experience
We will start the list of American Southwest destinations with the state that holds the most National Parks. If you have not guessed we begin in California, boasting 9 National parks and a plethora of great places that need to be seen in person.
There are many other great places besides National Parks to visit, but of course, they do dominate this list of American Southwest stops. So, just sit back and enjoy this great list of Southwest travel destinations you must see to believe.
Landmarks in the American Southwest
California
1. Sequoia National Park / Kings Canyon National Park
Location: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Phone: (559) 565-3341
Website
Sequoia National Park is adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s known for its huge sequoia trees, notably the General Sherman Tree dominating the Giant Forest. The underground Crystal Cave features streams and striking rock formations. Moro Rock is a granite dome offering sweeping park views. Nearby is the Tunnel Tree, a toppled tree cut to accommodate the road.
Please do not ignore Kings Canyon as it provides some of the most scenic views you will ever see. Very tight roads to travel through, but much worth your efforts to get there slot pulsa.
2. Yosemite National Park
Location: Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif.
Phone: (209) 372-0200
Website
Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, lodging, the Yosemite Museum, and the Ansel Adams Gallery, with prints of the photographer’s renowned black-and-white landscapes of the area.
One of the most visited national parks in the Southwest is Yosemite. It is known as the Disneyland of national parks because of its many offerings for families with children. Yes, there are some long lines to wait for it, too. For the adventurous, Yosemite provides a few grueling hikes to challenge the athletic. Evidently, it is not stopping the park goers, as this park sees more tourists than it ever has.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Location: Directly outside of Twenty-nine Palms, CA
Phone: (760) 367-5500
Website
Joshua Tree National Park lies in Southern California, straddling the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. The twisted, bristled Joshua Trees are ubiquitous, and the scenery is rugged, rocky, and desert landscape. Hidden Valley hides many hiking trails through its boulders.
Certainly not the most talked about of the National Parks but is still very deserving of making this list. I loved my time there and the park is filled with some great climbing and hiking opportunities.
4. Golden Gate Bridge
Location: San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 921-5858
Website
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
I suggest taking the double-decker bus tour across the bridge. Sit back, relax and just take in its majestic views. So, even if it is not a National Park it still deserves attention.
While in San Francisco, check out a night trip to Alcatraz or spend the evening on the pier at Bubba Gumps. A ride on the trolley is also a favorite of many visitors.
5. Death Valley National Park
Location: Northern Mojave desert in Eastern California
Phone: (760) 786-3200
Website
Death Valley National Park is best visited before the summer heat arrives in full force. Get up early before the valley floor starts to sizzle, and visit Artist’s Palette, one of the backdrops used in Star Wars when Death Valley stood in for Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine.
After breakfast, head for the park’s high country and hike to the summit of Telescope Peak, looming 11,331 feet above the valley floor’s low point at Badwater (282 feet below sea level). The mountain sees its fair share of winter weather; spring hikes may involve crossing snowfields.
Landmarks in the American Southwest
Utah
When we think of landmarks in the American Southwest region, Utah has some of the most spectacular views you will find. By far my favorite state when it comes to breathtaking scenery in the American Southwest.
Checking things off your stuff to do in the Southwest America bucket list, Utah has plenty.
The next state on our list of American Southwest destinations in Utah. One of my favorite states when it comes to National Parks and just plain old sheer beauty. From one end to the other, this state does not disappoint when it comes to rock formations, color palettes, and views created by the force of nature.
Utah is known for the big 5 National Parks, but this state offers much more for you to experience. Hiking, Off-roading, and rock climbing are just a few of the many activities available to keep you busy. So, as you can see Utah may have the most places in the Southwest that will leave you in awe.
When it comes to American Southwest destinations, Utah will never let you down.
6. Zion National Park
Location: 1 Zion Park Blvd. State Route 9 Springdale, UT 84767
Phone: (435) 772-3256
Website
Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. The Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Also along the river, partly through deep chasms, is the Zion Narrows wading hike.
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Highway 63 Bryce Canyon National Park Bryce, UT 84764
Phone: (435) 834-5322
Website
Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown.
For this reason, Bryce has become one of my favorite National Parks in the USA
8. Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Scenic entrance right outside the city of Torrey, UT 84775
Phone: (435) 425-3791
Website
Capitol Reef National Park is in Utah’s south-central desert. It surrounds a long wrinkle in the earth known as the Water pocket Fold, with layers of golden sandstone, canyons, and striking rock formations.
Among the park’s sights are the Chimney Rock pillar, the Hickman Bridge arch, and Capitol Reef, known for its white sandstone domes. In the north are the towering monoliths of Cathedral Valley.
Also, not one of the most well-known National Parks, but that may be a good thing. Fewer crowds mean more time to enjoy your visit.
9. Arches National Park
Location: Park entrance is right on the outskirts of Moab, UT
Phone: (435) 719-2299
Website
Arches National Park lies north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. A long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devil’s Garden to the north.
Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park.
The Fiery Furnace is a maze-like network of deep slot canyons, featuring a number of rugged areas that require good boots and a fair amount of scurrying and squeezing. It’s worth it: The route is populated by amazing arches and otherworldly landscapes around every corner.
10. Canyonland National Park
Location: Park entrance is right on the outskirts of Moab, UT
Phone: (435) 719-2313
Website
Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah is known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River. Island in the Sky is a huge, flat-topped mesa with panoramic overlooks.
Other notable areas include the towering rock pinnacles known as the Needles, the remote canyons of the Maze, and the Native American rock paintings in Horseshoe Canyon. Whitewater rapids flow through Cataract Canyon
11. Dead Horse Point State Park
Location: Park entrance is right on the outskirts of Moab, UT
Phone: (435) 259-2614
Website
Dead Horse Point State Park is a state park in Utah, featuring a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. The park covers 5,362 acres of high desert at an altitude of 5,900 feet.
This park is not the most popular park in Utah, since they have the big 5 National Parks. Take my word on it though, you don’t want to pass this gem up if in the area. It is my favorite of all the parks in the area. Views for miles and the crowds are easy to navigate due to being next to Arches and Canyonland.
12. Goblin Valley State Park
Location: Goblin Valley Rd, Green River, Utah 84525
Phone: (435) 275-4584
Website
Goblin Valley State Park is a state park in Utah. The park features thousands of hoodoos, referred to locally as goblins, which are formations of mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, some as tall as several yards.
Located along the San Rafael Reef, south of Interstate-70, Goblin Valley State Park is unlike any other place in the world. It captures and bewilders the imagination, challenging you with its geologic whimsy. The landscape, covered with sandstone “goblins” and other fascinating formations, is often compared to Mars.
Study the geology and camp among the nooks and gnomes. Experience this amazing place by hiking, camping, mountain biking, and exploring the surrounding canyons.
13. Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
Location: 745 US-89, Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: (435) 644-1300
Website
The Grand Staircase region of Grand Staircase-Escalante is remote and infrequently visited, but it is spectacular and contains the most extensive network of slot canyons in Utah.
The Escalante Canyons region of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument draws interest year-round for hiking and canyoneering.
The Kaiparowits plateau falls between the Grand Staircase region (to the west) and the Escalante Canyons region (to the northeast). It is separated from the proposed Grand Staircase National Monument by the Paria River.
14. The WAVE – Coyote Buttes
Location: 745 US-89, Kanab, UT 84741
Phone: (435) 644-1300
Website
The Wave is the common point on the map where the world’s geologists, psychedelics, couples taking engagement photos, and Victor Vasarely groupies get together and try to keep their mouths closed. It’s like a hurricane, freeze-framed. If you forget your camera, no one will believe you.
The Wave is in the north section of Coyote Buttes, between Paria Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. Turn off US-89 about halfway between Kanab, Utah, and Page, Arizona — if you can get a hiking permit, that is.
Landmarks of the American Southwest
Arizona
When it comes to attractions in the Southwest, Arizona can definitely hold its own. It is hard to compete when you have the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley in your corner. If you are in search of things to do in the Southwest, Arizona is full of beauty, hiking, camping, and amazing landmarks.
Arizona, a southwestern U.S. state, is best known for the Grand Canyon, the mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River. Flagstaff, a ponderosa pine–covered mountain town, is a major gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Other natural sites include Saguaro National Park, protecting the cactus-filled Sonoran Desert landscape. Tucson is the University of Arizona territory and is home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
This is another state that you can’t go wrong with when in search of American Southwest adventures.
15. Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Located in the state of Arizona, it is 5 miles (8 km) north of the gateway town of Tusayan; 55 miles (89 km) north of Williams, Arizona via SR 64 from I-40; and 80 miles (129 km) north of Flagstaff, Arizona via US 180, the South Entrance Station is the closest entry to the Village on the South Rim.
Phone: (928) 638-7888
Website
One of the most famous national parks in the Southwest is Grand Canyon. Earth does boast longer and deeper canyons, but none is as popular as the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona. The colorful layers of rock provide good study and contemplation for geologists, and the vivid colors and windy canyons are awe-inspiring for tourists.
Eighteen miles wide at some spots and over one mile deep, this canyon houses some of the earth’s oldest rocks. Hiking down to the bottom is a great feat, but do not try it on one day, especially in the typical heat of 110 degrees. A special team of rangers is employed to rescue the dehydrated and heat-exhausted.
16. Havasu Falls
Location: Havasu Falls is a waterfall of Havasu Creek, located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona area.
Phone: (602) 364-3700
Website
Havasu Falls is located 1+1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) from Supai. It is the more famous and most visited of the various falls along Havasu Creek. It consists of one main chute that drops over a 90-to-100-foot (27 to 30 m) vertical cliff into a series of plunge pools. High calcium carbonate concentration in the water creates a vivid blue-green color and forms the natural travertine dams that occur in various places near the falls.
Due to the effects of flash floods, the appearance of Havasu Falls and its plunge pools has changed many times. Prior to the flood of 1910, water flowed in a near continuous sheet, and was known as Bridal Veil Falls. The notch through which water flows first appeared in 1910, and has changed several times since. Water currently flows as one stream. In the past, there were sometimes multiple streams or a continuous flow over the edge.
One of the most photographed spots in the Grand Canyon, the Havasu Waterfalls features 5 different falls, each a unique waterfall in an otherwise incredibly unique and arid desert.
17. Antelope Canyon
Location: Near Page, Arizona – Can only be reached by guided tour
Phone: (602) 364-3700
Website
Navajo Upper Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the American Southwest, on Navajo land east of Lychee, Arizona. It includes five separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon, Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon.
The colors in this canyon change constantly from hour to hour. Each time you look back or turn a corner it will be a new color palette for you to experience.
18. Saguaro National Park
Location: surrounds Tucson, Arizona
Phone: (520) 733-5153
Website
Eastern Tucson melts away into Saguaro National Park’s Rincon District (Saguaro East), featuring a network of trails crisscrossing this desert wilderness. Try the 5.2-mile hike to Bridal Wreath Falls, a seasonal waterfall that flows into a desert oasis surrounded by the park’s namesake cactus.
From the starting point at the Douglas Spring Trailhead (there is a small parking lot at the eastern terminus of Speedway Blvd.), the trail gains nearly 1,000 feet in elevation from the trailhead. Be sure to bring a map and plenty of water on this hike.
19. Monument Valley
Location: Indian, Route 42, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
Phone: (435) 727-5870
Website
Monument Valley, a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, is known for the towering sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The park, frequently a filming location for Western movies, is accessed by the looping, 17-mile Valley Drive. The famous, steeply sloped Mittens buttes can be viewed from the road or from overlooks such as John Ford’s Point.
20. Petrified Forest National Park
Location: Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, about 50 miles from the New Mexico border on Interstate 40
Phone: (928) 524-6228
Website
Petrified Forest National Park is in northeastern Arizona. In its south, the Rainbow Forest is full of colorful petrified wood. It’s home to the Rainbow Forest Museum, with its paleontology exhibits and many trail access points. In the park’s center are the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo. To the north, the Painted Desert Inn, a 1930s adobe building, is a museum with Hopi murals.
21. Painted Desert
Location: Desert of badlands in the Four Corners area, running from near the east end of Grand Canyon National Park and southeast into Petrified Forest National Park. It is most easily accessed from the north portion of Petrified Forest National Park.
Phone: (602) 364-3700
Website
The Painted Desert is a United States desert of badlands in the Four Corners area, running from near the east end of Grand Canyon National Park and southeast into Petrified Forest National Park. It is most easily accessed from the north portion of Petrified Forest National Park
22. Horseshoe Bend
Location: located near the town of Page, Arizona
Phone: (702) 736-7243
Website
Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, United States. It is also referred to as the “east rim of the Grand Canyon.”
Undoubtedly, one of those places you must see in person to take in the full magnitude of its beauty.
23. Coconino National Forest – Cathedral Rock
Location: Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: (928) 527-3600
Website
Cathedral Rock is a natural sandstone butte on the Sedona skyline and one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona, United States.
I remember my first drive coming down the highway into Sedona. I was giddy with so much excitement and could hardly contain myself. The views were breathtaking and I had never seen this part of the country before. The red rocks protruding into the sky every place I turned to look. It was just an amazing experience for me that day.
24. Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Location: City of Chinle, Apache County, Arizona
Phone: (928) 674-5500
Website
Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a vast park in northeastern Arizona, on Navajo tribal lands. Its prominent features include the Spider Rock spire, about 800 feet tall, and towering sandstone cliffs surrounding a verdant canyon. Inhabited by several Native American peoples for millennia, the area is dotted with prehistoric rock art. The White House Ruins and Mummy Cave are remains of ancient Pueblo villages.
25. Meteor Crater
Location: Interstate 40, Exit, 233, Winslow, AZ 86047
Phone: (928) 289-5898
Website
Meteor Crater, or Barringer Crater, is a meteorite impact crater about 37 mi east of Flagstaff and 18 mi west of Winslow in the desert of northern Arizona, United States.
Formed 50,000 years ago when an asteroid plunged through the Earth’s atmosphere and crashed into what would become central Arizona. Because of the crater’s young age and the dry climate Meteor Crater is the best-preserved impact crater on Earth.
No humans were living in the region when the impact occurred. The asteroid was small in astronomical terms just 150 feet (45.7 m) across. Traveling at around 8 miles per second (12.8 kps) the force of the asteroid’s impact on the ground was tremendous. In just a few seconds millions of tons of rock were flipped over and the great chasm was excavated.
Landmarks of the American Southwest
New Mexico
Most don’t think of New Mexico as much when they search for American Southwest destinations. After living here for some time, I can tell you it is full of beautiful places to visit and the stars at night can be down right amazing.
New Mexico is definitely a state you don’t want to overlook when planning a trip out west and below are a few of the reasons why it made it on our list of American Southwest adventures.
26. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Location: Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone: (575) 785-2232
Website
Carlsbad Caverns National Park has the distinction of beauty and rarity both above and below ground. Above ground are deep rocky canyons, desert animals, high ledges of ancient seas, and flowering cacti. Below ground are 120 caves that were formed from the dissolution of limestone by sulfuric acid over many years.
The Aztec Ruins are remnants of the ancient Pueblo people. Huge homes built 900 years ago still stand, allowing visitors to see the original construction materials and imagine the lives of these American Indians.
So, it looks like this is the only park that offers a cave on our list. There must be a good reason that it has made it on here.
27. White Sands National Park
Location: off of Highway US-70 between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces in New Mexico
Phone: (575) 479-6124
Website
White Sands National Park is an American national park located in the state of New Mexico and completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. The park covers 145,762 acres in the Tularosa Basin, including the southern 41% of a 275 sq. mi field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals.
I actually spent a couple of years living about 30 minutes away from White Sands and ran security in the ARMY when they landed the Space Shuttle there in 1982. It is a beautiful place to visit and also a great place to live.
For this reason, it holds that special place in my heart, but still worth all the glory it gets. New Mexico is the real American Southwest.
Landmarks of the American Southwest
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. Nevada is the 7th-most extensive, the 32nd-most populous, and the 9th-least densely populated of the U.S. states.
Another of those American Southwest adventure states will provide plenty of breathtaking views from edge to edge.
28. Great Basin National Park
Location: 100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV 89311
Phone: (775) 234-7331
Website
Great Basin National Park, in eastern Nevada, includes the “wild-west” desert and much of the South Snake Mountains. Tough-guy retreats are often held near the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, and Lehman Caves glisten with stalactites. Desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, is prevalent.
29. Valley of Fire State Park
Location: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040
Phone: (702) 397-2088
Website
Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres located 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.
Surely, that is enough, but there is also great hiking and plenty of petroglyphs to enjoy on top of it.
30. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Location: 1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89161
Phone: (702) 515-5350
Website
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area lies in Nevada’s the Mojave Desert. It’s known for geological features such as towering red sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust Fault, as well as Native American petroglyphs.
Panoramic viewing spots dot the 13-mile Scenic Drive. The sheltered Ice Box Canyon has seasonal waterfalls. To the south, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park features historic buildings and hiking trails.
Landmarks of the American Southwest
Colorado
Colorado, a western U.S. state, has a diverse landscape of arid desert, river canyons, and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which are partly protected by Rocky Mountain National Park. Elsewhere, Mesa Verde National Park features Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.
Perched a mile above sea level, Denver, Colorado’s capital and largest city, features a vibrant downtown area.
Colorado is packed with some of the most scenic of them all, especially if you like to see a little green in the backdrop.
31. Rocky Mountains National Park
Location: In northern Colorado, near the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Phone: (970) 586-1206
Website
Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. It’s known for the Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, drives that pass aspen trees and rivers. The Keyhole Route, a climb crossing vertical rock faces, leads up Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. A trail surrounding Bear Lake offers views of the peaks.
31B. Estes Park
Location: Town located at the base of Rocky Mountains National Park
Website
This could have a spot of its own, but combined with the Rocky Mountain area.
Estes Park is a town in northern Colorado. It’s known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s Trail Ridge Road winds past craggy peaks, forests, and tundra.
Nearby are the wilderness areas of Roosevelt National Forest. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway connects the town to the summit of Prospect Mountain for views over the valley.
32. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Location: Visitor Center 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146
Phone: (719) 378-6395
Website
The tallest dunes in North America are a favorite destination for adrenaline junkies after the snow on Colorado’s ski slopes melts.
Conditions are best in the spring at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve for sand sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and sledding face-first off the top of 750-foot High Dune.
33. Garden of the Gods
Location: 515 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 635-7506
Website
The area now known as the Garden of the Gods was first called Red Rock Corral by the Europeans. Then, in August 1859, two surveyors who helped to set up Colorado City explored the site.
One of the surveyors, M. S. Beach, suggested that it would be a “capital place for a beer garden”. His companion, the young Rufus Cable, awestruck by the impressive rock formations, exclaimed, “Beer Garden! Why,
it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods.” The April 5, 1893 issue of the Colorado Transcript reported, “It was Helen Hunt Jackson, it is said, who named ‘the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.
Again, this is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs Colorado that deserves a visit if you are ever in the area.
34. Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde, CO
Phone: (970) 529-4465
Website
Mesa Verde National Park is in southwest Colorado. It’s known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum has exhibits on ancient Native American culture. Mesa Top Loop Road winds past archaeological sites and overlooks, including Sun Point Overlook with panoramic canyon views. Petroglyph Point Trail has several rock carvings.
Clearly, you can see why this made the list due to its beauty and historical learning benefit.
Landmarks of the American Southwest
Texas
Texas is a state in the South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles, and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2020, it is the second-largest U.S. state by both area and population.
They say everything is bigger in Texas and these American Southwest destinations are here to prove it.
35. Big Bend National Park
Location: Southwest Texas away from most major cities
Phone: (432) 477-2251
Website
One of the last American frontiers, Big Bend National Park in West Texas is just the place for whitewater rafting. In a few days, hike Emory Peak, get a glimpse of the mouth of Santa Elena or Boquillas canyon, and take a day trip rafting the Rio Grande.
36. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Location: Salt Flat, TX 79847
Phone: (915) 828-3251
Website
Some folks say McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the prettiest spot for Texas, and you’d have a hard time arguing with them. Plan to hike here for at least half a day, but if you can, allow a full day for the 10-mile hike round-trip to the Notch for one of the best viewpoints in the vicinity.
The other can’t-miss hike in this remote park is the Guadalupe Peak Trail, ascending nearly 3,000 feet to the highest point in Texas (8,749 feet above sea level) on an 8½-mile hike round-trip.
37. Colorado Bend State Park
Location: 2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend, TX 76824
Phone: (325) 628-3240
Website
Colorado Bend State Park has an impressive 32+ miles of beautiful trails, but any hike at this park isn’t finished until you pay a visit to Gorman Falls. The Wild Cave Tours reveal what’s underneath the park, and educate visitors on its geology and history.
38. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Location: 1629 Park Rd 59 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Phone: (254) 897-4588
Website
Dinosaur Valley State Park has more than earned its name. When the water in the Paluxy River is low enough, you can see imprints of dinosaur tracks left millions of years ago. There are maps laying out the five main track site areas in the park, with explanations of species that left them. There are more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and one pristine swimming hole.
Follow the river as you play in the water, and see what might lay beneath your feet. Imagine running across whatever made these prints millions of years ago.
American Southwest: The Ultimate Guide to must-see places
Conclusion
As you have noticed from my many blogs about American Southwest destinations to visit, explore, and camp, I am partial to it. I think it is just the sheer size of the rock formations and the color palette of the landscape that always amazes me.
It just makes me feel so small and puts me in my place in this beautiful and amazing world we live in.
If you have not been to some of the places on my list, you really need to build an itinerary and go visit them. I can assure you that once you do it won’t be your last visit out to the great American Southwest. Hope to see you out on the trail!
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