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12 Must-See Places in the American Southwest

The United States has so much to explore that we had to narrow our list down to a region! Here are 12 must-see places in the American Southwest.

Must-see places in the American Southwest

Christina and I have had a love affair with the American Southwest since the beginning of our relationship. The American Southwest was the first trip that we took together. We rented a car in Las Vegas and drove through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Every day was a new adventure of the must-see places in the American Southwest. And each day whet our appetite for what we would be experiencing next.

How To Start Your Tour of the Best Places in the American Southwest

Although you can easily start an American Southwest road trip from many places in Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah, if you are flying in from outside the region or outside the country, usually the most economical launch point for the southwest is in Las Vegas, Nevada. Family tourism in Vegas is booming, and because of that, there are often great low-cost flights into Las Vegas.

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We’ve been lucky enough to go back to the southwest a few times and can’t wait to go back and see even more! So without further ado, here are 12 must-see places in the American Southwest!

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area is just 24 km (15 miles) from the Las Vegas strip. The park features amazing red rock cliffs up to 900 m high! The area is popular with hikers, many of whom climb to the peak of La Madre Mountain (2,485 m high).

Red cliffs and mountains framed through desert leaves - things to see in the American Southwest

Valley of Fire State Park

The oldest park in Nevada, Valley of Fire State park was first established in 1968. The park has brilliant red sandstone rock formations that appear to be ablaze when lit by the setting sun. Located just 80 km (50 miles) from Las Vegas, Nevada, Valley of Fire State Park is a great addition to any road trip through the American Southwest.

A natural rock formation resembling an elephant in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, near Springvale, Utah hosts Zion Canyon, which is an epic 24 km long and 800 m deep! Some of the greatest hikes in Zion National Park include the hike up to the Angels Landing overlook, hiking through the river in the Narrows and immersing yourself in the Subway, a slot canyon with circular walls.

United States - Utah - Zion National Park

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Designated as a National Monument in 1996, Grand Staircase-Escalante is a relatively young National Monument but covers the largest land area at almost 1.9 million acres. The area features incredible landscape features such as Devils Arch, Wills Creek, and Spooky Gulch.

An arch high up in beige cliffs in Grande Escalante National Monument, Utah - things to see in the American Southwest

Bryce Canyon National Park

Situated in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is not actually a canyon at all. Bryce Canyon stands out rather, due to its amazing hoodoos or tall stone towers. Erosion and weathering through time formed the towers. It makes for an incredibly unique landscape. With lots of hiking trails and incredible seasonal changes to the views, surprisingly Bryce Canyon National Park receives relatively few visitors each year. The lack of visitors is due mostly to its remote location.

A field of towering red rocks in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah - things to see in the American Southwest

 Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona. It is separated into upper Antelope Canyon and lower Antelope canyon. The sandy bottom and colorful walls make for amazing shafts of light when the midday sun breaks through the holes in the roof of the canyons. If you are looking for some must see places in the American Southwest, make sure Antelope Canyon is on your list!

a shaft of light beams down over a the sandy bottom of a slot canyon - things to see in the American Southwest

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is part of the Colorado River. It’s located near Page, Arizona, and is an easy visit in combination with Antelope Canyon. Visiting the bend requires a 2.4 km hike from Route 89. The overlook is about 300 m above the river offering an amazing panoramic of Horseshoe bend.

The green Colorado River bends around a tall red rock cliff in Utah - things to see in the American Southwest

Sedona and Red Rock State Park

With its incredible red sandstone mountains, Red Rock State Park in Arizona hosts some of the most breathtaking things to see in the American Southwest. The sleepy town of Sedona is an artist’s paradise as well and worth a visit for some cultural growth.

The setting sun lights up the rocky cliffs of Sedona Utah with brilliant colours - things to see in the American Southwest

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is filled with incredibly preserved cliff dwellings located near Camp Verde, Arizona. Early Americans named the site for the Aztec emperor Montezuma. However, it was the Sinagua people who built the houses on the site between 500-900 years ago.

Native dwellings are carved into the cliff face at Montezuma's Castle in Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

Located in Northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It covers an incredible area of over 1.2 million acres! Grand Canyon National Park is one of the few places we’ve seen that are absolutely incapable of being captured in its full glory in a photograph. It is simply larger than life. This park is truly one of those destinations that must make it on every US bucket list.

The Colorado river is a shining blue amidst the multi-hued rocks of the Grand Canyon - things to see in the American Southwest

These are just a few of the countless amazing locations in the American Southwest. If you’ve explored this amazing region of the United States, we would love to hear about your must-see places in the American Southwest!

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12 amazing things to see in the American Southwest

Pam Avoledo

Monday 7th of August 2017

I love the colors of the Horeshoe Bend. Mother Nature creates such beautiful landscapes.

Kevin Wagar

Wednesday 16th of August 2017

Those words are so true! Nature is a painting that is never complete.

Indrani

Thursday 29th of September 2016

Amazing creations of Mother Nature! I haven't got to that part of continent yet. But I am dreaming to so I should be able to visit some day!

Mags

Monday 22nd of August 2016

I love the American Southwest. My family used to vacation in New Mexico when I was a kid. I really need to get back there.

Dave Shultz

Thursday 18th of August 2016

I'm not sure Montezuma's Castle should be on this list. You can't get anywhere near the ruins but can only view it from far below on a short trail at the visitors center. It was very disappointing.

Kevin Wagar

Saturday 20th of August 2016

Thanks for your thoughts Dave. Yes, we weren't able to enter the ruins at Montezuma Castle, but I believe the unique view of the cliffside dwellings are pretty unique and amazing. A short walking distance away is Montezuma's well which has some spectacular views of it's own and you are able to enter those ruins.

Sue Reddel

Monday 1st of August 2016

I absolutely adore this post! I have a dream of driving a Winnebago to all the National Parks and many of them are in the southwest. I've only been to two on your list so I better get going.