The park's visitor center features nature exhibits housed within Spanish Pueblo-style ranger buildings. The city, which is located just half an hour from the United States-Mexico border, thrived throughout the mid-19th century, once home to 110 saloons, 14 gambling halls, three newspapers, and a number of infamous brothels and dance houses. A short loop of just over 2 miles will take you through strands of cacti and eventually onto an overlook of the stunning Catalina Mountains range. Red Rock is located far away from the touristy, congested Uptown area. Location: Zion National Park (just outside of Springdale, Utah). The Narrows, a gorge with walls a thousand feet tall and the river, sometimes 20 to 30 feet wide, is one of the parks highlights. The zoo is the only zoo in North America that labels exhibits in the traditional Navajo indigenous language, operated as part of the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. As this type of cactus is only native to the Sonoran Desert, its a rare sight, and thus, definitely a worthy addition to your national park bucket list. Be on the look out for interesting programs throughout the year including a guided stargazing walk! More than 100 show caves dot the park's 46,000-acre landscape, which is traversed by gorgeous hiking trails. This wooden trestle was built in 1899 by theAlamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railroad to access lumber in the forest. The Painted Desert is a mesmerizing area of colorful buttes & badlands, encompassing a massive 93,000 acre span in the Four Corners region, stretching from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified National Forest. But its the street art that really makes it stand out. 3198 State Rte 2001, Alamogordo, NM 88310, Phone: 575-437-2840, Free points of interest close to me: Best Places to Visit in USA, Frankfort, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Cadillac, CA Hot Springs. We also are wanting to explore more of the states of Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico! Location:About a half hour outside of Tucson, Fee: $25 per vehicle, $15 per person/bike. Western Spirit - Scottsdale's Museum of the West Western Spirit - Scottsdale's Museum of the West A very small town a few hours outside of Taos/Santa Fe with not much to offer, however we found ourselves close by and thoroughly enjoyed our time! One of the best ways to soak in the unique scenery of the Sonoran Desert is by taking a narrated cruise aboard the Desert Belle. Groer Osser. Boasting the likes of Kinsale, Clonakilty, Kenmare, Killarney, and Dingle, to name but a few, the Counties of Cork and Kerry have become synonymous friendly, welcoming atmospheres, vibrant nightlife, and stunning scenery. From hiking in the cool summer months, to spring bike riding, to cross country skiing after a big winter storm, this park is the perfect place for any outdoor lover. The most scenic portion of the trail (passage 34 The San Fran Peaks a 35 mile section of the trail) can be accessed via an area known as Aspen Corner. Nearby Havasupai Falls Campground offers primitive overnight accommodations. Red Rock Canyon is one of Nevadas treasures and easily missed by those who never venture off The Strip! Setting your alarm clock super early will ensure that you beat both the crowds and the heat! Despite the crowds and oftentimes insane wait to get in, the trail is incredibly scenic, peaceful, and the perfect shady escape from the heat of the desert. Pro Tip: Arrive early at the park (ideally before 10:00 am) during the busy season (May-September) to avoid sitting in the long line of cars at the entry. Follow our Southwest Road Trip Board on Pinterest for more ideas for your next adventure! Expert opinion: Where should I go this weekend for fun? Buffalo Park is a beautiful year-round recreational park in Flagstaff, Arizona. If you are looking for something a bit easier you can opt to skip the loop in favor of the 2 mile out-and back to Bear Jaw, which will still be pretty difficult, but nothing as strenuous and time consuming as the 4-5 hour full loop. Here Are Our Essential Tips For Waking Up Early For Sunrise. Thus, this one is best suited for advanced hikers. If you are looking to keep it relatively easy without sacrificing the jaw dropping red rock views, look no further than the Teacup trail, named as so for its unique standout rock formation. Hiking and mountain biking are the most commonly enjoyed summer activities throughout the forest. We went through so many State and National Parks!! We would love to pass through again. Red Rock State Park is a hidden gem in the red rock wonderland of Sedona. This is one of the best spots in the Peaks to see black bears. While the summers can be quite dry, sunny, and plain miserable with months of unending 100+ temps in most areas, the rest of the year is pretty moderate. Make sure you download the#1 camping app, The Dyrt! 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. Thus, you can easily get lost in nature. You guys have me craving a Southwest road trip after seeing all of these beautiful photos! Arches is another very unique destination where youll find balanced rocks teetering on pedestals and more than 2,000 sandstone arches framing the sky with peek-a-boo windows as well as fascinating formations dotted across this colorful landscape of fiery red, brilliant orange, an array of purples, pinks, browns and even shades of aquamarine. 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. Ashcroft Townsite preserves the remains of a prominent 19th-century mining site near the city of Aspen, Colorado, originally developed in 1880 by prospectors Charles B. Culver and W.F. This unique park is located in Payson, Arizona, a small town in the central portion of the state. The drive is peaceful and far away from any civilization, so really the perfect place to enjoy uninterrupted nature. You should do it! This is easily one of the most picturesque hikes in Sedona, which is no easy feat in an area loaded with top notch trails. The well-preserved Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings are the most intriguing. Im so happy we could inspire you Greg! The park's North Rim offers more secluded lodges and campgrounds, along with access to areas like the Yavapai Observation Station. If you are in the vicinity, its worth a ride for the spectacular panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Hands down, Catalina is one of the best places to hike in Southern Arizona due to the beautiful mountain scenery, abundance of cacti plants, and secluded trails. The road to get to the trailhead is very rough (4WD recommended), however, this hike is worth any hassle. Come to this park to hike through this amazing natural phenomenon! This colorful, historic mining town, nestled a mile up in southeastern Arizonas Mule Mountains, is a funky artists haven filled with Victorian homes that are perched precariously on steep hillsides. Utah's Zion National Park offers some of the most beautiful vistas and hiking opportunities in the southwest, with spectacular rock formations, towering cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, valleys and deserts all just waiting to be explored. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Western Spirit - Scottsdales Museum of the West, The American International Rattlesnake Museum, Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park, The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Western Spirit - Scottsdales Museum of the West, The American International Rattlesnake Museum, The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park, The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 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. The Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and the famous Shenandoah Valley of Virginia are also hot spots for those looking forward to a few days on the slopes. Amid its sprawling vineyards, you'll find welcoming cellar doors, award-winning restaurants, local providores and distilleries just waiting to be discovered. After your tour, you can choose some uniquely Western gifts in the Museum Store. This includes all 5 of the Utah National Parks, iconic monuments, amazing hikes, and vast open awesomeness. White Sands is one of the most fascinating places to put on your Western bucket list. Here, you will find strange and beautiful round rock formations, lots of climbers and most important FREE CAMPING! (Hey, maybe thats why the most popular section of the park is called Island in the Sky?). More info on Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Its main gorges include the 26-mile long Canyon de Chelly as well as the adjoining 35-mile Canyon del Muerto, made up of sheer, heavily eroded sandstone walls rising dramatically over the valleys below. Arches National Park. Read More: Packing For Utah with Paige Denim. Youll see beautifully painted murals, vehicles that have been transformed using a glue gun and a strange array of plastic figures, mosaic walls created with broken tiles and a kaleidoscope of glass bottles as well as artwork hanging on walls for which the rest of the house is missing. Location: 30 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona on Hwy 180. The park is home to over 300 known caves, with more discovered every year. Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! Today, visitors can explore the National Register of Historic Places-listed ghost town and its spectacularly-preserved structures, including its meticulously laid-out city streets and historic courthouse. The steep nature of the hike and high elevation combine to make this one of the areas harder hikes. Arizona is large enough to fit all of New England plus the State of Pennsylvania inside of it. 930 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: 480-686-9539, Things to do near me today: Sarasota, From Boston, OR, NC, From Houston, NJ, GA. Credit. 5. West Fork is a tranquil trail running along the perennial Oak Creek near Sedona, Arizona. Great post! Scenery is drop dead gorgeous for the entirety of the 14 mile drive. Eons of wind and rain carved the gargantuan red-sandstone monoliths into fascinating formations, many of which jut hundreds of feet above the desert floor in a scene thats remained untouched for centuries. 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, Phone: 702-397-2088, Things to do near me today: AZ RV, AL, CA, USA Beach RV, FL, ID, Best Beaches, Beaches in Greece, Queens NY, Day trips from NYC, Hyannis, Mystic, Lake Erie Beaches, Gulfport Beaches. I find it so helpful. Beyond the . Winter is basically completely isolated (especially after a snowstorm), however, the water level may limit how far you can go out. Tombstone is a delightful town in southeastern Arizona that is known throughout the United States for its Old West-related attractions, including the famed O.K. Read More: Conquer Zions Dangerous Angels Landing Hike. Fortunately, it is open to the public for hiking from 4am-10pm. Capitol Reef National Park. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U.S., with more than 4,500 found within its boundaries, including Cliff Palace which contains 150 rooms, 23 kivas and once had a population of roughly 100. PO Box 1086, Holloman AFB, NM 88330, Phone: 575-479-6124, Book your trip, what's near me: Chelsea, Bookstores, Texas Camping, NH Day Trips, Spearfish, St. Helena Island, Gallatin. Taos Pueblo in New Mexico Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) Grand Canyon National Park South Rim (Arizona) Monument Valley in Utah Hiking the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park (Utah) Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona Sunset at White Sands National Monument (New Mexico) Inside Upper Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona The ancient Sinagua lived here approx. 2. 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. Must-do activities include hiking Angels Landing, The Narrows, and taking the shuttle for the entire scenic road. depending on how far you want to go out on any particular day. However, the best way to fully take in the scenery is via a hike. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the country there are few others on earth where you can find a landscape that is as dramatically colorful. The Southwestern US is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, making this region of the country a prime place to plan an adventurous, active, outdoorsy vacation. Location: Oak Creek Canyon, in between Flagstaff and Sedona in between milepost 384 and 385. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. More places we like: Cincinnati, MD, OR Beaches, HI, Indoor Amusement Parks, Things to Do in Gatlinburg, WI, Orlando, Texas Beaches. This one is jam packed with red rock views although it does not offer the respite from the heat, nor the leafy trees and swimming holes of Oak Creek. 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. Gorgeous mountain vistas (including Four Peaks the highest point in the Phoenix metro area at 7659 ft) and plentiful wildlife sightings (a rare jaguar was actually sighted here a while back) will make the hour and a half cruise fly by. 07 of 10. Not only do you get to see 3 waterfalls, but you also get to cross the tranquil Virgin River at several Points. Honyebee Canyon is a gorgeous hiking area in Oro Valley, a suburb located just north of Tucson. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is America's primary resource for nuclear history and science, located in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Arizona Snowbowl, a large and very popular ski resort in Northern Arizona, offers a picturesque summer chairlift ride up to the coolest place in Arizona. As you begin your high altitude lift from 7000 feet all the way up to 11,500 feet gazing down at all the towering pine trees, its really hard to believe that you are still in Arizona! 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. Both easily accessed via a short day trip. Want More Beautiful Hikes? This drive begins near the rolling cacti covered hills of Tucson and ends in a forest of ponderosa pines. The peace and quiet out here in the middle of nowhere in the southern New Mexico desert alone is enough to justify looking into this trail. If you visit outside of the summer season, you will enjoy a more natural experience. The more difficult of the 2 trails, the Island, involves a 200+ stair climb where you not only pass more than 20 cliff dwellings, but you will also be treated to amazing overlooks of this massive 400 foot deep, 1/4 mile wide canyon. It is the home of the International Space Hall of Fame, which honors the most influential astronauts, space tech developers, and other international figures connected to the fields of astronomy and space flight. Here you will be treated to a gorgeous view of San Francisco Peaks and Sunset Crater, and if you time your visit right, thousands of yellow wildflowers. The Jim and Lauris Phillips Center for the Study of Southwestern Jewelry showcases the world's largest collection of Navajo and Pueblo jewelry. Visitors can stand atop it, or hike down below to capture the true glory of this geologic wonder. It serves as a highway to adventure, allowing visitors to see sights that were virtually unknown in the days before the lake was created a half-century ago. Dripping Springs is a gorgeous trail right outside of Las Cruces, New Mexico. But dont just peer over the rim, for an up-close-and-personal look, consider taking a mule ride down to the bottom. 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