Did you know that the American Southwest contains the highest concentration of national parks in the United States? This region is a place where the earth opens up to show deep history through colorful layers of rock and sand. You can stand on the edge of a mile deep canyon in the morning and walk through a forest of stone trees by the afternoon.
The Southwest offers a variety of environments, from hot deserts and high mountains to some of the darkest skies you can find for stargazing. You will see wildlife like bighorn sheep and golden eagles while you drive along iconic roads. If you want to camp under the stars or stay in a luxury lodge, these parks provide plenty of space for hiking and photography.
The Red Rocks & Giants of Arizona
Arizona is home to some of the most recognizable landscapes on the planet. Grand Canyon National Park is the crown jewel, where the Colorado River flows through a massive gorge that stretches for 277 miles. You can hike down to the river or simply enjoy the view from the rim. If you fly in, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or Las Vegas (LAS) are your best options.
Further east, Petrified Forest National Park showcases ancient logs that turned into solid quartz over millions of years – this park feels like a different planet because of the colorful hills in the Painted Desert. In the southern part of the state, Saguaro National Park protects the largest cacti in the nation – these plants can grow as tall as a four story building and live for over 150 years.
Exploring the Mighty Five in Utah
Utah is famous for its “Mighty Five” parks, which are close enough to each other for an incredible road trip. Zion National Park features massive sandstone cliffs that glow pink and red, while Bryce Canyon is full of hoodoos, which are thin spires of rock that look like a stone forest. Many travelers use Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to reach these destinations.
Arches & Canyonlands are both located near the town of Moab. You can see over 2 000 natural stone arches in Arches National Park, while Canyonlands offers vast views of canyons carved by the Green besides Colorado rivers. Capitol Reef is the most quiet of the five, where you can walk through a massive wrinkle in the earth’s crust.
Top Activities in Utah
- Hiking the Narrow canyons in Zion.
- Photographing the sunrise at Delicate Arch.
- Driving the scenic loop in Capitol Reef.
Ancient History & Deep Gorges in Colorado
Colorado provides a mix of high altitude beauty and human history. Mesa Verde National Park is unique because it protects the homes of Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in dwellings built into the cliffs. You can climb ladders to see the stone rooms up close. The closest major airport is Denver International (DEN), though smaller regional airports are nearby.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is famous for its vertical walls that drop steeply into the river below. The canyon is so narrow and deep that parts of the floor only receive 33 minutes of sunlight each day – this park is perfect if you want to avoid crowds and see dramatic rock formations that are among the oldest in North America.
White Sands & Deep Caves in New Mexico
New Mexico is often called the Land of Enchantment because of its strange and beautiful geography. White Sands National Park features the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The sand is bright white and feels cool to the touch, making it a great place for sledding down the hills. El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the most convenient gateway for these sites.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park takes you deep underground – You can walk through massive rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites that look like melted wax. At sunset, thousands of Brazilian free tailed bats fly out of the cave entrance to hunt for insects.
What to bring to New Mexico
- A high quality camera for the white dunes.
- Plenty of water, even in the caves.
- A light jacket, as the underground temperature stays around 56 degrees.
Finding High Altitudes & Solitude in Nevada
Great Basin National Park is one of the least visited parks in the system, which makes it a great spot if you want peace and quiet. It is home to Wheeler Peak, which stands over 13 000 feet high. You can find ancient bristlecone pine trees here that are over 4 000 years old.
The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park – Because there are no big cities nearby, the stars are exceptionally bright at night. You can see the Milky Way with your bare eyes. To get here, you will likely fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and drive about four to five hours north.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Southwest?
Spring and fall are the best times because the temperatures are mild. Summers can be extremely hot in the desert, while winters may bring snow to the higher elevations in Utah or Colorado.
Do I need a car to visit these parks?
Yes, a car is necessary – These parks are far apart and public transportation between them is very limited. Renting a car at the airport gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Should I buy a park pass?
If you plan to visit more than three parks, you should buy the “America the Beautiful” pass. It costs 80 dollars and gives you access to all national parks for one full year.