The American Southwest | USA Holidays | Discover North America

The American Southwest Overview

This vast region spans a playground of thrilling landscapes – with deserts, towering sand monoliths, winding rivers, and red rock canyons at every turn. Gaze across Utah’s giant rock arches and vertiginous canyons, the cactus lands of Arizona and Navajo cliff dwellings, New Mexico’s stark white sand dunes and caves, all peppered with old west towns and the endless sagebrush of Nevada. This is the land of the world-famous Grand Canyon and of Wild West ghost towns like Tombstone and Jerome. Here can gaze upon natural wonders that date back millions of years, soak up the captivating beauty of the many national parks, explore colourful Las Vegas and its iconic hotels and then head to the panoramic vistas and blissfully secluded retreats of Arizona, Utah and Nevada.

The American Southwest is a patchwork of extreme desert landscapes and iconic National Parks such as Zion, and Bryce Canyon– all of which are kingdoms of amazing scenery and diverse wildlife – such as marmots, mule deer, wolves and black bears – while iconic landmarks such as Monument Valley offer unforgettable views. The region’s national parks are some of the most visited in the United States. Arches National Park in Utah is scattered with over 2,000 soaring natural stone arches. Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico combines rocky slopes and swooping canyons with an underground treasure of 119 limestone caves. Great Basin National Park in Nevada boasts mountain vistas, desert solitude and the most spectacular of night skies. And the most famous of them all, Grand Canyon National Park stretches in awe-inspiring scale and beauty across the Colorado Plateau in Arizona.

An American Southwest holiday wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Grand Canyon. This 2 billion year-old wonder spans an incredible 200 miles across northern Arizona and is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Here you can hike to the deepest depths, glimpse the spectacular view from helicopter and try out Grand Canyon water rafting. A fly drive Grand Canyon tour is a great way to venture out to this fantastic location, and you can stop off at the must-see Hoover Dam and Route 66’s quirky town of Seligman on the way.

Everything is just a little bit hotter in America’s Southwest; summer temperatures in the desert regularly top 100 degrees and the local cuisine is spiced with plenty of fiery chillies. Mornings and late afternoons are the ideal time to appreciate the staggering beauty of the landscapes. The region features many fascinating corners of limitless beauty, unforgettable experiences and colourful multicultural heritage and history. It is the place to go for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation. For those who love the great outdoors, no other region can offer so much excitement and fulfilment. With plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking, white water rafting, camping, star gazing, rock climbing and endless scenic drives – there’s something for everyone.

And the outdoor attractions don’t end there. Scottsdale is a golfing Mecca with over 200 courses and 330 days of sunshine annually. For the adventurous, there’s also skiing and water sports in Lake Tahoe or hot-air ballooning in Albuquerque. In fact, if you come during October, you’ll be treated to visual spectacle of Albuquerque’s annual International Balloon Fiesta. You can also truly immerse yourself in Native American culture in the South West states with the rock paintings at Canyon du Chelly and the guided Navajo tours of Monument Valley among the highlights.

If it’s history and multiculturalism you’re after, there’s plenty of surprise in store. Hidden among the mountains are ancient cliff side dwellings, petroglyphs and rock carvings, while the Old West lives on in old mining towns, such as Tombstone. The American Southwest is also home to descendants of Native American tribes who live on in pueblos and reservations. Clients looking to get a real feel for the Native American culture can find one of the largest collections of pueblo dwellings in Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. The Ancient Sky City of Acoma Pueblo is another gem. This village spans 70 acres and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in America.

The American Southwest is the ultimate getaway for anyone looking for an adventure of a lifetime and is the perfect backdrop to a perfectly tailored road-trip. We offer all types of holidays in The American Southwest, which can be tailor-made to suit your interests, timeframe and budget. Whether your interest is in visiting the national parks on an independent self-drive, hiking the epic landscapes on a organised walking holiday, or marvelling at the scenery on an escorted tour, we can help you experience The American Southwest in a way that suits you.

The American Southwest Highlights

Grand Canyon

Standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon looking out over the endless ridges of colorful cliff walls and deep ravines, it’s impossible not to be inspired by this natural wonder. The canyon walls glow in the late afternoon sun, revealing hues of orange, red, yellow, and everything in between. One of the biggest attractions in America, and certainly in the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is nothing less than spectacular.

Monument Valley

One of the most iconic images of the Southwest are the sandstone buttes that dominate Monument Valley. This area, straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, includes jagged rock formations, stone spires and buttes, and sand dunes.

Las Vegas

Considered the most entertainment filled two and a half miles in the entire world, the Las Vegas Strip glitters and glows with massive resorts, hotels, theatres, restaurants, and gardens.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park, less than a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, features some of Utah’s most outstanding scenery, with red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. Many of the park’s most impressive sites are found in Zion Canyon, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which follows the valley floor.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is Utah’s version of the Grand Canyon, without the crowds. The park has three sections, but the main portion, which attracts the majority of sightseers, is Island in the Sky. This area offers incredible vistas looking out over carved canyons and beyond to the snow-capped mountains. It is arguably as impressive as the Grand Canyon in its own unique way, and far less visited.

Moab

For outdoor adventures in the Southwest, it’s hard to beat the town of Moab. As the closest town to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, this area offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, off-road adventures, and more. The rolling petrified dunes and surrounding mountains provide breathtaking scenery and offer a playground for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.

Best Time to Visit The American Southwest

Arizona and New Mexico have a dry climate that is very hot and sunny between July and September while in winter; between November and March, there are pleasantly warm days and cold nights. The mountains are delightful to visit in July and August and although temperatures can get remarkably high; the Grand Canyon in particular gets very hot, often around 35°C (95°F). The national parks, particularly the Grand Canyon gets very busy during the summer months so are best visited in May, June, September or October.