last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in the American West
Location Map of American West
American West
Open the interactive map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the twenty or so American sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the region has the most, with seven, particularly in New Mexico.
New Mexico:
Chaco Canyon (1987)
A collection of 3,600 sites belonging to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A collection of 3,600 sites belonging to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (1995)
A collection of 83 caves, some of impressive dimensions. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A collection of 83 caves, some of impressive dimensions. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taos Pueblo (1992)
These are adobe dwellings and ceremonial sites of the Pueblo Indians. The site is the most famous of all the pueblos in New Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These are adobe dwellings and ceremonial sites of the Pueblo Indians. The site is the most famous of all the pueblos in New Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other states:
Grand Canyon in Arizona (1979)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most visited (and spectacular!) places in the American West. You can also hike or horseback ride here, as well as go rafting.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most visited (and spectacular!) places in the American West. You can also hike or horseback ride here, as well as go rafting.
Glacier National Park in Montana (1995)
A stunning mountain park that extends into Canada, where you can explore glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and forests teeming with diverse plant and animal species (grizzly bears, moose, lynx). Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities here.
A stunning mountain park that extends into Canada, where you can explore glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and forests teeming with diverse plant and animal species (grizzly bears, moose, lynx). Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities here.
Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado (1978)
4,400 Pueblo Indian sites have been recorded in this UNESCO-listed archaeological park.
4,400 Pueblo Indian sites have been recorded in this UNESCO-listed archaeological park.
Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Wyoming (1978)
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
Arizona
Biosphere 2
This experimental site aims to replicate an artificial ecological system in a closed environment.
This experimental site aims to replicate an artificial ecological system in a closed environment.
Flagstaff
The city offers a few museums and numerous outdoor sports activities in the surrounding area, as well as easy access to the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, and various Native American sites.
The city offers a few museums and numerous outdoor sports activities in the surrounding area, as well as easy access to the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, and various Native American sites.
Four Corners
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
Hopi Mesas
The Hopi Indian Reservation formed around three "mesas," each home to several villages, some dating back to the late 17th century.
The Hopi Indian Reservation formed around three "mesas," each home to several villages, some dating back to the late 17th century.
Navajo National Monument
Located in Navajo Nation, this site features Native American cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century.
Located in Navajo Nation, this site features Native American cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century.
Page
This small town typically serves as a base for exploring Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and even the Grand Canyon.
This small town typically serves as a base for exploring Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and even the Grand Canyon.
Homolovi State Park
These are Native American ruins with hiking and horseback riding opportunities in the surrounding area.
These are Native American ruins with hiking and horseback riding opportunities in the surrounding area.
Phoenix
Just a few parks and museums worth seeing on the edge of Arizona’s capital, which mostly serves as an air arrival point for the region.
Just a few parks and museums worth seeing on the edge of Arizona’s capital, which mostly serves as an air arrival point for the region.
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
Sedona
A small artists' town set against a backdrop of red rocks. It also serves as a base for numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
A small artists' town set against a backdrop of red rocks. It also serves as a base for numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Scottsdale
Not far from Phoenix, the city has recently become a trendy luxury destination with its nightlife, golf courses, spas, boutiques, and art galleries.
Not far from Phoenix, the city has recently become a trendy luxury destination with its nightlife, golf courses, spas, boutiques, and art galleries.
Tombstone
The quintessential Wild West town, both in its historic downtown buildings and its many period-costume reenactments.
The quintessential Wild West town, both in its historic downtown buildings and its many period-costume reenactments.
Tucson
More than the city itself, it’s the surrounding area—ideal for outdoor activities—that makes it worth visiting.
More than the city itself, it’s the surrounding area—ideal for outdoor activities—that makes it worth visiting.
Wupatki National Monument
An archaeological site featuring numerous ruins of Native American dwellings, some dating back to the 12th century.
An archaeological site featuring numerous ruins of Native American dwellings, some dating back to the 12th century.
Natural Heritage
Antelope Canyon
One of the most visited sites in the American West. This highly photogenic slot canyon can only be explored on guided tours lasting one to two hours.
One of the most visited sites in the American West. This highly photogenic slot canyon can only be explored on guided tours lasting one to two hours.
Canyon de Chelly
Located in the heart of a Navajo reservation, it is one of the most beautiful canyons in the region, with cliffs reaching up to 300 metres high.
Located in the heart of a Navajo reservation, it is one of the most beautiful canyons in the region, with cliffs reaching up to 300 metres high.
Chiricahua National Monument
This is a natural site known for its rock formations and hiking opportunities.
This is a natural site known for its rock formations and hiking opportunities.
Grand Canyon
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most visited (and spectacular!) places in the American West. You can also hike or horseback ride here, as well as go rafting.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most visited (and spectacular!) places in the American West. You can also hike or horseback ride here, as well as go rafting.
Lake Mead
On the border between Nevada and Arizona, not far from Las Vegas, this is the artificial lake created by the Hoover Dam. You can go boating and enjoy various water activities here.
On the border between Nevada and Arizona, not far from Las Vegas, this is the artificial lake created by the Hoover Dam. You can go boating and enjoy various water activities here.
Lake Powell
Located in both Arizona and Utah, it’s a popular spot for its stunning landscapes. It’s also home to Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural arch, measuring 84 m long and 90 m high.
Located in both Arizona and Utah, it’s a popular spot for its stunning landscapes. It’s also home to Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural arch, measuring 84 m long and 90 m high.
Meteor Crater
This site is the impact point of a meteorite that crashed here 50,000 years ago. Today, it’s a fairly popular tourist attraction.
This site is the impact point of a meteorite that crashed here 50,000 years ago. Today, it’s a fairly popular tourist attraction.
Superstition Mountains
Close to Phoenix, where they serve as a recreational area, these mountains are renowned for their landscapes, trekking, and climbing.
Close to Phoenix, where they serve as a recreational area, these mountains are renowned for their landscapes, trekking, and climbing.
Monument Valley
Located in Navajo territory straddling the Arizona-Utah border and immortalised by countless Western films, this is perhaps the most recognisable site in the American West, with its unique geomorphological formations.
Located in Navajo territory straddling the Arizona-Utah border and immortalised by countless Western films, this is perhaps the most recognisable site in the American West, with its unique geomorphological formations.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
This vast desert territory is home to towering cacti amid stunning landscapes. Hiking is also possible here.
This vast desert territory is home to towering cacti amid stunning landscapes. Hiking is also possible here.
Painted Desert
This is a desert region known for the multiple colors of its rocks, due in part to the high presence of iron and manganese in the soil.
This is a desert region known for the multiple colors of its rocks, due in part to the high presence of iron and manganese in the soil.
Petrified Forest National Park
Desert landscapes and, above all, thousands of fossilized tree trunks. You can hike or ride on horseback here.
Desert landscapes and, above all, thousands of fossilized tree trunks. You can hike or ride on horseback here.
Saguaro National Park
Located in the Sonoran Desert, this park is home to giant cacti known as saguaros. Hiking is available here.
Located in the Sonoran Desert, this park is home to giant cacti known as saguaros. Hiking is available here.
The Wave
Famous for its wave-like sandstone formations (access is by lottery due to its popularity), The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near the Utah border. It is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, where hiking is a popular activity.
Famous for its wave-like sandstone formations (access is by lottery due to its popularity), The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near the Utah border. It is part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, where hiking is a popular activity.
Colorado
Breckenridge
This popular and tourist-friendly town is a ski resort in winter and a hiking area in summer.
This popular and tourist-friendly town is a ski resort in winter and a hiking area in summer.
Canyons of the Ancients
This is the largest archaeological site in North America, with over 6,000 recorded Native American structures.
This is the largest archaeological site in North America, with over 6,000 recorded Native American structures.
Colorado Springs
The second-largest urban area in Colorado offers numerous outdoor and sports activities right at its doorstep.
The second-largest urban area in Colorado offers numerous outdoor and sports activities right at its doorstep.
Colorado's Wine Country
Around 80 properties make up the small (high-altitude) wine region of Colorado. As is often the case, tourist routes and tastings have been set up.
Around 80 properties make up the small (high-altitude) wine region of Colorado. As is often the case, tourist routes and tastings have been set up.
Cortez
The town is just a large settlement whose main interest is serving as a base for Mesa Verde and other nearby parks.
The town is just a large settlement whose main interest is serving as a base for Mesa Verde and other nearby parks.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
The former mining town has transformed into a ski resort and outdoor activity hub.
The former mining town has transformed into a ski resort and outdoor activity hub.
Denver
The largest city and capital of Colorado is also the most significant in the Rocky Mountains region. It’s a lively city with plenty of parks and museums.
The largest city and capital of Colorado is also the most significant in the Rocky Mountains region. It’s a lively city with plenty of parks and museums.
Durango
A small town in the southwest best known for its steam train that runs the Durango-Silverton line through stunning landscapes. Mesa Verde National Park is also nearby.
A small town in the southwest best known for its steam train that runs the Durango-Silverton line through stunning landscapes. Mesa Verde National Park is also nearby.
Four Corners
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
Glenwood Springs
This small, fairly touristy spa town near Aspen and Vail is popular for the wide range of outdoor activities available in its surroundings (hiking, skiing, mountain biking, rafting, etc.).
This small, fairly touristy spa town near Aspen and Vail is popular for the wide range of outdoor activities available in its surroundings (hiking, skiing, mountain biking, rafting, etc.).
Leadville
As its name suggests, this is a former mining town with many buildings from the turn of the 19th century.
As its name suggests, this is a former mining town with many buildings from the turn of the 19th century.
Mesa Verde National Park
4,400 Pueblo Indian sites have been recorded in this UNESCO-listed archaeological park.
4,400 Pueblo Indian sites have been recorded in this UNESCO-listed archaeological park.
Bent's Old Fort Historic Site
An adobe fort and former fur-trading post (fully reconstructed) from the mid-19th century.
An adobe fort and former fur-trading post (fully reconstructed) from the mid-19th century.
Natural Heritage
Colorado National Monument
The site features stunning canyon landscapes with towering cliffs, rock formations, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, or climbing.
The site features stunning canyon landscapes with towering cliffs, rock formations, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, or climbing.
Dinosaur National Monument
Straddling Colorado and Utah, this site offers stunning landscapes and numerous fossilized dinosaur remains.
Straddling Colorado and Utah, this site offers stunning landscapes and numerous fossilized dinosaur remains.
Flat Tops Wilderness Area
A vast wilderness area offering hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
A vast wilderness area offering hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This national park features a spectacular canyon where you can hike on foot or horseback, fish, climb, or kayak.
This national park features a spectacular canyon where you can hike on foot or horseback, fish, climb, or kayak.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
These are the tallest dunes on the entire North American continent—up to 210 metres high!
These are the tallest dunes on the entire North American continent—up to 210 metres high!
Rocky Mountain National Park
This stunning, highly visited destination offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and skiing (several resorts), as well as fishing and climbing.
This stunning, highly visited destination offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and skiing (several resorts), as well as fishing and climbing.
Pikes Peak
This summit in the eastern Rockies at over 4,000 m is a classic hiking destination. It’s also accessible by car and by the scenic Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway.
This summit in the eastern Rockies at over 4,000 m is a classic hiking destination. It’s also accessible by car and by the scenic Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway.
Montana
Billings
The largest urban area in Montana was built in the eastern plains of the state. It isn’t particularly touristy, though the Little Bighorn Battlefield site isn’t far away.
The largest urban area in Montana was built in the eastern plains of the state. It isn’t particularly touristy, though the Little Bighorn Battlefield site isn’t far away.
Bozeman
The city is particularly interesting for its location near Yellowstone National Park and ski resorts.
The city is particularly interesting for its location near Yellowstone National Park and ski resorts.
Butte
A former mining town that enjoyed its heyday in the late 19th to early 20th century. It has developed a small tourist industry centered around this theme.
A former mining town that enjoyed its heyday in the late 19th to early 20th century. It has developed a small tourist industry centered around this theme.
Kalispell
In northwestern Montana, Kalispell is a popular base for the many outdoor activities in the area, and especially for its proximity to Glacier National Park, for which it serves as the gateway.
In northwestern Montana, Kalispell is a popular base for the many outdoor activities in the area, and especially for its proximity to Glacier National Park, for which it serves as the gateway.
Little Bighorn Battlefield
The site of the 1876 battle between General Custer and the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. It is one of the most famous battles in U.S. history.
The site of the 1876 battle between General Custer and the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. It is one of the most famous battles in U.S. history.
Missoula
A pleasant university town in the heart of a region perfect for outdoor sports. It is also the second-largest urban area in Montana.
A pleasant university town in the heart of a region perfect for outdoor sports. It is also the second-largest urban area in Montana.
Whitefish
This small mountain town has become one of the region's top outdoor destinations thanks to its lake and activities, which range from summer hikes to winter sports like skiing.
This small mountain town has become one of the region's top outdoor destinations thanks to its lake and activities, which range from summer hikes to winter sports like skiing.
Natural Heritage
Beartooth Mountains
This is a beautiful mountain range north of Yellowstone Park with peaks over 3,000 m. It is crossed by the Beartooth Highway, a scenic route.
This is a beautiful mountain range north of Yellowstone Park with peaks over 3,000 m. It is crossed by the Beartooth Highway, a scenic route.
Makoshika State Park
45 km² of arid "badlands" with unique rock formations and dinosaur fossils, including a museum in the nearby town of Glendive.
45 km² of arid "badlands" with unique rock formations and dinosaur fossils, including a museum in the nearby town of Glendive.
Glacier National Park
A stunning mountain park that extends into Canada, where you can explore glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and forests teeming with diverse plant and animal species (grizzly bears, moose, lynx). Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities here.
A stunning mountain park that extends into Canada, where you can explore glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and forests teeming with diverse plant and animal species (grizzly bears, moose, lynx). Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities here.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
Flathead Valley
A popular tourist region in western Montana, known for hiking, skiing, canoeing, rafting, fishing, and hunting.
A popular tourist region in western Montana, known for hiking, skiing, canoeing, rafting, fishing, and hunting.
Nevada
Hoover Dam
This impressive dam on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Nevada, is also an attraction that draws around a million tourists each year for visits.
This impressive dam on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Nevada, is also an attraction that draws around a million tourists each year for visits.
Boulder City
This is the city of the Hoover Dam and one of only two in the state where gambling and casinos are prohibited.
This is the city of the Hoover Dam and one of only two in the state where gambling and casinos are prohibited.
Carson City
The capital of Nevada is located near Lake Tahoe, which it can also serve as a base for.
The capital of Nevada is located near Lake Tahoe, which it can also serve as a base for.
Black Rock Desert
This is the desert where the now-famous "Burning Man" festival is held every year during the last week of August.
This is the desert where the now-famous "Burning Man" festival is held every year during the last week of August.
Las Vegas
Whether you love it or not, "The Entertainment Capital of the World"—as it's also known—is truly one-of-a-kind with its casinos and unique atmosphere. Though today’s Vegas has little in common with the city of the past, with events and certain sports competitions now playing an ever-growing role in its life.
Whether you love it or not, "The Entertainment Capital of the World"—as it's also known—is truly one-of-a-kind with its casinos and unique atmosphere. Though today’s Vegas has little in common with the city of the past, with events and certain sports competitions now playing an ever-growing role in its life.
Reno
The city known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" is famous for its casinos and its easy divorce procedures.
The city known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" is famous for its casinos and its easy divorce procedures.
Virginia City
A typical Gold Rush village with over two hundred buildings dating from that era. It has also served as a filming location for several movies.
A typical Gold Rush village with over two hundred buildings dating from that era. It has also served as a filming location for several movies.
Natural Heritage
Lake Mead
On the border between Nevada and Arizona, not far from Las Vegas, this is the artificial lake created by the Hoover Dam. You can go boating and enjoy various water activities here.
On the border between Nevada and Arizona, not far from Las Vegas, this is the artificial lake created by the Hoover Dam. You can go boating and enjoy various water activities here.
Lake Tahoe
A large mountain lake (at 1,897 m) renowned for its landscapes as well as hiking, skiing, or water sports depending on the season. It straddles California and Nevada.
A large mountain lake (at 1,897 m) renowned for its landscapes as well as hiking, skiing, or water sports depending on the season. It straddles California and Nevada.
Great Basin National Park
Not far from Utah, this mountainous park is known for its pines and caves (the "Lehman Caves"). You can hike here.
Not far from Utah, this mountainous park is known for its pines and caves (the "Lehman Caves"). You can hike here.
Death Valley
With its unique desert landscapes and intense heat, Death Valley remains a must-see on any trip to the West. It is also the lowest point on the North American continent. The site lies mostly in California and partly in Nevada.
With its unique desert landscapes and intense heat, Death Valley remains a must-see on any trip to the West. It is also the lowest point on the North American continent. The site lies mostly in California and partly in Nevada.
Valley of Fire
This area near Las Vegas is part of the Mojave Desert. It features petrified trees millions of years old and numerous prehistoric petroglyphs. Hiking is also available here.
This area near Las Vegas is part of the Mojave Desert. It features petrified trees millions of years old and numerous prehistoric petroglyphs. Hiking is also available here.
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
This park offers beautiful landscapes, including red sandstone rock formations, as well as climbing and hiking opportunities—all just about twenty kilometers from Las Vegas.
This park offers beautiful landscapes, including red sandstone rock formations, as well as climbing and hiking opportunities—all just about twenty kilometers from Las Vegas.
New Mexico
Albuquerque
An old quarter and, above all, the world’s largest gathering of hot-air balloons every October in the first city of New Mexico.
An old quarter and, above all, the world’s largest gathering of hot-air balloons every October in the first city of New Mexico.
Chaco Canyon
A collection of 3,600 sites belonging to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A collection of 3,600 sites belonging to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Four Corners
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
Las Vegas
This namesake of the famous city is instead a small town with partly Victorian architecture.
This namesake of the famous city is instead a small town with partly Victorian architecture.
Lincoln
This is a former frontier town that has preserved its buildings from the Old West era, earning it the designation of "Historic District" with its small "museum buildings" and reenactments.
This is a former frontier town that has preserved its buildings from the Old West era, earning it the designation of "Historic District" with its small "museum buildings" and reenactments.
Pueblos
The "Pueblos" are a collection of (19) "traditional" Native American villages, each with its own distinct culture.
The "Pueblos" are a collection of (19) "traditional" Native American villages, each with its own distinct culture.
Taos Pueblo
These are adobe dwellings and ceremonial sites of the Pueblo Indians. The site is the most famous of all the pueblos in New Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
These are adobe dwellings and ceremonial sites of the Pueblo Indians. The site is the most famous of all the pueblos in New Mexico and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Roswell
This small town is famous for a supposed UFO crash in 1947! A modest tourism industry has grown up around the theme.
This small town is famous for a supposed UFO crash in 1947! A modest tourism industry has grown up around the theme.
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
Santa Fe
The capital of New Mexico is a stunning city with Spanish adobe architecture and a local hub for arts and culture. It’s one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
The capital of New Mexico is a stunning city with Spanish adobe architecture and a local hub for arts and culture. It’s one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
Natural Heritage
Bandelier National Monument
A canyon with Anasazi civilization ruins built into the cliffsides. Hiking is also available.
A canyon with Anasazi civilization ruins built into the cliffsides. Hiking is also available.
El Malpais National Monument
A desert area covered in lava that shelters numerous caves. Great for hiking.
A desert area covered in lava that shelters numerous caves. Great for hiking.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
A collection of 83 caves, some of impressive dimensions. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A collection of 83 caves, some of impressive dimensions. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Located in the central part of the state, this spot—while not the most spectacular in terms of landscapes—offers hiking on foot or horseback, skiing, hunting, and fishing.
Located in the central part of the state, this spot—while not the most spectacular in terms of landscapes—offers hiking on foot or horseback, skiing, hunting, and fishing.
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
White Sands National Monument
It is the world's largest white sand desert, with towering dunes and one of the state's most stunning natural sites. Hiking is possible here.
It is the world's largest white sand desert, with towering dunes and one of the state's most stunning natural sites. Hiking is possible here.
Utah
Logan
At the northernmost tip of Utah, the city provides access to numerous outdoor activity areas in its surroundings.
At the northernmost tip of Utah, the city provides access to numerous outdoor activity areas in its surroundings.
Moab
A tourist hub, it's a great base for exploring the nearby Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point parks.
A tourist hub, it's a great base for exploring the nearby Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point parks.
Ogden
Like most other cities in the state, this one is surrounded by various outdoor activity sites and ski resorts.
Like most other cities in the state, this one is surrounded by various outdoor activity sites and ski resorts.
Park City
This small town is at the heart of one of the best skiing regions, with its Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort resorts, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. It’s also home to the Sundance Film Festival, the world’s leading independent cinema event.
This small town is at the heart of one of the best skiing regions, with its Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort resorts, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. It’s also home to the Sundance Film Festival, the world’s leading independent cinema event.
Provo
South of Salt Lake City and on the shores of Utah Lake, the city and its surroundings offer several sites for outdoor sports activities in both summer and winter.
South of Salt Lake City and on the shores of Utah Lake, the city and its surroundings offer several sites for outdoor sports activities in both summer and winter.
Salt Lake City
This is the city of the Mormons, around whom most of its tourist attractions (buildings, monuments, museums, etc.) revolve.
This is the city of the Mormons, around whom most of its tourist attractions (buildings, monuments, museums, etc.) revolve.
Natural Heritage
Cedar Breaks
A stunning amphitheater-shaped canyon 600 meters deep, perfect for hiking. Located near Cedar City.
A stunning amphitheater-shaped canyon 600 meters deep, perfect for hiking. Located near Cedar City.
Dinosaur National Monument
Straddling Colorado and Utah, this site offers stunning landscapes and numerous fossilized dinosaur remains.
Straddling Colorado and Utah, this site offers stunning landscapes and numerous fossilized dinosaur remains.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Between Wyoming and Utah. A lake and its surroundings where you can hike, fish, canoe, and even raft on the river that flows into it.
Between Wyoming and Utah. A lake and its surroundings where you can hike, fish, canoe, and even raft on the river that flows into it.
Four Corners
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist attraction despite its remoteness.
Glen Canyon
On the border with Arizona. This semi-desert location serves as a base for outdoor recreation while protecting natural treasures, including Lake Powell.
On the border with Arizona. This semi-desert location serves as a base for outdoor recreation while protecting natural treasures, including Lake Powell.
Lake Powell
Located in both Arizona and Utah, it’s a popular spot for its stunning landscapes. It’s also home to Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural arch, measuring 84 m long and 90 m high.
Located in both Arizona and Utah, it’s a popular spot for its stunning landscapes. It’s also home to Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural arch, measuring 84 m long and 90 m high.
Uinta Mountains
A beautiful setting in northeastern Utah for skiing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
A beautiful setting in northeastern Utah for skiing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
Monument Valley
Located in Navajo territory straddling the Arizona-Utah border and immortalised by countless Western films, this is perhaps the most recognisable site in the American West, with its unique geomorphological formations.
Located in Navajo territory straddling the Arizona-Utah border and immortalised by countless Western films, this is perhaps the most recognisable site in the American West, with its unique geomorphological formations.
Natural Bridges
The site is known for its three large natural bridges (hence the name) and beautiful landscapes.
The site is known for its three large natural bridges (hence the name) and beautiful landscapes.
Dead Horse Point State Park
These canyons, located not far from Moab and adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, offer a magnificent panorama of the Colorado River and its meanders.
These canyons, located not far from Moab and adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, offer a magnificent panorama of the Colorado River and its meanders.
Goblin Valley State Park
Though not among the most well-known, this site offers a stunning setting similar to Bryce Canyon, particularly with its countless "hoodoos".
Though not among the most well-known, this site offers a stunning setting similar to Bryce Canyon, particularly with its countless "hoodoos".
Kodachrome Basin State Park
This is a small "secondary" park but still offers a beautiful environment with its colorful rock formations—very photogenic. It’s also a great area for outdoor activities.
This is a small "secondary" park but still offers a beautiful environment with its colorful rock formations—very photogenic. It’s also a great area for outdoor activities.
Arches National Park
A unique landscape featuring the world's highest density of natural arches. Over 2,000 arches have been recorded here.
A unique landscape featuring the world's highest density of natural arches. Over 2,000 arches have been recorded here.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The area offers stunning landscapes of reddish rock formations sculpted by erosion, creating natural amphitheatres in places. It’s also a great spot for hiking on foot or horseback.
The area offers stunning landscapes of reddish rock formations sculpted by erosion, creating natural amphitheatres in places. It’s also a great spot for hiking on foot or horseback.
Canyonlands National Park
Landscapes shaped by erosion, featuring numerous canyons, arches, spires, cliffs, and mesas. The area is renowned for outdoor and adventure activities.
Landscapes shaped by erosion, featuring numerous canyons, arches, spires, cliffs, and mesas. The area is renowned for outdoor and adventure activities.
Capitol Reef National Park
Like the neighboring parks, Capitol Reef is renowned for its stunning landscapes of red rock shaped by erosion.
Like the neighboring parks, Capitol Reef is renowned for its stunning landscapes of red rock shaped by erosion.
Zion National Park
One of the most visited parks in the American West. It’s famous for its landscapes and deep canyons, perfect for hiking.
One of the most visited parks in the American West. It’s famous for its landscapes and deep canyons, perfect for hiking.
Escalante River
The river and its surroundings (Canyons of the Escalante) are a popular tourist destination for their stunning landscapes, hiking, and, in spring, kayaking and canoeing.
The river and its surroundings (Canyons of the Escalante) are a popular tourist destination for their stunning landscapes, hiking, and, in spring, kayaking and canoeing.
San Juan River
Beautiful landscapes, rafting, and trout fishing are the three main attractions of this river, which flows into Lake Powell.
Beautiful landscapes, rafting, and trout fishing are the three main attractions of this river, which flows into Lake Powell.
Wyoming
Buffalo
At the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, known for outdoor activities, this sizable village has a few buildings dating from the Old West era.
At the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, known for outdoor activities, this sizable village has a few buildings dating from the Old West era.
Casper
The second-largest city in the state is home to several small museums (including a reconstruction of its mid-19th-century fort) and is locally known for its artistic scene.
The second-largest city in the state is home to several small museums (including a reconstruction of its mid-19th-century fort) and is locally known for its artistic scene.
Cheyenne
The capital of Wyoming. Every July, the Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's largest rodeos, is held here.
The capital of Wyoming. Every July, the Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's largest rodeos, is held here.
Cody
The town of Buffalo Bill (real name William Cody), with its cowboy style, daily rodeos in summer, and of course a museum dedicated to the man himself.
The town of Buffalo Bill (real name William Cody), with its cowboy style, daily rodeos in summer, and of course a museum dedicated to the man himself.
Jackson
At the gates of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this small town—often also called Jackson Hole—exudes a "cowboy atmosphere" and offers plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area (hiking, canoeing, skiing).
At the gates of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this small town—often also called Jackson Hole—exudes a "cowboy atmosphere" and offers plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area (hiking, canoeing, skiing).
Laramie
Its main appeal is as a base for the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding area, particularly the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Its main appeal is as a base for the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding area, particularly the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Sheridan
One of the small tourist towns of western Wyoming, known for its Wild West style, Victorian architecture, and rodeos.
One of the small tourist towns of western Wyoming, known for its Wild West style, Victorian architecture, and rodeos.
Natural Heritage
Wind River Range
This section of the Rockies offers stunning landscapes with valleys, lakes, and glaciers. It’s a great place for trekking.
This section of the Rockies offers stunning landscapes with valleys, lakes, and glaciers. It’s a great place for trekking.
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Between Wyoming and Utah. A lake and its surroundings where you can hike, fish, canoe, and even raft on the river that flows into it.
Between Wyoming and Utah. A lake and its surroundings where you can hike, fish, canoe, and even raft on the river that flows into it.
Fossil Butte National Monument
This little-visited site has the world's largest number of fossilized fish.
This little-visited site has the world's largest number of fossilized fish.
Medicine Bow Mountains
Beautiful landscapes, interesting wildlife (bears, elk, lynx, birds, etc.) and plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, fishing, etc.) in these mountains near Laramie.
Beautiful landscapes, interesting wildlife (bears, elk, lynx, birds, etc.) and plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, fishing, etc.) in these mountains near Laramie.
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning landscapes, lakes, and abundant wildlife (bears, elk, bison). Hiking, skiing, and climbing opportunities.
Stunning landscapes, lakes, and abundant wildlife (bears, elk, bison). Hiking, skiing, and climbing opportunities.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
Must-see & highly recommended
Antelope Canyon
★★★★ One of the most visited sites in the American West. This highly photogenic slot canyon can only be explored on guided tours lasting one to…
Las Vegas
★★★★ Whether you love it or not, "The Entertainment Capital of the World"—as it's also known—is truly one-of-a-kind with its casinos…
Monument Valley
★★★★ Located in Navajo territory straddling the Arizona-Utah border and immortalised by countless Western films, this is perhaps the most…
Bryce Canyon National Park
★★★★ The area offers stunning landscapes of reddish rock formations sculpted by erosion, creating natural amphitheatres in places. It’s…
Canyonlands National Park
★★★★ Landscapes shaped by erosion, featuring numerous canyons, arches, spires, cliffs, and mesas. The area is renowned for outdoor and adventure…
Capitol Reef National Park
★★★★ Like the neighboring parks, Capitol Reef is renowned for its stunning landscapes of red rock shaped by erosion.
Yellowstone National Park
★★★★ The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning…
Zion National Park
★★★★ One of the most visited parks in the American West. It’s famous for its landscapes and deep canyons, perfect for hiking.
Arches National Park
★★★★ A unique landscape featuring the world's highest density of natural arches. Over 2,000 arches have been recorded here.
Grand Canyon National Park
★★★★ A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most visited (and spectacular!) places in the American West. You can also hike or…
Death Valley
★★★★ With its unique desert landscapes and intense heat, Death Valley remains a must-see on any trip to the West. It is also the lowest point on…
Recommended
Canyon de Chelly
★★★ Located in the heart of a Navajo reservation, it is one of the most beautiful canyons in the region, with cliffs reaching up to 300 metres…
Wind River Range
★★★ This section of the Rockies offers stunning landscapes with valleys, lakes, and glaciers. It’s a great place for trekking.
Lake Powell
★★★ Located in both Arizona and Utah, it’s a popular spot for its stunning landscapes. It’s also home to Rainbow Bridge, the…
Dead Horse Point State Park
★★★ These canyons, located not far from Moab and adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, offer a magnificent panorama of the Colorado River and…
Glacier National Park
★★★ A stunning mountain park that extends into Canada, where you can explore glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and forests teeming with…
Grand Teton National Park
★★★ Stunning landscapes, lakes, and abundant wildlife (bears, elk, bison). Hiking, skiing, and climbing opportunities.
Mesa Verde National Park
★★★ 4,400 Pueblo Indian sites have been recorded in this UNESCO-listed archaeological park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
★★★ This stunning, highly visited destination offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and skiing (several…
Pueblos
★★★ The "Pueblos" are a collection of (19) "traditional" Native American villages, each with its own distinct culture.
Santa Fe
★★★ The capital of New Mexico is a stunning city with Spanish adobe architecture and a local hub for arts and culture. It’s one of the…
White Sands National Monument
★★★ It is the world's largest white sand desert, with towering dunes and one of the state's most stunning natural sites. Hiking is possible…
Worth a look / Other
Aspen
★★ The celebrity ski resort, with plenty of other outdoor activities in both summer and winter.
Bandelier National Monument
★★ A canyon with Anasazi civilization ruins built into the cliffsides. Hiking is also available.
Bighorn Canyon
★★ A scenic canyon and lake straddling Wyoming and Montana.
Cedar Breaks
★★ A stunning amphitheater-shaped canyon 600 meters deep, perfect for hiking. Located near Cedar City.
Chaco Canyon
★★ A collection of 3,600 sites belonging to the Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) culture, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chiricahua National Monument
★★ This is a natural site known for its rock formations and hiking opportunities.
Cody
★★ The town of Buffalo Bill (real name William Cody), with its cowboy style, daily rodeos in summer, and of course a museum dedicated to the…
Colorado National Monument
★★ The site features stunning canyon landscapes with towering cliffs, rock formations, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, or…
Denver
★★ The largest city and capital of Colorado is also the most significant in the Rocky Mountains region. It’s a lively city with plenty…
Dinosaur National Monument
★★ Straddling Colorado and Utah, this site offers stunning landscapes and numerous fossilized dinosaur remains.
Great Salt Lake
★★ Unique landscapes and birdlife for this vast salt lake near Salt Lake City.
Lake Tahoe
★★ A large mountain lake (at 1,897 m) renowned for its landscapes as well as hiking, skiing, or water sports depending on the season. It…
Meteor Crater
★★ This site is the impact point of a meteorite that crashed here 50,000 years ago. Today, it’s a fairly popular tourist attraction.
Mogollon
★★ Like other gold-rush-era sites in western New Mexico, Mogollon became a ghost town.
Beartooth Mountains
★★ This is a beautiful mountain range north of Yellowstone Park with peaks over 3,000 m. It is crossed by the Beartooth Highway, a scenic…
Superstition Mountains
★★ Close to Phoenix, where they serve as a recreational area, these mountains are renowned for their landscapes, trekking, and climbing.
Medicine Bow Mountains
★★ Beautiful landscapes, interesting wildlife (bears, elk, lynx, birds, etc.) and plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, fishing…
Uinta Mountains
★★ A beautiful setting in northeastern Utah for skiing, trekking, and other outdoor activities.
Natural Bridges
★★ The site is known for its three large natural bridges (hence the name) and beautiful landscapes.
Navajo National Monument
★★ Located in Navajo Nation, this site features Native American cliff dwellings dating back to the 13th century.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
★★ This vast desert territory is home to towering cacti amid stunning landscapes. Hiking is also possible here.
Painted Desert
★★ This is a desert region known for the multiple colors of its rocks, due in part to the high presence of iron and manganese in the soil.
Goblin Valley State Park
★★ Though not among the most well-known, this site offers a stunning setting similar to Bryce Canyon, particularly with its countless…
Kodachrome Basin State Park
★★ This is a small "secondary" park but still offers a beautiful environment with its colorful rock formations—very photogenic…
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
★★ This national park features a spectacular canyon where you can hike on foot or horseback, fish, climb, or kayak.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
★★ A collection of 83 caves, some of impressive dimensions. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Great Basin National Park
★★ Not far from Utah, this mountainous park is known for its pines and caves (the "Lehman Caves"). You can hike here.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
★★ These are the tallest dunes on the entire North American continent—up to 210 metres high!
Petrified Forest National Park
★★ Desert landscapes and, above all, thousands of fossilized tree trunks. You can hike or ride on horseback here.
Saguaro National Park
★★ Located in the Sonoran Desert, this park is home to giant cacti known as saguaros. Hiking is available here.
Pikes Peak
★★ This summit in the eastern Rockies at over 4,000 m is a classic hiking destination. It’s also accessible by car and by the scenic…
Taos Pueblo
★★ These are adobe dwellings and ceremonial sites of the Pueblo Indians. The site is the most famous of all the pueblos in New Mexico and is a…
Escalante River
★★ The river and its surroundings (Canyons of the Escalante) are a popular tourist destination for their stunning landscapes, hiking, and, in…
San Juan River
★★ Beautiful landscapes, rafting, and trout fishing are the three main attractions of this river, which flows into Lake Powell.
Route 66
★★ The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a…
Salt Lake City
★★ This is the city of the Mormons, around whom most of its tourist attractions (buildings, monuments, museums, etc.) revolve.
San Juan Skyway
★★ This is a scenic route of about 400 kilometers in southwestern Colorado.
Sheridan
★★ One of the small tourist towns of western Wyoming, known for its Wild West style, Victorian architecture, and rodeos.
Taos
★★ Next to the namesake pueblo, this charming town is renowned for its artists and art galleries.
The Wave
★★ Famous for its wave-like sandstone formations (access is by lottery due to its popularity), The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located…
Tombstone
★★ The quintessential Wild West town, both in its historic downtown buildings and its many period-costume reenactments.
Flathead Valley
★★ A popular tourist region in western Montana, known for hiking, skiing, canoeing, rafting, fishing, and hunting.
Virginia City
★★ A typical Gold Rush village with over two hundred buildings dating from that era. It has also served as a filming location for several…
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area
★★ This park offers beautiful landscapes, including red sandstone rock formations, as well as climbing and hiking opportunities—all just…
Albuquerque
★ An old quarter and, above all, the world’s largest gathering of hot-air balloons every October in the first city of New Mexico.
Arkansas River
★ The top rafting river in the United States.
Hoover Dam
★ This impressive dam on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Nevada, is also an attraction that draws around a million…
Billings
★ The largest urban area in Montana was built in the eastern plains of the state. It isn’t particularly touristy, though the Little…
Biosphere 2
★ This experimental site aims to replicate an artificial ecological system in a closed environment.
Boulder
★ It’s a great base for enjoying the many outdoor activities available near the city.
Boulder City
★ This is the city of the Hoover Dam and one of only two in the state where gambling and casinos are prohibited.
Bozeman
★ The city is particularly interesting for its location near Yellowstone National Park and ski resorts.
Breckenridge
★ This popular and tourist-friendly town is a ski resort in winter and a hiking area in summer.
Buffalo (Wyoming)
★ At the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, known for outdoor activities, this sizable village has a few buildings dating from the Old West era.
Butte
★ A former mining town that enjoyed its heyday in the late 19th to early 20th century. It has developed a small tourist industry centered…
Canyons of the Ancients
★ This is the largest archaeological site in North America, with over 6,000 recorded Native American structures.
Carson City
★ The capital of Nevada is located near Lake Tahoe, which it can also serve as a base for.
Casper
★ The second-largest city in the state is home to several small museums (including a reconstruction of its mid-19th-century fort) and is…
Cheyenne
★ The capital of Wyoming. Every July, the Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's largest rodeos, is held here.
Colorado Springs
★ The second-largest urban area in Colorado offers numerous outdoor and sports activities right at its doorstep.
Colorado's Wine Country
★ Around 80 properties make up the small (high-altitude) wine region of Colorado. As is often the case, tourist routes and tastings have been…
Cortez
★ The town is just a large settlement whose main interest is serving as a base for Mesa Verde and other nearby parks.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
★ The former mining town has transformed into a ski resort and outdoor activity hub.
Black Rock Desert
★ This is the desert where the now-famous "Burning Man" festival is held every year during the last week of August.
Devils Tower National Monument
★ This is a striking and impressive 386-meter-high volcanic monolith.
Durango (Colorado)
★ A small town in the southwest best known for its steam train that runs the Durango-Silverton line through stunning landscapes. Mesa Verde…
El Malpais National Monument
★ A desert area covered in lava that shelters numerous caves. Great for hiking.
Flagstaff
★ The city offers a few museums and numerous outdoor sports activities in the surrounding area, as well as easy access to the Grand Canyon…
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
★ Between Wyoming and Utah. A lake and its surroundings where you can hike, fish, canoe, and even raft on the river that flows into it.
Flat Tops Wilderness Area
★ A vast wilderness area offering hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Fort Collins
★ A fairly large city in northern Colorado with a small historic downtown.
Fossil Butte National Monument
★ This little-visited site has the world's largest number of fossilized fish.
Four Corners
★ This is the meeting point of the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A monument marks the spot, which has become a tourist…
Glen Canyon
★ On the border with Arizona. This semi-desert location serves as a base for outdoor recreation while protecting natural treasures, including…
Glenwood Springs
★ This small, fairly touristy spa town near Aspen and Vail is popular for the wide range of outdoor activities available in its surroundings…
Helena
★ The capital of Montana with some remnants of its Gold Rush past.
Hopi Mesas
★ The Hopi Indian Reservation formed around three "mesas," each home to several villages, some dating back to the late 17th century.
Jackson (Wyoming)
★ At the gates of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, this small town—often also called Jackson Hole—exudes a "cowboy atmosphere" and…
Kalispell
★ In northwestern Montana, Kalispell is a popular base for the many outdoor activities in the area, and especially for its proximity to…
Lake Mead
★ On the border between Nevada and Arizona, not far from Las Vegas, this is the artificial lake created by the Hoover Dam. You can go boating…
Laramie
★ Its main appeal is as a base for the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding area, particularly the Medicine Bow Mountains.
Las Vegas (New Mexico)
★ This namesake of the famous city is instead a small town with partly Victorian architecture.
Leadville
★ As its name suggests, this is a former mining town with many buildings from the turn of the 19th century.
Lincoln (New Mexico)
★ This is a former frontier town that has preserved its buildings from the Old West era, earning it the designation of "Historic District"…
Little Bighorn Battlefield
★ The site of the 1876 battle between General Custer and the Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. It is one of the most famous battles in U.S. history.
Logan
★ At the northernmost tip of Utah, the city provides access to numerous outdoor activity areas in its surroundings.
Maple Canyon
★ The area is popular with climbers. You can also hike and camp here.
Missoula
★ A pleasant university town in the heart of a region perfect for outdoor sports. It is also the second-largest urban area in Montana.
Moab
★ A tourist hub, it's a great base for exploring the nearby Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point parks.
Ogden
★ Like most other cities in the state, this one is surrounded by various outdoor activity sites and ski resorts.
Page
★ This small town typically serves as a base for exploring Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and even the Grand Canyon.
Homolovi State Park
★ These are Native American ruins with hiking and horseback riding opportunities in the surrounding area.
Makoshika State Park
★ 45 km² of arid "badlands" with unique rock formations and dinosaur fossils, including a museum in the nearby town of Glendive.
Park City
★ This small town is at the heart of one of the best skiing regions, with its Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort resorts, which hosted…
Phoenix
★ Just a few parks and museums worth seeing on the edge of Arizona’s capital, which mostly serves as an air arrival point for the…
Provo
★ South of Salt Lake City and on the shores of Utah Lake, the city and its surroundings offer several sites for outdoor sports activities in…
Reno
★ The city known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" is famous for its casinos and its easy divorce procedures.
Valles Caldera National Preserve
★ Located in the central part of the state, this spot—while not the most spectacular in terms of landscapes—offers hiking on foot…
Roswell
★ This small town is famous for a supposed UFO crash in 1947! A modest tourism industry has grown up around the theme.
Scottsdale
★ Not far from Phoenix, the city has recently become a trendy luxury destination with its nightlife, golf courses, spas, boutiques, and art…
Sedona
★ A small artists' town set against a backdrop of red rocks. It also serves as a base for numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Bent's Old Fort Historic Site
★ An adobe fort and former fur-trading post (fully reconstructed) from the mid-19th century.
Tucson
★ More than the city itself, it’s the surrounding area—ideal for outdoor activities—that makes it worth visiting.
Vail
★ One of Colorado's most renowned ski resorts.
Valley of Fire
★ This area near Las Vegas is part of the Mojave Desert. It features petrified trees millions of years old and numerous prehistoric…
Whitefish
★ This small mountain town has become one of the region's top outdoor destinations thanks to its lake and activities, which range from summer…
Wupatki National Monument
★ An archaeological site featuring numerous ruins of Native American dwellings, some dating back to the 12th century.