last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introducing the American West
Location Map of American West
American West
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Overview
Whether it's the Rockies (Colorado, Montana, Wyoming) or the Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah), this entire part of the U.S. territory—more broadly known as the West—is one of the least populated, with a density barely reaching 10 inhabitants per square kilometer. This is the land of cowboys and Native Americans, where nature, rugged and wild, is only occasionally interrupted by oasis-like cities scattered here and there. Nature has also shaped some of the United States' most "iconic landmarks," from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley, Yellowstone, and countless other sites and parks, attracting millions of tourists who represent one of the region's primary sources of income.
Key Facts
- Type of place: tourist region.
- Location: between California and Midwest, seven states stretching from Canada to Mexico through breathtaking landscapes.
- Local time: the region spans two time zones.
-- "Pacific Time": for Nevada and nearly all of Arizona, which share the same time as neighboring California.
-- "Mountain Time": observed throughout the rest of the American West, including the Navajo territories in Arizona.
- Major cities: Albuquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City....
- Population: 14.8 million inhabitants (Southwest) and 7.075 million (Rockies).
- Area: 1,116,879 km² (Southwest) and 904,331 km².
- Density: 10 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Mount Elbert (4,401 m) in Colorado.
- Lowest point: Colorado River (22 m) in Arizona.
- Coastline: 0 km, as there is no access to the sea.
Tourism
The American West (including California) is, along with New York, the top destination for the millions of tourists visiting the USA. It is home to some of the country's most stunning natural parks and sites, which have made its reputation. A must-visit for any trip to the United States...
Travel Essentials
- By air: France-Denver.
- Backpacker daily budget: €/person.
- Best for accommodation: motels or campgrounds.
- Best for getting around: car or RV.
- Risks: low health risks and low to occasionally moderate safety risks related to nature.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: late April to mid-June or mid-September to late October.
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holiday .
- Website: