20 Spectacular & Free Tourist Attractions in the Southwest
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. City of Rocks
Location: Southwestern New Mexico
This unique state park is located in the Chihuahuan desert region of southwestern New Mexico. The unique name comes from the strange rock formations which resemble a city layout. Some of these incredible rock wonders rise up to 40 feet tall! Surrounding the rocks are paths which look like city streets. It is estimated that the rocks formed 39.4 million years ago as a result of a volcano eruption. Today, it is an otherworldly place to add to your New Mexico bucket list. Other activities on-site including hiking, camping, and picnicking. Be on the lookout for special events like nighttime stargazing walks.
See more incredible rock formations
7. Tumamoc Hill
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Hiking 700 feet up to this National Historic Landmark summit is the iconic Tucson experience. Today, Tumamoc is managed by U of A for ecological research. The 1.5 mile trek is really challenging, although the mountain and city views throughout and especially atop are breathtaking. Along the route, you will see lots of cacti and possibly local wildlife (javelina, coyote). The entire path is paved, clean, and well-maintained. Restrooms and water fountains are found midpoint. Some choose to stop here and turn back as the path (the last half mile or so) gets much steeper! To beat both the crowds and intense heat, it’s best to hike early (fortunately, the trail opens at 4am). As a bonus, it is close to downtown so lots of great restaurants in the vicinity (check out Seis tacos at Mercado San Agustin!).
Ccheck out my Tumamoc hiking guide
8. Chiricahua National Monument
Location: Southeastern Arizona
This otherworldly park in the Chiricahua mountains of southeast Arizona is one of the hidden gems of the state. Although it is often overlooked due to more popular tourist attractions like Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park, the enchanting & unusual scenery makes it well worth a spot on any adventure lovers and photographers must-see list. 17 miles of trails will take you through a “Wonderland of Rocks.” The mesmerizing oddly shaped rock formations are the result of the Turkey Creek volcano eruption 27 million years ago. Today you can hike, enjoy an 8 mile scenic drive, and birdwatch on over 12,000 acres of uninterrupted beautiful natural space.
Check out more unique rocks at Chiricahua
9. Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive
Location: Northern Arizona
Nowhere in the Southwest will you experience 14 miles of such beauty. This incredibly scenic road begins a few miles outside of the ponderosa forests of Flagstaff and continues on until reaching the red rock wonderland of Sedona. Every inch of this drive is loaded with awe-inspiring scenery. I lived 5 minutes away and basically took this drive into Sedona from Flagstaff every weekend. From the green enchanting ponderosa pine forests, to the towering ancient red rocks, it really is marvelous. Along the way you can visit authentic Native American craft markets, hike, and enjoy a beautiful perennial creek. Must-do’s include hiking the Cookstove and crossing creeks on the West Fork trail, breakfast at Indian Gardens, and sliding down natural waterslides at Slide Rock State Park.
10. Dripping Springs Natural Area
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces, New Mexico is a great vacation destination for art and outdoor lovers. The small community is surrounded by the beautiful Organ mountains. The best hiking area in this mesmerizing mountain range is Dripping Springs Natural Area. The 3 mile Dripping Springs trail, located within Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, takes you past old mineral springs as well as Boyd’s Sanitorium (pic below) – once used to house tuberculosis patients in the early 1900’s. As many died here, it’s no surprise that today it is considered haunted. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty and historical significance of the area, Dripping Springs is a bird and wildlife watching destination. Mule deer and coyote make frequent appearances as well as various bird species (cactus wren, desert cottontail, black throated sparrow).
Check out more pics I took on this stunning hike
