50 Mesmerizing Attractions in the Southwest
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6. The Painted Desert
The Painted Desert is a mesmerizing area of colorful buttes & badlands, encompassing a massive 93,000 acre span in the Four Corners region, stretching from the Grand Canyon to the Petrified National Forest. The best way to take in this amazingly unique landscape is by planning at visit to the Petrified National Forest, a very unique park which is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world.
The Painted Desert name arises from the fact that the rocks can be seen in a rainbow of colors. It really is a surreal place unlike any other. Various overlooks in the park will give you a glimpse of these gorgeous painted hills. However, the best way to fully take in the scenery is via a hike. The hikes here are so secluded that they take on a bit of an eerie nature, however, that’s part of the fascination. Both paved & off-the-beaten path trails for the more adventurous can be enjoyed. The Blue Mesa trail is a great easy 1 mile option for everyone. Avid hikers may want to look into a backcountry hike for the ultimate adventure.
Location: Northeastern Arizona near Holbrook
Fee: $25 per vehicle for a 7 day pass, $15 per person/bicycle
More info on the Petrified National Forest/Painted Desert
7. Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you on an exhilarating 45.2 mile route through the beautiful San Juan National Forest by way of a historic, coal-fired, steam powered train. The ride starts at an altitude of 6512ft at the Durango depot and follows a picturesque journey through the serene Colorado countryside alongside the gorgeous Animas River until reaching the beautiful small community of Silverton which, at 9318 feet, is one of the highest elevated towns in the US.
The majority of the ride takes you through a very remote area of the forest which is not easily accessible. Oftentimes, you will see wildlife right out your window. Waterfalls, canyons, pretty pine & aspen forests – the ride is pure nature at its’ best. Views are great anytime of year, although particularly thrilling come fall when the aspens turn the most brilliant shade of gold, and again during the winter when the mountains & pines are covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
There are numerous train classes available, and also a specialty open air car which is really nice during the warmer summer season although it sells out quickly! You have the option of taking a round trip train ride (3.5 hour ride each way with a 2 hour lunch stop in Silverton) or taking the train one way and a bus the other way. The former is actually the better option as you save time, plus you get to see new views as you travel by bus one-way on the incredibly scenic San Juan Highway (Highway 550).
Location: Southwestern Colorado (Durango)
More info on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
8. Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is the largest and most fascinating of the many beautiful sandstone arches found in the Sedona area. A moderate hike of just under 4 miles round trip leads you to this magnificent natural wonder which is one of the most photographed sites out West. While the bridge looks very narrow from afar, it’s actually quite wide at about 5 feet. However, when you walk out and see the gigantic drop below you (about 50ft), it’s still quite a scary experience and definitely not for those scared of heights!
If you are brave enough to stroll across the arch, the panoramic red rock views are out-of-this-world. It’s a pretty exhilarating experience – definitely one for the bucket list! Plus, you can have someone across take your photo for a really cool memento of your trip. Even if you skip the bridge walk, the scenery for the entirety of the hike consist of jaw dropping red rock views. This is easily one of the most picturesque hikes in Sedona, which is no easy feat in an area loaded with top notch trails.
Location: Sedona, Arizona
9. Desert Belle Cruise at Saguaro Lake
One of the best ways to soak in the unique scenery of the Sonoran Desert is by taking a narrated cruise aboard the Desert Belle. Saguaro Lake, located less than an hour away from Mesa, is the most easily accessible and most gorgeous lake in Arizona. Named for the abundance of Saguaro cacti that line the shores, you will find no shortage of eclectic desert plant life here. Gorgeous mountain vistas (including Four Peaks – the highest point in the Phoenix metro area at 7659 ft) and plentiful wildlife sightings (a rare jaguar was actually sighted here a while back) will make the hour and a half cruise fly by.
This cruise is an ideal choice during the brutal summer months, when you still want to enjoy the desert scenery, yet it is way too hot to do anything outside. Because the cruise is air conditioned (arrive early to ensure an indoor seat!), you can still enjoy the enchanting desert scenery without risking heat exhaustion and dehydration on the trails. To get to the lake from Mesa, you will get to drive a portion of the incredibly scenic Apache Trail drive, which is loaded with fabulous views of the Superstition mountains.
Location: About an hour outside of Mesa Arizona
Fee: $25 per person ($17 kids)
10. Red Rock Canyon
Who knew such gorgeous natural scenery could be found just a half hour from the man-made entertainment extravaganza of the country known as The Strip? Red Rock Canyon is easily one of the most picturesque places in the Southwest. No contest – it’s the best place to escape the clutter & congestion of The Strip, if only for a few hours to recharge and immerse yourself in beautiful natural surroundings.
Colorful rock formations surround you in every direction, whether you are enjoying the 13 mile long scenic drive, embarking on one of the many hikes, or simply relaxing and enjoying the views via a scenic overlook. Red Rock Canyon is one of Nevada’s treasures and easily missed by those who never venture off The Strip! If you have been to Vegas one too many times and you are seeking something new & interesting to do, a visit to Red Rock Canyon is a must!
Location: Las Vegas (about 20 minutes from the Strip)
Fee: $20 per vehicle, $5 per person/bike
