50 Mesmerizing 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.
21. Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a hidden gem in the red rock wonderland of Sedona. This gorgeous well-maintained state park is a great place for new tourists as there are a number of easy-moderate well marked trails which all offer surprisingly gorgeous views for so little effort compared to many of the harder treks in town. Most of the trails here feel more like nature walks rather than hikes. Even better, most are considerably shady for Sedona, making a hike here more tolerable during the hot summer season.
Red Rock is located far away from the touristy, congested Uptown area. Thus, you can easily get lost in nature. It’s easily one of the most gorgeous areas in the country. You also get to drive on the beautiful Red Rock Scenic Byway to get here, and the drive becomes more secluded & scenic the further you go on. For casual hikers looking to keep it easy without sacrificing the views, Red Rock State Park is the top choice in town. Be on the lookout for interesting programs throughout the year including a guided stargazing walk!
Location: Sedona, Arizona
More info on Red Rock State Park
22. Arizona Snowbowl Summer Chairlift Ride
Arizona Snowbowl, a large and very popular ski resort in Northern Arizona, offers a picturesque summer chairlift ride up to “the coolest place in Arizona.” As you begin your high altitude lift from 7000 feet all the way up to 11,500 feet gazing down at all the towering pine trees, it’s really hard to believe that you are still in Arizona! Average summer temps at the overlook barely crawl out of the 60’s! How’s that for a striking deviation from the 110+ temps that Phoenix sees on a regular basis during the prime of summer?!
Location: Snowbowl about 7 miles outside of Flagstaff
More info on the Scenic Chairlift ride
23. Emerald Pools at Zion National Park
There are 3 picturesque waterfalls that are easily accessible via a moderate hike at Zion National Park. Of all the great trails at Zion, the combined Lower, Middle, & Upper Emerald Pools hike is by far the most mesmerizing. It’s also not all that difficult considering the fantastic scenery. Not only do you get to see 3 waterfalls, but you also get to cross the tranquil Virgin River. And of course, amazing vistas of the red rock formations keep you company throughout.
While the waterfalls are far from the most jaw dropping in the country, they are beautiful for the desert and the overall scenery of the hike is just stunning. The trail is shady, peaceful, and simply a perfect way to spend a few hours in a beautiful and rare natural setting. The trek to the Upper Falls is 3 miles round-trip and moderate in intensity. However, if you are looking for something a bit easier you can go out to the middle falls which is just 2 miles.
Location: Zion National Park (just outside of Springdale, Utah)
More info on the Emerald Pools trail
24. Sandia Peak Tramway
The towering Sandia mountains (highest peak is Sandia Crest at 10, 678 ft) provide a striking backdrop to the relaxed Southwestern desert city of Albuquerque. Sandia translates into “watermelon” in Spanish, and thus, it is believed that the name for this grand mountain range came from the brilliant reddish glow that appears over the mountains at sunset. The best way to take in a beautiful Albuquerque sunset is via the Sandia Peak Tramway. This popular enclosed gondola ride travels up to a picturesque viewpoint at an altitude of over 10,378 feet. At 2.7 miles in length, it’s the longest tram ride in the US.
From here, you can hike several trails, dine at a mountainside restaurant, or simply relax, take in the sunset and enjoy the ride down. New Mexico has been appropriately nicknamed “the Land of Enchantment” and gazing out upon all the uninterrupted nature below sure is an enchanting desert experience. If you are in the vicinity, it’s worth a ride for the spectacular panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
More info on the Sandia Peak Tramway
25. The Arizona Trail
The Arizona trail is a lengthy 800 mile trail which begins at the Coronado National Monument near the Arizona-Mexico border and continues on all the way to the Utah border. The trail is very diverse as the scenery differs drastically in southern vs. northern Arizona. Biking, hiking, and even cross country skiing are popular seasonal activities along northern sections of the trail.
There are 43 different trailheads giving you plenty of options to explore the diverse terrain. The most scenic portion of the trail (passage 34 The San Fran Peaks – a 35 mile section of the trail) can be accessed via an area known as Aspen Corner.
About 6.5 miles up Snowbowl Rd you will arrive at Aspen Corner and from here you can easily connect to the Arizona trail. Simply go out to your comfort level for a wonderfully scenic high altitude adventure through the towering ponderosa pines. Bright golden aspens will surround you in every direction if you time your visit right at the peak of fall (which you should as this trail is amazing during peak fall foliage season!).
Location: 6.5 miles up Snowbowl Rd. just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona
