The America Southwest is the best US destination for a road trip and probably one of the best in the world!
This geographical area, epic in its natural and human history, covers several American states and explore all of it would take months. However, in two weeks it is possible to explore several key points of this area through a road trip!
There’s no shortage of reasons to explore the American Southwest, from the iconic Grand Canyon landscape, the most beautiful hikes in the world, sweeping views of the Monumental Valley or the journey in time through the Route 66!
However, here are five reasons why you should include this trip in your bucket list! Do you like road trips, nature and outdoors? This is perfect for you!
Natural beauty
No doubt that the American Southwest is one of the most beautiful areas of the world. Here we can find various National Parks with breathtaking natural landscapes, almost untouched over time. Here, also exists a lot of State Parks and other natural zones to explore!
Landscape diversity
Zion Park (credits: Andreia Marques)
As you going through to the different states of the Southwest, it is impressive to see how the landscape changes. It is not necessary to do many kilometres to be able to observe completely different panoramas. Every step is a surprise! Gorges, multicoloured rocks, amazing cliffs, breathtaking ravines, magnificent cascades, vast deserts, dense forests … a broad variety perfect for nature lovers!
Knowing the US History
With some of the most iconic places in the United States due to the various films of which it was the scene, here ancestral spirits infuse themselves with the landscapes that seem strange, but distinctly familiar. In this real America, it is easy for our imagination to take us back to another century, due to its historic houses, many turned into museums now, cave paintings of the natives who lived in this area many years ago, and through the stories of local people.
Wildlife
Chipmunk, Bryce Canyon (créditos: Andreia Marques)
Since the American Southwest supports a vast natural area, the presence of numerous species here, from squirrels, elks, deer or bears, is indisputable. It is important not to forget the preservation of these species and therefore some rules to comply, such as not touching or feeding the animals.
Outdoors Lovers
If you are into outdoors, this is the perfect trip for you! Due to the natural diversity, there are numerous and varied outdoor activities, like canoeing, climbing, rafting, etc. Apparently, the most popular and cheap activity is hiking, whether inside or outside the National Parks. There are a lot of trails that will take you to incredible places or breathtaking views! You need to do some research about the paths before you go, and have some physical preparation!
Some of the most beautiful trails I recommend are Angels Landing and The Narrows (Zion National Park), Havasupai (Grand Canyon), Lower Calf Creek Falls (Grand Staircase-Escalante), Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden (Bryce National Park).
