Southwest (United States of America) Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
The Southwestern United States contains more than its fair share of natural wonders: The Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, and Mesa Verde are only three of the most famous of dozens of red rock attractions that draw people from all over the world.
Despite the Southwest's image as a sprawling flatland desert, it is one of the most geographically diverse regions in The United States. The Southwest starts high in the Wasatch and Rocky Mountains and descends into the dramatic bluffs and mesas before emptying out on the flatlands of the Rio Grande. The region's dry climate and dramatic red rock landscapes help tie the region together despite the drastic elevation differences.
The region experiences the full range of climate extremes from 100-115 degrees Fahrenheit (38-46°C) in the summer down to sub zero in the northernmost regions in the winter. The dry cold conditions in the northern mountainous regions make for what is arguably the best skiing in the world. Ski resorts in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico allow you to take advantage of this great natural resource.
The Southwest mixes the hospitality of the south with the romance of the Wild West. The Southwest has a strong culture both ancient and modern, and it is hard to escape the rugged charm of the people.
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States
Cities
Other destinations
Understand
Talk
English, but there are a number of Spanish speakers in this region. Speakers of most of the world's major languages can be found in the larger cities (Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City to some extent, Tucson, Albuquerque) but are not common elsewhere. The larger national parks in the region, and some but not all of the smaller parks and monuments as well, are likely to have interpretive materials in several languages, as will a few of the major museums, etc.
Get in
- This region's primary airports are in:
- Albuquerque -- hub for Southwest Airlines, served by most majors, nominally an "international airport" but no nonstop international flights as of January 2006
- Las Vegas -- another Southwest Airlines hub, some international service (on other airlines)
- Phoenix -- home base and largest hub for Southwest Airlines and America West Airlines (US Airways); a major airport with service to a number of international destinations; Tucson also has limited international service
- Salt Lake City -- major hub for Delta Airlines, service to many international destinations
- Entry from Mexico (at least legal entry) is surprisingly limited given the length of the region's Mexican border. The small town of Columbus is the only regular port of entry in New Mexico; most traffic entering this state from Mexico arrives via the border crossing at El Paso, Texas, just outside the state. Arizona has border crossings at Douglas, Nogales and (outside) Yuma, with a few others that may or may not be open at any given time.
- Major highways entering the region from other parts of the United States all have their western entries to the region from California (note that produce brought into Arizona from California is subject to inspection). East- and north-side entry points are:
- Interstate 10: from Texas at Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Interstate 15: from Idaho near Salt Lake City
- Interstate 25: from Colorado near Raton, New Mexico
- Interstate 40: from Texas in empty country in eastern New Mexico
- Interstate 70: from Colorado in eastern Utah
- Interstate 80: from Wyoming near Salt Lake City
- I-25 (north end), I-70 (east end) and I-80 (east end) are all subject to occasional delays or closures in the winter owing to snowfall, as they go over mountainous country en route to (and within) the Southwest.
Get around
See
- Four Corners is the point where the states of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado meet. Nothing special visually, but where else can you stand so that you're in four states at the same time?
- Colorado River. There are many different parts of the Colorado River. You can raft down the dangerous Grand Canyon, or a very popular place is Havasu City were you can rent boats and waverunners. This area of the river has many dams so the water is very calm and makes a very azur blue color.
Do
Eat
Drink
Be warned that alcoholic beverages are forbidden in Navajo Nation and in many other American Indian pueblos and reservations.
Stay safe
Get out
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