Best National Parks in the Southwest United States
We are all working to make a living, but sometimes working for long hours in a week leaves our body exhausted and drained. Some people would prefer going to the beaches to slow down time and relax while others would seek adventure to stimulate their minds.
These adventure-seekers are opting for activities that are physically draining, and they find satisfaction out of it.
Most of the time, these outdoor enthusiasts will turn to national parks to get the most challenging adventure while taking in some of the most iconic landscapes on Earth.
The Southwest features some of the best national parks in the entire world. We’ve distilled the list down to the best options in this region of the United States.
These are the best national parks in the southwestern United States.
Joshua Tree National Park
It is located in the southeastern part of California, embracing some sections of the Mojave desert and some parts of the Sonoran desert.
Both deserts are showcasing different appearances and elevations, so visitors get to experience it in one park.
Spring and Fall is the most visited time of the year in Joshua Tree Park since the temperature is average, also in the Mojave Desert and a lot cooler than the Sonoran Desert.
Here are some hiking trails to explore:
● Discovery Trail.
● Barker Dam
Zion National Park
In the southwestern part of Utah lies the 229-square mile piece of land and wilderness for the adventure-seekers.
Wild animals are free to roam around the park while hikers are exploring. The park has two sections (the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Kolobs Canyon).
The Canyon Scenic Drive has most of the popular hikes.
● Angels Landing
● The Narrows
Read more of these awesome things to do in Zion National Park.
Grand Canyon
It is one of the world’s natural wonders. It is in the northwestern part of Arizona, and it is close to the outskirts of Utah and Nevada. This park consists of the North Rim and the South Rim.
The North Rim is like a forest covered in trees that make the weather cool, even during summer days. But only a few people are visiting this place. The South Rim is the most crowded part of the park.
It is more accessible to several cities that make it a smooth-sailing trip to visitors. Also, most of the viewpoints in the Canyon are accessible on the south rim of the park.
There are plenty of options for hiking and camping, too.
● Mather Point (South)
● Yavapai Point (South)
Arches National Park
The park is in the northern part of Moab in Utah. By the name itself, it is where you can find the 2,000 natural sandstone arches incredibly crafted by nature.
Many people flock to the park to see the incredible landscape of arches. The majestic view is a great picture spot for photographers.
Also, exploring the different attractions in a day may not be sufficient, but it is doable if a hiker would decide to stay a little longer.
Here are some of the sites:
● Delicate Arch Hike
● Double Arch
Mojave National Preserve
It is in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County in California. It is a place for hunters since hunting is allowed in the preserve, not like in national parks.
Also, Joshua trees grow everywhere, and people mistakenly assumed it as the Joshua Tree National Park.
Mojave National Preserve doesn’t look enticing at first, but when you go deeper into the place, people will notice the beautiful canyons, towering dunes, hidden caverns, to name a few.
Here are a couple of great spots to see while in the Mojave National Preserve:
● Hole in the Wall
● Mojave Cross
Antelope Canyon
This canyon is a magnificent and remarkable slot canyon. It is on the land of the east of Page in Arizona and has two separate scenic sections.
The Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), famous because of the beam of light phenomenon. The Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew) is offering a different kind of exploring.
People need to use a series of ladders to reach the top, and that’s where they can find the scenic view.
Also, visitors (for both sections) are only allowed to enter the site once they have a tour guide due to spiritual reasons.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
It is located in the Western part of Texas, bordering Mexico. People find this place a paradise in a desert form due to its diverse ecosystem.
The South Rim Trail is a bit far for the hikers to reach the top, but once they did, it would be worth the effort, and they get to overlook the surroundings from above.
Here are some of the beautiful sites to see:
● The Balanced Rock
● Boquillas Canyon
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
People can visit this park in the southern part of Arizona. They call it the home to the nation’s gigantic cacti. And made the giant saguaro the national symbol of the American West.
The park consists of two districts. One is the Rincon Mountain District (eastern part of Tucson, Arizona).
Campers are allowed to camp on this side of the park, and it is less crowded. Perfect spot for people who wants to enjoy solitary. The Tucson Mountain District (western part of Tucson).
This park is the more popular section so expect that people flock around here most of the time.
Here are some of the places to go in the park:
● Desert Discovery Nature Trail (West)
● Cactus Forest Drive (East)
Death Valley National Park
It is the land of extremes. They say that it is the lowest point of North America, the hottest and the driest.
But despite the undesirable name, hikers and explorers still find the place appealing.
Also, wild animals survive the place even how extreme it gets. Great place for camping, hiking, stargazing during the night, and even driving on pavement.
Every landscape made by nature is truly exquisite. Looking at all these beautiful parks leaves you dumbfounded on how everything was made majestic.
