With its iconic landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, the American Southwest is home to some of the most magnificent national parks in the country.
From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the solitude of Canyonlands, these parks offer stunning vistas, incredible hikes, and one-of-a-kind scenery you must see:
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Zion National Park, Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
So keep reading to start planning your bucket list tour of the American West’s greatest national parks!
1. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for 200 years.
Besides the saguaro cactus, the park is home to various other desert plants and animals, including javelinas, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
You can explore two diverse districts in the Sonoran Desert: Rincon Mountain and Tucson Mountain.
Families with young children can enjoy the Desert Discovery Nature Trail, while the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail provides breathtaking mountain views. If hiking doesn't excite you, take a scenic drive instead.
The Cactus Forest Loop Drive in Rincon Mountain and the Bajada Loop Drive in Tucson Mountain offer charming landscapes.
2. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is home to one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. It also boasts stunning vistas of the Painted Desert and ancient petroglyphs etched into the cliffs.
As you explore the park, you'll be transported back to the Late Triassic Period, over 200 million years ago, when this area was a lush, tropical forest.
Over time, volcanic activity and landscape changes buried the trees, and minerals in the sediment turned the organic material into stone, forming the petrified wood.
One of the best ways to experience the park is by driving along the 28-mile Petrified Forest Road, which winds through the park.
Along the way, you can visit various viewpoints and hiking paths, like the Blue Mesa Trail, which offers a scenic route through vibrant badlands and sandstone formations.
And if you're interested in history, check out the park's museum, which features exhibits on the area's geology, paleontology, and human history.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous national parks in the Southwest — a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. One of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon is by visiting the South Rim.
Here, you can take a scenic drive along the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon and its rock formations. You can also watch the sunset over the canyon for a picturesque and memorable view.
If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind the extra expense, you can take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Alternatively, you can hike down into the canyon and explore the rivers and trails that wind through it.
If you're a history buff, you should stop by the Tusayan Ruin and Museum to learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who lived there over 800 years ago.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is in the southwest region of the United States. One of the most popular hikes in Zion is the Virgin River hike, also known as The Narrows.
This hike takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, with towering walls on either side and the Virgin River flowing beneath your feet.
Try the Observation Point trail if you're looking for a less crowded hike with equally stunning views. This hike takes you to the highest point in Zion National Park, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
For a unique experience, you should try canyoneering in Zion. This involves rappelling down waterfalls and navigating through narrow canyons. It's a thrilling way to explore the park's rugged terrain!
Enrich your Utah road trip by checking out our guide here: The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah should be on your bucket list if you're a hiking enthusiast. It's not a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved out of the landscape by millions of years of erosion.
For a memorable hike, start your day early and watch the sunrise from one of the many overlooks.
The Queen's Garden Trail is a popular choice for this, as it offers stunning views of the hoodoos and is best completed right after sunrise.
Meanwhile, the Navajo Loop Trail is a must-do if you're up for a challenging hike, as it takes you down into the canyon, then through a narrow slot, before climbing back up to the rim.
Another popular hike is the Fairyland Loop Trail. This 8-mile hike takes you through some of the park's most scenic areas, including Fairyland Canyon and Tower Bridge.
And don't forget your camera — Bryce Canyon is a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. Read more for a well-planned trip here: Zion or Bryce? Comparing Utah’s Famous National Parks
6. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah may be lesser-known, but it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. The park highlights various sandstone mountains in multiple colors, canyons, and overlooks with incredible views.
You can explore these formations by hiking one of the many trails in the park, such as the Cassidy Arch Trail, which leads to a stunning natural arch formation.
You can also take a scenic drive through the park, go horseback riding, or even go on a guided tour to learn more about the park's history and geology.
This park also has historic orchards in Fruita, where you can pick fruit, including apples, peaches, and pears, during the harvest season. And while you're there, you should try a slice of the famous homemade pie at the Gifford Homestead.
7. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Canyonlands National Park in Utah is famous for its breathtaking overlooks, deep canyons, sunrises, and colorful sandstone spires. It's divided into three distinct districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, and The Needles.
The Island in the Sky district offers some of the most popular hikes, including the Mesa Arch Trail and the Grand View Point Trail.
The Needles district is known for its longer and more challenging hikes, such as the Chesler Park Loop Trail and the Joint Trail.
If you're not into hiking, you can go on a scenic drive, take a ranger-led tour, or even go on a river trip. The park is also excellent for stargazing, especially during the new moon.
8. Arches National Park, Utah
Look no further than Arches National Park in Utah for another picturesque hike. This park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, making it the world's highest concentration of these stunning rock formations.
One of the most famous arches in the park is Delicate Arch. The hike to Delicate Arch is about 3 miles round-trip and takes you through a beautiful desert landscape.
The trail is well-marked but steep and strenuous, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Other popular hikes include the Devil's Garden Trail, the Fiery Furnace, and the Double O Arch Trail.
9. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado protects over 5,000 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
These tours provide insights into the ancient architecture and cultures, while the Mesa Top Loop Road allows self-guided exploration of the park's mesa tops and panoramic canyon views.
To make the most of your visit, booking tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure access to these remarkable sites.
Prepare for the park's high elevation by staying hydrated, and as always, check the official website for up-to-date access information and to book guided tours of iconic sites like Cliff Palace and Balcony House.
10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, is renowned for its underground cave system, featuring over 119 known caves.
The park offers self-guided tours of the Big Room, showcasing immense underground chambers and the Natural Entrance, providing a more strenuous descent into the cavern.
The Bat Flight Program also presents a unique opportunity to observe thousands of bats emerging from the cave at sunset, a must-see event complemented by ranger-led educational talks.
It's advised to use red lens covers on flashlights to minimize disturbances to cave wildlife.
11. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas has the highest peak in Texas — Guadalupe Peak.
Hiking to the top of Guadalupe Peak is strenuous, but once there, you can see for miles around and take in the Southwest scenery. The park is also known for its cave system, which includes stalagmites and stalactites.
For a hint of its history, explore the Frijole Ranch Museum, which sheds light on the area's former residents and their environmental impact.
Be better prepared for your visit to this national park by reading our guide: Guadalupe Mountains National Park – A Quick Guide
Begin Your Southwest National Park Adventure
The national parks of the American Southwest offer some of the most spectacular scenery and hiking in the United States.
From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the unique hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, these parks are home to iconic landscapes you must see to believe.
As you start planning your Southwest-national-parks bucket list adventure, consider the best times to visit to avoid crowds and get ideal weather.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection for any hikes. Check park websites for tips, trail status, and permit requirements before you go, and don't forget to book accommodations well in advance.
So get ready to be inspired by the incredible beauty of the American West. An unforgettable journey awaits in these national park gems!