USA Southwest Tours & Vacation Packages

USA Southwest Travel Guide

USA Southwest Tours Things To Do

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  Santa Fe, New Mexico

  The capital of New Mexico, Santa Fe sits at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It is known for its Pueblo-styled buildings and its creative arts community. Established as a Spanish colony in 1610, the city's historic district features streets that wind past old adobe structures, including the city's New Mexico History Museum.

  Best Time To Visit

  The best time to see Santa Fe is during the spring (around April or May), or in October, when the sun is not as hot, and it is easier to sightsee.

   

  You Should Know

  The main hub of the town is the Plaza, a market square built by the Spanish, located at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Today, galleries, cafes, and restaurants surround the marketplace, which is well-regarded by both tourists and locals. Many of the city's cultural celebrations are held at the Plaza, which is a great venue to buy Native American crafted jewelry. A beautiful example of the Romanesque Revival design, the city's Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was constructed between 1869 and 1886. The cathedral displays imported French stained-glass windows and a carving of a Tetragrammaton in the Hebrew language.

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  Tucson (The Old Pueblo) - Arizona

  Tucson represents one of the best examples of the desert Southwest in the U.S. The city was founded by Hugh O'Conor in 1775. The Pima County Courthouse in downtown Tucson is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Roy Place in 1928. Tucson's oldest restaurant is El Charro, which is situated downtown. 

  Best Time To Visit

  To avoid the oppressive desert climate, it is best to see Tucson in April, May, or October, as the temperature can soar in the 3 digits on the Fahrenheit scale in the summer. Also, you want to avoid the monsoon season which spans from mid-June to the end of September.

   

  You Should Know

  The surrounding area is known for its saguaro cacti, which can be found in abundance in Saguaro National Park, located on the west and east sides of town. Mount Lemmon is another popular tourist attraction and features skiing during the winter months. In addition, the city features a bike corridor for cycling enthusiasts. Tucson High School, which was built in 1924, was featured in the 1987 movie, Can't Buy Me Love. The comedy-romance starred Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson.

• 
  Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

  Established on February 26, 1919, Grand Canyon National Park is home to the iconic U.S. natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. The large gorge's tiered bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history. Popular viewpoints at the site include Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station. Lipan Point, which showcases panoramic views of the canyon and Colorado River, is a popular place to view the sunrise and sunset.

  Best Time To Visit

  The Grand Canyon is a special place to see, regardless of the season. Shuttle services are provided in Grand Canyon Village so you can avoid the scorching heat in the summer. In the winter, you might think of taking the Grand Canyon railroad train, which runs from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

   

  You Should Know

  While the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located in Grand Canyon National Park, the West Rim is situated on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Grand Canyon West features the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped platform made with a glass walkway that looks down thousands of feet into the canyon. The bridge is located at Eagle's Point, where a rock formation, resembling an eagle, can be seen from the bridge. You can also take a helicopter ride over Grand Canyon West or zip-line over the canyon.

• 
  Zion National Park – Utah

  Located in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is home to steep and red cliffs. The park's scenic drive leads travelers to explore the forested trails along the area's Virgin River. The stream flows to the popular tourist attraction, Emerald Pools, which features a hanging garden and cascades.

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan a visit to Zion National Park in May or October, so you can sightsee and hike when the temperatures are more pleasant. Climbing season in the park occurs from March through May and September to November.

   

  You Should Know

  Zion's rock faces offer a paradise for climbing enthusiasts. The park's 2,000-foot cliffs, made of sandstone, are renowned the world over for big wall climbing. The park was established in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

• 
  The Narrows – Zion National Park

  A wader's hike, the Narrows in Zion National Park, is the quintessential hiking experience, if not somewhat tiring. That is because your hike is through the river. The Narrows represents, as the name suggests, the narrowest section of the canyon in Zion National Park. Located on the Virgin River's north fork, the Narrows is one of the most popular hikes on the Colorado Plateau. The hike references a 3.6-mile bottom-up trek from the Temple of Sinawava to the final destination of Big Springs or a top-down hiking experience from Chamberlain Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava.

  Best Time To Visit

  September and October are preferred hiking times. If you plan the longer, top-down 16-mile hike, you should visit before September 30, as you can hike for about 13 to 14 hours, which gives you enough time to hike and catch any transportation from the park.

   

  You Should Know

  Most of the hike will be performed in water that is about waist deep. In some areas, you will need to swim. The canyon in the Narrows is so deep that hardly any direct sunlight touches the bottom. It is considered one of the best slot canyon hikes in the world. A slot canyon is a deep and narrow channel with sheer sandstone rock walls.

• 
  Death Valley National Park

  Death Valley National Park sits between Nevada and California and is known for its ghost town in Titus Canyon as well as its colorful rocks. The lowest point in North America can be found in the park in Badwater Basin's salt flats. The park also features Telescope Peak Trail, which winds past pine trees, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, home to rattlesnakes.

  Best Time To Visit

  The park experiences blistering summer temperatures. Therefore, you should visit the site from May to October, when you don't have to suffer through the extreme heat. 

   

  You Should Know

  Death Valley, located in the northern Mohave Desert, has the distinction of recording the highest temperature ever at Furnace Creek. On July 1913, the temperature registered 134 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also the driest place in the U.S. Not a single drop of rain fell in the area in 1929.

• 
  Lake Tahoe, California

  Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake known for its ski resorts and beaches. Emerald Bay State Park sits on the lake's southwest section and features a Nordic-type mansion, Vikingsholm, built in 1929. 

  Best Time To Visit

  If you want to go skiing, visit the area in the winter months. Otherwise, the best time to travel is in the spring or fall.

   

  You Should Know

  Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. and the tenth deepest lake in the world. Its average depth is around 1,000 feet or 305 meters. It is also one of the purest lakes, with a purity rating of 99.994%

• 
  Las Vegas, Nevada

  One of the most exciting and unique cities in the world, Las Vegas offers a variety of entertainment, including gambling. The 24/7 city is a mecca for tourists as well as gambling enthusiasts. Some of its unique attractions cannot be missed. Take a break from playing slots and discover some of the sights around the city. 

  You Should Know

  One of the great ways to see the Vegas skyline and photograph it is to take the High Roller Observation Wheel. The wheel, which is 550-feet tall, is technically considered a Ferris wheel. However, the wheel is so big, a Ferris Wheel looks tiny by comparison. The wheel's cabins are made to hold up to 40 people at a time. Plus, the views from the wheel cannot be matched. You can see a 360-degree view of the Las Vegas Valley and the Vegas Strip. You can only experience this ride when you visit Las Vegas. The massive wheel located at the Linq Promenade between the Flamingo and Venetian hotels. Rides run from 11:30 am to 2:00 am daily. If you want to avoid crowds, go during the daytime hours.

USA Southwest Tour Packages

• Are You Ready to Tour the USA Southwest?

  The USA Southwest is more than just a destination; it's a vibrant, diverse experience waiting to be explored. From its breathtaking landscapes and rich history to its unique cuisine and warm hospitality, this region offers something for every traveler. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or simply a change of scenery, touring the Southwest is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

USA Southwest Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Southwest USA Tours?

  Southwest USA tours roughly cover the southwestern most part of the U.S., such as Santa Fe or Tucson. The Grand Canyon is often included in this type of vacation, as is Zion National Park, or sites, such as Death Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas.

• What’s Included in a Southwest USA Tour?

  Southwest USA tours feature upscale accommodations, the price for admission to attractions, airport transfer fees, and the cost of some meals. Each tour is escorted by a professional and knowledgeable guide. Daily excursions will keep your tour both active and fun.

• What is the Best Southwest USA Tour?

  The best Southwest USA tour is the best trip you can get for what you can afford to spend. It should cover the places you want to visit, feature upgraded amenities, and cover the time you can travel. You can learn more about Southwest tour options by speaking to a travel representative. Take this step first before you decide on what Southwest tour is best for you.

• What Is the Cost of Southwest USA Tours?

  What you pay for a Southwest tour will be based on the length of the Southwest tour, what locations are featured, and the time of year the trip is planned. On average, expect to spend about $2,500 per person for a trip lasting about 13 days.