Perhaps more than any other region in the country, the dazzling geographical features of the American Southwest make for action-packed adventure of every kind.
(Photo: World Expeditions / Courtesy Bookmundi)
Encompassing Arizona and New Mexico, as well as portions of California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, the region is packed full of stunning national parks, historic monuments and natural landscapes that just beg to be explored. If you’d like to embark on a southwest adventure, there are a huge number of tour companies offering that very opportunity. Here are 5 of the best regional tours currently available.
Deserts and Canyons of the Southwest Tour (14 days)
Starting and ending in Las Vegas, this 14-day guided trekking tour will see you travel through Canyonlands National Park, Grand Canyon, Canyon De Chelly, and five other beguiling southwest destinations that draw huge numbers of adventure travellers every year. Highlights will include witnessing the red landscapes of Monument Valley of the Navajo, enjoying an incredible day hike in Bryce Canyon, climbing the Observation Point in the stunning Zion National Park, and finally, the pièce de resistance, trekking into the stunning Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks. From $3,236 per person.
Colorful Trails of the Southwest Tour (10 days)
(Photo: Trafalgar Travel / Courtesy Bookmundi)
On this 10-day guided group tour, each day is a magical adventure. You’ll stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park and natural arches near Moab, and ride a 4×4 through Monument Valley’s landscapes. All the while, you’ll be accompanied by a local specialist who will elevate your trip with their expert knowledge. Other highlights include a scenic drive through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, and a hosted dinner at a renowned Santa Fe steakhouse where you and your group will be treated to an outdoor BBQ and a music and dance performance celebrating the Spanish heritage of the area. From $2,999 per person.
USA Road Trip — Joshua Tree & the Southwest Parks Tour (8 days)
Beginning in Los Angeles and ending in Las Vegas, this 8-day road tour takes you through Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Las Vegas and four other destinations. With plenty of challenging yet rewarding hikes and some of the best stargazing in the world, this whirlwind journey will leave you with long-lasting memories. Notable stop-offs include the strange rock formations in Joshua Tree National Park, a drive down Route 66, a pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon during sunset, glamping in Zion, and an enchanting hike through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. From $1,623 per person.
Mighty 5 from Salt Lake City (8 days)
(Photo: Southwest Adventure Tours / Courtesy Tourradar)
Known for their natural beauty and landscapes that see thousands of visitors each year, Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are among the jewels in the southwest’s crown. This action-packed tour lets you explore each and every one of them over 8 busy days of exploration. As part of a small group of no more than 14 guests and a private guide, the adventure features hiking, scenic viewpoints, local eateries, hidden gems, and other fantastic experiences. There’ll also be a chance to take a look around Salt Lake City, Utah’s bustling capital, where the tour starts and finishes. From $2,293 per person.
Vegas & California – National Parks & Highway 1 Adventure Tour (16 days)
Explore Yosemite National Park, hike through the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park, sit atop Horseshoe Bend, embark on a Navajo guided jeep tour of Monument Valley, and drive along Route 66 on this 14-day tour from Las Vegas to LA. The stark contrast will captivate you, as one minute you’re traversing the region’s stunning natural landscapes on foot, and the next you’re cruising down the Pacific coast on four wheels, taking in the highlights of Highway 1. This is a magical way to discover the scenery that has inspired writers, musicians, artists, and other fellow travellers for centuries. From $4,308 per person.