Plan a family vacation to the Southwest. Visit historic sites, national parks, and fun destinations.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is the biggest and most impressive of all the National Parks. The statistics tell part of the story: 10 miles across, 1 mile deep, 277 miles long. But to truly understand the grandeur of the canyon, you'll have to see for yourself. Enjoy camping, donkey rides, helicopter tours, and miles upon miles of hiking trails.
Ouray, Colorado
Tucked away in southwestern Colorado, the city of Ouray is difficult to reach but even harder to forget. Unlike the bustling resort towns that make up most of the state's tourism industry, Ouray is more of a retreat. Known as "the Switzerland of America," it features stunning views, the famous hot springs pool, and winter ice climbing.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Few National Parks are as picturesque as Bryce Canyon. With its deep orange color and jagged natural rock formations, it's a rare beauty even among some of its more famous neighbors. Best of all, it has many moderate hiking trails that make for easy day trips.
Photo source: Carol M. Highsmith
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is noted for the remarkable diversity of its plant and animal life, as well as its geological makeup. Numerous rock strata are visible, making for a gorgeous and painterly view from almost anywhere in the park. Visitors can stay in comfort in lodges, or they can rough it at campsites. A few backcountry camping permits are available, as well.
Photo source: Carol M. Highsmith
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Mesa Verde is as pretty and expansive as you'd expect, but what sets this National Park apart are the preserved cliff dwellings from an ancient people. Take your family on a tour of the ruins, and see how a native tribe lived centuries ago. If you look closely at the rock walls high above, you'll even see handprints from where the ancient people climbed without safety equipment.
Photo source: Carol M. Highsmith
Park City, Utah
Just up the road from Salt Lake City, Park City is one of the most accessible ski resort towns in the state, and features three world class resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and The Canyons. Park City also hosts the world-famous Sundance Film Festival.
Taos, New Mexico
The small town of Taos is a popular destination for tourists, and it's no wonder why. A combination of colonial Spanish and Native American influence has made for superb architecture, and the nearby mountain ranges and parks are a big draw, too. The local ski area, Taos Ski Valley, has abundant beginner terrain, and the number-one ranked ski school in the country. Don't miss the Taos Pueblo, an adobe village that's over 1,000 years old, where people still live to this day.
Austin, Texas
Austin bills itself as a big city that's like a small town, and you'll agree after you visit this charming and cultured outpost in the massive state of Texas. Each year, Austin hosts South by Southwest, a sprawling music festival with acts performing at all of the city's hundreds of venues. Stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens, or take a short drive to nearby Schlitterbahn, one of the nation's best waterparks. Don't miss the Children's Museum, which promotes active learning for kids.
