subject: Choosing A Southwestern Vacation Locale [print this page] Though the southwest is usually thought of as a dry and arid desert land, there are plenty of beautiful sights to occupy anyone that wishes to go there. The terrain varies in each elevation and state, from canyons, to forests, to deserts, and bodies of water.
The state of Arizona is a massive part of the Sonoran Desert. Temperatures here can reach well over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, even in the spring and autumn months.
However, the winters are mild and the desert found there is beautiful. It is home to one of the seven natural wonders, the Grand Canyon.
This canyon has been formed over thousands of years by the Colorado River. The space that it takes up is so large that it has different levels and climates at different rims.
During the winter months, it often snows at the higher elevations. The canyon is a spectacular sight.
Visitors can hike from the top to the base at different regions, or if they would rather, just observe the beauty from one of the many rims. Another state in the southwest that offers plenty of beauty and entertainment is Utah.
The capital City of Salt Lake has a lot of fun activities to participate in, especially if you are traveling with your family. It is surrounded by plenty of other cities and ski towns where you can have all kinds of fun.
The scenery of the state itself is beautiful. It is very mountainous and has lots of deciduous forests.
Those that love to take part in winter sports will enjoy a vacation to the Beehive State; it boosts "the best snow on earth." There are plenty of ski resorts and chalets to accommodate you on your vacation.
Most of these establishments are right on the slopes or not far away, so you can be close enough to spend all day in the snow. If you prefer to visit during the summer, there is plenty of hiking, biking, and rock climbing available.
Travel south of Salt Lake City to Zion National Park and you will find some of the most beautiful scenery in the west. Colorado is one state that has plenty to offer visitors in terms of entertainment.
A popular activity here is white water rafting. If you choose a route that is simple and gentle enough, this is something that the entire family can enjoy.
It is best to take part in during the summer, obviously; however, the wintertime also offers great skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city of Denver is very modern in its diversity, but still has a bit of an "Old West" feel.
There are also plenty of old mining towns to visit and explore for those that are interested in learning about this time in history. Las Vegas, Nevada, is one other exciting locale in the southwest.
Though it is nicknamed "Sin City," there are plenty of things that you and your children can have fun doing together. The Hotel Circus Circus has the largest indoor amusement park in the United States; there are plenty of opportunities to play games and feel a thrill on roller coasters.
Las Vegas is also known for its entertainment and shows. Find one that everyone will enjoy, and purchase tickets ahead of time just in case.
Those that are driving to the city can make a stop at the Hoover Dam, which is directly between the States Arizona and Nevada. The construction story of this dam is amazing.
If you wish to know more about it, there is a visitors' center and museum where you can schedule a tour of the establishment. You can also simply marvel at the impressive construction and creation of this man made reservoir.
California, another part of the southwest, offers beaches and activities for any family that goes there. However, there are lots of smaller, beautiful areas that deserve to be noticed and visited as well, such as Lake Tahoe.
Finding beauty and fun activities in the southwestern United States is not difficult; there are lots of national parks and man made pleasures to explore. The next time you are planning a vacation with your family, try to find somewhere in this region of the country where you can travel to.
