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Top 10 Southwest Holiday Ideas for Your Trip in the Southwestern United States

By Elizabeth R. Rose, About.com

If you are planning for a holiday in America's southwest, you will want to include our top holiday destinations. We have all you need to know to plan your southwest holiday.

1. The Grand Canyon - Arizona

Grand Canyon at Dawn
The Grand Canyon, an important southwest holiday destination, offers a variety of memorable experiences, from canyon hiking to mule rides, walks along the rim, or a wild west train ride from Williams to the park. Visitors can camp, stay in one of the historic lodges, or fly or drive in from surrounding cities. The closest major airport is Phoenix, Arizona, approximately 3 hours away.

2. Majestic Monument Valley, Arizona

Navajo Rider - Monument ValleyCopyright: Elizabeth R. Rose
Monument Valley is a "must do" for any trip to the southwestern U.S. It is a Navajo Tribal Park and is possibly the most photographed and filmed are you will see. Western movies have been filmed there. It is truly a beautiful and exciting place to visit.

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Historic Santa Fe, is a hub of culture and arts as well as natural beauty and historic sites. Relax and enjoy your holiday in scenic Santa Fe. The closest large airport is Albuquerque, one hour away.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

You will find all the information you need to plan your holiday, day trip, resort stay or evening out in Las Vegas. Whether you are looking for a golf course, casino, resort, the top Las Vegas restaurants or a place to have fun with your child, you will find what you need to know in our articles and resources. Las Vegas is home to an international airport, close to everything.

5. Estes Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest surround the village of Estes Park, Colorado with spectacular mountain scenery, abundant wildlife habitat, miles of hiking trails and scenic drives including Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide and the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. The closest large airport is Denver.

6. Bryce and Zion National Parks, Utah

These beautiful parks are located in southwest Utah and are within an hour from each other. With our resources you'll find everything you need to plan your Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park holiday, including directions, maps, photos, lodging, camping, things to do, weather, and more. The closest major airport is Las Vegas, Nevada, a little over two hours away.

7. San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio captures the spirit of Texas. Now the eighth largest city in the United States, the city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress. The city has always been a crossroads and a meeting place. Sounds and flavors of Native Americans, Old Mexico, Germans, the Wild West, African-Americans and the Deep South mingle and merge. San Antonio has an international airport.

8. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe, with it's sparkling blue waters, pine trees and bike trails, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. But in South Lake Tahoe, you can enjoy the casinos, restaurants and shows. There is something for everyone at Lake Tahoe.

9. A Route 66 Holiday through the Southwest

Enjoy America's historic Route 66. Join us as we travel, offer tips and get our "kicks" along historic Route 66 through the Southwest. You can travel the backroads, see some of the original buildings that tourists of yesteryear enjoyed and visit some great museums... all on Route 66.

10. Acoma Pueblo's Sky City - New Mexico

Acoma's Sky City MissionCopyright: Elizabeth R. Mitchell
I don't know which is more spectacular, the old pueblo atop the mesa, the new Cultural Center and Museum or the drive through spectacular rock formations and scenery to Acoma Pueblo. The pueblo was built on top of a 357-foot sandstone mesa many hundreds of years ago. The 70-acre village is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Take the tour atop the mesa and you will realize what a treasure this is. Knowledgeable guides explain the history, show you the beautiful mission and lead you through the village past small tables laden with the pottery of very talented Acoma residents.
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