SOUTHWEST USA TOURS
The Southwest USA
From its enchanted deserts to it majestic, towering red sandstone monoliths, the Southwest USA is famous for its surreal landscapes and natural wonders. The Grand Canyon, Arches and Zion National Parks are only three of the most famous natural attractions that draw people from all over the world to this area. This spectacular region offers endless hiking trails, unparalleled photo opportunities and off the beaten track adventures. Home to a wonderful and vibrant mix of American Indian traditions as well as the awe-inspiring scenery makes it one of the most diverse and interesting corners of America.
Zion and Bryce National Parks
Cut by the Virgin River, Zion Canyon is an impressive mix of white, pink and red sandstone cliffs. Ancient sand dunes towering over 2000ft above the canyon floor make for an impressive landscape. Stroll around the Emerald Pools or strive to reach the summit of Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park offers enchanting walks & hikes for every fitness level.
Bryce Canyon, less than 80 miles away is world apart. A giant natural amphitheater created by erosion along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos. These red, orange, and white spires provide spectacular views for park visitors. Bryce Canyon is considered by many to be the most scenically diverse place in the world.
The Grand Canyon
Stare back on over two billion years of unbelievable history revealed by the mighty forces of the Colorado River as it courses through the depth defying ravines that make up the splendor of the Grand Canyon. This national treasure, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, draws visitors from around the globe to witness its intricate and colorful landscape and overwhelming size. Sunrise and sunsets cast magnificent color displays of red and purple upon the canyon walls and rock layers which record much of the early geologic history of the North American continent and in specific, the Southwest USA. The Grand Canyon is truly a breath taking spectacle which should not be missed!
Los Angeles
Los Angeles County has a population of over 10 million, the largest of any county in the nation. The metropolis of Los Angeles sprawls across over 4,000 square miles between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped San Bernardino Mountains. Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world; enjoy a walk down Hollywood Boulevard to see where the stars have left their mark on this timeless town. Wander the Venice boardwalk where you are sure to meet some of the interesting locals that make this neighborhood one of the most colorful in the nation. Bask in the sun on the Santa Monica pier and browse the boutiques of the Third Street Promenade, this city is home to exceptional restaurants, exciting theme parks, non-stop shopping, spectacular sightseeing, and a vibrant nightlife.
Las Vegas
Once a desert oasis offering valuable resources to travelers making their way to the Californian gold fields, Las Vegas is now world famous for its dazzling neon lights and 24 hour partying! You will find an array of the hottest night clubs in the country which party late into the night and the wee hours of the morning, Las Vegas offers a plethora of adult entertainment. From mesmerizing shows, delectable food, exciting theme hotels and boasting almost thirty grand casinos on the main strip alone, Las Vegas has definitely earned its reputation for being the gambling capital of the world. The city’s tolerance for various forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of Sin City, and this image has made Las Vegas a popular setting for films and television programs.
Fun facts
The average number of Las Vegas weddings per day is 315!
15 of the biggest 20 hotels in the world are in Las Vegas-the city has over 150,000 hotel rooms, New York city has only half that number!
The largest jackpot win of all time happened in Las Vegas on March 21, 2003, when a 25-year-old software engineer from Los Angeles, who was just passing time at the slots, won an incredible $39,713,982.25 at The Excalibur Hotel and Casino-WOW!
Yosemite
Covering over 1200 squares miles of remote ruggedness and reaching across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park is one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Absorb internationally recognized scenic wonders including towering granite mountains, dense forests, giant sequoia trees, abundant wildlife and the fifth tallest waterfall in the world (Yosemite Falls, comes crashing down from a spectacular 2,425 feet). Yosemite attracts close to 4 million visitors per year who come to enjoy this wonderful display of mesmerizing scenery.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” —John Muir, conservationist and explorer late 1800’s.
San Francisco
The California Gold Rush brought a flood of treasure seekers to San Francisco with their sourdough bread in tow prospectors accumulated in raising the population from 1,000 in to 25,000 in the mid 1840’s. Today, San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, ranking 33rd out of the 100 most visited cities worldwide, and is renowned for its summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of people, quaint architecture and famous landmarks. Perhaps the most well known of those landmarks is The Golden Gate Bridge, spanning 2 miles across the bay connecting the northern and southern portions of the city. Sample some local delights in China Town, visit Alcatraz, stroll through Golden Gate Park, take a cable car ride to Pier 39, grab a coffee at Haight Ashbury and enjoy the bustling nightlife!
Monument Valley Tribal Park is found within the heart of the Navajo nation. With over 250,000 people, the Navajo are one of the most prolific indigenous cultures found in the USA. Monument Valley was a premiere location for early 20th century cinema. Over 200 films were created beneath its iconic sandstone monuments. The Navajo people have welcomed travelers for generations to get to know their culture through traditional music and storytelling and a guided Navajo jeep tour is the perfect way to access remote places within the valley and learn the secrets of it ancient history. You may also visit a traditional Navajo home, a Hogan, made of mud and cedar wood. These Hogan’s were once used to house entire families and were the center of communal celebrations such as weddings other traditional ceremonies.
Canyonlands and Arches
Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons by the Colorado River and its tributaries whilst Arches National Park is home to over 2000 naturally formed sandstone arches. Both parks are filled with captivating canyons, magnificent mesas, soaring buttes, fins, arches and spires which have all come into being from millions and millions of years of erosion. The high desert atmosphere at these parks supports unique wildlife, flora and fauna which have adapted to the extreme temperature changes on the desert floor along variety of thrilling outdoor activities from rafting, hiking, hummer tours, mountain biking the famous slick rock and canyoneering. The charming town of Moab serves as gateway to these amazing parks and evenings can be spent enjoying the quaint artistic stores or at one of the busy local bars frequented by adrenaline junkies!
San Diego
Known as “America’s Finest City” San Diego stands out from other urban centers for it lush desert environment and favorable year round climate and pristine beaches. Explore the island of Coronado, the historic Gas lamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and glitzy La Jolla town, with its attractive cove and beautiful beaches. Exciting nightlife, gorgeous natural beauty and stunningly crafted architecture await you at every turn. Visit the world famous San Diego zoo or make a splash at Sea World, either way you will always remember San Diego for its classy way of life.
Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park, situated near the four corners district of the Southwest USA in Colorado is the nation’s first Cultural Park. Created in 1906 to protect some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world, it offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years. Today, the park protects over 4,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings for which Mesa Verde is most famous. Visitors are encouraged to take part in ranger led or self guided tours of these fascinating cliff dwellings taking a unique look into ancient Pueblo history and culture.