Using Las Vegas as the starting point for a southwestern national park tour is a smart idea. Las Vegas was established as a stopover for travelers going from the east coast to California, as a reprieve from the long stretches of desert which hold little to no changes in scenery. Lets face it, Las Vegas is very isolated in the middle of the desert and doesn't have a lot around it. This is the very reason it became so popular, because people traveling across the desert needed a place to stop and rest for a while before heading out to more of the same in every direction. This fact actually works to the advantage of those seeking an experience at the national parks of the southwest due to the fact that they are located inside those long stretches of area that is remote. National parks are kept pristine by prohibiting development inside them and around them, and because of the expanse Las Vegas is the nearest major city to more than a few of them. While you may find some smaller towns that are closer, you are going to probably need to take a flight into the starting point and Las Vegas is the best choice with regards to proximity and commercial air choices. Once you are in Las Vegas, you will realize that there are numerous national parks within driving distance of about one-half to one-full day. These parks are Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. Death Valley is also available as is Arches and Canyonlands, however for sheer popularity of parks that are accessible you will want to choose from the first five. This is mainly because they are all located closer to each other than they are to Las Vegas itself, and if
Using Las Vegas as the starting point for a southwestern national park tour is a smart idea. Las Vegas was established as a stopover for