Does any part of the United States capture the spirit of this vast nation like the Southwest? We’ll leave that debate to wiser people. But whether you’re gazing out over the Grand Canyon at sunset, marvelling at the mysteries of Monument Valley, roaming the red rocks of Arizona, exploring Native American culture and ancient pueblos, or getting lost in the glitz, glamour, and sheer artifice of the Las Vegas Strip, a trip into the Southwest takes your USA adventure to the next level.

America’s Southwest region covers the four states of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. The region is a photographer’s paradise, with dramatic desert landscapes, incredible canyons (the Grand Canyon is just the beginning), and some of the country’s most beloved national parks. It also preserves more Native American history than perhaps any other region in the USA, including the most impressive Native American settlements and ruins you’ll find north of Mexico.

The Southwest is ideal for road trips from a major city like Las Vegas or Phoenix. Regardless of whether your interests lean toward geography or history, there are so many sights and stops to choose from, the hardest part will be narrowing it down. But with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Southwest also lends itself to drop-and-flop vacations, golfing escapes, quick weekends away (hello again, Las Vegas), as well as art, wellness, or food-focused tours.

Whatever you’re hoping to find in the Southwest, whether it’s fantastic photos, great hiking, a deeper understanding of America’s first peoples including Navajo culture, or simply to relax under the sun, this spectacular corner of America is waiting and ready to transform.