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Six Must See Travel Spots In The Western United States

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By In The Doghouse


The top six travel spots in the Western United States that every European traveler hits.

Having lived in the Western United States my whole life, I have found the example of the European traveler to be quite informative. I believe that when Europeans travel to the United States they actually see more of the country than we as residents do.

Vacationing at Lake Powell, which is located on the Utah/Arizona border, for the past 40 years, I have had an opportunity to visit with many European tourists and have discovered some of their basic itineraries and found them very impressive. I thought I would share with you some of their favorite travel spots, in hopes that you might like to join them this summer.

First Stop, The Grand Canyon and Monument Valley

The Grand Canyon is a gift that must be seen to be appreciated. Its immense size is overwhelming. The Canyon is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The color and geological formations are breathtaking.

Whether you see the canyon by vehicle, shuttle, on foot, or bicycle, your trip will be enhanced if you pick up a little publication called "The Guide." This free newspaper is available at all the entrance stations and visitor centers throughout the park. It contains the best maps, a listing of ranger activities and special programs, articles of interest about the park, and a list of all available services. This can make your trip to the "Canyon" much more enjoyable.

The South Rim of the canyon is much more developed than the North Rim, and so accommodations must be booked well in advance. You may either choose to stay in the lodge located there or stay in the developed campground. There are also many restaurants available in the park itself ranging from formal dining to fast food. Seven miles south of the park is Tusayan, Arizona the nearest city that offers accommodations and other services.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/upload/trip_planner08.pdf

A detailed trip planner can be used by downloading the file above. It is useful and informative including prices and reservation information, for both the South and North Rim areas.

The North Rim is more than 200 miles away from the South Rim by car or a strenuous 21 mile, two to three day crossing by hike. There is no public transportation to the North Rim other than the Trans Canyon Shuttle. Services are limited on the North Rim.

The Grand Canyon is a backpacker and hiker paradise. Exploring the inner canyon may be done by mule rides which are available. These are booked well over a year in advance, so start planning early. River Running is also an ultimate adventure that is offered in the Grand Canyon. The Colorado River can be experienced by paddle rafts, motorized rafts, and dories. There are several Canyon Expedition tours available, book early also.

The Grand Canyon at sunset


Grand Canyon Skywalk


Books on The Grand Canyon

Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon
Price: $12.99
List Price: $22.95
Hiking Grand Canyon National Park, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series) Hiking Grand Canyon National Park, 2nd (Regional Hiking Series)
Price: $6.69
List Price: $14.95
Grand Canyon, The Complete Guide: Grand Canyon National Park Grand Canyon, The Complete Guide: Grand Canyon National Park
Price: $13.82
List Price: $22.95
Grand Canyon Trail Map 3rd Edition Grand Canyon Trail Map 3rd Edition
Price: $9.45
List Price: $9.95

Lake Powell

From the Grand Canyon they then travel to Lake Powell and surrounding areas.

Lake Powell is the second largest man-make lake in the United States. Iis 186 miles long and has 1,960 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the entire west coast of the continental United States. There are over 96 major canyons to explore, which require some sort of water craft. Its tributaries include the Escalante and San Juan Rivers, which converge onto the Colorado River making Lake Powell a water expressway. Home of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Rainbow Bridge Monument, Lake Powell is a boaters paradise.

Lake Powell Favorites

Hiking famous slot canyons.

Located just adjacent to the Lake are the famous Antelope Canyon and Escalante Canyon. These are a hikers paradise offering many unique and awesome views seen no where else in the world.


Antelope Slot Canyon


Escalante Tours

Watersports are extreme fun on Lake Powell.

Lake Powell offers the opportunity for the ultimate wake board or water skiing experience. The small canyons are perfect for personal watercraft adventures. Tubing and swimming are perfect with water temperatures in the mid 70's in the summer months. World class fishing is also available on Lake Powell. Ther is really something for everybody to experience.


Lake Powell

Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam
Balancing Rocks
Balancing Rocks

Zion National Park Canyon

Then on to Zion National Park...

Zion National Park is Utah's oldest national park, filled with world famous slot canyons cut by the power of rushing water and wind.

The Virgin River has been the water source that has created the majestic scenery found in Zion Canyon. The canyon walls are hundreds of feet high while at times only an arm span wide.

Hiking is at its peak in this river cut corridor of canyon walls. There is hiking available for all levels of hikers, each offering a view that is unmatched anywhere in the world.


Zion National Park

Next stop is St. George, Utah...

Known as "Utah's Dixie", St. George serves as a major gateway to Zion National Park. It has a temperate climate, with a very mild winter, making it one of Utah's top travel destinations. Located directly off of Interstate 15 it is right on the way from Zion to Las Vegas, making it the perfect stop over before continuing on the rest of the trip.

While in St. George there are many attractions for all types of visitors. Whether you love to golf or just relax and shop it offers a wide variety of adventures. There are several different museums if you would like to spend the day indoors in an educational atmosphere. Two of the top in the area are the Dinosaur Discovery at Johnson Farm and The Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum.

Another attraction that is available is the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, which offers world class entertainment in a 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by red rock cliffs and man made waterways. Combined with the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, a charter High School, it is one of the most magnificent art and educational facilities in the world.

The nearby red cliffs offer adventures in mountain biking, ATV riding, and other outdoor experiences. Historical tours are offered giving the visitor a flare for the history of the surrounding areas.

There is so much to do in St. George, you might want to spend an extra night just to take it all in.


Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum
Wildlife Museum
Wildlife Museum

Museum's to visit in the St. George area.

  • St. George Art Museum and Store
  • Daughters of the Utah Pioneers
  • St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
  • Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum
  • Washington City Museum and Monument Plaza
  • Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Museum and the Bradshaw House Museum
  • Silver Reef Gallery and Museum
  • Robert N. and Peggy Sears Art Gallery-Museum at DSC's Eccles Fine Arts Center
  • Pipe Spring National Monument/Kaibab Paiute Tribe Museum
  • Zion Human History Museum


Johnson's Farm, Dinosaur Tracks


St. George Temple
St. George Temple
Brigham Young's winter home.
Brigham Young's winter home.
St. George Tabernacle.
St. George Tabernacle.

Mountain Biking

Utah offers a variety of trails for mountain biking. Diverse terrain and scenery make Utah a perfect biking destination.


Broadway in the Desert

Red Cliffs of St. George, Tuacahn outdoor amphitheatre.
Red Cliffs of St. George, Tuacahn outdoor amphitheatre.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
Tuacahn Amphitheatre

On to destination, Las Vegas...

If you want entertainment Las Vegas is the place to go. Hotels, casinos, night clubs, restaurants, shopping, and many other attractions await you in Las Vegas.

So remember, "Viva Las Vegas!"


Gambling, Gaming, and Slots

Old Town Las Vegas
Old Town Las Vegas
Slot machines
Slot machines

Las Vegas Skyline
Las Vegas Skyline
The strip at night
The strip at night
The Bellagio
The Bellagio

Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group
Carrot Top
Carrot Top
Cirque du Soliel
Cirque du Soliel
Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton
Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton

Final destination, Disneyland and and The West Coast

Where else would you go once you have seen all the beauty this trip has to offer? Yes, you would go "to Disneyland!"

Truly the "happiest place on earth," Disneyland is still the choice of most vacationers. With the opening of Disneyland, Paris and Disneyworld, in Florida, you would think that Anaheim California wouldn't have the same draw, but I guess everyone still must see the "original" for themselves.


Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom
Tea Cups
Tea Cups
Fireworks Nightly
Fireworks Nightly

Only in Anaheim, The California Adventure

One thing that none of the other Disney theme parks don't have is the California Adventure. This 55 acre park was an expansion of the original Disneyland theme park. It consists of five areas: Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Golden State, A Bug's Land and Paradise Pier. This park opened in February 2001.

"To all who believe in the power of dreams... welcome. Here we pay tribute to the dreamers of the past... The native people, explorers, immigrants, aviators, entrepreneurs and entertainers who built the Golden State. And we salute a new generation of dreamers who are creating the wonders of tomorrow ... From the silver screen to the computer screen ... From the fertile farmlands to the far reaches of space. Disney's California Adventure celebrates the richness and the diversity of California ... Its land, its people, its spirit and, above all, the dreams that it continues to inspire."

-Michael Eisner, February 8, 2001


Matterhorn, Disneyland California


Sunny Southern California Beaches

A stay at the nearby Southern California Beaches, would be a welcome rest after such an eventful trip.

Nearby beaches include, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, and Dana Point or Laguna Beach.


Happy Vacationing!

So take it from my European traveling friends, go and see the Western United States. it will be the trip of a life time.

Comments

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AngelesF profile image

AngelesF  says:
2 years ago

Wow!!

Wondeful hub!! Your explanations, together with those nice pics make it sooo interesting! I have to go there one day! :-)

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
2 years ago

Doghouse, this is awesome! I have been to only a couple of the places you mentioned, and now I have more on my list. You could not pay me to go on that skywalk over the Grand Canyon, though! It looks amazing, for anyone else :)

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

AngelesF

I know you would totally love the trip. I am glad that you enjoyed the HUB. Come and visit us in the US!

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

Amy

I too am a little queezy when it comes to heights, that bridge looks really scarey! My favorite spot of all the spots mentioned has to be Lake Powell, it is the most beautiful place on earth to me. I hope you get a chance to visit it someday. Thanks for the comments.

penmanzee  says:
2 years ago

Very fascinating. I'll definitely refer to this hub for future vacation ideas. Great music on the videos.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

Penman,

I am glad you enjoyed the videos. Although close, it really isn't the same as being there. I hope you get to visit all these awesome spots, they are truly majestic.

MrMarmalade profile image

MrMarmalade  says:
2 years ago

Great hub.

Between Val and I and son3 We have been there and have some marvelous photos, Mainly his. We are prepasring to launch World wide Photos in the near futuere.

Either framed or not.loved your views. We also went to Knot's Berry Farm and thought that some aspects were better than Disney/ We did get involved with Disney land

Thank you for thos great memories.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

Mr M.

Glad to have jogged your memory. Yes, I love Knott's Berry Farm myself. they have amazing chicken dinners too! This area is so beautiful, it is hard not to take a great picture. I just love the red dirt cliffs of the St. George area, it has a beauty all its own. Thank you for your comments.

calrigby  says:
2 years ago

great list! we live in a cool country!

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

Calrigby

We certainly do live in a very blessed country. I would have to totally agree with you on that one! Thanks for your comment.

stevemark122000 profile image

stevemark122000  says:
2 years ago

Great Hub loaded with good information. I will have to refer to it again. I have always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. The mule ride to the inner caverns sounds very appealing. You have some great photos. Thanks

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

stevemark,

Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. You will love the Grand Canyon, it is an amazing creation. As for me, Lake Powell is my favorite of all the 6 spots I have listed!

Jason Stanley profile image

Jason Stanley  says:
2 years ago

I've traveled the world but not the states - what a great idea, do it like the Europeans. You have once again inspired me to action. I will present this to my wife for our next stateside vacation - right after the jazz festival in New Orleans next month.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
2 years ago

Jason,

Isn't it interesting that we who live in the US tend to travel outside of it for our vacation plans! I too have so much of this great country I would love to see. These spots are really cool, you will enjoy them. Have fun at the jazz festival, and wear a hat!

annemaeve profile image

annemaeve  says:
2 years ago

One summer when I was a pre-teen, my mom and I took a road trip from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. We saw a lot of great and interesting places (and I slept through a bunch more), but my all-time favorite day was in Colorado.

We went to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and pretended we were at the beach, and then spent the night at the Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, CO. It's an old-school highway motel built around the back of a drive-in movie theater. Every room has a balcony from which you can watch the movie, and the sound gets piped right into your room through an intercom! We watched Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall. I'll never forget the experience.

MrMarmalade, I totally agree with you. Knott's Berry Farm beats the Mickey shorts off of Disneyland!

Thanks for the wonderfully detailed and motivating hub, In The Doghouse! Road trip, anyone?

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
18 months ago

annemaeve,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I must have missed your comment! I too love Knott's Berry Farm, and BTW they have a killer chicken dinner! lol Having never been to Colorado, you have peeked my curiosity... I will have to check out the places you have mentioned. Thank you for your generous comments on the HUB.

SweetiePie profile image

SweetiePie  says:
18 months ago

Very interesting hub and thank you for all the great travel tips and sites to visit.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
18 months ago

SweetiePie,

I am glad you enjoyed the Hub. These places are really wonderful, if you have a chance to visit them, do it! Thanks for your comment.

kd-a profile image

kd-a  says:
18 months ago

Wow, tons of info! I've never been west of central Texas, but now I'm really intrigued. It would be nice to take a really long vacation, and maybe include the Redwood forest or something. Thanks for all the lodging info and stuff

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
18 months ago

kd-a,

I hope this helps with your trip planning... too bad the gas prices are so high. I have a feeling that might restrict travel a bit this year. Thanks for your visit to my Hub.

wannabwestern profile image

wannabwestern  says:
18 months ago

WOW! I could vacation for 10 years on all of those great suggestions. And they're so close to Arizona, too. I love the great American West!

I actually worked for a summer with an ol' timer who had been a guide down in Supai. Havasupai is not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, and much harder to get to, but wow, what amazing hiking and scenery. You have to arrange special guided tours to go there, as a general rule. He was trying to gear all of his advertising to German tourists.

You would never catch me on that sky bridge. It makes me queasy just thinking about it!

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
18 months ago

western,

You are close to all these destinations, that is for sure. They are all wonderful, and you hardly have to leave your backyard. lol I have not been hiking at Havasupai, but I believe you can get to some areas by the river, which I have been on. It is beautiful, if i am thinking of the same place. I don't think I would try the skybridge either! Walking across Glen Canyon Dam is high enough!

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker  says:
16 months ago

Hi Diana,

Oh I so enjoyed looking at the pictures. You have been able to tickle my curiosity and desire to visit the US someday. :) They are very beautiful, each place different yet marvelous in its uniqueness. Hmmm...more things to add to my wishlist. Thanks :) To fun, interesting trips in our lives.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
16 months ago

Ripplemaker,

There are certainly so many things to see in this beautiful world that one's wish-list could be a mile long! lol These areas that I have focused on are some of my favorite places to see. The beauty is just indescribable of the canyons and areas that are part of the natural landscape in the Western United States. Lake Powell, The Grand Canyon, Zion National Park to name just a few must be seen to be believed. I hope you get to visit here someday and experience them for yourself.

epictruth profile image

epictruth  says:
15 months ago

Wow, what a fantastic hub! I moved out to the west coast recently and have been taking a lot of trips. I definitely want to go and see the grand canyon and do the skywalk. Thanks!

- your newest fan

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
15 months ago

epictruth,

Thanks for your nice remarks.The Grand Canyon is a spectacular sight. I am sure that you will enjoy it when you go. Along the way you could hit the other spots that I pointed out to see as well! Have a great trip!

Nancy's Niche profile image

Nancy's Niche  says:
9 months ago

Beautiful pictures and very informative...Great hub!!!!

Camping Dan profile image

Camping Dan  says:
9 months ago

Great hub, but I am sure it was hard to come up with only six. I lived in the Four Corners region for 10 years and had some of the best country available as my playground.

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
9 months ago

Camping Dan,

I was extremely hard to narrow it down to six. This part of the United States is simply beautiful with much to see and do. How lucky you are to have spent so much time in the Four Corners area!

gourownway profile image

gourownway  says:
9 months ago

Wow, that's a lot of great info. I wasn't expecting so much :) I've been living on the left coast for about 10 years now, and you've covered a lot of great places to see.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W  says:
9 months ago

Thanks for this wonderful hub. I also love the west and have been to the Grand Canyon and Zion as well as other places. Lake Powell looks gorgeous! Monument Valley is also on my list of places to visit. Your photos are fantastic!

In The Doghouse profile image

In The Doghouse  says:
9 months ago

@gourownway- I guess it is time for you to take a trip to the West! I hope this Hub made you interested in visiting!

@Peggy W- Thanks for visiting my Hub! Lake Powell is gorgeous, and you will not be sorry if you choose to visit there.

kiwi91 profile image

kiwi91  says:
8 months ago

Excellent work! I've been to most of the places you have listed except for Disneyland. I'm not a rides kinda guy. Monument Valley is a place a lot of people haven't heard of, but they've seen it regardless. One of my favorite spots in the southwest.

morgan  says:
8 months ago

I don;t think I would be brave enough to walk the Grand Canyon Sky walk

Curious Traveller profile image

Curious Traveller  says:
6 months ago

Male traveller has never been to the USA and female has only been to NYC area. These places certainly look magnificent. Fantastic Hub, clearly displaying a lot of time and effort put in to it.

Michael  says:
6 months ago

I love Grand Canyon very much.And i hope to visit her one day. Also welcome all of you to China.

hypnosis4u2 profile image

hypnosis4u2  says:
6 months ago

This is a great hub - hope it inspires somebody to do one for the east coast. I love most of your choices except for Las Vegas - from my perspective it seems out of place with the rest of the outdoor destination themes. But you did a great job on information for it.

St. George 4 Kids  says:
6 months ago

You're missing an important website for the St. George and Southern Utah Area! It's www.StGeorge4Kids.com It helps you find local events, activities, and information just for Kids and Families in the area. It also has information on hiking and biking trails that are Kid-Friendly.

prasetio30 profile image

prasetio30  says:
6 months ago

nice place to visit. My dreaming is travel around United State. You had deep research about those place. And amazing picture. I'll go there someday. thanks

Tahoe River Rafting  says:
4 months ago

What? Lake Tahoe is not on this list? If you are visiting San Francisco Tahoe is a must.

Gicky Soriano profile image

Gicky Soriano  says:
4 months ago

I couldn't agree with you more. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Zion National Park, etc., bring back so many wonderful memories. Great photos. Thanks for the hub!

TheMountainMan profile image

TheMountainMan  says:
3 months ago

Wow, great article. Need to go visit some of those places now!

Jezzzz profile image

Jezzzz  says:
3 months ago

I've wanted to visit all of these locations. I hope to do so soon.

Sexy jonty profile image

Sexy jonty  says:
2 months ago

Very well written hub .....

very much informative ......

Thank you very much for your great hub, for good advice, good wishes and support. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.

cheap london flights  says:
2 weeks ago

amazing.. very well written hub. Great information on various destinations

cheap indian airlines  says:
2 weeks ago

mind blowing pictures and clips. This is awesome.

MelodyRuto profile image

MelodyRuto  says:
6 days ago

This is an awesome hub page, thanks for the information.

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