Geographical region
Photo: Huebi, CC BY 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
The American Southwest contains more than its fair share of natural wonders: Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are only three of the most famous natural attractions that draw people from all over the world. The region is home to a wonderful and vibrant mix of Anglo, Latino and American Indian traditions making it one of the more diverse and interesting corners of America with regards to history, landscape and culture.
By car
Entry from Mexico is surprisingly limited given the length of the region's Mexican border.
By train
Amtrak has three routes running through the Southwest, all of which run east-west connecting California to cities in the east.
S. Southwest is notable for its widely distributed network of minor hubs in contrast to the hub-and-spokes approach used by most airlines in the United States.
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the largest city, transportation hub, and economic center of New Mexico.
home to New Mexico State University and close to the Mexican border.
"Sin City", the lavish, indulgent destination for all manner of extravagant entertainment, including gambling and other vices.
the capital of Arizona, a huge city in the desert.

Las Vegas' lesser-known cousin is the "Biggest Little City in the World", with plenty of gambling, resorts, and other entertainment.
the capital of Utah and of the Mormon Church, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and a starting point for Utah's breathtaking outdoor attractions.
the capital of New Mexico with history, architecture, and a thriving art scene.
Arizona's second city, a blend of cultures in the midst of scenic desert landscapes.
The world's largest concentration of natural arches and a symbol of the state of Utah.
A large natural amphitheater with an audience not of humans, but hoodoos.
A national park near Arches protecting the canyons formed by the Green River and the Colorado River.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing showcasing some of the most impressive cave formations in the world.
One of the United States' crown jewels, this canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World where almost 2 billion years of Earth's history is on display.
A site within the Navajo Nation in Arizona, this site is famous for its use as an establishing shot for many Hollywood westerns.
A park not far from Tucson preserving the quintessential cactus, the saguaro.

A park preserving the world's largest gypsum dunes; its location surrounded by a missile test range may necessitate unwanted closures.
Named for the Hebrew word for 'refuge', this park is easily one of the United States' most scenic spots and a hiker's heaven.
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