The American Southwest has a multitude of natural wonders. The
Grand Canyon, Arches National Park and Zion National Park are
just the three most famous of dozens of natural wonders known to
everyone in the world.
The Southwest of the USA is more
sparsely populated than the adjacent regions. Even the big
cities have relatively sparse populations. In addition to
residents of Northern European descent, the population also
includes a not inconsiderable proportion of Hispanic Americans
and Native Americans.
In contrast to the US east coast,
the south-west of the USA was not discovered by the British but
by the Spaniards and was annexed to the Spanish colonial empire
of Nueva España. With Mexico's independence in 1821, all of what
is now the US Southwest passed to Mexico, which was able to hold
the region until the mid-19th century.
The
Spanish-Mexican influence is particularly evident in southern
Arizona and much of New Mexico. Various buildings from the
Spanish colonial era have been preserved in both states. The
churches, plazas and (usually replica) adobes give some towns in
Arizona and New Mexico an almost Latin American flair and are
thus clearly different from most other regions of the USA.
Utah and Nevada were taken over during the Spanish colonial
period but were hardly settled; accordingly, the architectural
influence from the colonial era is less pronounced here.
However, the Spanish explorers left individual Spanish field
names in Utah and Nevada that have endured.
There are traditionally two states in the southwest:
Arizona,
nicknamed the Grand Canyon State, was incorporated into the United
States in 1912 as the 48th state.
New Mexico, a relatively
under-visited, impoverished state, offers well-prepared individualists
who don't fear long drives or the heat, but the opportunity to
experience some top-notch attractions with relative privacy.
Nevada
Utah
According to other definitions, the states of California,
Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas are also included in addition to those
mentioned.
Albuquerque
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Reno
Salt Lake City
Santa fe
Tucson
Carlsbad
Caverns National Park
Grand Canyon National
Park
White Sands National Monument
Zion National
Park
The very extensive Navajo Nation, the semi-autonomous
territory of today's largest Indian people in the USA, stretches across
the territory of the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Navajo
administration has some top attractions, including Monument Valley.
The southwestern part of the country is well known for its
spectacular landscapes. The terrain is incredibly varied. You may be
driving through red-rock desert terrain, but a few hours later you may
find yourself climbing mountains. Carlsbad Caverns N.P., Grand Canyon
N.P., Bryce Canyon N.P., Zion N.P., and so on.
While known for
its stunning natural beauty, the Southwest is also home to many historic
sites. From the great pueblo sites at Canyon de Chelly in northeastern
Arizona, Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico, and Mesa Verde near
southwestern Colorado to the Taos, New Mexico Remnants of Native
American culture can be found throughout Arizona and New Mexico, from
the great pueblo ruins at Mesa Verde near southwestern Colorado to
thriving cultures in still-occupied communities such as Taos Pueblo in
Taos, New Mexico. New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley, from Albuquerque to
Taos, was the site of the first European settlement, and many of the
towns in this area still carry their Spanish roots, with a central plaza
and adobe church overlooking it and town plans surrounded by small adobe
houses. On the other hand, most of the historic sites in Utah
(especially in northern and central Utah and the Dixie region) are based
on the transformation by Mormon pioneers of land that was thought to be
an uninhabitable wasteland into a prosperous oasis with farmland and
neatly planned cities and towns.
Although English is the dominant language in the Southwest, historically Spanish has been particularly prevalent in regions of New Mexico and the Tucson area. A large number of indigenous tribes speak no less a number of Native American languages, although their distribution is limited to the reservation boundaries. A high level of language diversity is found particularly in the larger metropolitan areas such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Tucson and Albuquerque. The larger national parks and museums often also have signage and brochures in German.
By Airplane
Major airports in the region include
Albuquerque -- Southwest Airlines hub, served by most major airlines.
Las Vegas -- another hub for Southwest Airlines.
Phoenix -- Home and
largest hub for Southwest Airlines and a major hub for American
Airlines.
Salt Lake City -- Delta's main hub.
By Car.
Entry
from Mexico is surprisingly limited given the length of the region's
Mexican border. New Mexico has borders at Santa Theresa, Columbus, and
Antelope Wells, of which the small town of Columbus is the only 24-hour
port of entry. Arizona has borders at Douglas, Nogales, and Yuma (out of
state), and others that are open and not open at certain times of the
day.
All major highways into the region from other parts of the
U.S. have western entrances into the region from California (note that
agricultural products brought into California from Arizona are subject
to inspection). The eastern and northern entrances are as follows
Interstate 10: Texas to Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Interstate 25:
Colorado to near Raton, New Mexico.
Interstate 40: Texas to empty
eastern New Mexico.
Interstate 15: Idaho to near Salt Lake City.
Interstate 70: Colorado to eastern Utah.
Interstate 80: Wyoming to
near Salt Lake City.
I-17, I-25 (north end), I-40, I-70 (east end),
and I-80 (east end) all pass through mountainous terrain on their way to
(or within) the Southwest and may experience delays or closures due to
snowfall in winter.
By Train
Amtrak has three lines running
through the Southwest, all of which are east-west routes connecting
California with eastern cities. The California Zephyr crosses Utah and
Nevada, runs roughly parallel to I-70 and I-80, and stops in Salt Lake
City and Reno. The Southwest Chief will run through New Mexico and
Arizona, parallel to I-40 west of Albuquerque, with stops near Santa Fe
and in Albuquerque and Flagstaff. Finally, the Sunset Limited runs
through the small southwestern tip of New Mexico and southern Arizona,
stopping in Tucson.
The U.S. Southwest was the first region that Southwest Airlines
served extensively. Southwest Airlines began as a low-cost carrier (and
low-fare carrier) only in Texas, then expanded to Southwest, and now to
the entire United States. Southwest Airlines is notable for its widely
dispersed network of smaller hub airports, in contrast to most U.S.
carriers, which use a hub-and-spoke approach. Not only as a result of
Southwest's approach, but also because competitors in the region have to
some extent adopted Southwest's approach, the major cities in the region
tend to be very well connected by air service, and fares are relatively
low. Intra-regional air service to smaller cities can be quite
expensive, in part because Southwest does not have agreements with
commuter airlines that serve smaller airports.
The imposing
obstacle of the Grand Canyon limits road and rail traffic within the
region. South of the Grand Canyon, Interstates 10 and 40 connect New
Mexico and Arizona cities with reasonable convenience; I-40 essentially
follows the route of the region's historic Route 66; I-80 serves a
similar function in Nevada and Utah; and I-80 is the only roadway in the
region that does not connect to the Grand Canyon.
Traveling by
road from north to south or vice versa, however, is a more challenging
proposition. There is no rail service, and the few highways that connect
Arizona with Utah and eastern Nevada are often minor, two-lane,
low-traffic, and far from traveler services. If you are driving
north-south from Arizona, watch your fuel level and make sure your
vehicle is in good condition. i-15 runs southwest to northeast from
Barstow, California, through Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City,
Utah. i-17 runs from Arizona I-19 runs between Phoenix and Flagstaff;
I-19 connects Nogales and Tucson. New Mexico is divided north-south by
I-25, which runs from I-10 in Las Cruces through Albuquerque, Santa Fe,
and Denver to Wyoming.
Outside of the major cities, you will most
likely have to rely on a car, but despite the Southwest's reputation as
a generally car-centric region, Salt Lake City has a decent (by American
standards) public transportation system. However, other Southwestern
cities live up to their reputation, and touring this part of the United
States without a car is a near impossible challenge.
Of course, Las Vegas should be mentioned here in the first place. The
city is peppered with numerous nightclubs and discotheques, as well as
many strip bars such as e.g.
the Sapphire (3025 S. Industrial
Road, $20 admission),
the Crazy Horse Too (2476 Industrial Road, $10
admission) or
the Olympic Garden (1531 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $20
admission incl. 2 drinks)
Given the vast desert and red rock landscapes for which the American
Southwest is well known, it may be hard to believe that this region
offers some of the best skiing in the country, with varied terrain and
superb powder. just east of Salt Lake City, the host city of the 2002
Winter Olympics, the Wasatch Mountains, nearly a dozen ski and snowboard
resorts are about 60 miles away. There are also several smaller, less
crowded resorts in Utah, and a few in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of
north-central New Mexico, led by Taos Ski Valley near Taos.
Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are also available
in the region's forests scattered throughout Utah, New Mexico, and
Arizona.
While there is no place for surfing or sailing, the Colorado River and its two man-made reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, and rafting. Rafting is also available on other rivers in the area, including the Rio Grande near Taos.
Cycling is very popular in the Southwest, from touring and road cycling to mountain biking, from high mountain canyons to rugged red rock landscapes. There are decent bike stores in the larger towns there. Just keep in mind that almost all national parks have strict restrictions on where you can cycle, and some national forests have their own rules.
Much of the Southwest is public land and there are trails everywhere you go. National parks offer a variety of trails, from easy paved trails to strenuous hiking trails. Most trails in national forests are well marked and traverse long distances, making them ideal for overnight backpacking. Bureau of Land Management property is a bit more confusing, so be aware that unmarked trails may enter private property. Be prepared for hiking by having plenty of water, applying sunscreen, and being aware of rapidly changing conditions.
With the exception of saltwater fishing, the area offers recreational fishing of all kinds, from renting a boat and casting in the middle of a lake to fly fishing in a mountain stream. There are also plenty of hunting opportunities, from big game to small game. Always check local laws and regulations before hunting, however.
The Southwest offers many campgrounds for year-round fun. Choose your destination wisely. Summer camping can be too hot in the desert, but the mountains offer cooler camping. Late fall and early spring are the best times to visit the desert. Spring is especially rewarding with wildflowers in bloom.
In most cases, every town has a diner or a place that sells "American
food," and in most places you should be able to find a fast food chain,
whether local or national. Larger cities tend to have a wider selection
of cuisines, and in the big cities you can find just about any form of
food you are looking for.
New Mexico has a unique cuisine
featuring chili peppers, pork, beans, blue corn, and other common
ingredients. Every town in New Mexico has eateries that sell both
American and New Mexican food, and the specific recipes may vary.
Wherever you go, you will probably be asked the question, "Red or
green?" You will probably be asked, "Is it red or green? This refers to
the type of chili you choose to put on your food, either red chili
(which tends to be the hottest) or green chili.
Native Americans
in the area also have their own cuisine, and you will find restaurants
specializing in fry bread, Navajo tacos, cornbread, pozole, and more.
Note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the Navajo Nation and many other American Indian pueblos and reservations. Many Mormon-owned restaurants do not serve coffee, tea, or alcohol. Many other beverages are available.
Common sense should be applied when faced with any problem. The desert is beautiful, but it has no tolerance for fools. Outside of urban areas, cell phone reception is extremely spotty, and while it is usually possible to use your cell phone from the interstate, this is not a panacea. Also, in many parts of the Southwest, you can be as far as 200 miles from the nearest tow truck, so be prepared. Be prepared with a spare, jack, and lug wrench, as well as a full tank of gas, blankets, and extra water for emergencies. Winter nights can be bitterly cold, especially in high altitude deserts, even when daytime temperatures are quite warm.
In some areas, sandstorms can occur with little visibility. Although
usually short-lived, sandstorms can rapidly reduce visibility, so
caution is advised. Similar to the "whiteout conditions" of a blizzard,
the "brownout conditions" of a sandstorm in the Southwest unfortunately
result in fairly frequent multi-vehicle crashes because drivers
underestimate or ignore the reduced visibility.
If you see a
sandstorm while driving
Turn on your headlights and slow down to an
appropriate speed.
Do not enter a sandstorm if you can safely avoid
it.
If you need to leave the road, pull as far to the right as
possible, over the shoulder and into the ditch if possible.
Turn off
your car, headlights, and parking lights, apply the parking brake, and
take your foot off the brake pedal.
During the summer months, central Arizona and New Mexico can
experience heavy rains, known as monsoons. These downpours can be brief
in any area, but can cause flooding in low-lying areas. If you have to
drive your car during such a storm, you should
Slow down: the
road surface is slippery with water and oil.
If you need to get on
the road, pull as far to the right as possible. Turn off your headlights
and parking lights, apply the parking brake, and take your foot off the
brake pedal.
Pay attention to hazard signs and road closures. If you
see a "No Crossing During Flooding" sign, take it seriously and find
another way. In some states and municipalities, you may be charged a
rescue fee if you avoid barricades and travel on flooded roads. In
Arizona, this is commonly known as the "Stupid Driver Law."
Do not
cross rivers swollen by rain. You could get caught in a flash flood, and
you never know what might be under the water. That person who appears to
be only ankle-deep in water could be standing on the roof of a pickup
truck.
Most summer monsoon-like storms are accompanied by
thunderstorms, and some even produce hail. Take proper precautions.
If entering the desert for hiking or sightseeing, wear comfortable
walking shoes and bring water. Natives of the region despise anyone who
gets lost or injured while hiking or exploring. Since cell phone
reception is poor in many desert and mountainous areas, it is essential
to bring a map and let someone know where you are going and when you
expect to return. Hiking during the day is not recommended due to the
intense heat.
It is also best to hike early in the day, as
thunderstorms often suddenly develop in the afternoon. If rain or storms
are forecast, do not enter narrow canyons or dry streams. If you
encounter inclement weather, seek higher ground immediately! When it
rains in the desert, it can fall quite heavily and rapidly.
Thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in canyons and other low-lying
areas, even if there is no rain in the immediate vicinity.
It is not uncommon for people to become ill or even die from extreme
heat. In summer, it is vital to drink water at all times. If you feel
thirsty, you are already behind on your water intake. Restaurants will
offer you a small glass of cold tap water for free (in moderation), and
most stores will sympathetically give you a glass for water, even if
they don't sell it. Some restaurants are eager to sell bottled water,
but you can also ask for a glass of tap water.
Sunburn is a
serious risk, even for dark-skinned people. If you are not used to the
incredibly hot and dry desert climate, it is essential to apply
sunscreen every 45 minutes. Sunburn can range from uncomfortable to
serious damage requiring medical attention. Burns can also be a marker
that you are not a tourist or from the area.
Despite the intense
heat, it is advisable to wear light layers of clothing that cover as
much skin as possible. Wear long sleeves and long pants of breathable,
quick-drying material. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed, neck-covering hat
are also recommended. Southwestern Americans prefer air conditioning.
Some stores, restaurants, and movie theaters cool down to 60 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Even in forested areas that do not appear to be particularly dry, do not build campfires under any circumstances except in specially posted areas. This includes campfires, fireworks, and cigarettes (unless in established areas). The Southwest is prone to large fires across several states. These fires often start with a single match or a small campfire. These large fires can destroy homes, entire towns, wildlife, and vast forests. Whether accidental or intentional, those who start fires will have no sympathy and perhaps no mercy.
Coyotes are desert animals that resemble small wolves or dogs in
appearance. They are very intelligent and have adapted to urban areas
where they eat garbage. They travel in packs and may interbreed with
dogs. They are often considered pests or nuisances and can be seen at
night. They are wild animals and should not be approached or disturbed.
They rarely attack humans and prefer to run away, but can injure puppies
if cornered or approached.
Some desert animals are venomous.
Rattlesnakes often live outdoors, away from people, on cool ledges or in
lairs. Do not stick your hand in places you cannot see (for example, on
a rock ledge while rock climbing). Snakes often make a very loud
"rattle," similar to a baby rattle, as a warning before they attack. If
you hear a rattle, stop the action immediately. Rattler bites are
painful and venomous. Rattlesnake bites can be fatal.
Scorpions
are small spiders with large tails that curl up over their bodies into
needles. Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert, the giant scorpion is
light brown in color. They range in size from the palm of your hand to
the size of a paper clip (3 inches, 8 centimeters). They also lurk in
cool places, such as linen closets and inside shoes. Stings range from
mild irritation to severe pain. Before putting on shoes, check them by
turning them upside down or shaking the shoes to remove sand from them.
If stung, seek medical attention or call the national poison control
hotline at +1 800-222-1222. Seek medical attention if there are severe
symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, or if symptoms worsen within
two to three hours of the sting. It is extremely unlikely to be fatal.
The black widow spider is a common spider species in the region. It
is shiny black in color, has a large, swollen abdomen, and is often
shaped like a red hourglass. They nest and hide in corners, under beds,
and in shoes. Their bites are extremely painful and venomous, rarely
causing death, but they can cause damage.
The Africanized honey
bee is common in this region. Africanized honey bees are very
territorial and aggressive and will build nests in unoccupied areas such
as house awnings, old cars, trees, etc. Do not harass these bees or
approach their nests. They will swarm and chase you for up to a mile. A
single sting is unpleasant and painful, but multiple stings can be
deadly.
Fire ants also inhabit both urban and rural areas,
including residential yards. If you sit on the ground or place objects
on the ground, watch out for anthills. Fire ants nest underground and
are rarely seen on the ground. They are often dull red in color. Stings
are painful. When their nests are disturbed or threatened, they attack
in groups. Leave the area immediately, and if stung, apply minimal
medical attention as soon as possible.
Despite its image as a vast desert region, the Southwest is one of the most geographically diverse regions in the United States. It begins at the high elevations of the Wasatch and Rocky Mountains and descends to dramatic bluffs and mesas before emerging onto the plains of the Rio Grande River. The arid climate and dramatic red rock landscape help to unite the region despite the stark differences in elevation.
Human settlement in the Southwest dates back more than 12,000 years,
and rock paintings, cliff dwellings, and other archaeological sites have
been found throughout the region and remain today. The Pueblo people
(sometimes known as the Anasazi) inhabited the area for over 1,000
years, but disappeared in the 12th and 13th centuries AD. The
Athabascans (Navajo and Apache) began living here around 1000 A.D. and
remain the largest indigenous people in the region to this day; Spanish
explorers arrived in the 1500s and remained the dominant military
presence for nearly 300 years; in 1821, Mexico gained independence from
Spain through After independence, the region became part of Mexico; by
the mid-1800s, the expanding United States established its presence, and
after a war with Mexico, most of the region became U.S. territory in
1848. This colonization is commemorated in the legend of the Old West.
After the war, the southwest became part of the prosperous Sunbelt
region, attracting migrants from the north and south for gambling,
mining, technical industries, and retirement.
The climate is very dry and hot according to the location between the 32nd and 42nd degrees of latitude (Rome is on the 42nd degree of latitude). Alongside the cities on the Persian Gulf, Phoenix is the city with the highest summer temperatures in the world. The most pleasant travel time in the desert areas is therefore between October and April, although it can get very cold in winter, especially at night. On clear winter nights, temperatures below zero are the norm.