30 Famous Landmarks in the Southwest to Visit

The American Southwest is a well-known tourist spot featuring renowned historical sites, national parks, and stunning scenery. Many of the region’s most famous historical landmarks are related to its Native American heritage.

For instance, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Another popular historical landmark in the Southwest is Monument Valley, which is revered by many as one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States.

Are you looking for an established monument or a hidden gem? Here are the most fascinating historical landmarks in the Southwest region of the United States.

Famous Landmarks in the Southwest

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unique places in North America. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes on the continent and a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Great Sand Dunes is also an important scientific research site, as it is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and pronghorn.

If you plan on visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park, you should know a few things. First, the park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between June and August.

The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Great Sand Dunes is a large park, so wear comfortable shoes and plan your visit accordingly. Fo

See Related: The Ultimate Colorado Springs Itinerary

2. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an interesting narrow-gauge heritage train which runs from the Durango and Silverton metropolis. The route was established in 1882 as part of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad as a transportation route to the local mines where silver and gold ores were extracted.

Since 1981, its operations have been primarily as a heritage excursion railway and are designated National Historic Landmarks. The track is a 3 ft narrow gauge between Durango, Colorado, and Silverton, Colorado. The trip is 45 miles one-way and takes about 4 hours to complete. The train departs daily from both Durango and Silverton.

A ticket costs $99 for adults and $79 for children (ages 2-12). The trip includes a historical tour of the area and breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.

3. Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a stunning place, and its rich history only adds to its appeal. The valley is located in the northeastern corner of Arizona and is considered home to some of the most majestic and iconic landscapes in the United States.

The valley is known for its towering sandstone buttes. Its history is closely tied to the Navajo people, who have called it home for centuries. Monument Valley is a popular tourist destination featured in many films and TV shows.

4. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the American Southwest. The canyon is located on Navajo tribal land near Page, Arizona, and features stunning red rock formations.

Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon split it. It’s managed by the Navajo Tribe, which has guidelines for visiting, such as mandatory tour guides to visit the canyon, so be prepared and ensure you plan for your visit.

Antelope Canyon is also home to wildlife, including bighorn sheep, eagles, and antelope. The canyon is accessible via a short hike from the parking lot, and several tour companies offer guided hikes. Be sure to bring your camera, as Antelope Canyon is one of the most photogenic places on earth!

5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. The park is home to the ruins of the ancient Puebloan civilization, which was one of the most advanced cultures in North America before the arrival of the Europeans. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a popular tourist destination and is also an important archaeological site.

The park offers visitors a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and bird-watching. Several ranger-led programs provide insight into the history and culture of the Chaco people.

6. Mesa Verde National Park

One of the most spectacular national parks in the country, Mesa Verde National Park is located in southwestern Colorado. It is home to the ruins of the ancient Puebloan civilization, a popular tourist destination, and an important archaeological and historical site.

The park is best known for its cliff dwellings, built by the Native Puebloans centuries ago. These dwellings were built into the cliffs to protect the inhabitants from enemies and the elements.

Today, Mesa Verde is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the Puebloan people. The park offers a variety of tours and activities that allow visitors to explore the Mesa Verde area. Many hiking trails wind through the park, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

See Related: National Parks in The USA to Visit

7. Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument is a must-see for anyone traveling through northern Arizona. The monument is home to an incredible array of ancient Native American dwellings, many of which are still well preserved.

The largest and most impressive of these is the Great House, a multi-story structure likely used for ceremonial and public functions. Wupatki is also home to several other well-preserved buildings, including dwellings, storage rooms, and ceremonial chambers.

Today, the monument is run by the National Park Service, which offers various tours and educational programs for visitors. The site also contains a ball court used for games by the ancient Puebloans.

8. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Canyon de Chelly National Monument is located in northeastern Arizona and is home to more ruins of the ancient Puebloan civilization. It is a popular tourist destination and an important archaeological and historical site.

The canyon is also home to wildlife, including bighorn sheep, eagles, and pronghorn. The monument is open all year, and several ranger-led excursions are available. When the weather is cooler, spring or fall are the ideal times to visit Canyon de Chelly.

9. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in southeastern Utah and is home to the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. It is a must-stop on any epic Southwest US road trip.

Arches National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Utah. It offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The park has more than 1,000 natural sandstone arches and countless other fascinating rock formations.

Hiking is the best way to see all that Arches has to offer. There are many different trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Hike Delicate Arch early in the morning to avoid crowds.

PRO TIP: Arrive early in the park during the busy season (May to September) to avoid standing in long car lines at entry!

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10. Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The monument stretches 17 miles along a volcanic basalt escarpment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This impressive area is home to over 24,000 individual Petroglyphs carved into the rock by Native Americans centuries ago.

Today, the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque jointly administer the Petroglyph Monument. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the history and culture of the area.

Many of the designs on these totem poles are for animals, people, brands, and crosses. These designs have a lot of meaning for the people who carved them.

They may have been the only ones who understood their significance. These designs are a cultural treasure for the people who carved them, their descendants, and all Americans.

11. Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep National Monument is located in southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado. It has six prehistoric ruins: Hovenweep Castle, Holly Group, Cutthroat Castle, Hackberry Mesa Group, Square Tower Group, and Good Springs Camp.

The monument was established in 1923 to protect the ruins of the Ancestral Puebloan people who inhabited the region from about 1200 to 1300 CE.

Hovenweep was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is managed by the National Park Service. The monument offers ranger-led tours, hiking trails, camping, and picnicking.

Hovenweep is an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people and experience the beauty of the American Southwest. The Hovenweep National Monument is open year-round, and ranger-led tours are available.

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12. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the American Southwest. You might have heard of it.

The Grand Canyon is a huge canyon carved out over millions of years by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, and it is truly an amazing sight. No picture can ever do it justice.

There are many different ways to explore Grand Canyon National Park. Adventure seekers can ride in helicopters above the canyon or on donkeys along the canyon’s paved trails.

If you want a more relaxed adventure, you can hike along the Grand Canyon’s edge to get several viewpoints and then travel to the scenic views for stunning images.

13. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a United States National Park Service site in Camp Verde, Arizona, that protects the remains of three well-preserved Sinagua village structures inhabited between 1100 and 1425.

The castle was constructed over over three centuries and contains roughly 20 rooms. When European Americans first saw the ruins in the 1860s, they mistook them for those of the famous Aztec emperor Montezuma, thinking he had been associated with their construction.

The site of Montezuma Castle is a cliff dwelling built by the prehistoric people known as the Sinagua. The apartment-style Montezuma Castle has five stories and many rooms, some of which were probably storage or living quarters. It is believed that around 50 people could have lived within the Montezuma Castle complex at one time.

Although no one knows why the Sinagua people abandoned Montezuma Castle around 1425, it is thought that a combination of drought and warfare forced them to leave.

14. Cholla Cactus Garden (Joshua Tree National Park)

The Cholla Cactus Garden is a must-see when visiting Joshua Tree National Park! This easy nature hike takes you through a field of awe-inspiring cacti.

Be sure to admire these beautiful plants from a distance, though, as they are equipped with sharp needles that can give you a nasty surprise! In addition to the Cholla Cactus Garden, there are plenty of other great hiking trails worth exploring in Joshua Tree National Park.

The location is ideal for nature lovers and rock climbers. The Buttermilk Falls trailhead, located in the northeast of Joshua Tree National Park, offers visitors a unique perspective on the park’s famous formations, which can be seen from every angle.

Various options await at Split Rock, Pinto Valley, Devil’s Slide Lookout, and many other locations. The best time to visit Joshua Tree National Park is during the cooler months, from October to May.

The temperatures are more moderate, and there is less chance of rain. However, the park is open year-round, and each season has a unique beauty.

15. The New Mexico Museum of Space History

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a great place to learn about space travel history and the science behind it. The museum hosts numerous exhibits on planetary and space travel history and is also the last resting place for Ham, the giant monkey that became the first ape to enter the space program.

Rest in peace, space ape. The museum complex also includes a planetarium, a great place to learn about the stars and planets. The International Space Hall of Fame honors world-renowned astronauts, scientists, and other scientists involved in science and technology.

The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a great place to visit in New Mexico if you want to learn about space travel history and its science.

16. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist attraction, mainly due to the typically bright blue sky and partly thanks to social media booms. The natural 180° river curves are simply stunning.

To capture the best images of this amazing place, you should arrive early in the morning for sunrise or during sunset. Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed locations in the American Southwest and is especially popular on Instagram.

The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is early morning or evening when the sun is low in the sky and casts a warm glow on the red rock canyon walls. Planning your visit around sunrise or sunset may help you avoid the crowds (depending on the time of year).

Horseshoe Bend is located just outside Page, Arizona, and can be reached by a short hike from a nearby parking lot. Admission to Horseshoe Bend is free, making it an affordable travel destination for everyone.

17. Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park is one of Arizona‘s most beautiful national parks known for its spectacular preserved petrified wood artifacts. The park covers over 280 square miles and includes the Navajo and Apache counties.

If you are looking for a place to stay, your best is the nearby town of Holbrook. This forest is known as one of America’s most beautiful parks and has over 60,000 annual visits for hiking activities.

The Rainbow Forest and the Newspaper Rock State Historic Monument are among Arizona’s most-photographed natural landmarks accessible through charming hiking routes throughout the park.

Petrified wood is scattered throughout the park but concentrated in areas like Newspaper Rock, where logs up to 9 feet wide have been preserved. The petrified forest is also home to two rare species of petroglyphs: red-on-buff panels and semicircles.

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18. Ashcroft Townsite

Ashcroft is an old mining town near Aspen, Colorado, that has been preserved as a historical site. It was originally established in 1881 by two prospectors who discovered silver in the area. The town quickly grew to include six hotels and over 3,000 residents, but it went bust just a few years later when the silver ran out.

Today, Ashcroft Town is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the history of the Wild West. The Ashcroft Townsite includes several restored buildings, including the Ashcroft Hotel and the Masonic Lodge, and a museum with exhibits on the town’s history.

Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the town to see the old mines’ locations and learn more about its fascinating past.

19. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History

The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is America’s most extensive nuclear science museum and one of the only museums in the world that cover the complete history of the nuclear age.

The museum is located in Albuquerque’s downtown area. It features 16 permanent exhibits connected to the nuclear age’s historical technology and temporary rotating exhibits throughout the year.

The museum also contains a library and research center open to the public. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is an excellent place to learn about the history of nuclear science and technology and to see some of the unique artifacts from the atomic age.

20. Zion National Park

Nestled in the heart of southwestern Utah’s red rock country, Zion National Park is a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. The park features towering sandstone cliffs, lush forests, meandering rivers, and a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, with over 4 million visitors annually. The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is milder.

There are plenty of things to do in Zion National Park, from hiking and camping to canyoneering and rock climbing. Ranger-led programs like guided hikes and Junior Ranger activities are also available.

21. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. The park has multiple unique geological features, including Bryce Canyon, a series of giant natural amphitheaters carved out of red rock.

The park also features various other attractions, such as the world-famous Hoodoos and columns of rocks formed by erosion. Bryce Canyon National Park is a great place to hike, camp, and stargaze, and several ranger-led programs are available to help you make the most of your visit.

22. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Meteor Crater or Barringer Crater is a meteorite impact crater approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Flagstaff and 18 miles (29 kilometers) west of Winslow in northern Arizona’s desert.

Meteor Crater is 5,640 ft (1,719 m) above sea level. The crater is about 3,900 ft (1,200 m) in diameter and is 560 ft (170 m) deep. It has a 148 ft (45 m) high rim, and a flat plain surrounds it.

The crater was created about 50,000 years ago when an object, probably a meteorite, hit the earth at a speed of about 26,000 miles (42,000 kilometers) per hour. The impact caused the rock to be pulverized and ejected from the crater.

23. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was granted the status to protect Mogollon cliff dwellings in the Gila Wilderness on the headwaters of the Gila River in southwestern New Mexico.

The monument covers 533 acres (2.17 km2) and includes seven cliff dwellings. A small group of Mogollon people inhabited the site from the 12th and 13th Centuries. The largest dwelling has 42 rooms.

The monument was established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt and is managed by the National Park Service. The Gila Cliff Dwellings are accessible via a 1.25-mile (2 km) hike from the Gila Visitor Center.

See Related: Things to Do in Moab, Utah

24. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a historic, narrow-gauge heritage railroad that runs between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. It is 64 miles (103 kilometers) long.

The railroad was originally built in 1880 to transport silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains. It operated until 1968, when it was abandoned. In 1970, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was established as a non-profit organization to preserve the railroad.

Today, the railroad is a popular tourist attraction, offering rides on vintage steam and diesel locomotives. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

25. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is a great place to view the night sky. The park has an informal reputation for its numerous opportunities for viewing the sky and stars.

The most common portion of the site, nicknamed “Island on the Sky,” offers amazing views of the sunrise on Mesa Arch. There are also several viewpoints in the Dark Sky Park where you can soak up the sunshine.

All angles offer amazing views. Bring water and sunscreen as the sun is almost very powerful during the day. Canyonlands is also a great place to see the Milky Way at night. The best time to see it is during a summer night.

26. Roswell

Roswell has long been a major destination for UFO enthusiasts and travelers interested in the paranormal. In 1947, an alleged mysterious swarm of UFOs crashed just outside Roswell, New Mexico.

The ensuing investigation sparked several conspiracy theories that have captivated the public for decades. Today, Roswell is home to several UFO-related tourist attractions, including the Roswell UFO Museum, which chronicles the crash’s history and place in popular culture.

27. Cathedral Rock (Sedona, Arizona)

Cathedral Rock is a popular hiking trail and landmark in Sedona, Arizona. This town is famous for its picturesque sunrises and stunning views of the red rocks beneath. The Cathedral Rock hike is a great way to experience these elements firsthand.

The trailhead is just off Highway 179, and the hike is relatively short, only about a mile round trip. However, the trail is steep and rocky, so wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water. When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Cathedral Rock and the surrounding area.

28. Four Corners National Monument

Four Corners National Monument is one of the most unique places in the United States. Four states meet at this point – Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico – making it the only place in the country where four states intersect.

Four Corners National Monument is located on beautiful native land and is a great place to experience the region’s culture and natural beauty. Many tourist attractions are nearby, including Canyon de Chelly National Park and Mesa Verdes National Park.

29. Badwater Basin (Death Valley National Park)

Badwater Basin is an endorheic basin in Death Valley National Park, renowned as the location of Badwater Creek, the point of the lowest elevation in North America, at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level. At the bottom of Badwater Basin is a saline lake fed by a spring.

When it rains, the Badwater Basin fills with a shallow pool of brine water. The heat here is so intense that Badwater Creek holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, a scorching 134 °F (56.7 °C) documented on July 10, 1913.

Badwater is often covered in a layer of haze caused by evaporating water. Please be cautious if you visit at night during the summer months – it’s desperately hot here! To avoid the heat, come at sunrise or after sunset to take an enjoyable walk through dried sand and salt lakes.

The Badwater Basin displays a remarkable array of colors due to differences in minerals and organisms in the water and mud. It is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth.

See Related: Best Hiking Trails in America

30. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is one of Utah’s least accessible national parks. It is hidden among secret monolithic back roads, towers, and epic sunsets in the wilderness, but It is worth the visit.

With its colorful landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives, Capitol Reef National Park is a place where you can explore the natural wonders of Utah.

PRO TIP: When you plan to camp in Utah, find a camping site without any overhead cover to enjoy the most amazing nights under the stars!

See Related: Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

FAQ

What is the most popular landmark in the Southwest?

The most popular landmark in the Southwest is the Grand Canyon. It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 1 mile deep. More than 5 million people visit it each year.

What are 5 landmarks in the Southwest region?

The Southwest is a region of the United States that includes California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is known for its deserts, canyons, and plateaus. The most famous landmarks in the Southwest include the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, and Monument Valley.

What are some tourist attractions in the Southwest?

The Southwest is home to many popular tourist attractions, including the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Monument Valley. Other popular destinations include Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Santa Fe.

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