Southwestern U.S. National Parks – Custom Made Journeys

The National Parks of the Southwestern United States are among the most dramatically scenic in the world. Incredible landscapes with colorful deserts, canyons, rivers, and small mountains are dotted with ancestral dwellings and evidence of inhabitation that goes back several thousands of years. There are 17 National Parks considered part of the Southwest from the Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks in California to Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks in western Texas, including parks in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and part of Colorado. The best time to visit most of these parks is generally spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder. It is possible to tour during the summer, but be prepared for very hot and sunny days, particularly in the desert areas.

Arizona is home to three national parks, including the ever-popular Grand Canyon National Park where one of the most famous and deepest canyons in the world is found. Tour the South Rim, the North Rim, or both. There are many ways to explore the 277- mile-long canyon that is 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. The team at Lakani World Tours will set you up for the itinerary and activities that suit you best.  Petrified Forest National Park with over 600 archaeological sites and Saguaro National Park, showcasing the cacti by the same name, are both in Arizona. For those interested in archaeology and ancient sites of indigenous peoples, Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites, including more than 600 cliff dwellings.

Known as ‘The Mighty 5’ National Parks, Utah’s national parks await with spellbinding red rock formations, captivating landscapes, and immense canyons.  One of the top national parks in the country is Arches National Park where 2,000 natural sandstone arches are scattered throughout the 73,000-acre park. Arrive at sunrise to see a red glow across the landscape; and at night, this is a perfect place for stargazing. Canyonlands National Park and Capitol Reef National Park are not far from Arches and reveal different landscapes of colorful canyons and majestic mountains. Further south in Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park has stunning views of hoodoos – tall spire-shaped rock formations – created over millions of years. About 100 miles south is Zion National Park, a 1000-foot-deep red rock canyon with breathtaking views that change constantly with the light.