#south2-west8

#south2-west8

The U.S. crackdown on migration from Mexico has destroyed a sacred site shared by both countries. Explosions were heard last weekend on Cuchuma Hill as part of construction work on the border wall.

"The landscape reveals itself slowly to first-time visitors. It’s a vast mosaic of mountains, badlands and open desert valleys extending far beyond the reach of the pavement."

Goblin Valley State Park is often overlooked and relatively undiscovered, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking solitude away from crowded tourist spots like Bryce Canyon.

After years of traveling in a van, our wild hippie hearts wanted a place where we could build whatever we wanted, meditate outside in the sun, and feel inspired by natural, untouched land nearby. When we first visited Taos, New Mexico, we realized that this desert town - quirky, rural, spacious, and breathtaking - checked off everything on our list.

Death Valley National Park is treating visitors to what rangers are calling the most outstanding bloom year in a decade - the best since the 2016 "superbloom" - according to National Park Service. Recent rainfall and mild winter temperatures have triggered dormant seeds to sprout, creating a fleeting spectacle of desert color.

Colorado's ski history is deep and rich. It includes the oldest ski area in the United States, predating anything on the East Coast or West, and includes the story of the 10th Mountain Division.

Bisbee is surrounded by the Mule Mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. The nearby Sabino Canyon Recreation Area has scenic hiking trails and stunning views. But beyond the art and beauty lies a long, fascinating history as a copper mining town.

The formation closely matches the outline of the Buffalo Valley Intermediate Field, an emergency triangular airfield built in the 1930s to 1940s along early aviation routes. In Nevada and other Western US deserts, triangular airfields were common in the 1930s and 1940s, serving early aviation needs such as mail routes and emergency landings.

Savannah is one of my favorite cities in the world, and, in my opinion, spring is its best season to visit. The famous Spanish-moss-draped squares are framed by blooming azaleas in late March and April, and temperatures are typically in the 70s.

Luxury desert resorts here aren't just places to stay; they're destinations in their own right, with trails that invite sunrise meditation hikes to spas drawing on indigenous botanicals and healing rituals inspired by centuries of Native American tradition. According to recent tourism data, nearly 44 percent of high-end visitors to Arizona choose 5-star hotels or resorts, and a significant number of travelers list relaxation and wellness experiences - including spa time and desert recreation among their top holiday motivations.

The state park is more remote and rugged. We offer a more dispersed and self-guided experience. It's also a more relaxed choice for paddling trips, it's popular among birdwatchers, and it's also one of the best places in Texas to stargaze-after all, West Texas has the darkest skies in the state.

Western water law is based on the prior appropriation doctrine, which gives the first entity to make "beneficial use" of water the right to keep on using that amount, even if that means that upstream "junior" users' spigots will get shut off. By the early 1900s, a rapidly growing California was enthusiastically diverting the Colorado River, with huge irrigation districts gobbling up the senior water rights.

Tens of millions of tourists visit Las Vegas each year, spending billions of dollars in the city's casinos, entertainment venues, and attractions. Yet my move brought me to Reno, a seven-hour drive from the desert of Las Vegas. Although Reno still has its fair share of casinos, the city feels like a world apart.

As a SoCal resident, I visit Anza-Borrego at least once a year to explore the sandstone Slot canyon and surrounding desert, keeping an eye out for animals like chuckwalla lizards and bighorn sheep. Despite its incredibly dry environment (the park averages just four to eight inches of rain a year, and summertime temps routinely hit the hundreds), Anza-Borrego teems with life and opportunities to explore one of the nation's most unique ecosystems.

Now, in a recent study published in Geology, retired University of New Mexico geologist Karl Karlstrom and his colleagues conclude that the asteroid's impact shook Marble Canyon hard enough to dislodge great chunks of stone and send a landslide tumbling into the river. The debris formed a natural dam that backed up the Colorado for over 50 miles to near present-day Lees Ferry.

Casa La Vista is a residential project by MEDEZA CDQ and VERTEBRAL located on a cliff within the desert landscape of Baja California Sur, . Positioned among dunes and overlooking the coastline of San José and Punta Gorda, the house is oriented toward the southeast to frame the horizon where sea and sky meet. The project responds to the region's extreme climatic conditions through a spatial and tectonic strategy that prioritizes orientation, shading, and material performance.

The best restaurants in Albuquerque tell a greater story of this city and state. Albuquerque's rich blend of traditional New Mexican cuisine and Route 66 roadside fare has evolved into one of the most unexpectedly diverse dining scenes in the Southwest. The Duke City's working-class vibes and demographic breadth has led to a tremendous spread of establishments- from hole-in-the-wall lunch spots to James Beard-recognized fine dining joints defining their own categories of place-based cuisine. So whether you're in pursuit of dishes that will transport your tastebuds around the world, or simply looking to sink your teeth into the best huevos rancheros or handheld burrito in the city, you can find it all here in the heart of the Land of Enchantment.

Many glamping places are right off the highway. With Backland, we wanted an immersive nature experience-total comfort, with unobstructed views. The camp sits on an immense and grassy meadow ringed by an unnamed forest. Ten nature suites looked more like futuristic Quonset huts than white tents.

Last February, master of ceremonies Dennis Bowen (a Seneca elder) welcomed the reigning champion into the 2025 World Championship Hoop Dance Contest arena at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. Thousands of spectators joined them to watch more than 100 dancers compete across the two-day event. Bowen announced Josiah Enriquez's (Pueblo of Pojoaque, Navajo, Isleta) accomplishments as a top place finisher several years running in the teen division and as the surprise winner in an unprecedented tiebreaking round in the adult division the year before.

Perched high atop a dappled-colored horse at Alisal Ranch, I stroked the equine's coarse hair in an effort to bond before sauntering off to an authentic cowboy breakfast. I was with a group of like-minded women in search of a wellness weekend but we chose to trade our spa robes for cowgirl hats and forgo mani-pedis for dusty trail rides. This was not a typical dude ranch experience. It seamlessly blended nurturing self-care, enriching workshops, nourishing meals, and fostering friendships.

On these spacious properties, Western culture is alive and well. You'll drift off to sleep under clear, starry skies and wake up to hot coffee and a warm meal. During the day, you might hop on your trusty steed for a tour of the land by horseback or sit on a sprawling deck with a glass of sweet tea and enjoy the expansive views.

The Andes Cordillera is full of incredible sights, unique ecosystems, and unforgettable experiences. I believe there's something here for everyone, from vibrant cities to towering volcanic peaks.

Before hitting the road, download or print a map with directions in case you lose cell service. Also, be sure to fill up on gas, water, and snacks because gas stations are limited on this route. Plus, you'll want to check the weather prior to making the drive, since the winter months can mean snowy road conditions with the route's high elevation.

Each city was scored across five weighted factors using publicly available data sources: average winter temperatures (NOAA), trail accessibility, average number of reviews, average trail ratings (AllTrails), and the number of campgrounds in the state (Camping USA). After looking at all the available information, Extreme Terrain named Tucson as the No. 1 destination for a nature getaway this winter. According to the findings, it won out thanks to its "excellent trail access and highly rated hikes."

When the weather warms up and the late winter rains turn trees green and fields into wildflower wonderlands, it's the perfect time to take a drive. Whether your preferred landscape is mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views, there's a spring road trip in the United States for you. Explore historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature-all from the front seat.

I trekked it in December 2023 with plans and a permit to camp at Bright Angel Campground, a scenic cottonwood-shaded hideaway just near the famed Phantom Ranch (the only lodging on the world wonder's floor). Then, two days before my trip, a miracle happened: One last-minute reservation became available for Phantom Ranch. The ranch digs typically book out over a year in advance, but if you're lucky, you can either get in via the lottery or a last-minute opening. This made the grueling but gorgeous hike down and up the steep South Kaibab Trail even more memorable.

"One time is enough." That's what I'd heard countless times about visiting Las Vegas before making the trip myself. I'd always wanted to go, if only to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Turns out, one time wasn't enough. I've been five times now, and I have no doubt there will be a sixth. The nightlife and gambling aren't what keep me coming back, though. These days, I skip the casinos and explore nature instead - and one of my favorite places is about 45 minutes outside the city: Valley of Fire State Park. There was no turning back once I found a side of Vegas I didn't know I was missing

Last year, my husband and I traveled across the US, spending time in 29 states along the way. I fell in love with Michigan, Vermont, and South Dakota, and found plenty to do. Although I had a great time in places like West Virginia and Idaho, I think I saw the highlights.