Amy C Balfour - Southwest USA

The Southwest is Americas playground, luring adventurers and artists with the promise of red-rock landscapes, the legends of shoot-em-up cowboys and the kicky delights of a green chile stew.

Beauty and adventure dont just join hands in the Southwest. They crank up the whitewater, unleash the single track, add blooms to the trail and drape a sunset across the red rocks. Then they smile and say, Come in. This captivating mix of scenery and possibility lures travelers who want to rejuvenate physically, mentally and spiritually. The big draw is the Grand Canyon, a two-billion-year-old wonder that shares its geologic treasures with a healthy dose of fun. Next door in Utah, the red rocks will nourish your soul while thrashing your bike. In southern Colorado ice climbing and mountain biking never looked so pretty. Tamp down the adrenaline in New Mexico with a scenic drive, an art walk or a lazy slide down a shimmery dune. And Vegas? Your willpower may be the only thing exercised, but chasing the neon lights will certainly add verve to your vacation.

The Southwest wears its history on its big, sandy sleeve. Ancient cultures left behind cliff dwellings and petroglyphs while their descendants live on in reservations and pueblos. Navajos and Apaches arrived next, followed by Spanish conquistadors. Next up? The missionaries, who left a string of stunning missions in their wake. Mormon religious refugees arrived with Brigham Young, who famously declared, This is the place when he reached the Salt Lake Valley. Their cities have flourished, proving more durable than the regions abandoned mining towns. Which brings us to the Old West. There was gold and copper in them thar hills and plenty of land for cattle-grazing. Tombstone is one Old West town that lives to fight another day well, every day at 2pm while dude ranches lure wannabe cowboys.

Its the multicultural mix Native American, Hispanic, Anglo that makes a trip to the Southwest unique. There are 19 Native American pueblos in New Mexico, and the Navajo Reservation alone covers more than 27,000 sq miles. Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, two of the most striking geologic features in the Southwest, are protected as sacred places. Tribal traditions and imagery influence art across the region. The Spanish and Mexican cultures are also a part of daily life, from the food to the language to the headlines about illegal immigration. In Utah 58% of the population identifies as Mormon, and the religions stringent disapproval of vices keeps the state on an even keel. So savor the cultural differences and start with that green chile stew.

The Mittens, Monument Valley
RUTH EASTHAM & MAX PAOLI/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

CURRENCY

US dollars ($)

LANGUAGE

English

MONEY

ATMs widely available in cities and towns, but less prevalent on Native American land. Credit cards accepted in most hotels and restaurants.

VISAS

Generally not required for stays up to 90 days for countries included in the Visa Waiver Program.

CELL PHONES

Local SIM cards can be used in unlocked European and Australian phones. Cell phone reception can be non-existent in remote or mountainous areas.

DRIVING/TRANSPORTATION

Best option for exploring is a car. Amtrak and Greyhound buses typically do not stop in national parks or small towns.

When to Go

HIGH SEASON (JUNAUG, NOVFEB)

Enjoy warm temperatures and sunny skies in New Mexico, Utah and northern Arizona.

In winter, hit the slopes in Utah, New Mexico and Colorado or giddy-up at Arizona dude ranches.

SHOULDER SEASON (MARMAY, SEPOCT)

In fall, check out colorful aspens and cottonwoods in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds on the Grand Canyon South Rim.

LOW SEASON (NOVFEB, JUNAUG)

National parks in northern Arizona and Utah clear out as the snow arrives.

In summer, locals flee the heat in southern Arizona.

Your Daily Budget

BUDGET LESS THAN $100

Campgrounds and hostels: $20-40

Taquerias, sidewalk vendors, supermarkets for self-caterers

Share a rental car; split cost of park vehicle entry fees

MIDRANGE $100250

Mom-and-pop motels, low-priced chains: $50-90

Diners, good local restaurants

Visit museums, theme parks, national and state parks

TOP END OVER $250

Boutique hotels, B&Bs, resorts, national park lodges: $120-650

Upscale restaurants

Hire an outdoor outfitter; take a guided tour; book ahead for top performances

Websites

National Park Service ( www.nps.gov ) Current information about national parks.

Lonely Planet ( www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/southwest ) Summaries, travel news, links and traveler forum.

Recreation.gov ( www.recreation.gov )Camping reservations on federally managed lands.

American Southwest ( www.americansouthwest.net ) Comprehensive site for national parks and natural landscapes.

Grand Canyon Association ( www.grandcanyon.org ) Online bookstore with helpful links.

Exchange Rates

Australia	A$1	$1.04
Canada	C$1	1.02
Europe		$1.43
Japan		$1.28
Mexico	10 pesos	$ .83
New Zealand	NZ$1	$ .84
UK		$1.64

For current exchange rates see www.xe.com .

Important Numbers

Country code	1
International access code	011
Emergency	911
National sexual assault hotline	800-656-4673
Statewide road conditions	511

Arriving in the Southwest

McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, NV

Shuttles $7 to the Strip; take exit door 9 to Bell Trans

Taxis $10-15 to the Strip; 30 min in heavy traffic

Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, AZ

Shuttles $14 to downtown, $20 to Old Town Scottsdale

Taxis $17-19 to downtown, $24 to Old Town Scottsdale

Time

Most of the Southwest is on Mountain Time, which is seven hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Nevada is one hour behind Mountain Time, on Pacific Time.