The American Southwest is an adventure lover’s paradise, filled with towering sandstone cliffs, winding slot canyons, and breathtaking desert landscapes.
Whether you’re hiking to iconic rock formations, exploring hidden gems, packrafting through deep canyons, or road-tripping to scenic viewpoints, there’s something for every explorer. This guide highlights the best desert adventures across Arizona, Utah, and Nevada—from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes—helping you discover epic hikes, stunning sandstone formations, and unforgettable Southwest experiences.
Slot Canyons You Need to See in the American Southwest
Arizona
Best Hikes in Sedona You Cannot Miss
The Wave, North Coyote Buttes: Permit & Hike Info
Paddle to Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell in Arizona
Arizona/ Sedona Road Trip: Trails, Camps, & Things to See
Nevada
One Weekend in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
21 Valley of Fire State Park Photos to Inspire Your Next Trip
Chasing Hot Springs on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon of Nevada & Arizona
Red Rock Canyon Hike, Las Vegas
Utah
Leprechaun Slot Canyon
How to Visit Moonscape Overlook Utah: A Hidden Gem Near Hanksville
Marlboro Point in Utah: Moab’s Hidden Gem for Epic Views
Toadstool Hoodoos: A Quick and Easy Hike to Otherworldly Rock Formations in Utah
Things To Do in Kanab Utah
Arches National Park Photos
Canyonlands Packrafting and Backpacking Trip: Ultimate Guide to Explore All 3 Districts
Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park
The Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
Visit St. George UTAH: 4 State Parks and Other Hidden Gems
Hidden Pinyon Overlook in Snow Canyon State Park
Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter
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Professor Creek & Mary Jane Canyon Hike: Moab’s Hidden Waterfall Trail
Hike Professor Creek & Mary Jane Canyon near Moab Utah—explore a slot canyon, creek crossings, and a hidden waterfall away from the crowds
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Leprechaun Canyon Slot Canyon in Utah: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
Leprechaun Canyon in Utah is a unique slot canyon and an easy hike to access. Here is everything you to know to hike this gem near Hanksville UT
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How to Visit Moonscape Overlook Utah: A Hidden Gem Near Hanksville
Here’s everything you need to know to visit Moonscape Overlook Utah, a breathtaking hidden gem of badlands and endless views near Hanksville.
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Marlboro Point in Utah: Moab’s Hidden Gem for Epic Views
Guide to exploring one of Moab’s most stunning canyon views. Get tips on access, camping, and the best time to visit this off-the-grid spot.
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Ultimate Guide to White Sands National Park
Discover the surreal white sand dunes of White Sands National Park in New Mexico! Plan your visit with this ultimate guide to hiking, sledding, & more.
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Toadstool Hoodoos: A Quick and Easy Hike to Otherworldly Rock Formations in Utah
If you’re into weird rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, then the Toadstool Hoodoos hike in Utah is a must-see hidden gem on your next Utah road trip. This easy, family-friendly trail takes you through a landscape filled with towering hoodoos—mushroom-like rock formations sculpted by erosion over thousands of years (think Goblin […]
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An Outdoor Enthusiasts Guide To The Colorado National Monument
Explore Colorado National Monument with this ultimate guide. Plan your visit and discover must-do activities for an unforgettable trip.
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Slot Canyons You Need to See in the American Southwest
Slot Canyons are stunning geological formations. Here’s a list of some of the best easy hikes to slot canyons in Utah, Arizona, & California.
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Best Hikes in Sedona You Must Visit
Sedona, Arizona has many easy and scenic red rock hikes. Here’s everything you need to know to hike the best trails and unique cave hikes
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Ultimate Guide to Exploring Kanab Utah: 11 Must See Places
Guide to Kanab, Utah: Explore remote caves, slot canyons, and more unworldly hidden gems. Your trip to non-touristy adventures starts here
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Arches National Park Photos
40 photos of Arches National Park in Moab, Utah to inspire your next trip. Combine this with a trip to Canyonlands and visit in the Winter, Spring, or Fall
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21 Valley of Fire State Park Photos in Nevada
Valley of Fire photos to inspire your next trip. The beautiful Nevada State Park is only an hour outside Vegas & Winter is the best time to go
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Canyonlands Packrafting and Backpacking Trip: Ultimate Guide to Explore All 3 Districts
Ultimate guide to explore all 3 districts of Canyonlands National Park on a 4-day packraft backpacking trip. Explore remote regions of Utah that are hard to access by cars such as the Dollhouse in The Maze District.
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13 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park is underrated but has some of the best hikes and views. Explore the best trails in all 3 districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, & the Maze
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The BEST Time To Visit Zion National Park: Your Ultimate Guide
Thinking of visiting Zion National Park in Utah? Learn the best time to go to avoid the crowds and enjoy perfect hiking weather.
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Paddle to Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell in Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of USA’s most beautiful slot canyon and paddling to it is the only way to hike it right now. Read on to find out how to experience this popular Navajo Nation slot canyon.
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Chasing Hot Springs on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon of Nevada & Arizona
VISIT: 5 Natural Hot Spring + Emerald Cave Option in the Black Canyon LOCATION: near Las Vegas, on the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Willow Beach (NV/AZ) TIME: half-full day (7 hrs for me, depending how long you spend at the hot springs) DATE I WENT: 2/23/21 BEST TIME TO VISIT: Winter and early […]
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Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter
Bryce Canyon in the snow is the best time to visit – the contrast of the snow on sandstone is incredible! Read for the top 4 hiking trails & viewpoints to see when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in the Winter.
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Hidden Pinyon Overlook in Snow Canyon State Park
HIKE TO: Hidden Pinyon TRAIL: Hidden Pinyon Trail MILES: 1.69 mi TIME: 1 hr DATE I WENT: 12/15/19 DIFFICULTY: easy ELEVATION GAIN/ LOSS: 146 ft HIKE PERMIT: no ENTRANCE FEE/ PARKING: yes PET FRIENDLY: no LOCATION: Snow Canyon State Park, St. George, Utah If you’re short on time but want to get a hike in […]
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One Weekend in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
This blog post combines two separate half-day trips, but if you start in the morning, you can pack all this into one full day or a leisurely weekend trip! I pass Valley of Fire State Park, an hour north of Las Vegas, in Nevada on EVERY Southwest road trip from SoCal and always told myself […]
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The Wave in Arizona: Ultimate Guide to Coyote Buttes North Permit and Hike Tips
The Wave, often referred to as Coyote Buttes North, is a stunning sandstone formation located on the border of Arizona and Utah. This breathtaking, vibrant natural wonder lies within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness of Northern Arizona, attracting hikers and photographers eager to experience its unique beauty. However, accessing The Wave legally has proven to be a […]
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Visit St. George UTAH: 4 State Parks and Hidden Gems
There’s so many things to do in St. George outside of Zion National Park. Explore Sand Hollow State Park for stand up paddle-boarding and sand dunes, Gunlock State Park and Quail Creek State Park for a lake day, and Snow Canyon State Park for some light hiking and a small slot canyon.
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Arizona/ Sedona Road Trip: Trails, Camps, & Things to See
One-week road trip itinerary from Los Angeles, California to Sedona, Arizona. Find the best hikes and campsites.
