If you’re a boomer traveler looking for adventures in the American Southwest, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a part of the United States that we love to explore, and know well.
From hiking to biking to bird watching to simply exploring, this region of the U.S. has it all. Active boomer travelers will find more than enough to do with our American Southwest adventures ideas. We promise!
What you'll learn about travel in the American Southwest from this page
- Which states make up the American Southwest?
- When is the best time to explore the American Southwest?
- How to plan a trip to the Southwestern U.S.
- Things to do in Arizona
- Fun adventures in Utah and Nevada
- Places to visit in New Mexico
- Active travel fun in southern Colorado
- What to see in Texas
- Best destinations in southern California
Which states make up the American Southwest?
According to my research, the states included in the American Southwest depends on whom you ask. Arizona and New Mexico are the heart of the region. But most experts also include Utah, Nevada, California, Colorado and parts of Texas. Those are the destinations that we’ll feature here.
When is the best time to visit the American Southwest?
Save your Southwestern adventures for the spring or fall. Unless you are visiting the higher altitudes, the summer heat is brutal. Winter is also a fine time to explore, however higher elevations might have snow. Plus you’ll run into the winter snowbird crowds, especially in southern Arizona.
How do you plan your American Southwest trips?
When researching road trips, as well as off-road adventures, The Bench Press Road & Recreation Atlas is our go-to guide. You’ll find individual versions for all the western states.
When it comes to hiking, we are big fans of Falcon Guide hiking books. Again, you can find versions by state, national park or even regions of the U.S.
And if you’re looking to visit a national park in the American Southwest, start your research at our national park adventures page. Road trippers will want to check out our US road trips page for more southwestern travel ideas. Now let’s get started on what you came here for—adventure!
Boomer Travel Tip
Come back often as we continue to add new southwestern U.S. travel adventures to this page. Or subscribe to the My Itchy Travel Feet Weekly Broadcast to be the first to know!
Things to do in Arizona
After living in Tucson, Arizona, for eleven years, it’s safe to say that we know active travel in the state. We spent much of our time hiking, four-wheeling, road tripping and exploring. What might surprise you is the geographical diversity in Arizona. From mountains to the desert, there’s an adventure for every style of boomer travel.
North Rim Grand Canyon National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Have you thought about visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon? Keep reading as I share our personal experience at the Grand Canyon North Rim and tips for planning your trip. A trip to the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Over the course of 5 to 6 million years, […]
White Stallion Ranch: Multigenerational Fun in Tucson
If you are looking for multigenerational fun for your family, there’s no better choice than a dude ranch. For years, the American West, and especially Arizona, has been home to many guest ranches that provide a way for families to develop western skills like horseback riding while experiencing cowboy culture. Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, recently traveled […]
How to Spend Three Days in Flagstaff, Arizona
Are you looking for tips on how to spend 3 days in Flagstaff, Arizona? You’ve come to the right place for your Flagstaff itinerary. Wrtier and photographer, Teresa Otto, shares her experience exploring Flagstaff. This American Southwest city offers so much to see and do! Get ready for national monuments, delicious food and some celestial surprises. […]
Monument Valley Scenic Drive (Everything You Need to Know)
Are you planning a road trip in the American Southwest? The Monument Valley scenic drive in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the border of Arizona and Utah places you in the middle of nature’s wonderland of spires, buttes and red rock creations. Grab your camera (I am currently learning how to use a Sony […]
Exploring the White Pocket on a Boomer Adventure in Arizona
If anything piques our travel radar, it’s exploring the many off-the beaten-path travel destinations located throughout the American Southwest. Guest writer, Bill Haskamp, is here to tell us all about one of the most remarkable and isolated sites in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument as we go exploring White Pocket, Arizona. By way of introduction, I’m […]
36 Hours in Tucson for the Active Baby Boomer
When it comes to American Southwest adventures, Tucson is full of them. Having lived in this southwestern city for eleven years, I can safely say active boomer travelers won’t be bored. But what if you have to cram all of that adventure into 36 hours? Finding fun in Tucson in only 36 hours How do […]
Exploring Canyon de Chelly on a four-wheel-drive adventure
Canyon de Chelly, located on the Navajo Reservation, sits atop the Defiance Plateau along the northeastern edge of Arizona. This off-the-beaten-path national monument combines spectacular scenery, ancient cliff dwellings, and a look at a traditional Navajo way of life. It’s well worth the time and effort to explore. People have lived in Canyon de Chelly […]
5 Adventures on the Navajo Rez that Boomers Can Do
Exploring the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona is one of my favorite baby boomer travel memories. However, with just two visits under my belt, I’m far from an expert. Not to worry. Vera Marie Badertscher became extremely familiar with the area during the ten years that she researched her book, which she co-authored with Charnell […]
Discovering Arizona’s slot canyons
Water Holes, Lower Antelope, Upper Antelope. Are these the names of hiking trails? No, they’re Arizona slot canyons located on the Navajo Reservation near Page, Arizona. Alan and I discovered the photogenic gems while on a photo workshop. But you don’t have to be a boomer photographer to enjoy exploring canyons carved by nature’s power. Walking […]
Boomer Travel Tip
Have you seen my grayscale coloring book, Coloring the West? It’s a fun way to remember you adventures in the American Southwest.
Fun adventures in Utah and Nevada
Besides Arizona, Utah is our favorite state to explore in the Southwestern U.S. With five national parks, numerous state parks, plenty of hiking and off-road trails, your dilmmea will be which adventure to choose first.
2-Day Road Trip From Las Vegas for Getting Outdoors
Las Vegas is a popular destination for entertainment, fine dining, luxury travel experiences and gambling. If you’re like me, after a day or two, I’m ready to be outdoors. That’s where plans for a road trip from Las Vegas come in handy. While you could road trip to Death Valley National Park or national parks […]
How to Visit Valley of the Gods in Southeastern Utah
Let me take you on a Valley of the Gods tour, one of my favorite off-the-beaten-path Utah destinations. Alan’s, too. It’s the very best kind of do-it-yourself adventure. If you’ve hung around My Itchy Travel Feet for very long, you know that Alan and I enjoy nothing better than to take the road less traveled. […]
Driving the Burr Trail on a Boomer Road Trip in Southern Utah
Utah’s Highway 12 Scenic Byway is a must-drive for fans of the red, beige and golden-colored rock formations found in southern Utah. Not only is Highway 12 a scenic destination in itself, but there are all those off-the-beaten-path experiences, like driving Burr Trail, to make your trip extra special. Alan and I are huge fans […]
Explore Dead Horse Point State Park on a Scenic Drive
Alan and I count Dead Horse Point State Park’s scenic drive as one of our favorite travel experiences when visiting the Moab, Utah area. Read about our visit (and tips) before planning your trip to this gorgeous Utah state park that’s close to Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park. As beautiful drives […]
Hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante
Are you looking for a fun hike in Southern Utah? Let me tell you about hiking to Lower Calf Creek Falls. Waterfall hikes are a treat while on an American Southwest adventure in the rugged high desert. Nothing’s better than feeling the spray from a waterfall after a traveling along a hot, sunny trail. It’s […]
Flying in a Hot Air Balloon Over Bluff, Utah
When Alan and I attended the 2010 Bluff Balloon Festival in Bluff, we enjoyed a boomer trip to Utah that included our favorite activities—photography and exploring. But what we really longed to do was fly in a hot air balloon. During check-in at our accommodations, Desert Rose Inn, I mentioned to innkeeper Cindy Tumeh that […]
How to Drive Highway 12 Scenic Byway in Southern Utah
It’s no secret here at My Itchy Travel Feet that Alan loves road trips. When we decided to drive Highway 12 Scenic Byway on a late spring road trip through southern Utah, he walked around the house for days with a big grin on his face. But this last-minute trip, while beautiful, proved to be […]
The Best Parks in Utah for Baby Boomers
Discover the best parks in Utah for boomer travelers. Our first-person articles will inspire your next Utah national park road trip or a state park adventure.
Let’s Go Glamping at Bear Lake
Are you interested in an outdoor vacation that doesn’t include roughing it? Glamping at Bear Lake in northern Utah offers lodging in a natural setting so that you can enjoy the outdoors and have your luxury, too. Guest contributor and glamper extraordinaire, Anna Reid, shares her Bear Lake glamping experience at Conestoga Ranch. From a […]
Five Fun Places to Go in Southern Utah
When it comes to visiting Utah, boomers will find plenty to see and do. The entire state is an active traveler’s paradise. You could spend most of your southern Utah vacation exploring the Mighty 5—Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. But if you’ve been there and done that, it’s time to experience the […]
Capitol Reef: Utah’s Forgotten Park
Have you visited Capitol Reef National Park in Utah? It’s been on our boomer travel list for a long time. After reading this guest article by Kate Convissor of WanderingNotLost, Alan and I are wondering what took us so long to visit one of the best parks in Utah. For sheer natural beauty, southern Utah […]
Mesa Arch Sunrise Photography Tips for Boomer Travelers
Are you planning a trip to Canyonlands National Park? During your research, did you see the iconic photo of Mesa Arch framing distant sandstone formations as the rising sun casts an illuminating glow on everything in one of the best Utah parks? Did it inspire you to take the same photo? You don’t have to […]
Places to visit in New Mexico
Our adventures in New Mexico have included some truly unique experiences. It’s not hard to go off-the-beaten-path in this state. And there’s so much to explore!
Take the High Road To Taos
Have you driven the High Road To Taos while visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico? This scenic road is a great way to get out of town for a bit. Or do like Alan and I did when we drove the High Road, spend a couple of nights on a Taos getaway before returning to “The […]
Outdoor Things to Do in Albuquerque NM
Are you looking for the best outdoor things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico? Did you know that there’s lots more to do beyond hot air ballon rides, one of the claims to Albuquerque’s fame? James Richardson shares his tips for outdoor activities in the city. Exploring Albuquerque is a good respite from your time […]
Active Travel In Taos, New Mexico
If you’re looking for active travel ideas in Taos, New Mexico, we can help! the region is filled with Native American culture, beautiful hikes and gorgeous drives like the High Road to Taos. Enveloped by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is especially lively, and well-known for its active travel options. From mountain adventures, to […]
New Mexico Backroads Adventure
There’s nothing that Alan and I like better than an off-the-beaten-travel experience, especially if it includes a fun, boomer road trip. Here’s a New Mexico backroads trip that’s one of our favorites. It includes national monuments and out-of-the-way destinations with plenty of history. New Mexico backroads trip itinerary starting from Tucson At the My Itchy […]
Two Off the Beaten Path Treasures for New Mexican Travel
When it comes to New Mexican travel, you won’t find a more vibrant state in the US. From colorful Santa Fe to off-the-beaten-path El Morro active boomers will find plenty of adventure. Our previous trips to the Land of Enchantment have been nothing short of spectacular, especially our New Mexico Backroads Adventure. Guest writer, Sam […]
Driving New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle
Do you like to travel around in circles on a boomer road trip? A drive on New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle Highway does just that, offering scenery, activities, and unique stops as it circumnavigates Wheeler Peak (13,161 feet), New Mexico’s highest point. Every circle needs a start. To begin the circuitous journey, take NM Highway 522 north […]
History’s Written in Stone at El Morro
Here’s an off-the-beaten-path adventure that will intrigue you. El Morro National Monument is located in the northwestern corner of New Mexico on SR 53. For centuries, travelers and explorers have stopped to rest and replenish themselves at an oasis of water wedged into the base of this sandstone outcropping that overlooks the high desert. Before […]
Discover a Relaxing Bed and Breakfast in the Heart of Santa Fe
On a visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico, boomers will find plenty of places to stay. From the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado to the historic Santa Fe Hotel, accommodations cover every taste and pocketbook. But if you’re looking for a bed and breakfast within walking distance of downtown Santa Fe, Alan and I recommend […]
Historical Walking Tour of Santa Fe
Are you a boomer traveler who enjoys learning about history on a walking tour? Lace up your tennis shoes. In today’s guest post, Juliet White takes us on a one-mile, historical walking tour of Santa Fe. Santa Fe has been around for more than four hundred years, making it America’s oldest state capital. As a […]
Boomer Travel Tip
Are you looking for a short guidebook on a fun, New Mexico road trip? Check out my ebook: New Mexico Backroads Weekend Adventure.
Active travel fun in southern Colorado
While I don’t consider the entire state of Colorado to be in the American Southwest, southern Colorado definitely qualifies. Alan and I especially enjoy the area from Mesa Verde National Park north to Ouray.
4 wheeling Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray, Colorado
Want to visit Colorado alpine country up close and personal? 4 wheeling Yankee Boy Basin Trail will satisfy any active boomer traveler’s longing for mountain scenery combined with a little adventure. Along the way, you’ll discover the remnants of old mines wedged into the sides of the canyon. If there’s been a good snow year, the waterfalls […]
Driving the Alpine Loop in One Day on a Boomer Road Trip Adventure
Is it possible to drive the Alpine Loop on a one-day itinerary? Yes, it is. Alan and I enjoyed this scenic drive on trip to southwestern Colorado. The Alpine Loop in the San Juan Mountains introduces off-roaders to high-country scenery and Colorado mining history. It’s best explored on a 2 or 3-day Alpine Loop itinerary […]
Go Off-the-Beaten-Path in Ouray, Colorado
Do you have a favorite off-the-beaten-path mountain town in Colorado? For Alan and me, Ouray takes that honor. Situated at 7,700 ft in the San Juan Mountains, the former mining town is a quaint counterpart to upscale Telluride—a skip and a jump over the mountains to the west. When it comes to charm combined with fun […]
What to see in Texas
Texas is one BIG state! I remember when Alan and I were moving from Virginia to Arizona. It took two days to drive through Texas. That’s a lot of territory to explore. These ideas will get you started.
Texas Hill Country Road Trip to See the Bluebonnets
Are you considering a Texas Hill Country road trip? Spring is the best time to enjoy scenic routes, explore small towns, experience historic sites and admire bluebonnets in the heart of Texas. James Richardson shares his tips for the scenic drives to take and how to make the most of your road trip in Texas […]
Birding South Texas on a Rio Grande Valley Road Trip
Did you know that the birding in South Texas is world class? For avid birdwatchers, stopping to go birding in the Rio Grande Valley is a wonderful addition to your Texas road trip itinerary. James Richardson is here with the best places to go for birding in South Texas. What a unique U.S. road trip! […]
Southwestern road trip stop: the wild sights of Amarillo, Texas
Are you looking for fun things to do in Amarillo, Texas? The city makes an interesting Southwestern road trip stop that’s worth your time. When a conference took travel writers Debi Lander and Judy Wells to South Dakota, they decided to make the most out of it and explore the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. They […]
San Antonio, Beyond the Alamo
Although many would be wise to pay heed to the warning, “Don’t mess with Texas” when it comes to active travel, the Lone Star State has a wealth of interesting sites as well as its own rich history to explore. Guest writer, Sam Lowe, explains the best way to see one of the state’s most […]
Visit Beaumont-Port Arthur on a Texas Road Trip
In our opinion, the American Southwest is best experienced on a road trip. If your Southwest itinerary happens to travel across Texas, don’t miss Beaumont-Port Arthur. With so many things to see and do, Kathleen Walls from Global Highways and Byways helps you sort it all out with her tips on how to visit Beaumont-Port […]
Discovering Authentic Austin
Austin, Texas has really seen a major boom in tourism over the last few years. Known for its famous South by Southwest festival, the city seems to get more and more vibrant every year, and offers loads of active travel options. If the Texas capital’s popularity has piqued your interest, guest contributor Cheryl Rodewig is […]
Best destinations in southern California
California is another vast U.S. state. And the southern half definitely qualifies as the American Southwest. From beaches along the Pacific Coast to Death Valley National Park, there’s plenty to experience.
2 Days in Death Valley: Itinerary for Boomer Travelers
Here’s a national park trip idea for you. This Death Valley 2 day itinerary will help you get the most out of America’s largest national park. There’s so much to see that it helps to have a plan for this region of California. My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander (ByLanderSea) shares her tips […]
How to Take an Active Weekend Getaway in Palm Springs
In its heyday, Palm Springs, California was a magnet for the rich and famous, subsequently earning its nickname, “The Playground of the Stars.” Although some may think the city has become somewhat of a cliché, Palm Springs has really managed to maintain a proud “old Hollywood” elegance and even has quite a few options for […]
Learning to Drive a Stagecoach in Paso Robles
The vehicle creaked and swayed. I grabbed a leather handle to keep my balance as we veered around a sharp curve. Alan, riding shotgun, called down from above, “Are you okay?” What kind of baby boomer adventure is this? Why, we’re experiencing the old west on a stagecoach ride at Harris Stage Lines in Paso […]
California Horseback Riding Recommendations for Road Tripping Baby Boomers
Baby boomers, as you know, Alan and I will soon be traveling on a coastal California sports car road trip. Since we’re always on the lookout for active baby boomer travel adventures, we asked travel expert, Nancy D. Brown of Writing Horseback to suggest a couple of California horseback riding adventures for the trip. Thanks […]
Coastal California Road Trip
The California coast makes a wonderful road trip. Should you visit the North Coast, South Coast or drive the entire length of the state? Our itineraries will help you decide.
Off the Wine Trail in Sonoma County
Traveling on a Coastal California road trip is one of our favorite memories—the scenery—the food—the wine—it’s all good. But what if you’re not a wine lover? Will you find enough to do when your road trip reaches Sonoma County? Today’s guest writer and photographer, Noel Morata from behind Travel, says “absolutely” if you follow his advice for going off […]
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