This beautiful park 7 miles west of Colorado Springs just added new sections to the Dixon Trail, which provides 23 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain that's perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Meander through prairie grasslands and into the foothi

Explore the sand dunes by hiking for as long as you want since there are no trails. Start early during the summer to avoid scorching sand that can reach up to 150° F. Star Dune, North America’s tallest dune at 750 feet, is a five-hour round-trip hike

When Netflix launched Tiger King, a docuseries about convicted felon and Oklahoma zookeeper and tiger breeder Joe Exotic, it captivated audiences who suddenly found themselves quarantined at home during the initial spread of COVID-19. With his blonde

Traveling through New Mexico is like exploring a foreign country where every turn gives you a different glimpse into a magnificent blend of cultures and food. From El Paso, Texas, drive to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park.

WHY GO: Go on a guided or self-guided tour of this historic prison site built in 1872. For three decades, it housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals. LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places an

There are few things as striking as the glistening white sands in southern New Mexico, so stop here to experience this vast field of dunes yourself. White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which spans 275 square miles. Sta

Cheyenne, Wyo. is the place that first sparked a love for the Old West in me at eight years old. What was probably a normal level of horse-craziness for a little girl got kicked into overdrive the first time we stopped at the Terry Bison Ranch just o

Known for its incredible mountain biking, backpacking and skiing opportunities, Durango makes it easy for travelers to go big. But there are plenty of opportunities to have adventures that are a little more dialed back. In this adrenaline-fueled town

WHY GO: See one of the largest pueblo ruins in the Southwest, tour a legendary Hollywood destination and explore the remnants of an 18th-century Spanish mission church at this park 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. TIP: Join a ranger for one of severa

On your way to or from Colorado from the Midwest, take a break from the road to stretch your legs at Pawnee National Grassland. Known for its Pawnee Buttes, two iconic hill-like features that rise 250 feet from the prairie floor, the grasslands offer

Just 45 minutes from downtown Farmington, you’ll be amazed by the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. There are no trails through the badlands formations, so do your research ahead of time. “Stop by the Farmington Visitors Center and we’ll help

Looking to avoid the crowds and see one of the country’s most spectacular national monuments? Head to Vernal, Utah, to see Dinosaur National Monument. You can explore this special place by foot, but don’t miss the opportunity to experience the monum

Mesa Verde’s guided tours are a must-do for any traveler to the park. Buy tickets in advance at recreation.gov for the Balcony House Sunrise or Early Bird tours. These early tours will let you experience one of Mesa Verde’s most adventurous cliff dwe

Some of the least-crowded and most beautiful red-rock canyons, rivers and recreational opportunities await on this fantastic road trip. Start in Salt Lake City and head southeast toward Vernal, Utah, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosau

It’s a cool autumn day in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. Beneath your feet, you feel the rumble of a 100-year-old steam engine. You hear the train’s whistle piercing through the wilderness. The golden aspens reach their branches out towards

When gold was discovered in Central City, Colo., in 1859, it transformed a pine-forested area tucked in the mountains into one of the West’s fanciest cities. Known early in its history as “the richest square mile on Earth,” it was home to an opulent

Beat the heat by seeing Mesa Verde’s most adventurous cliff dwelling, Balcony House, at sunrise. A ranger will lead you up ladders and through narrow tunnels. Reserve your spot at recreation.gov. Hike the 2.4-mile round trip Petroglyph Point Trail t

If you visit this colorful historic downtown nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see, you may just want to move here. Dotted with art galleries, boutiques and cafes, Creede is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. In 1890

While Delicate Arch gets all of the attention (it’s the arch featured on the Utah license plate), Park Avenue and Double Arch offer stunning views and beautiful trails to get to them. After stopping at Arches Visitor Center, you’ll drive up steep swi

Beautiful Glacier Basin Campground is only open May – October, making it the perfect stop on a summer road trip. At 8,500 feet in elevation, a mix of sun and shade is welcome as early morning temperatures can be chilly, even in summer. RVs up to 35 f