Southwest USA Attractions

• What is Antelope Canyon?
  • Antelope Canyon is a gorgeous natural wonder located near Lake Powell.
  • It is situated within the Navajo Nation indigenous reservation, near the city of Page, Arizona.
• How was Antelope Canyon formed?
  • The canyon was created over millions of years through the erosion of Navajo sandstone.
  • Flash flooding carved out its unique walls and passageways over time.
• What are the two sections of Antelope Canyon?
  • The canyon is divided into two parts:
    • Upper Antelope Canyon - Known as "The Crack."
    • Lower Antelope Canyon - Known as "The Corkscrew."
• Can visitors explore Antelope Canyon?
  • Yes, visitors can explore both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.
  • The canyon has been operated as a show cave since the 1990s.
  • Tours are offered by the Navajo Nation and are available throughout the year.
• Where is Antelope Canyon located?
  • Address: 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, Page, AZ 86040.
  • Phone: 855-574-9102.

• What is Western Spirit - Scottsdale’s Museum of the West?
  • Western Spirit - Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum showcasing the art, history, and culture of Western America, Canada, and Mexico.
• Where is the museum located?
  • It is situated in Old Town Scottsdale on the former site of the Loloma Transit Station.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • The museum features exhibits related to the Greater Western Region of the US.
  • Displays include Western art, historical artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
• Are guided tours available?
  • Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace using an audio guide.
  • Docent-led tours are also available for those who prefer a guided experience.
• Does the museum have a store?
  • Yes, the Museum Store offers a selection of uniquely Western gifts.
• What is the museum's contact information?
  • Address: 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
  • Phone: 480-686-9539.

• What is the American International Rattlesnake Museum?
  • The American International Rattlesnake Museum is a unique animal conservation museum located in Old Town Albuquerque.
  • It is dedicated to the history and biology of rattlesnakes and other snake species native to the American Southwest.
• What makes this museum unique?
  • The museum houses the largest collection of live rattlesnake species in the world.
  • It has more live rattlesnakes than the collections of the Bronx Zoo, Denver Zoo, National Zoo, and San Diego Zoo combined.
• What other animals are at the museum?
  • The museum is also home to a live Gila monster, one of the world's only venomous lizard species.
• What types of exhibits are on display?
  • The museum showcases snake-related artwork and artifacts.
  • Exhibits include ceramics, jewelry, toys, games, and indigenous artifacts.
• Where is the American International Rattlesnake Museum located?
  • Address: 202 San Felipe St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104.
  • Phone: 505-242-6569.

• What is Ashcroft Townsite?
  • Ashcroft Townsite is a preserved 19th-century mining town near Aspen, Colorado.
  • It was originally developed in 1880 by prospectors Charles B. Culver and W.F. Coxhead, who discovered silver deposits in Castle Creek Valley.
• What was Ashcroft like during its peak?
  • The town was originally called Castle Forks City.
  • By 1885, Ashcroft was home to:
    • Six hotels
    • 20 saloons
    • More than 3,500 residents hoping to find silver riches
• What happened to Ashcroft?
  • The town boomed and busted quickly and became a ghost town by the early 20th century.
  • In the 1930s, it briefly became a winter sports tourist destination.
  • After World War II, it was transferred to the United States Forest Service for preservation.
• What can visitors see at Ashcroft Townsite today?
  • The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Visitors can explore its spectacularly preserved structures, including:
    • Its meticulously laid-out city streets
    • The historic courthouse

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

• What is Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a gorgeous national park located in New Mexico.
  • It spans the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains regions.
• What is the main attraction of the park?
  • The park is anchored around the Carlsbad Cavern, a stunning show cave.
  • It is open to the public year-round and can be explored via self-guided or guided tours.
• What natural wonders can visitors see in Carlsbad Cavern?
  • One of the most famous features is the Big Room, a massive limestone chamber.
  • The Big Room extends for more than 4,000 feet.
• How many caves are in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
  • The park contains more than 100 caves within its 46,000-acre landscape.
• What activities can visitors do in the park?
  • Explore caves through guided or self-guided tours.
  • Hike the park’s gorgeous trails above ground.
  • Visit the park’s visitor center to see exhibits on the caverns and natural terrain development.

• What is Chaco Culture National Historical Park?
  • Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of the most important preserved indigenous sites in the American Southwest.
  • It protects one of the most prominent Ancestral Puebloan architectural sites in the New Mexico region.
• When did Chaco Canyon's Pueblo center flourish?
  • The Pueblo center is believed to have flourished between 850 and 1250 A.D..
• What types of structures are found at Chaco Culture National Historical Park?
  • The site was home to:
    • Great houses
    • Civic structures
    • Ceremonial and economic sites
• What is the significance of Chaco Culture National Historical Park today?
  • Though the exact purpose of most structures remains unknown, the site is still considered a major ceremonial and spiritual site by area indigenous groups.
• How is the site protected?
  • It has been designated as a National Historical Park since 1907.
  • In 2013, it was also recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
• Where is Chaco Culture National Historical Park located?
  • Address: PO Box 220, Nageezi, NM 87037.
  • Phone: 505-786-7014.

• What is Crow Canyon Archaeological District?
  • Crow Canyon Archaeological District is a historic site in New Mexico's Rio Arriba and San Juan County.
  • It is located in Dinétah, the traditional homeland of the region's indigenous Navajo people.
• Where is Crow Canyon Archaeological District located?
  • The district is half an hour southeast of Farmington, New Mexico.
• What historical features can visitors see?
  • The district preserves Navajo ruins and rock art from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
  • Visitors can view stunning petroglyph panels featuring both Navajo and Pueblo artistic images.
• What are pueblitos?
  • Pueblitos are Navajo defensive structures constructed during the 18th century.
  • Several well-preserved pueblitos can be seen at the site.
• Can visitors explore Crow Canyon Archaeological District?
  • Yes, the site is open to visitors year-round.
  • It features one of the American Southwest's most extensive collections of indigenous art.
• How is the site protected?
  • It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad?
  • The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a heritage railroad offering excursion rides between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
  • It operates year-round, offering breathtaking scenic rides.
• When was the railroad established?
  • The route was originally established in 1882 as part of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
  • It was used primarily for transporting silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains.
• When did it become a heritage railroad?
  • Since 1981, it has been operated as a heritage excursion railroad.
  • It is designated as a National Historic Landmark due to its cultural significance to the Old West.
• What routes does the train take?
  • Winter months: The train runs between Durango and Cascade Wye.
  • Summer months: The train runs between Durango and Silverton.
• What can passengers expect during the ride?
  • Trains pass through the stunning two-million-acre wilderness of the San Juan National Forest.
  • The railroad operates historic coal-fired locomotive trains, providing an authentic Old West experience.
• Where is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad located?
  • Address: 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301.
  • Phone: 877-872-4607.

• What is Grand Canyon National Park?
  • Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the most well-known natural wonders in the world.
  • The canyon is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
• When was Grand Canyon National Park established?
  • The park was officially designated as a national park in 1919.
• How popular is Grand Canyon National Park?
  • It is the second most-visited national park in the United States.
  • The park attracts millions of visitors each year to its stunning panoramic overlooks.
• What activities can visitors do at Grand Canyon National Park?
  • Explore the park's backcountry trails and scenic overlook sites.
  • Stay in luxury accommodations on the South Rim, which offers family-friendly tourist attractions.
• What is the difference between the South Rim and North Rim?
  • South Rim: Home to luxury accommodations and many family-friendly attractions.
  • North Rim: Offers more secluded lodges and campgrounds.
  • Visitors to the North Rim can also access areas like the Yavapai Observation Station.

• What is Great Sand Dunes National Park?
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of southern Colorado's most spectacular natural wonders.
  • It is known for its towering sand dunes, including the picturesque Star Dune.
• How large is the park?
  • The park spans 107,342 acres.
• How many visitors does the park attract annually?
  • More than 400,000 visitors explore the park each year.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • Hiking is popular throughout the year on the park's extensive dunes.
  • The dunes also attract sandboarders and sandsledders.
  • Medano Creek offers a seasonal swimming beach.
  • Medano Lake is a well-known trout fishing destination.
• What scenic drives are available in the park?
  • The Medano Pass Primitive Road offers backcountry driving experiences.
  • This scenic route provides unparalleled views of a canyon leading toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.