Prepare yourself for an enchanting road trip through the American West. Some of the most visually stunning areas of the country, the western states offer a few of the most amazing, unique features in the world. From the Rocky Mountains to the cliffs of Big Sur, the west is packed with breathtaking views, refreshing climates, and a little something for everyone who loves the outdoors. But before you book your accommodations on Airbnb, TripAdvisor, or VacayAZ, take some time to think about the type of adventure you want to go on.
When looking for a vacation rental company, the west makes deciding where to go a difficult decision, in the best way. Now keep in mind: this is a subjective list. You may prefer a certain city in Arizona more than another. The truth is there are countless areas of the west to enjoy a stunning vacation. These are just a few of the more stunning options in six of the prominent western states.
There are mountains, deserts, oceans, sand dunes, and even more to choose from. Many people in America never leave their hometown, which is unfortunate considering the plethora of experiences found in their home country. According to a 2022 study by researchers at the U.S. Census Bureau and Harvard University, nearly 60 percent of young adults live within 10 miles of where they grew up, and nearly 80 percent live within 100 miles of their hometown.
Even if this is you, you’re allowed to take an extended western vacation, to at least see what you’re missing. What can it hurt? Keep reading to read the best vacation cities in the following six western states, according to this author.
1. Estes Park, Colorado
You may know of this city if you’ve seen The Shining. Estes Park provides some of the most stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, and Rocky Mountain National Park is just a brief drive away. The city itself is a small stretch of local restaurants, boutiques, rock and crystal shops, breweries, coffee shops, and whatever else you need to enjoy a stroll around town. Unlike a giant city, like Denver, Estes Park allows you to breathe in the wide-open-spaces aspect of some of the prettiest mountains in the country.
If you’re into famous, haunted places, visit the Stanley Hotel for some spooky nostalgia.
2. Sedona, Arizona
If you want to feel like you’re taking a trip to Mars for the week, consider choosing Sedona for your vacation. This stunning, red rock landscape provides otherworldly views and fun tourism, without the hustle and bustle of Phoenix. Also, temperatures in Sedona are roughly 10 degrees cooler than those in Phoenix, so you won’t be completely scorching as you walk around the town. Sedona provides a wide range of opportunities for some fun outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, golfing, and much more. Plus enjoy authentic cuisine that includes Tex-Mex style burritos, green chili-inspired dishes, BBQ bacon burgers, and whatever else you’re looking for.
If you like the heat, Sedona is the perfect place for you without being too hot. Take the otherworldly trip through the Arizona mountains for a view you’ll never forget.
3. Moab, Utah
Not unlike Sedona, Moab is an otherworldly place as well. It’s a UFO hot spot, the home of the famous arches in Utah, and provides a unique experience compared to many other western cities. Moab is perfect for rafting through the Colorado River, ziplining through the Utah mountains, observing some stunning landscapes reminiscent of the Old West, and camping under the stars.
You can also take a beautiful safari drive through the Utah desert’s sandy and rocky landscape. Moab is the perfect place to simply immerse yourself in the beauty of the west, and observe the views.
4. Encinitas, California
What’s better than Southern California, honestly? You’ve probably been waiting to see the beach listed in this article. Located just 25 miles north of San Diego, this ocean town provides a more low-key method of experiencing the beauty that SoCo has to offer. It’s a great area for year-round surfing, visiting the boardwalk, or taking a day trip into San Diego to experience city life. Try some excellent seafood right on the coast with a Hispanic flair, and enjoy a bleeding orange sunset as it drops below the horizon of the ocean.
Encinitas is captivating, and the perfect way to experience California for the first time. When you’re finished, take a drive up the coast to see the spectacular highway and coastal views all the way up to Oregon.
5. Taos, New Mexico
For a spiritual take on a western vacation, consider the mystical beauty of Taos. Located right in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this western city is perfect for stargazing, camping, skiing, hiking, or mountain biking along the Rio de Grande River. Visit the Gorge Bridge that runs across the river as well, for stunning canyon views and a beautiful mix of green and brown shrubbery decorating the mountains.
Visit the Taos Pueblo ruins for a trip into the eye-opening history of ancient Americans. Take the detour around the Enchanted Circle Drive, which provides stunning views of the mountains, lakes, wide open landscapes, and more. Taos is also just over 100 miles from Sante Fe as well, which nearly made the list itself. But when you visit Taos, and if you have some extra time, you can have the best of both worlds with a short, beautiful drive.
6. Red Lodge, Montana
For a more northern western vacation, consider the incredibly vast, magical land that is Montana. With massive mountains, open plains, rivers, lakes, and everything in between, Montana is another world entirely that resembles more Alaska than the rest of the west. In Red Lodge, there’s one main stretch of road filled with all the essentials: a grocery store, a bar or two, a coffee shop, and a few restaurants. What more do you need?
In the mornings, enjoy seeing moose and deer right outside your window in your front yard. In the warm months, explore the majestic Beartooth Highway for some of the prettiest mountain views you’ll ever see. Montana is the perfect escape from the rest of the country. It’s vast, open, and less populated than most places, and allows you to truly connect with nature in a unique way.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with any of the aforementioned options. The American West provides a countless amount of breathtakingly stunning areas, all unique from one another. Some honorable mentions include:
- Seattle, Washington
- Cody, Wyoming
- Whitefish, Montana
- Boulder, Colorado
- Tombstone, Arizona
- Big Sur, California
- El Paso, Texas
- And countless others
Expand your horizons by taking the western vacation you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re looking to explore Estes Park or seeking out vacation home rentals in Scottsdale, AZ on your way to Sedona, driving there is half the fun, so extend your time off and take the long, scenic route.