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    24 Stunningly Beautiful Places In The Southwest You Need To Visit Before You Die

    Mountains, canyons, rivers, and crests all day.

    1. Monument Valley, Arizona

    Monument Valley is one of the most iconic images of the Southwest. You can see it firsthand at the four corners, where you can take the perfect Instagram photo.

    2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

    Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on the Navajo reservation. The Navajo word for Antelope Canyon means "the place where water runs through rocks."

    3. Valley of Fire, Nevada

    Valley of Fire State Park is the oldest state park in Nevada. It's worth the extra effort to hike it and see it for yourself.

    4. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

    Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo, Texas. You can pick up some of the spray cans and leave your own mark by spraying the cars.

    5. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.

    Carlsbad Caverns is an intensely beautiful cave that will make you believe magic is real. You can take tours of it and experience it in slow-motion for yourself.

    6. Grand Canyon, Arizona

    The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Take a canoe on the river to experience the amazing canyon in real life.

    7. San Xavier Del Bac, Arizona

    San Xavier Del Bac is a Spanish Catholic mission located on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. You can also enjoy Indian Fry Bread or Indian tacos right outside the mission.

    8. Shiprock, New Mexico

    Shiprock is a natural rock formation located on a Navajo reservation. It towers over the land surrounding it and this is what makes it so majestic that you need to see it for yourself.

    9. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

    Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo belonging to Native Americans. It is at least 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited communities.

    10. Big Bend National Park, Texas

    Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. Hundreds of bird species take shelter here and it's perfect to go bird-watching.

    11. San Jose Mission, Texas

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    This mission was founded in 1797. You can host weddings or baptisms there, as well as getting a personal tour.

    13. Garden of the Gods, Colorado

    Garden of the Gods was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971. Take a horseback ride with one of the many guides to get a special inside look into the Garden of God.

    14. Alamosa National Park, Colorado

    The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located in Colorado. You can enjoy the sights by four-wheeling, horseback, or even just take a stroll through the dunes.

    15. Arches National Park, Utah

    Arches National Park is world-famous for the Delicate Arch. It's a perfect place to go camping and explore the beautiful nature of the Southwest.

    16. Coyote Buttes, Utah

    The Wave is located on the Colorado plateau and is host to deformed land that twists and is shaped like a walking maze. Find yourself among the ruins for a fun adventure.

    17. Antelope Island, Utah

    Antelope Island is the largest of 10 islands located within the Great Salt Lake of Utah. Take a swim in the salty waters or bike your way around the trails.

    18. Arcosanti, Arizona

    Arcosanti is an experimental town developed by Architect Paolo Soleri. You can take a personal tour of Arcosanti and learn all about the utopian world Soleri wanted to create before his recent death.

    19. Bryce Canyon, Utah

    Bryce Canyon is host to the infamous hoodoo. Photographs do not do it justice. You must see it for yourself.

    20. El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico

    El Santuario de Chimayo is a National Historic Landmark and famous as a contemporary pilgrimage site. Check it out for yourself and enjoy the serene landscape.

    21. Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico

    Cochiti is a historic pueblo on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out these cone-shaped mountains for yourself, or else you may not believe they are real.

    22. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

    Chaco Culture National Historical Park was once host to a large, thriving culture. You can witness the artifacts and ruins for yourself in New Mexico.

    23. Prada Marfa, Texas

    Prada Marfa is a sculpture by artists Elmgreen and Dragset in Marfa, TX. The artists consider it a "pop architectural land art project."

    24. Zion National Park, Utah

    Find yourself among the paths traveled by the ancient people of America at Zion National Park. You will undoubtedly enjoy the stillness of the canyons.