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Guide To The American West
U.S.A
Photo by Morten Andreassen | Unsplash
The American west is the playground of many roadtrippers and tourists each year. But do you really know the west? Hopefully, this guide to the American west will teach you things you did not know.
Last updated on October 17, 2025
A Dive Into American History
The following part is dedicated to make an overview of the American west. But even though we encourage you to learn these interesting facts, you can skip and directly go to the things to see.
Geographically, the American West is the name given to the western part of the United States. This includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska (although these two have special histories).
Before the U.S.
The west of North America has long been inhabited by native indigenous peoples, but the first European nation to settle in the area was Spain during the 17th century. Many of the current territories that make the states of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico were under Spanish rule and later under Mexican control up until the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). This is during this era that some cities like Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco were founded. This long Hispanic presence left a strong heritage in the area with many cities bearing Spanish names and a strong latino culture that lasted up until our time.
​Legacy of Mexican-American War & Oregon Country
Following the Mexican-American War, the United States took possession of the states previously under the control of Mexico. This resulted in tensions between both nations and tensions within the United States as well. Further up north, things were slightly different. The area that now forms the states of Oregon, Washington and some parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming had low population, most being fur traders, trappers and native Americans. American settlers arrived in the area in the 1830s and more followed in the 1840s with the Oregon Trail. Quickly after that, settlers began talking to form a government there, and disputes between the U.S. and British governments followed. As a result of the Oregon Bill of 1848, the territory of Oregon was officially created, and more than eleven years later, it became a state. Eventually, the growing population and other political factors led other states to be formed from the Oregon territory, notably the states of Washington and Idaho.
The Gold Rush
Although it is difficult to speak about all the events that contributed to the development of the American West, the Gold Rush is surely one of the most important. In 1848, a few years after acquiring the state of California from Mexico, Americans discovered the presence of gold in the area. The news of gold in the west triggered a massive migration of prospectors known as the “forty-niners”. This event boosted the American economy, but also the development westward. The prospectors and people who moved to the west also established towns and cities, and led the movement to make California a state in 1850. Interestingly, the Gold Rush also stimulated the world economy with some countries finding a market to sell their product in the American west. This eventually established California as the “Golden State” and created the “California Dream”. Meanwhile, other states had their own smaller Gold Rush, but none has been as impactful as in California. Unfortunately, this period also marked the removal (forced relocation) and genocides of Native Indians in these areas.
Modern Times
The decades following the Gold Rush saw the implementation of new environmental policies, and the growth of agriculture in the west. The creation of roads like Route 66 also made the movement to California easier. However, the population in the area did not burst until after WWII as it became an important point in the aerospace and defense industry. The 20th century was also marked by the rise to prominence of movies from Hollywood, and the birth of major companies in the tech industry across California. Many states were involved in the development of nuclear technologies as well. Cities like Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco became economically powerful, but also major touristic destinations. All of this leads us to today.
"Hollywoodland" in 1930
Best Things to See in The American West
California
Let’s begin our journey in the Golden State. For many people, their trip’s starting point might be Los Angeles or San Francisco, as both of their international airports are major access points from the international. California is the most populous state of the U.S., but also one of the most powerful. The Californian economy is such that if it was taken alone without the rest of the country, it would still be the fifth-world economical power. This economy is led by major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or Sacramento (the state’s capital).
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the second most populous city in the United States. It is generally “The City” associated with the west coast of the country. Los Angeles is well known for its beaches, theme parks and sports teams. But one of the things that contributed to popularizing it overseas is the cultural side of the city. With Hollywood, LA is home to many cinema studios. The city is also a great hub to travel to the other places that will follow.
San Francisco
The Golden City is located in the northern part of California. It represents another side of the state. San Francisco is well known for being home to the Golden Gate Bridge, but also to several other famous buildings like the Palace of Fine Arts or Alcatraz Island. It is a very important hub of the tech industry, being located right next to Silicon Valley. If Los Angeles offers beachfront vibes, San Francisco is more corporate and nature orientated.
San Diego
After the North, let’s now explore the extreme South of California. San Diego is located right next to the Mexican border and is an important area for the military and the biotech industry. Beaches there are beautiful, and the city offers many of the advantages of Los Angeles in a more peaceful environment. San Diego is appreciated for its famous Zoo, parks and climate. We would recommend visiting La Jolla and Balboa Park.
Visit The Small Towns & Villages
California features several small towns worth a visit. For example, Palm Springs can be a great option for a peaceful weekend in the desert. Solvang is popular for its Danish-Style Architecture. Monterey Bay is an old fishing area now turned into a beautiful reserve to explore biodiversity. Napa and Sonoma Counties are great for wine lovers. Although we can’t go in detail about all these places, we encourage you to explore them. There is surely something for everyone.
Photo by Joshua Sortino | Unsplash
Photo of Solvang, CA by Anthony Fomin | Unsplash
The Parks
By “park” we mean national and state parks. California is well known for its beauty and has 9 nine national parks (the most in all the US) as well as 280 state parks. This wide range of parks comes with a great diversity of experiences. From the huge Sequoia of the park of the same name, to the granite mountains of Yosemite or the islands of Channel Islands National Parks, there is quite the choice for nature lovers.
Nevada
Nevada is difficult to describe. The state is generally associated with the industry of gambling, but many are not aware of the hidden gems you can find there.
Las Vegas
It is nearly impossible to speak about the state of Nevada without mentioning Las Vegas. The city is the most populous of Nevada with its ~2.3 million inhabitants (which is quite shy next to the ~18M of the greater Los Angeles). Most of the city’s tourism is focused on the casino resorts of the Strip. However, many do not know that Las Vegas is located right next to several unique sites. This includes the red mountains of Red Rock Canyon, the fire looking stones of the Valley of Fire, or the huge artificial Lake Mead. If you plan on going to Vegas, you should definitely look further than just the Strip.
Photo by Leo Visions | Unsplash
Lake Tahoe & Surrounding Cities
Lake Tahoe is relatively unknown by foreigners. The alpine lake is located between the states of Nevada and California. It is a very popular year-round destination for locals as it offers many outdoors activities during the summer, and winter sports in the winter. Not too far from there also lies Carson City (Nevada’s capital) and Reno. We cannot say that these two cities feature a whole lot to do, but it may be worth a look.
Photo by Northern Latitudes
The “Rest” Of Nevada
Aside from the things we just mentioned, most of the other things are spread throughout the states and not big enough to have their own category. Nevada has one National Park, but also features several state parks, old mining towns and ghost towns. That may not sound exciting, but there is something special about driving down these straight desert highways. If you look for wide empty spaces depicted in western movies, that’s where you may want to go.
Arizona
Let’s now head south. Arizona is another favorite of the American West. Lying on the east of Nevada and south of Utah, the state is well known for its canyons, hot summers and Native American reserves.
Grand Canyon
This is probably the reason for which many know Arizona. Grand Canyon offers a breathtaking spectacle with its huge canyon made of layered red and orange rocks. It is mostly accessible via the National Park of the same name. The two main points are the South and North Rims. The South Rim is the area with the most infrastructures and the village, while the North Rim is wilder. Like most National Parks, you can hike and find many activities in the area. It is also important to mention that it can snow during winter.
Sedona
Sedona is a desert town that features some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. It is a playground for hikers, and a pretty relaxing destination for many. The area around Sedona is well known for its mesa and typical red rock formation.
Monument Valley
Another spot well known to tourists, Monument Valley is the landscape many imagine in their mind when thinking about the American west, and there is a reason for that. Monument valley has been depicted in many movies. To be honest, the area is pretty empty and does not contain much infrastructure. You should also be aware that a part of Monument Valley is a Tribal Park and not a national park. If you keep that in mind, you will avoid the disappointment of discovering that your national park pass is not accepted.
Photo by Gabriel Tovar | Unsplash
Photo by Harrison Hargrave | Unsplash
Phoenix & Tucson
These are the two most populated cities in the state of Arizona. Tucson welcomes the University of Arizona and is known for its landscapes, architecture and food. On the other hand, Phoenix is closer to the regular American cities (and we mean nothing bad by that). It can be a nice place for outdoor activities, art and it also has a bunch of sports teams.
New Mexico
The state of New Mexico is generally a passage point for many heading further west. However, there are several things that you may enjoy.
National Designated Area
New Mexico is home to two designated National Parks: Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands. There is no need for a long description about those two parks, everything is in the name. You may also be surprised to know that New Mexico offers a very wide variety of environments like forest, mountains, deserts and rivers. This can be great for hiking or just resting in the silence offered by these wide open spaces.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico. It is a town with a long historical legacy that is the focus of the museums you can find across the city. Nonetheless, the most well known feature of the city is the International Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival in the world. During this nine-day event, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons rise in the sky, offering a truly unique show.
Santa Fe
Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the U.S. It features typical architecture that many like to enjoy, and some of the oldest buildings in the U.S.
Photo of Santa Fe, NM by Wendy Shervington | Unsplash
Phoenix & Tucson
These are the two most populated cities in the state of Arizona. Tucson welcomes the University of Arizona and is known for its landscapes, architecture and food. On the other hand, Phoenix is closer to the regular American cities (and we mean nothing bad by that). It can be a nice place for outdoor activities, art and it also has a bunch of sports teams.
COLORADO
We would easily rank the state of Colorado as being one of the most beautiful in the United States. It is not the state which many think about when talking about the American West, but technically it is more to the west than it is to the south, so let’s roll with it.
Denver
Denver is the capital of Colorado, and the only big city in the area. It features a wide variety of things to see and do, including museums, parks and restaurants. It acts as a strategic point for several companies because of its location, and it can be a great gateway to the surrounding attractions that follow.
Aspen
Aspen first started as a mining town, but the main reason it is known today is winter sports. In the second part of the 20th century, the town became very popular for its ski resort. Eventually, it became one of the world’s most famous skiing towns. Nowadays, it is a great spot for winter sport lovers – although it is expensive – and a great area to hike, bike in the summer. Many people also praise the vibrant downtown experience.
The Rocky Mountains
The “Rockies” is the largest mountain system in the United States. It is technically not one destination, but rather a mountain range that features a lot of places to see and goes way beyond Colorado. Within Colorado, you can visit the White River National Forest, a gorgeous place. You may also enjoy the Rocky Mountain National Park featuring more mountains, forests and lakes.
The Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado. Photo by Simon Goetz | Unsplash
Black Canyon in western Colorado. Photo by Joshua J. Cotten | Unsplash
Head South and West
A lot of the things we just listed are in central or eastern Colorado. Most of the main cities and attractions lie there, but if you head more to the west side or south of Colorado, you may also discover completely different landscapes. Two noteworthy attractions in this (very wide) area include Black Canyon National Park and Mesa Verde National Park.
UTAH
Let’s get more to the west and explore the state of Utah. Utah is mainly separated into two geographical regions, the South and North. The northern part of the state is where lies Salt Lake City, the state’s capital. This area is generally well known for its mountains, meadow and colder climate. On the other hand, the southernmost part tends to be very popular among tourists for its National Parks. The southwestern corner of Utah is part of Washington County and tends to be a passage point for many people heading toward Vegas.
The “Mighty Five”
The five national parks of the state of Utah are well known for their colors, rock formations and canyons. These include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks. These five parks are pretty much located in the same area, and it is possible to make a multi-day loop to see them all.
The Great Salt Lake
As mentioned earlier, the state capital of Utah is Salt Lake City, and that name comes from a unique feature in the area, The Great Salt Lake. As its name suggests, the lake is a saltwater one – the biggest in the western hemisphere. But beyond this uncommon feature of the lake lie a diverse fauna and some unique places to see. One of them is Antelope Island. The island is a state park that offers visitors the possibility to see animals like Bison, Bobcats or Mule Deer. In the summer, it may not look like a dream destination. However, when winter comes and snow falls, the island transforms and becomes a truly special place.
Bonneville Salt Flats
The Bonneville Salt Flats are densely packed salt plates in the northwest of Utah. The large and wide expanses of salt on the ground create a very peculiar landscape that cannot be seen in many other places.
The famous "hoodoos" found in Bryce Canyon. Photo by Ben Stiefel | Unsplash
The Bonneville Salt Flats. Picture by Lisha Rabinina | Unsplash
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