It’s no small feat to say that the American West is legendary and fascinates travelers from all over the world. Between the vast parks that line up natural splendors, the cities as bustling as they are different and the spectacular roads that lend themselves perfectly to a memorable road trip , you will be amazed! Whether you are sporty, a lover of the great outdoors, or looking for the best places to have fun, the American West offers you a multitude of possibilities, all surprising ! Where to go? Which spots to favor? What is the best season? All our advice is gathered in this article!
When to go to the American West?
In fact, the American West is a year-round destination , due to its geographical diversity. Finding the right time is a matter of preference, as it largely depends on the purpose of your visit . However, the country has high and low seasons, which translate into the influx of vacationers.
The season of opportunity
The pacific littoral
The American West Coast has a predominantly Mediterranean climate , ensuring warm and pleasant summers. On the California Coast, it’s a great time to visit beaches and diving spots. You can also enjoy other water sports. Skies are often clear, and the temperature is ideal for wearing light, summery clothing.
While Los Angeles and San Diego are particularly pleasant and experience more sunshine, the weather around Seattle is cooler. If you plan to explore the north, and Washington State in particular, pack lightweight sweaters, especially if you’re prone to the cold.
Although close to Los Angeles, San Francisco’s climate is very different. More humid, it is known for its mists that give the famous Golden Gate a mysterious appearance.
To the depths of the earth
As you move away from the coast, the climate becomes more and more continental and heatwaves are not to be ruled out . This is particularly true in Death Valley where you risk being bothered by the heat: temperatures easily exceed 48°C during the day!
Less extreme, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah are also very hot, and the mineral landscapes offer little shade . If this doesn’t put you off, remember to take basic precautions : always carry plenty of water in your suitcase and take refreshing breaks in a stream or pool.
On the other hand, in parks located at higher altitudes, temperatures are milder . Here are some examples of very pleasant summer destinations in the American West:
- The Cascade Range , to the north, with Lassen, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier and North Cascades parks.
- The Sierra Nevada , in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon parks.
- The American Rockies , with the parks of Grand Teton, Zion and the immense Grand Canyon.
Prints
It’s a perfect season to visit the entire American West, without having to deal with extreme weather conditions. After the harshness of winter, nature awakens and the national parks are covered with colorful flowers . Of course, the temperatures are still cool, especially in the evening, but if you’re well equipped, that won’t be a problem.
On the California coast, the days are pleasant for exploring and strolling the streets of the megacities . In addition, the evening temperatures allow for a lively nightlife. From Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the climate is simply ideal.
If you have a choice, opt for the end of the season: May and June . Indeed, it’s not uncommon for snow to still be present at altitude in April and for some roads to be closed. But if you’re staying on the coast or in nearby parks, the Easter holidays are a good time.
Autumn
In the fall, the trees of the American West are adorned with shimmering colors, making Indian summers absolutely spectacular !
Inland, it’s a great time to hike without suffering from the heat. If you’re sleeping outdoors, bring warm clothes: night falls well and it’s very cool. The first snow appears in early November in the highest parks, so it’s best to leave beforehand for a peaceful trip.
In cities, October is the perfect time to admire Halloween decorations . Americans love this time of year and don’t hesitate to spend a fortune to make their homes look like haunted castles! On October 31st, a large parade takes place in every town across the country, with trick-or-treating and elaborate costumes. If you’re traveling with family, it’s a great experience!
The Hiver
From December to April, the weather is rather gloomy along the Pacific coast: between San Francisco and Seattle, rain and gloom are common. In contrast, the climate in Los Angeles and San Diego remains rather mild.
The mountains of the American West are popular with snow sports enthusiasts, as they are home to several internationally renowned ski resorts such as Aspen in Colorado, the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada in California, and the ski areas of Utah.
Snow is often present in national parks . The main roads remain open, but you won’t be able to explore them in depth. However, this doesn’t take away from the magic of the place: the landscapes are just as sublime at this time of year!
Where to go in the American West?
Magnificent landscapes, impressive monuments, lively cities: the American West is blessed with a wealth of tourist attractions . Whether you’re looking for a sports vacation, cultural discoveries through parks and historic sites, encounters with nature and its many facets, or even city breaks, it’s the land of all possibilities! Here are some must-see destinations not to be missed during your trip to the American West:
The Grand Canyon
Located in the northwest of the state of Arizona, this is the largest canyon in the world . The dimensions of this immense gorge are impressive: 450 km long, its width can reach 30 km in places and it is 1300 m deep on average. It is a natural curiosity whose walls continue to be sculpted by the Colorado River which makes its bed.
Visiting the Grand Canyon is a must , not to be missed under any circumstances during your trip to the American West! Depending on the time of day and the season, it offers very different, but always exceptional, panoramas. This way, you will keep an impression that matches its immensity!
Le parc national de Yellowstone
Spanning the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, the world’s oldest national park will amaze you with the diversity of its landscapes. It encompasses a geothermal area with intense activity . You’ll discover spectacular geysers, among the largest in the world, as well as hot springs with astonishing colors. All around, the mountains and valleys offer breathtaking panoramas.
In this natural setting, wildlife is very present . It is not uncommon to encounter many brown bears or bison. The luckiest ones might even see wolves.
If you have time, be sure to visit Grand Teton National Park , located right next door. Although neighbors, they are very different from each other and complement each other perfectly.
San Francisco
The megalopolis of Francisco, a coastal city in the state of California, is a must-see on your itinerary. Marked by various historical periods, it is also a pioneer in the advancement of minority rights and representation. It exudes a true atmosphere of freedom , symbolized in the 1970s by the Flower Power movement.
Las Vegas
They say San Francisco is the most European of American cities , and it’s kind of true! You’ll have a great time discovering monuments and legendary places like the Golden Gate Bridge, the former Alcatraz prison, and the various shops and restaurants that make this West Coast city famous.
Las Vegas is a city unlike any other , not only in the United States, but also in the world. Created from scratch in the middle of the desert, it puts on a show day and night . Hotels line the Strip, the city’s main artery, to the delight of visitors. In addition to the miniature Eiffel Tower, you can admire replicas of Venice, Luxor, and New York.
If you’re not a fan of gaming tables, you can marvel at other entertainment options, such as Cirque du Soleil, or even song and dance shows. One thing is certain: the splendor of this mythical city will not fail to dazzle you .
La Death Valley
Death Valley is undoubtedly the most impressive desert in the country. Despite its uninviting name, it is definitely worth a visit. Here you will discover surreal and surprisingly diverse landscapes , with a rich flora and fauna.
On the agenda: immense sand dunes, canyons, and breathtaking viewpoints. By motorcycle or car, don’t miss the Badwater Road , which passes through the most breathtaking sites in Death Valley: Devil’s Golf Course, Artist’s Drive, and Artist’s Palette. Everywhere, the hikes will dazzle you and give you moments of intense emotion.
The must-see national parks
If you’re visiting the American West, it’s mainly for them! The national parks are full of wonders and are very different from each other. In addition to those mentioned above, here are our favorites :
- There’s something magical about Bryce Canyon ! This limestone plateau, carved by erosion, forms an incredible array of hoodoos and rock columns in warm colors, ranging from orange-yellow to the most vibrant red. To fully appreciate its splendor, hike several times (both up and down) and admire these incredible landscapes at different times of the day.
- Sequoia : As its name suggests, it contains the largest quantity of one of the oldest plants in the world, the sequoia. In addition to its forests of ancient trees that make you feel tiny, the park is home to magnificent lakes, rivers, gorges, and granite peaks.
- Yosemite encapsulates everything we love about the American West: a wide variety of flora and fauna, majestic mountains, and breathtaking panoramas. The downside is that it’s very, even overly, crowded in the summer. If you have no choice of season, go for a walk early in the morning; otherwise, choose June or September.
- Zion is a canyon whose slopes are carpeted with greenery. In its center, the Virgin River has carved out dizzying cliffs and landscapes of incredible colors. If you love hiking, you’ll be in paradise!
- Mesa Verde is a great place to visit abandoned Native American villages. The perfectly preserved cave dwellings carved into the rock faces will leave you speechless.
- Capitol Reef is arguably one of the wildest parks in the American West. The land is semi-desert, dominated by rocks. Between two glowing cliffs, vegetation is sparse, giving it a most mysterious atmosphere.
- Monument Valley isn’t actually a national park, as it’s managed by the Navajo tribe. Everyone has images of these rocky peaks, seen so often in Westerns. Reality matches fiction: the landscapes are sublime, and you’re sure to see John Wayne riding around every corner!
The American West isn’t something you can visit in a day. There’s so much to explore and so many sights to see that you’ll have to choose your priorities ! Whatever the case, you’ll come back with plenty of memories and fascinating experiences.