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Off the Beaten Path

Some of the Southwest’s most extraordinary places remain surprisingly overlooked. These destinations are farther from the crowds, quieter by nature, and often require a little more intention to reach — but they reward that effort with solitude, vast landscapes, and a deeper sense of connection to the land. If you’re drawn to places that feel wild, spacious, and less discovered, these are the destinations with the greatest potential to help you experience the Southwest beyond the usual stops.

steep dark canyon walls in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Colorado

Black Canyon

colorful badlands and petrified wood landscapes in Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest

desert mountains and shoreline landscapes at Lake Mead Nevada Arizona

Lake Mead

canyon reservoirs and rugged landscapes in Curecanti National Recreation Area Colorado

Curecanti NRA

desert badlands and wild landscapes in Anza Borrego Desert State Park California

Anza-Borrego

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© 2026 Canyon Laurel

Photography by Laurel Abdelnour

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