The Other Great Places
Southwest
By Mark Leger, GORP Editor
 The ruins at Bandelier date from the 13th century |
Arizona
Chiricahua National Monument
A wonderland of rocks in unlikely poses.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
A vital outpost for the Sonoran Desert.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Named after a breathtaking 3,000foot escarpment and featuring Paria Canyon, which is renowned among backpackers.
New Mexico
Bandelier National Monument
Anasazi ruins smackdab in the middle of 50 square miles of canyon country.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Indian culture remains alive in this steep canyon oasis.

Chaco Canyon National Historic Park
The center of Anasazi culture is still a real power spot.
Texas
Padre Island National Seashore
A long, pristine stretch of coast on the Gulf Shore of Texas.
Utah
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Float the tops of canyons; explore awesome desert backcountry.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Real Edward Abbey country that's beyond wild.

Moab
This should be a Mecca for more than just mountain bikers.