Page 550 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA
P. 550
548 THE SOUTHWEST
Practical Information include Western entertainments.
Longdistance buses are the
Dotted with dramatic rock formations, canyons, ancient sites, least expensive mode of travel.
and wild deserts, the Southwest offers visitors a range of A bus tour is often the most
outdoor pleasures. The cities feature superb museums, good convenient way of seeing both
dining, and accommodations, along with a laid-back culture. major city sights and some of
the more remote scenery of the
A major draw for visitors are the casinos of Las Vegas. The Southwest. In major cities,
Southwest is a year-round destination. The high-lying areas local bus routes cover most
of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah have cold, snowy winters, attractions. Taxis are also an
making them popular for skiing, while the states’ southern efficient way of traveling
areas offer warm and sunny winters. But the less-crowded around cities.
and milder spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit.
Driving in the Southwest
A car is often the only means
Tourist Information sudden summer storms can of reaching remote areas.
Each state and major towns cause flash floods. Visitors often There are car rental agencies
and cities have departments underestimate the dry heat of all over the region, but it is
of tourism. Many of the South the region’s summers. Hikers best to arrange a flydrive deal
west’s attractions on Native must carry at least a gallon for cities such as Las Vegas.
American reservation lands are (4 liters) of drinking water per Pay attention to road signs
managed by Native American person for each day of walking. especially in remote areas
tribal councils. For advice on The Southwest’s wilderness where they may issue warnings
the largest of these contact the harbors venomous creatures such about local hazards. Check
local office of the Navajo as scorpions, snakes, and the Gila your route to see if a four
Tourism Department. monster lizard; but it is unlikely wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is
you will be bitten if you avoid required. Most backcountry
their habitats. Insect bites may areas now have roads that can
Personal Security
hurt but are rarely fatal to adults. carry conventional cars, but a
Most tourist areas in the But, if bitten, seek medical help. 4WD is essential in some wild
Southwest are friendly and areas. When traveling between
unthreatening, but it is wise to remote destinations, inform
be cautious. Find out which parts Getting Around someone of your plans. Be
of town are unsafe at night. Never Though slower than car and wary of seasonal dangers
carry too much cash, and lock plane travel, trains and buses are such as flash floods in Utah’s
your valuables in the hotel safe. enjoyable means of exploring the canyonlands. Carry plenty of
region. Visitors can take special food and water, and a cell
railroad trips to enjoy some of phone as a precaution. If your
Natural Hazards
the Southwest’s most delightful vehicle breaks down, stay
Rapid weather changes in scenery. The Grand Canyon with it since it offers protection
the Southwest often present Railway’s diesel and steam rail from the elements, and
dangerous situations. In parts trips from Williams to Grand telephone for help.
of southern Utah and Arizona, Canyon feature packages that
Etiquette
The Climate of The Southwest Dress in the Southwest is
The weather in this region ranges from the heat of the desert informal, practical, and
to the ice and snow of the dependent on the climate.
mountains. Temperatures usually LAS VEGAS Some of the region’s most
vary with altitude. As a result famous sights are located on
the higher elevations in the 103/40 reservation land. Visitors are
north, especially Utah, northern °F/C welcome but must be sen sitive
Arizona, and New Mexico, 81/27 84/29 as to what may cause offense.
experience cold, snowy winters. 68/20 60/16 It is illegal to bring alcohol onto
The southern areas, on the other 32°F 45/7 47/8 reservations – even a bottle
hand, have mild, sunny winters 0°C 29/2 visible in a locked car will land
and hot, dry summers. Summer 26 27 26 24
temperatures in the desert often days days days days you in trouble. Ask before photo
reach more than 100°F (38°C), graphing anything, especially
but can drop to almost 30°F 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.7 ceremonial dances or Native
(10°C) after sunset. Except for in in in in homes, and bear in mind that
violent summer storms, rainfall month Apr Jul Oct Jan a fee may be requested. Do
is scarce in the Southwest. not wander off marked trails,
as this is forbidden.
548-549_EW_USA.indd 548 11/2/16 2:48 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
