Page 278 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

276  SUR VIV AL GUIDE PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  277

PRACTICAL INFORMATION everything from local maps to are managed by different Native even busier and livelier in summer
hotel and B&B bookings. Special American tribal councils. For than in winter. In general those
The Southwest US is an area of spectacular world. Accommodations are of international tours such as guided history advice on etiquette, opening places that do close will be shut
natural beauty. Arizona, New Mexico, the standard (see pp234–43), and visitor walks, ranger-led archaeological times, and admission charges for such major public holidays as
Four Corners, and Southern Utah are dotted information centers are plentiful, even tours, and wildlife watching can to such sights contact the Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas
local Bureau of Indian Affairs
with dramatic rock formations, canyons, in small towns. often be arranged through these or the Navajo Tourism Day, and New Year’s Day (see p39).
offices. All the national and state
Most museums, parks, and
ancient archaeological sites, and wild desert The following pages contain useful parks have their own visitor Department. other attractions charge an
scenery that offer visitors a choice of information for all visitors planning a trip centers, which provide hiking admission fee. The amount can
pleasures, including a wide variety of to this region. Personal Security and Health maps, safety advice, and special vary enormously, and many
outdoor activities. The cities here are famous (see pp280–81) recommends a number of licenses for wilderness hiking sights offer discounts for families,
for their combination of laid-back Southern precautions, while Banking and Currency and camping. children, and senior citizens.
Local news papers may carry
Each state has its own
culture and sophisticated urban pursuits (see pp282–3) answers financial and media department of tourism, as do discount coupons, while student
with excellent museums and great dining. queries. There is also information on all the major towns and cities. cards or an I. D. proving you are
The unique attractions of Las Vegas, Nevada communications, and on traveling around All operate websites, which offer over 65 guarantees reduced-cost
(see pp102–135) also make for an exciting the country by both public transportation comprehensive information, entry to most major attractions.
experience, popular with millions across the and car. with links to local attractions
and activity operators, listings
of shops and restaurants, and Time Zones
online booking services for There are only two time zones
When to Go
of snow as late as April or May. System for Travel Authorization accommodations. Many will also that affect the area covered by
The Southwest has the Whatever the time of year, this (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). mail out information packs on this guide – Mountain Standard
advantage of being a year- is a region known for having US embassies have the latest request. Most states also run Time, which covers Arizona, New
round destination. Generally a great deal of sun, with information on which countries “Welcome Centers” close to the Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, and
speaking, the climate tends northern areas averaging well are participating in the visa state lines on the major inter- Pacific Time in Nevada. Mountain
to be dictated by the varying over 200 days of sunshine each waiver program. As a result of state highways; these can be Ranger on a guided tour at Keet Seel, Standard Time is one hour later
elevations in the region. The year, and the southern parts tighter security measures, US excellent sources of Navajo National Monument than Pacific Time. If it is noon in
high-lying areas of northern famous for having more than citizens now require a passport maps, brochures, Las Vegas then it will be 1pm
Arizona and New Mexico, and 300 sunny days. for any border crossings into the and discount Opening Hours and across the rest of the region.
southern Utah have cold, snowy US. Canadian citizens must also coupons. In How ever, daylight-saving time
winters, making them popular have a passport when crossing addition, smaller Admission Charges runs from late spring to early fall,
destinations for skiing and the Canada–US border. Check urban commun- Opening times are seasonal. As a and the clocks are set forward
other winter sports activities. what documentation is needed ities and sights rule, most of the major sights are by one hour, except in Arizona,
In contrast, the lower elevations before traveling, as requirements New Mexico of special interest open later through the summer which does not have
of the southern portions of the constantly change. tourist sign run visitor centers, months. Museums and galleries daylight-saving.
states are noted for their warm Visitors from countries who do providing local tend to be open through the To confuse matters even more,
and sunny winter weather, need a visa must apply to a US maps and guides. Bear in mind weekends and closed for one the Navajo Nation (across Arizona
with temperatures averaging consulate well in advance, and that many of the Southwest’s day during the week. Almost all and part of New Mexico) does
a comfortable 70°F (21°C) in may be asked for evidence of attractions, such as the pueblos the major outdoor attractions, use daylight-saving time, but
the Phoenix area, which financial solvency, as well as for of New Mexico and the Navajo including all the national parks, the Hopi Indian Reservation (in
receives thousands of winter proof that they are intending to Nation in the Four Corners, are remain at least partially open year- the middle of the Navajo
visitors. Be aware, however, return to their country of origin. located on reservation lands and round, while many of the cities are Reservation), does not.
that the summer months of Any visitor wishing to extend
July and August have average their stay beyond the 90-day limit
temperatures of 100°F (38°C) should contact the nearest US
in Phoenix, making it one of Immigration and Naturalization
the hottest cities outside the Service (I.N.S.).
Middle East. Spring and fall Wet-weather warning sign in southern Utah
are ideal seasons to visit the Travel Safety Advice
southwestern United States –
there are fewer visitors, and Entry Requirements Visitors can get up-to-date travel
the milder temperatures make Citizens from Australia, New safety information from the
outdoor activities, especially Zealand, and the UK, and many Foreign and Commonwealth
hiking, a popular option. other European countries can Office in the UK, the State
However, some services may visit the US without the need for Department in the US, and the
be closed at these times; the a visa if they are planning a stay Department of Foreign Affairs
North Rim of Grand Canyon of 90 days or less. Instead they and Trade in Australia.
in northern Arizona is open are required to have a passport
only between May and that is valid for at least six months Tourist Information
October, while the mesa after they leave the country, and
tops of the ancient Pueblo must complete the visa waiver Visitor information centers in the
site of Mesa Verde in Colorado application process online US are noted for the quality
may be inaccessible because through ESTA, the Electronic of their information, offering Water fountains in the courtyard of the Heard Museum in Phoenix
The Wave rock formation in the Vermilion National Monument, Arizona

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