Best of Western USA - Less Ordinary

The first stop on our route is Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. This little gem is easy to reach from both L.A. and San Diego, which we imagine to be your gateway into the western states.

Located in between Palm Springs and the US/Mexican border towns of Calexico and Mexicali, This lakeside community has undergone a transformation into a canvas for creative minds. Explore art installations that have sprung up in this unconventional desert setting. While you're in the area, make a stop at Slab City, a community off the grid that where all kinds of creative and free spirits find each other. It's best not to stay the night though, as Slab City has a reputation of being lawless, and the last free place on earth. Even though that's only true to a certain extent, the community attracts all kinds of people that don't fit in with the establishment, for various reasons. Just outside Slab City is a place you absolutely do want to visit, called Salvation Mountain. Leonard Knight, the visionary artist, spent nearly three decades constructing this brightly colored, folk art masterpiece out of clay and donated paint. The mountain is decorated with religious messages, Bible verses, and colorful murals, creating a visually stunning environment, whether you're into religion or not at all. 

Continuing south, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is up next, revealing a surreal landscape punctuated by vast expanses of sand, rugged mountains, and unique vegetation. You can cross this national park by cark, passing slot canyons and hidden oases. Don't miss the famous Fonts Point overlook, offering breathtaking views of the Borrego Valley. While you're exploring, keep an eye out for the iron animals that rise from the desert. The sculptures are part of an outdoor art installation known as "Galleta Meadows Sculptures." These large metal sculptures, created by artist Ricardo Breceda, depict various prehistoric creatures and historical figures. The sculptures are scattered throughout the park, and they've become an unexpected attraction for visitors of the desert landscape. The collection includes dinosaurs, mammoths, bighorn sheep, and even depictions of characters from the region's history. 

Cross into Arizona and you're suddenly part of cultural landscape that is the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States. Navajo Nation is covering 70.000 square kilometres of land in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. It has a population of about 300.000 people, who speak Navajo as their primary language. The area is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and offers many attractions and activities for visitors, such as museums, monuments, parks, and festivals. Navajo Nation is huge, and has plenty of things to see.

For example, there's the beauty of the Painted Desert, where the earth's history is written in layers of color and rock. It looks like someone took a big brush and painted the rocks and hills with red, orange, yellow, purple and pink, but in reality it's because of the different minerals and rocks that are in the soil. Over millions of years, the weather and erosion have exposed these layers of colours. The sunlight also changes the colours depending on the time of day and the season. 

Be sure to include a visit to Grand Falls, often referred to as the "Chocolate Falls," where a chocolate-colored waterfall tumbles down the rocky staircase. Grand Falls is taller than Niagara Falls and is fed by the snowmelt and rain from the White Mountains. You can hike down to the base of the falls and enjoy the spectacular view of the muddy cascade, but be careful of the soft ground and respect the Navajo land. Grand Falls is only accessible by unpaved roads and requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, so plan your trip accordingly and check the water level before you go. Once you make it, you won’t regret making the effort for this natural wonder in the middle of the Arizona desert!

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Grand Canyon. Despite its relatively low visitor count, the national park offers something special for the traveller looking for a more quiet and remote experience. One of Capitol Reef's most iconic features is the Waterpocket Fold, a geological ridge that stretches across the park and seems to cut the land in two. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore some of the park's slot canyons, narrow passages carved by water and wind over millions of years. Some of the most popular ones are Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash and Sulphur Creek. You'll need to be prepared for some scrambling, wading and even swimming, depending on the water level. But the reward is worth it: stunning views of the colorful rock formations and a sense of awe at nature's power.

Another way to enjoy Capitol Reef is to take a scenic drive along one of its paved or dirt roads. You'll get to see some of the park's highlights, such as the Fruita Historic District, where you can learn about the Mormon pioneers who settled here and see their orchards and buildings. You can also stop by the Visitor Center, where you can get maps, information and souvenirs. Or you can head to the Capitol Gorge Road, which leads you to some of the park's most impressive landmarks, such as the Capitol Dome, the Pioneer Register and the Tanks.

It's time to cross another state line into Nevada, where the Valley of Fire is waiting for you with its almost red sandstone formations that seem to light up in the desert sun. As you hike through this rough and rocky landscape, you'll find nature's artwork etched into the rocks. And just a short drive away, don't miss the Seven Magic Mountains, a mesmerizing display of colorful, towering boulders that pop against the desert backdrop. These iconic landmarks make for some pretty awesome pictures, especially when the sun starts setting. 

No road trip through the western USA would be complete without a stop in Mammoth Lakes, California. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, the town serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Don't miss nearby Lake Crowley, which is not only stunning, but known for fishing culture. If that's not your thing, just sit down and relax while taking in the scenery here. If this doesn't calm you down, we don't know what will. Once you're fully rested up, Mammoth Lakes offers a host of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to winter sports, making it an all-season wonderland.

Before concluding your unforgettable journey, make your way to the Crab Cooker Hot Springs. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, this hidden gem offers a rejuvenating soak in natural thermal pools while boasting a stunning backdrop of Yosemite's majestic wilderness. It's the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your extraordinary road trip.

Even if this is not the end of your travels yet, it's a great place for some well deserved rest and relaxation before or after exploring Yosemite National Park and maybe even San Francisco. In case you'd like a little more of a ''resort spa'' experience, there are several other bigger and fancier hot springs in the area, though they often also come at a price. Take your pick! 

Our journey of less ordinary attractions ends in northern California, at the almost apocalyptic Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, bubbling mud pots and impressive geothermal features paint a vivid picture of our planet's fiery core. Explore the park's pristine lakes, jagged peaks, and tranquil meadows, all while witnessing the earth's geological wonders up close. It's a world away from the big cities California is known for, and where you'll return soon again to fly home from!

But before you say goodbye to this amazing park, make sure you check out some of the awesome activities it offers. You can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit Manzanita Lake, a beautiful spot for kayaking, fishing, or picnicking. Or you can walk the Bumpass Hell Trail to see the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with colorful pools, steam vents, and mud pots. There's something for everyone in Lassen Volcanic National Park, so don't miss this chance to experience its unique landscapes.

We hope to have inspired you to take the road less travelled on your next road trip through Western USA. There's nothing wrong with the Grand Canyon, Yosemite NP or Death Valley, but there is so much more to see and experience. Let our travel experts help you in putting together the perfect road trip, with a mix of must-see's and amazing surprises. Write us to book your meeting today!

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