This time of year, while driving or hiking some of our region’s back roads, you might see a few of these eight-legged desert dwellers out and about.
Deborah Wall
Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, a Cerca Country Guide," and "Basecamp Las Vegas: Hiking the Southwestern States," published by Stephens Press. Email: deborabus@aol.com
Arches National Park boasts the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches — more than 2,000.
The four-hour, 20-mile railway journey begins in Clarkdale and travels to the ghost town of Perkinsville, snaking along the high banks above the Verde River.
If you have a taste for adventure and don’t mind brain-rattling washboard roads, head out to Death Valley’s Racetrack, one of the national park’s most famous sights.
The refuge, just south of Alamo, is the year-round home to many birds and other wildlife, as well as a layover stop for thousands of migrating birds in spring and fall.
If you can get away this month, head up to the Markagunt Plateau, a wonderful destination to drive the network of scenic roads and hopefully take in some brilliant color.
The Great Gallery in Utah’s Horseshoe Canyon, about 330 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southwest.
The scenic little town 60 miles northeast of San Diego isn’t necessarily on the way to anywhere, but it’s well worth a visit.
Tour the famed Queen Mary or explore the Aquarium of the Pacific in the sunny Southern California port city.
One of the most enchanting stretches of the Colorado River begins at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam and winds about 15 miles downstream to Lee’s Ferry.
The Southern California resort town is a haven for off-road adventurers, hikers and mountain bikers as well as a prime destination for anglers, boaters and water skiers.
Set within a wide Navajo sandstone canyon, Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Utah.
The national park boasts wonderful hiking opportunities and about 3,100 fruit and nut trees.
The park in Chinle, Arizona, is definitely off the beaten path, but it’s worth the extra effort to see its wonders.
Seeing Arizona’s Grand Canyon is either on your bucket list already or ought to be.