Mietwagenrundreise "Durch den Südwesten der USA"

About the destination: Phoenix, the vibrant heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, blends dramatic landscapes with a dynamic urban scene. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a paradise for travelers chasing warm weather, vast skies, and glowing sunsets. The city’s skyline rises among saguaro-studded hills, offering visitors a compelling mix of outdoor adventure, Southwestern culture, and modern comforts. Nature lovers can start at Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, where scenic trails reward hikers with panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun. For a more leisurely experience, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases the beauty and resilience of desert flora, especially stunning at sunrise or during evening light displays. Golfers will find dozens of top-rated courses, while nearby day trips to South Mountain Park or the Superstition Mountains deliver even more desert exploration. Culture and history are just as rich. The Heard Museum delves into the art and heritage of Native American communities, while the Phoenix Art Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum appeal to art and music enthusiasts. Downtown Phoenix and the Roosevelt Row arts district brim with colorful murals, galleries, and a buzzing events calendar, from First Friday art walks to live music and sports games at the Footprint Center and Chase Field. Phoenix’s culinary scene celebrates bold Southwestern flavors, Mexican influences, and inventive farm-to-table dining. Sample street-style tacos, try contemporary Sonoran cuisine, or cool off with a craft cocktail on a rooftop terrace. Whether you’re planning a quick city break or using Phoenix as a base to explore the Grand Canyon and beyond, the city offers an inviting mix of sunshine, culture, and desert magic.

About the destination: The city of Tucson is located in Pima County in the U.S. State of Arizona. It is one of the main cities of the corridor of the Sun and the largest in southern Arizona. No doubt the town presents its tourist offer focusing on proximity that has with the desert. Therefore the activity star of the place, aside from museums and different types of activities, is the route through the desert with a guide, observing the curious flora and fauna inhabiting it.

About the destination: Las Cruces is a city in New Mexico. The name means "the crosses" in Spanish. Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the fertile Mesilla Valley, which is the agricultural region on the flood plain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch to the west side of El Paso, Texas. If spending time outside is what you like to do, than you have come to the right place. Relax under a shade tree and enjoy the day at any of Las Cruces many city parks or grab your hat, sun screen and sunglasses and hit the dunes of White Sands National Monument for some dune sledding! Hop in the car and explore any of the nine New Mexico State Parks all within 90 minutes of Las Cruces including: Elephant Butte Lake, Caballo Lake, Oliver Lee, Percha Dam, City of Rocks, Rockhound, Pancho Villa and Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park.

About the destination: El Paso in Texas, dubbed the Sun City, is known more than anything for being a border town with Mexico. But this desert city has plenty of entertainment for visitors, and even more for those who love history. El Paso has some delicious food, Fort Bliss Army Base, the interesting Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, easy access to Mexico and a vast array of excellent museums. Just below the tip of the Franklin Mountains, we find El Paso’s downtown. Walking around this area, visitors can admire the historic and beautiful architecture and linger in one of the many little shops and pleasant cafes. Many of the city’s major attractions such as The El Paso Museum of Art, the Plaza Theater, El Paso Civic Center and a children's science museum, are all located here. From the nearby Franklin Mountains you can see the whole valley and beyond the border into Ciudad Juarez. The other positive thing about El Paso is its proximity to Big Bend National Park.

About the destination: The true Southwest awaits you in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Come immerse yourself in its rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in its blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year-perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and piñon, and you'll understand why Albuquerque, NM is a destination like no other. Whether you want to shop for authentic Native American jewelry, try hot air ballooning, explore living history museums, enjoy Albuquerque events and festivals, sample local cuisines or hit the golf courses and spas, Albuquerque has you covered. Don’t miss to visit the historic Old Town, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.

About the destination: Santa Fe, New Mexico is a magical, exuberant, colorful journey at any time of year. Its legendary history and culture will fascinate and inspire you. Its art galleries and diverse visual arts span ancient traditional techniques to the most contemporary and edgy. Santa Fe is home to more than a dozen fascinating museums that document the region's history, art and cultures. Here you'll find the country's sole museum devoted to a woman artist, Georgia O'Keeffe. Many visitors travel here to experience fascinating historic sites, including stunning remnants of ancient Native American communities near Santa Fe and pueblo communities still vibrant today.

About the destination: Durango is the county seat and the most populous municipality of La Plata County, Colorado, United States. It is home to Fort Lewis College. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. The town was organized in September 1880 to serve the San Juan mining district. The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) chose the site on the Animas River for its depot following a brief and most likely perfunctory negotiation with Animas City, two miles to the north. The city was named by ex-Colorado Governor Alexander C. Hunt after Durango, Mexico, based on his favorable impression of that city resulting from a scouting trip undertaken on behalf of William J. Palmer, the head of the D&RG. Area archaeological sites on the State and National historical registers include: Mesa Verde National Park, a World Heritage site Chimney Rock National Monument, the most northeastern known outpost of the Ancestral Puebloans Durango Rock Shelters Archeology Site, a Basketmaker and Pueblo culture Spring Creek Archeological District, a Basketmaker and Pueblo site Talus Village, a Basketmaker site

About the destination: Mesa Verde National Park, in southwestern Colorado, is one of the most fascinating archaeological destinations in the United States. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the remarkable cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived here from about AD 600 to 1300. Sheer sandstone canyons, pine-covered mesas, and dramatic overlooks create a landscape that feels both rugged and sacred, especially at sunrise and sunset when the rocks glow with deep reds and golds. The park’s most famous sites are its cliff dwellings, such as Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House. These multi-story stone communities are tucked into natural alcoves high in the canyon walls and can be visited on ranger-led tours that often require climbing ladders and navigating narrow pathways. Above the cliffs, you can explore older “mesa-top” sites like pit houses and kivas that reveal how the Ancestral Pueblo people adapted to their environment over centuries. Mesa Verde also offers excellent hiking, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Trails range from short, paved walks to overlooks—ideal if you’re short on time—to moderate hikes that lead to viewpoints and lesser-known ruins. The Mesa Top Loop Road and Cliff Palace Loop provide easy access to overlooks and interpretive signs that help you understand the history and culture behind the stone walls. Practical considerations: the closest base is the town of Cortez, with additional services in nearby Durango. The park sits at high elevation, so drink plenty of water and be prepared for strong sun and rapidly changing weather. Summer is the busiest season and requires advance reservations for tours and lodging, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to experience Mesa Verde’s quiet, timeless atmosphere.

About the destination: Gallup is a town in the state of New Mexico. Gallup is an important gateway to the Navajo Nation and other nearby attractions. Gallup's numerous trading posts, galleries and shops offer a unique blend of Native American Culture with a rich abundance of authentic Indian and Southwest Hispanic arts and crafts. The landscape is beautiful beyond words, with red mesas to the north and east, and the mountains and painted deserts of Arizona to the west. An incredible selection of ancient Indian ruins, stunning scenic attractions, and fascinating historic sites are within a 90-minute journey from your vacation headquarters in Gallup. No trip to the southwest is complete without experiencing this area of New Mexico.

About the destination: Holbrook began as a town of railroaders and cattlemen, outlaws and rugged lawmen. Today it is a city steeped in Native American culture, Hispanic roots and pioneers from all walks of life. In this community is the heart of Navajo County, the gateway to the stunning Petrified Forest National Park and the trip that needs to be taken along Historic Route 66. Rich in diversity and welcoming to all, Holbrook is where your adventure begins.

About the destination: Phoenix, the vibrant heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, blends dramatic landscapes with a dynamic urban scene. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a paradise for travelers chasing warm weather, vast skies, and glowing sunsets. The city’s skyline rises among saguaro-studded hills, offering visitors a compelling mix of outdoor adventure, Southwestern culture, and modern comforts. Nature lovers can start at Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, where scenic trails reward hikers with panoramic views of the Valley of the Sun. For a more leisurely experience, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases the beauty and resilience of desert flora, especially stunning at sunrise or during evening light displays. Golfers will find dozens of top-rated courses, while nearby day trips to South Mountain Park or the Superstition Mountains deliver even more desert exploration. Culture and history are just as rich. The Heard Museum delves into the art and heritage of Native American communities, while the Phoenix Art Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum appeal to art and music enthusiasts. Downtown Phoenix and the Roosevelt Row arts district brim with colorful murals, galleries, and a buzzing events calendar, from First Friday art walks to live music and sports games at the Footprint Center and Chase Field. Phoenix’s culinary scene celebrates bold Southwestern flavors, Mexican influences, and inventive farm-to-table dining. Sample street-style tacos, try contemporary Sonoran cuisine, or cool off with a craft cocktail on a rooftop terrace. Whether you’re planning a quick city break or using Phoenix as a base to explore the Grand Canyon and beyond, the city offers an inviting mix of sunshine, culture, and desert magic.