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Ridin' those highways in the "old west" of the US makes you feel kinda a cowboy of the old days. Of course, you ride a car instead of a horse, you carry a camera instead of a gun, you wear T-Shirt and sneakers instead of coat and boots. But if you watch the desert, feel the incredible heat and dryness and look at the endless horizon, you can image what those days were like back then. And now you probably are interested , where to find the good spots.
Well, one thing to say right in advance: This is NOT the page where you would find nice pictures of the Gran Canyon and it is not the place telling you where Route 66 goes through. This page should give you an idea of what you would find besides the big parks (if you dare to look for it). And some hints how to save money - by avoid some places who are, in my opinion, not really worth the money you pay.
Highway to Hell:
Sometimes, it is not the sight, but the way to them which makes it interesting.
Nothing goes like a endless straight road to heaven. Avoid big highways
and "nice" roads.
There are some big ones like Calico (picture) and Tombstone, but even the very small one are more than fascinating and tell you a lot about how people felt at that time. You will find them on Ghosttown.com!!
There are not many, but a few are great. Palm Springs is one of the biggest and definitely worth the trip. Ever jumped into a pool who felt like grandma's boiling pot? Well, here you get that...
Yes sir, that does exist. Lake Havasu City is one of them, but there are other such as Page. Rent a boat or a waverunner and enjoy a unique beach vacation in the dessert.
OK, it's not everybody's thing but cactus watching can be fun - and it does not has to be in parks like Saguaro or Organ Pipe: If you stop on a nice spot in the middle of the dessert you might see some very odd ones too.
I admit that sometimes they are a little overpriced like this specimen: Antelope Canyon takes USD 17.50 out of your pocket (in 2001), but there are cheaper ones. If you drive along Gran Canyon you might find some really nice ones which are free and as nice. Try to watch around your area even if you are outside a park. You might be surprised.
It is definitely not the place rarly anyone would visit. I listed it here because I find this city absolutely great and it is a great opportunity to ask you to check out the Las Vegas page!
You think Las Vegas is the best place to loose money? Oh no, I know even better ways to waste money:
Three great ways to loose your money (by visiting some "great" places who are not really worth the entrance fee)
- Meteor Crater: A gigant Meteorite hit earth and left one big hole in the dessert. Isn't that great? You drive there, pay for it and there is not much to see than one big hole; but at least you were there. By the way: You get the best picture of that hole if you keep the admission ticket and stick it in your album. Gorgeous...
- Salton Sea: Sometimes you pay for it and sometimes you can swim in it and sometimes you just wish you can get the hell out of it. If you grew up next to the slaughterhouse you would feel like home - the stinking air is just too much. And I had to pay for only driving along the right bank of Salton Sea. Fantastic...
- Four Corner Monument: In my opinion probably the biggest waste of money I ever made. You pay the fee, enter and all you see is a flat place with a construction holding four flags on it. Oh I forgot, there are also a couple of souvenir booths around that place! Time for the visit: 2 minutes should be enough. Great...
