The top 10 Instagrammable spots in the American West

The great thing about a trip to the American West is that the scenery is so beautiful that even novice photographers will be the envy of their friends on Instagram

Here are 10 must-see, iconic and photogenic photo spots to include in your next road trip itinerary!

#1. Golden Gate Bridge

Linking San Francisco and Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of the American West and a must-see photo spot in San Francisco.

Baker Beach and Fort Point are great places to photograph the bridge.

To combine practicality with pleasure, I suggest you take the boat cruise, which will also allow you to admire the hills of the city and pass by the legendary Alcatraz prison.

A word of advice: take the cruise in the late afternoon, as it's often foggy in the morning. What's more, the light at the end of the day is always the best for taking great photos. Make sure you bring a sweater, as it's chilly on the boat.

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#2. Forrest Gump Point

This top 10 Instagrammable spots in the American West could also have been called "Top 10 iconic locations in the American West".

During my first American road trip, I think this was the place I was most looking forward to seeing. We arrived at sunrise to have the landscape all to ourselves. I'd advise you to do the same, as there's less traffic and the golden light on the buttes on the horizon is simply magical...

Forrest Gump Point is on Route 163 leading to Monument Valley.

Here are the GPS coordinates: 37°06’09.5″N 109°59’21.1″W.

#3. Zabriskie Point

Located in Death Valley National Park, this is usually the first photo people make when arriving from Las Vegas.

Very easy to get to, this moonscape featuring the cliffs of Golden Canyon is particularly photogenic at dawn and dusk: that's when the contrasting golden hues of the canyon stand out the most.

A must-see Death Valley photo spot to add to your list!

#4. McWay Falls 

If you love a taste of paradise, this photo stop is for you!

Head for Highway 1 in California, and more specifically Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, to contemplate the beauty of McWay Falls as it cascades onto the beach.

From the parking lot of the park (there's a fee for parking), take the Waterfall Overlook Trail, which will lead you to the viewpoint after a 500-metre walk. Don't look for access to this beach, there isn't any.

Rarely will you find such a high reward for so little effort!

#5. Havasupai Falls

Havasupai Falls is located on a reserve governed by the Havasupai Tribe in the Grand Canyon, but is not part of the national park.

Access to the area is restricted and you will need to pay an access fee.

You have two options to reach the falls: by helicopter or a 16-km hike.

In both cases, you will have to stay at least one night. At the time of writing, the site is closed for safety reasons.

Be sure to check the website for updates and to book your stay in advance.

#6. Antelope Canyon

Renowned for its vivid colours, multiple shades and famous natural skylights, Antelope Canyon attracts many travellers to the Page region every year.

Made up of two separate canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, Antelope Canyon is the result of millions of years of erosion and is characterised by slot canyons that are much deeper than they are wide.

Whichever canyon you visit, you can't go wrong. Consult this guide to help you make your choice. Only guided tours are possible.

#7. Horseshoe Bend

Located not far from the previous spot, Horseshoe Bend can be visited on its own and is reached by a thirty-minute hike.  

It is without doubt the best viewpoint of the Colorado River.  

To capture the entire landscape, you'll need a wide-angle lens. Otherwise, it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to fit the horseshoe-shaped meander in your photo  

#8. Delicate Arch

The emblem of Utah, Delicate Arch is located in magnificent Arches National Park, home to no fewer than 2,000 natural arches, ranging from 90 cm to 91 m in width.

To admire this miracle of nature, you'll need to take a 2.2 km trail (one way), which is highly exposed to the sun. Note for families: remember to bring plenty of water for everyone so you don't run out during the hike.

If your schedule allows, do the trail at the end of the day, as it is reputed to be THE spot to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the American West.

#9. Angels Landing

Angels Landing is the best-known hike in Zion National Park.

It's also one of the most challenging: the first 3 sections, Grotto trailhead, Refrigerator Canyon and Walter’s Wiggles, are tough but still doable if you're in good shape.

It's from the Spine section onwards that things get tricky. 

This steep and sometimes very narrow section is quite dangerous, and is equipped with chains to help hikers reach the summit.

Once there, you'll have an absolutely breathtaking 360-degree view of  Zion Canyon.

#10. Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach tops our list of the most beautiful beaches in California.

Characterised by its purple-hued sand, eroded from the manganese garnet of the surrounding mountains, and its huge arch-shaped rock, this beach offers magnificent scenery.

To get there, leave Highway 1 just off the Bixby Bridge and take the winding Sycamore Canyon road. Attention, if you're on a RV road trip in the American West, note that the road is inaccessible to vehicles over 9 metres long.  

Bonus: Route 66 shield

Limiting myself to a Top 10 is no easy task!

A must-see stop when travelling along Route 66 between Kingman and Los Angeles, the Route 66 shields painted on the Mother Road are so iconic that I simply had to add one to the list.

And despite what you might think, there aren't as many shields painted on the road as you might imagine.

For the best shot, head to Roy's Motel & Café, a historical landmark in its own right. The road in front of the motel features one of the emblematic signs, proof of your passage along Route 66.

So what's the best souvenir photo you've brought back from the American West? Let us know in the comments below!