5 (almost) unknown places to visit in the American West
Already made several USA trips and looking to get off the beaten track for your next road trip? Then get inspired by these 5 (almost) unknown places in the American West!
While I can't say you won't come across any tourists, you'll be able to enjoy these grandiose, one-of-a-kind locations without the crowds found at the other, more famous, parks and sites.
Map of the (almost) unknown places in the American West
#1. Shiprock
New Mexico
Considered a sacred site by the Navajo people, Shiprock (Tsé Bit'a'í in Navajo, meaning "winged rock") is a small mountain in northwestern New Mexico. This surprising rock structure rises like magic 482.5 metres above the desert plain and is one of the most striking landscapes in the American West.
To visit this unique formation, more athletic visitors can take part in the Shiprock Marathon. Otherwise, as it's a sacred site, hiking and rock climbing are prohibited on the peak and surrounding rocks. It's also forbidden to drive along the dirt road leading to the formation, but you can look at and photograph Shiprock from the paved road (Indian Service Route 13 or US Highway 491), which offers an absolutely sublime view.
#2. Crater Lake National Park
Oregon
Little known to tourists, this park in the heart of the Cascade Mountains is a true natural wonder. Crater Lake National Park features a deep lake, steep cliffs and wild islands. At 592 metres deep, Crater Lake is the ninth-deepest lake in the world and the deepest in the United States. It's a must-see if you're doing a Seattle to San Francisco tour!
Nestled in the crater of a volcano, this intensely blue lake is beautiful to visit all year round. Drive your rental car along the 53 km of road that circles the lake, stopping at various viewpoints to take photos and admire the scenery. You can also hike, camp and boat on the lake.
#3. Painted Hills
Oregon
The Painted Hills are one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, but I bet you've never heard of them! The site may be little known to the general public, but it's absolutely incredible. Located in Wheeler County, near the tiny town of Mitchell, the Painted Hills get their name from their coloured stratifications corresponding to different geological eras.
The shades range from ochre-yellow to deep red to intense black, and vary with light and humidity. Take a stroll along the Painted Cove Trail boardwalk or one of the 4 other trails to admire this natural wonder.
#4. Great Basin National Park
Nevada
Great Basin is without a doubt the undiscovered gem of Nevada. It's one of the best-kept secret parks of the American West, partly because it's located in an isolated area, far from the main tourist routes. This magnificent national park is perfect for those who dream of being alone in the heart of nature.
You'll get to explore impressive underground caves and enjoy hiking while keeping an eye out for the elk, coyotes and lynx that live in the park. If you're looking for breathtaking scenery, silence and adventure, Great Basin National Park is the place for you!
#5. Salvation Mountain
California
Let's move on to California to discover an unusual site: Salvation Mountain. This open-air piece of folk art created by Leonard Knight stands in the middle of the desert, south-east of the Salton Sea. The structure made of adobe bricks (earth mixed with water and straw) is painted in bright colours and forms a gigantic, one-of-a-kind sculpture.
Christian sayings and Bible verses cover the structure, giving it a rather unique, surreal ambiance. Movie buffs will be interested to know that Salvation Mountain appears in a scene from Sean Penn's film Into the Wild. Knight plays himself in the scene. Don't hesitate to pay a visit to Salvation Mountain during a California road trip or if you go to Joshua Tree!
Bonus: more (almost) unknown places in the American West
If you'd like to discover even more hidden corners of the American West, here are a few more stops to add to a 3-week USA itinerary:
- Olympic National Park: With its moss-covered forests, mountains and coastline, this Washington State park is a real gem.
- Carhenge, Nebraska: This replica of England's famous Stonehenge uses vintage cars in place of standing stones.
- Mount Rainier: Between glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, meadows and pine forests, this Washington State park is a playground for adventurers.
- Redwood, California: Both a State Park and a National Park, Redwood is home to spectacular giant sequoias.
- White Sands, New Mexico: The white sand of these dunes makes it look like the desert has been covered in snow.
- Meteor Crater: Head to Arizona to catch a glimpse of this impressive 1200-m-wide crater.
Mystery solved, now you know the 5 (almost) unknown places to visit in the American West, and more! I hope this article has inspired you to visit them, or even include them in your next USA road trip.
Feel free to share your favourite places with the Authentik community in the comments below!
As far as I can remember, I have always been attracted to movement and trips. I travel the world with child eyes and a great pleasure. After 3 years and multiple road trips in North America, I happily share my experience with Authentik’s readers.
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