Southwest

The American Southwest boasts striking desert landscapes, Native American history and photogenic mountain ranges that groups will want to integrate into their itineraries. Diverse landscapes include the Gulf Coast beaches of Galveston, Rocky Mountain retreats of Taos and lush prairies of central Oklahoma. Group-friendly national parks in this region include the iconic Grand Canyon (which features hiking trails of various lengths), White Sands National Park (an eerie fine-grained desert where visitors can “sled” on undulating dunes) and the cave superstructures in Carlsbad Caverns.

Groups can also combine outdoor adventures with local history at various Native American heritage sites found throughout the American Southwest. Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona offers tours of the Sinagua Pueblo (which contains over 100 rooms), while Aztec Ruins National Monument offers glimpses of the sophisticated masonry work and architecture of the Pueblo people. Whether your group members want to learn about Texas Revolution history at the Alamo or watch roaming bison in Oklahoma’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, they will find an activity to excite them in the Southwest.

Photo courtesy of Visit Arizona

Downtown Phoenix

ARIZONA

A color-splashed mosaic of blazing red rocks, majestic mountain ranges and cactus-studded desert landscapes right out of the movies, Arizona wows visitors with its scenic beauty and geological diversity. National parks, state parks, national forests and tribal lands beckon those looking to feast on the wonders of nature. As for the Grand Canyon, there’s simply nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Flowing through the mighty canyon, the Colorado River offers whitewater thrills, and other mighty bodies of water—such as lakes Powell, Mead and Havasu—provide refreshing recreation as well.

Besides mile after mile of scenic splendor gracing its wide-open spaces, Arizona brims with cultural treasures. Favorite tourist destinations highlight Native American heritage and rip-roaring reminders of the Wild West. Dynamic cities like Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson are flush with urban amenities, and character-rich towns like Wickenburg, Tombstone and Bisbee bristle with Western flair. Throughout the state, groups will enjoy shopping for Native American arts and crafts, cowboy kitsch and other wares distinctive to the region. And tour planners will want to spice their itineraries with meals featuring Southwestern flavors. >> visitarizona.com

OKLAHOMA

Visitors to Oklahoma can experience Route 66 history, Native American heritage and diverse entertainment options. Blending Western swagger and urban flair, Oklahoma City features attractions like the Oklahoma City National Memorial & War Museum (a sobering monument to the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing), the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (which contains incredible memorabilia from the American West) and the Stockyards City entertainment district. Groups can also enjoy a meal in the Route 66 Museums authentic 1950s diner, admire beautiful paintings at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa and discover a new historical perspective at the Cherokee Heritage Center.

NEW MEXICO

Some of New Mexico’s most awe-inspiring sites lie underground. Carlsbad Caverns, a collection of 177 limestone caves beneath the Guadalupe Mountains, offers ranger-led tours for groups comfortable with dark spaces and climbing stairs. Highlights include the Big Room (which is almost 4,000 feet long and the largest subterranean chamber in North America) and the Rookery (a space filled with opaque, spherical “cave pearls”). Aboveground, groups can hike through the surrounding Guadalupe Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert or arrange a sunset viewing party to witness thousands of bats emerge from the cave’s entrance. Home to the 800-foot Rio Grande Gorge, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is teeming with exciting outdoor activities. View the convergence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers at La Junta Point, or embark on a scenic drive along the 13-mile Backcountry Byway.

San Antonio River Walk

TEXAS

From cosmopolitan urban centers to beautiful beaches and mesas, Texas contains diverse settings for an unforgettable group vacation. The Lone Star state has a rich heritage of cowboy culture, live music and delicious barbecue that can be integrated into your itinerary, and bountiful outdoor activities are appealing to visitors of all ability levels. Popular attractions include Space Center Houston (where you can tour the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control), the Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth and the awe-inspiring football stadiums in Austin and College Station. Unforgettable outdoor adventures await in Big Bend National Park (which boasts dramatic scenery along the Rio Grande), Padre Island National Seashore (a massive barrier island containing sand dunes and migratory bird sanctuaries) and Guadalupe Mountains National Park (where you can spot majestic golden eagles). If you are visiting San Antonio, stop by the Alamo to learn about the Texas Revolution or cruise on a riverboat along the colorful River Walk.