Colors of the Southwest Experience The Landscape Of The American imagination

From red rock canyons and soaring mesas to lush river valleys, the dramatic landscapes of the southwestern United States have been both muse and mystery to generations of daydreamers and explorers. Today’s inhabitants—descendants of the ancient Pueblo people who carved homes in the cliffs—continue to carry their creative traditions forward.

This curated collection of tales from the iconic southwest highlights its natural and cultural history to inspire your own southwestern experience.

Southwest Solitude

Take a road trip through some of the most iconic spaces of this American landscape, including Lake Powell, Arches National Park and the Grand Canyon.

Discover Southwestern Landscapes

The Magic of the Hoodoos

National Park Service rangers Peter Densmore, Emily Vanlonden and Jesse Gates explain the magic and the geology behind Bryce Canyon’s signature feature—thin spires known as hoodoos.

Zion National Park – We The Keepers

In this beautiful documentary from non-profit Zion Forever Project, a range of individuals share their personal connection with the park and what they believe makes it so special.

How Was the Grand Canyon Formed?

This short video from PBS offers an excellent easy-to-understand explanation of the canyon’s 1.6-1.8-billion-year geological history.

How Monument Valley became a symbol of the West

These towering red rock formations have become strongly associated with the mythic American West, yet they aren’t typical of the area at all. In fact, they are unique to one place—Monument Valley.

Native Culture | Past and Present

Experience America’s Largest Powwow

Experience the 31st annual Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More than 785 tribes from the United States and Canada participated in the pow-wow, a social gathering that celebrates cultural heritage through feasting, singing and dancing.

Canyon Song

A young pageant winner explains the history and traditions of Navajo families living on tribal lands around Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Navajo Nation.