5 Southwest Towns to Visit This Summer

Whether you're taking a road trip or just want to get away from city life, these 5 towns should be on your list.

1. Ouray, CO

OakleyOriginals / Via Flickr: 47264866@N00

Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is a small Colorado town boxed in by mountains on all sides. Ouray is known most for its outdoor activities, with camping, hiking, rock climbing, offroad trails, and mountain biking all within short distance. This town is also close by to many hot springs, and even has a public pool fed by one.

2. Taos, NM

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Located in northern New Mexico, Taos has a little of something for everyone. Walk around the famous plaza and shop, and then go see the views from 565 feet above the Rio Grande on the Gorge Bridge. If adventure is more of your style, Taos offers whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking nearby.

3. Moab, UT

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Moab is the ultimate town for outdoor enthusiasts with its close proximity to two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. Moab is known for its world class offroad trails, and is also the place to be for whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

4. Alamogordo, NM

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Located only and hour and a half away from El Paso, Alamogordo is famous for the White Sands National Monument. Like nothing else on earth, White Sands is the largest field of gypsum sand dunes in the world and is a perfect getaway in this desert oasis.

5. Sedona, AZ

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With countless western movies filmed outside the town, Sedona is known for its breathtaking desert scenery. Located between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, Sedona acts as a great base camp for exploring Arizona.