Five reasons not to visit the American West in 2023

Dreaming of an American West road trip? Be on your guard and don't be fooled…

Many travellers have been taken in by the abundance of fabulous landscapes, incredible wildlife and cities bursting with culture. Find out why you shouldn't visit the American West in 2023!

#1. All that space will make you dizzy

Horseshoe Bend Canyon
Magnificent Horseshoe Bend Canyon

It's well known that the American West is all about wide open spaces and nature as far as the eye can see. Except that all that space is too much for you and it makes your head spin. You much prefer the enclosed spaces and cozy cocoon of the city subway. It makes you feel safe.

It's true that after the pleasant crowding of public transport, it's hard to feel at ease once you're alone in the middle of breathtaking panoramas.

And anyway, you're not missing anything! Honestly, do you know many travellers who would want to see the huge Death Valley National Park, the fabulous parks of Utah and the giant trees of Sequoia National Park?

Sadly, many visitors get caught up in the majestic beauty and vastness of the American West. They come back from their trip happy and amazed, but it's still sad…

 

#2. Gorgeous travel photos: why bother?

Joshua trees
Joshua Tree National Park

It's a well-known fact that the landscapes of the American West are not at all photogenic. Photography enthusiasts won't want to immortalize this untamed nature, these wild animals, these cities in perpetual motion...

Between the poetic landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, the turquoise blue water contrasting with the red rock of Havasupai Falls and the spectacular panoramic view from Tunnel View in Yosemite… Don't bother to stop, there's nothing to see!

So next time you see your friends, just show them photos of your cat's Halloween costume: that will do just as well.

 

#3. Animal watching in the wild is stressful

Bison before the Teton Mountains
Bison

It's true that seeing elk, wolves, bison, moose and bears in their natural habitat is stressful. Especially since in the American West, there are plenty of opportunities for animal encounters:

  • Kayaking with the seals in Monterey
  • A whale-watching cruise in California
  • Bison watching in Yellowstone
  • Observing black bears in Yosemite
  • And dozens of other incredible wild animal to see


Animal lovers will be in heaven, the rest of us will be in for a rough and stressful time.

 

#4. You'll be bored in the big cities of the American West

The famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign
Las Vegas

Do you really think you can have fun in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas or San Diego? Here's why you should avoid them!

The City of Angels is the emblem of the American dream, so think twice before visiting the Walk of Fame, seeing the iconic Hollywood sign with your own eyes or touring Universal Studios…

And don't bother visiting San Francisco. You've probably already seen the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison and San Francisco Bay in movies. Believe me, that's enough.

With its musical theatre, Cirque du Soleil shows and countless casinos on the Strip, Las Vegas is a city where nothing ever happens.

In San Diego, the easygoing lifestyle goes hand in hand with cultural life, thanks to the museums in Balboa Park and the colourful Old Town. You see, it's hardly the stuff of dreams...

 

#5. The American west is old hat: nothing very original

Hikers wade through water in The Narrows, Zion
Hiking the famous Narrows in Zion National Park

The American West is made out to be a big deal, but there's no denying that it's clearly an overrated destination

And I haven't even mentioned the must-see sites that leave lasting memories, such as:

  • sunset over Monument Valley
  • hiking through a narrow canyon with your feet in the water at the Narrows in Zion
  • a surf session in Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • a walk through the candelabra cacti of Saguaro, emblem of the American West
  • paddling on the waters of Horseshoe Bend
  • sunrise on the emerald green waters of Lake Tahoe
  • etc.


It's all so mundane, I can understand why you wouldn't want to do it!

 

So now you know why not to set foot in the American West in 2023. No need to thank me, but I've just spared you a lot of trouble! Thanks to my great advice, you can save yourself a fantastic US road trip, isn't that great?

Do you have any other good reasons not to visit the American West? Let's have a laugh together: feel free to share them in the comments section below!

Lola Linard

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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