Southwest
Parks in the Region
The Southwest office covers the four state area of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. This region is a tribute to nature’s ability to sculpt the desert landscape: rivers, caves, canyons, and dunes are some of the dazzling features in parks such as:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park has endless caves and one of the world’s largest underground chambers.
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park reflects the rich heritage of Pueblo pre-Columbian civilization in its archaeological sites.
- Grand Canyon National Park is often referred to as one of the seven wonders of the world, and for good reason. Its geology, river, history, and spectacular views attract visitors from around the globe.
- Petrified Forest National Park boasts ancient trees turned to stone, Indian petroglyphs, and fossils that date back 225 million years.
- White Sands National Monument rises from the Tularosa basin with brilliant white dunes of sand driven and shaped by the southwest winds.
Threats
- Air pollution is impacting many of the southwestern parks.
- Underfunding is an ongoing issue for the region's parks.
- Development threatens Glorieta National Battlefield.
