American West

Related American West Articles & Videos

• What Animals Live in Yellowstone National Park?

  Yellowstone National Park is a vast preserved wilderness where many species of animals are found. Some, like the wolf, have had to be reintroduced to this area in which they once thrived. Others, like the bison and the pronghorn antelo… read more

• How to See Larches in Fall Colors in Washington

  The larch trees of the American West are rare among conifers in that they aren't evergreen; they shed their needles to conserve energy during the fierce winters of their mountain abode. Shortly before the leaves drop, they turn blazing… read more

• How to Spot a Water Ouzel

  The American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), also known as the Water Ouzel (pronounced ooh-zel), is a drab, gray denizen of fast, cold, clear mountain streams, and has the amazing ability to search for food by "flying" underwater and scram… read more

• How to Identify a Finch Bird

  The finch is part of the largest family of highly adapted, developed birds, Fringillidae. There are many diverse types of finches with habitats across the globe; however, true finches have several things in common. When identifying a f… read more

• What Is the Most Common Food for Wild Birds?

  Over the course of their evolutionary history, birds have filled a dizzying spectrum of ecological niches. Many adaptations naturally relate to the relentless quest for food. A casual introduction to some of the most common types of wi… read more

• The Best Hiking Shoes for Canyon Hiking

  The American West has beautiful hiking opportunities in canyons like the Grand Canyon and Zion. While some tourists attempt to hike in a pair of sneakers, a good pair of hiking shoes or boots will make the experience far more enjoyable… read more

• Things to Do Indoors in NYC

  Exploring New York City is all about the hustle and bustle of the streets, surrounded by the smell of hot dogs, pretzels and roasting nuts. But a rainy day in the Big Apple is not a lost cause for an adventurous soul. Tourists and resi… read more

• Natural Landmarks Along the Oregon Trail

  The Oregon Trail was one of the major pathways for settlers traveling into the American West in the 1800s. It started from several points in Iowa and Missouri, went across parts of northern Kansas to meet the main trail in Nebraska, th… read more

• Ghosts of Christmas Past: Ghost Towns to Visit this Winter

  Winter is an ideal time to visit the ghost towns scattered across the American West. With fewer crowds, winter casts an eerier glow on the deserted streets and the abandoned storefronts and homes of ghost towns, from desolate Rhyolite… read more

• RV Parks in Cody, Wyoming

  Situated along the banks of the Shoshone River and named after William Fredrick Cody, otherwise known as "Buffalo Bill Cody," Cody is the Eastern Gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It has long been a symbol of the old American West… read more

• RV Parks in St. Louis

  St. Louis, Missouri, is considered the gateway to the American West, and is symbolized by the St. Louis Arch, a recognizable city landmark. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding area has several state and local parks for hiking, bik… read more

• Illinois Monuments

  While not known as a vacation hot spot, Illinois offers many destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Horseshoe Lake State Park lies near the American Indian site of Cahokia Mounds, which dates back to 1000 B.C. to A.D. 1000. Illinois Ca… read more

• Hotels for Casper, Wyoming

  Casper, Wyoming, is located on the banks of the North Platte River, with a population of approximately 50,000. The town is named after Fort Casper, which was constructed in the 19th century when people were immigrating to the American… read more

• American Falls, Idaho RV Camping

  American Falls, Idaho, sits at the south end of American Falls Reservoir. The small city lies along the historic route of the Oregon Trail, and its location on the Snake River and the reservoir give visitors plenty of opportunity for o… read more

• Survival Kits for Hiking in the Desert

  A desert survival kit and the knowledge of how to use one is imperative for anyone who ventures off the paved highway into the vast, arid outback of the American West. Hikers enter a whole new world when they leave their vehicle at the… read more

American West Photos