Evoking the West Coast of the United States or the Far West instantly triggers a sense of escape! Renowned for its legendary cities, deserts and canyons, this part of the States spans across 13 states. Planning your road trip carefully is therefore an essential step. From California to Arizona, with a detour via Nevada and Route 66, here are our must-see highlights for visiting the American West.

Bel-Air

Bel-Air is an upscale residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, located on the Santa Monica coast. Like Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, it belongs to the "Golden Triangle," which designates the three most chic and luxurious neighborhoods in the city. Highly favored by the elite, you can admire the mansions and sumptuous villas of major names from cinema and industry. Bel-Air is also home to The One, the most expensive house in the world (estimated at 500 million dollars)!

Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills is considered a neighborhood, though it is actually an independent city. Made famous by the eponymous television series, it regularly serves as a filming location. You'll feel a familiar connection spotting the famous Peach Pit from Beverly Hills 90210 or the Torrance High School from Buffy the Vampire Slayer! While shopping on the famous Rodeo Drive, you'll recognize the Beverly Wilshire Hotel from Pretty Woman!

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park spans over 3,000 km² (including a wilderness area of 1,739 km²). It features two distinct deserts:

The Colorado Desert

This zone is home to many wildlife species such as lynx, antelope and the "cactus mouse," as well as the "Coachella Valley" where the famous festival takes place each year in Riverside County.

The Mojave Desert (Death Valley)

Here you'll discover the famous "Joshua trees" (a species of yucca that can reach 10 meters high), as well as "Death Valley." This arid and very dry zone can exceed 50° degrees during the day! You'll need to be well-equipped to face the scorching heat! The must-see spots? The eroded landscape of Zabriskie Point and the dried-up lake of Racetrack Playa.

Las Vegas

Located in the State of Nevada, approximately 240 kilometers from Death Valley, you'll find the city of Las Vegas. A legendary stop on the American West itinerary, let yourself be swept up in the gaming excitement and grandeur of Sin City!

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a charming small town situated on the shores of the eponymous lake, in the State of Arizona. Its artificial basin, created in the 1930s, gives the town a resort-like atmosphere. Highly popular for its water sports attractions, Lake Havasu is also renowned for its Havasu Balloon Festival. During this event, you can watch hot air balloons float above the famous London Bridge!

Route 66

U.S. Route 66 connects Santa Monica (California) to Chicago (Illinois). Why is it so iconic? Because it was first an important bridge between the American West and the Midwest, then a symbol of freedom for an entire generation of Americans – encouraged to hit the road to explore their country. Heading toward the Grand Canyon, it allows you to discover the towns of:

• Oatman: famous for its burros (wild donkeys) that roam the streets, and its Far West atmosphere!

• Kingman: home to a museum dedicated to the history of Route 66.

• Williams: the last town crossed by the famous route.
  
  

The canyons

Canyons are rocky walls carved by a watercourse. The American West has many of them, including:

The Grand Canyon

Located in northwestern Arizona, the Grand Canyon takes its name from its dimensions (approximately 450 km long and 1,300 meters deep). Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, this natural treasure lies within the Grand Canyon National Park. The site features a protected area of almost 5,000 km², which is home to numerous bird species, reptiles, amphibians and fish…

Antelope Canyon

style="text-align: justify;">Composed of two distinct gorges, the Upper and the Lower, Antelope Canyon is located within the Navajo Nation reservation – the largest Native American reservation in the États-Unis. To visit these splendid rocky landscapes, note that you must make a reservation, as the site can only be explored with a guided tour.

Visiting the American West: tourist itinerary

As you've seen, the American West is filled with natural treasures and legendary sites. You're wondering what the ideal duration for a trip is? Two weeks are ideal for visiting the essential sites!