9 Epic Places in the Southwest: Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona Leave a Comment / Travel / By artemis Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado Since setting off on Real Van Life on January 8, I’ve visited these southwestern places and more:Great Sand Dunes National Park, Co.Santa Fe, NM.Albuquerque, NM. Petroglyphs National Monument, NM.Valley of Fires Recreation Area, NM.Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site, NM.White Sands National Park, NM.Colossal Cave, AZ. Saguaro National Park (eastern side) My first view of Cholla Cactus in northern New Mexico. This one is clearly dead. Such intricate bark structure. Valley of Fires Recreation Area in New Mexico is a massive lava field, and it's a great way to see one's first true cacti. Blackened earth, rare life, and the life that does grow has got to be tough to stay alive. Come back to see where else I’ve been, and I’ll keep posting! Find more pics and words on Instagram @artemissavory.