The southwest isn’t just full of beautiful vistas and amazing food. It’s also home to some of the most incredible cities, structures and events on the planet.
Are we exaggerating? That depends on who you ask and yes, we have a natural bias. It can’t be denied, though, that there’s some pretty incredible things for southwest truck drivers to enjoy when they’re off the clock.
So, we’ll let you decide for yourself. We’ve gathered some of the most famous cities, events and spaces in the southwest for your consideration. Take a read and see if you agree…or just start planning your next truck driver off-day excursion.
Las Vegas, Nevada.
Do we need to say more? Even if you’re not a gambler, there’s plenty of next-level entertainment to experience here. Mind-blowing shows, venues like The Sphere that are an experience in themselves, and world-class sports like the NFL, NHL, WBNA and soon the MLB are just a few we can name. Just remember that what happens in Vegas doesn’t actually stay in Vegas. If you decide to drink, don’t drive.
Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, Gerlach, Nevada.
Yes, the world-famous cultural event takes place right here in the Southwest. Once a year, people from all over the world gather to build Black Rock City, based on Burning Man’s ten guiding principles, including radical self-reliance. What follows next is a weeklong celebration of art, music and culture, culminating in the burning of “The Man”. Tickets can be hard to come by and the event can clash with a driver’s lifestyle, but it’s fun to say that The Burn happens in your neck of the woods.
Spiritual journeys in Sedona, Arizona.
The golden red hills of Sedona and its temperate climate are said to hold healing powers. Many believe that regenerative energy can be accessed from the vortexes that are said to be found in the Sedona hills. Whether that’s true or not, there’s something undeniably soothing about the Sedona landscape. There’s plenty of chances to indulge your senses, with outdoor yoga classes, hikes, and healing retreats. Or just book a hotel room and relax for a few days. We can’t promise you’ll be healed, but you’ll definitely feel refreshed.
Hoover Dam, Nevada-Arizona border.
If you’re a fan of really big things holding back really big bodies of water, the Hoover Dam is for you. The massive hydroelectric dam is a short drive from our Henderson terminal, so if you have an off-day, it’s one of those things that needs to be seen to be believed. You can visit the Hoover Dam Lookout for free, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, pay for a guided tour of the site. Just leave your rig back at the terminal: tractor-trailers are absolutely forbidden to cross the dam (for obvious reasons!).
Monument Valley, Utah.
If you really want to feel like you’re in an Old Hollywood movie, then you need to make a trip to Monument Valley…or to be more specific: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Its towering crimson spires and buttes are a sight to behold, and fortunately, there’s many places you can behold them. You can see them from the comfort of your car on the 17-mile Monument Valley loop for a small fee, check out the visitor’s center, or indulge in an overnight stay at a variety of hotels. Just remember to treat the land with reverence and respect. As we learned in school: take only pictures, leave only your footprints.
Route 66, New Mexico and Arizona.
We’ve waxed poetic about the Mother Road before, but it’s worth mentioning again. With stretches of Route 66 not far from our terminals, it’s easy to use an off-day to meander down the storied highway. Many of the old diners and gas stations have been spruced up to their old glory, while many kitschy roadside attractions retain a faded charm. Bring cash and an empty stomach and get ready to explore. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, book a night in one of the quirky motels along the way.
There’s a lot to celebrate about the southwest. The best part, though, is being a truck driver who gets to experience it every day. Find out for yourself by checking out our current opportunities here at Truline. Get in touch and experience the southwest for yourself.
