Out west where the sun bakes the barren landscape, a cowboy waits for no one.

After all, he doesn't have to. There's so much to do out west, you never run out of things to do or places to go. You've got rock climbing in Utah. Trout fishing in Nevada. Horseback riding in Colorado. Kayaking in California. Biking in New Mexico. The list goes on.

Every time I jump on a plane and head west of the Mississippi, there's a whole new trail worth blazin'. And often times, when I find myself cruising those dusty roads in my '95 Nissan Pathfinder, I'm tempted to buy some faded blue jeans, a big 'ol cowboy hat and a bolo tie for my beloved.

I remember the first time I saw mountains from an airplane. I was 14, and my family planned a trip to the Grand Canyon. We flew into San Francisco and headed down the Pacific Coast Highway, making our way through the wine country, Salsalito, Carmel and Monterey.

And then, I saw desert.

As we continued our trek to Arizona, the Grand Canyon was the most spectacular site this small-town girl had ever seen. And from that moment on, I knew I was hooked on the west, with its dusty desert roads, craggy canyons, and picture-perfect sky.

So here's our short list to help you start thinking about that next trip to the desert, organized by state and category.

Let me know if you'd like to add your own favorites to the list.

Where to Begin

Before you blaze into unfamiliar territory, make sure you come prepared. Research the rivers, the outfitters, and any resource that is going to help you find the wilderness trip you're looking for.

More Western Adventures Check out the "Bureau of Reclamation Lakes Guide" which covers camping, boating and fishing out west. The book has a list and description of lakes and reservoirs that offer camping, listed by state. Call Roundabout Publications at 1-800-455-2207 for more info.

Arizona

A Guide to Camping in Arizona
Arizona State Parks
Grand Canyon River Running

California

California Guide
Mt. Shasta

Colorado

Colorado Guide
RV Parks: A-Z List - The Colorado Directory

Idaho

Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Idaho State Parks and Recreation
Yellowstone National Park

Montana

Yellowstone National Park

New Mexico

New Mexico Attractions: Roadside America
New Mexico Department of Tourism
New Mexico Destinations
New Mexico Guide

Nevada

Nevada Commission on Tourism
Grand Canyon Tour Company
Lake Tahoe Vacation Guide
Nevada Guide

Utah

ATV Wilderness Tours of Southern Utah
A Resource for Canoeing and Kayaking Guides, Outfitters and Rentals in Utah
Campgrounds/RVs: Utah.com
GORP - Utah Wilderness Areas
Utah Wild.com - Your Guide to Utah Wilderness Adventure

Wyoming

High Wild & Lonesome Cowboy Horseback Adventures in Wyoming
Pinedale, Wyoming (Thomson Outfitters)
The Wyoming Companion
Wind River Mountains (Paintrock Adventures)
Yellowstone National Park