Here you want to wake up: 3 x unforgettable nature escapes in the Southwest USA

When I travel, I find the accommodation just as important as the destination itself. Of course, you can choose a comfortable hotel, but sometimes the best memories are created in the place where you wake up and instantly feel: this is something special.

The charm of unique accommodations lies in that feeling of curiosity. You book a place without fully knowing what to expect. At the same time, it can also feel a little exciting. What will it be like to sleep in a yurt surrounded by nature? How will it feel to wake up among the vineyards in Death Valley? Or to stay somewhere where nature feels so close that you might even spot a bear passing by?

Looking for an original place to stay

That sense of the unknown is what makes travelling so special. The excitement often starts at home: planning your route, searching for accommodations that are a little different and imagining what it will be like when you finally arrive. Finding these hidden gems sometimes takes a little extra time, but trying something new can instantly add another dimension to your journey.

Sometimes you simply have to step outside your comfort zone. Because in the end, it is often those unexpected experiences that stay with you the longest. For me, travelling is not just about ticking off the famous sights, but about the moments you experience along the way.

From a yurt to glamping: three stays you will never forget

I’m taking you along to three unique accommodations in the Southwest USA that gave my road trip that extra special touch. Each one is a wonderful place to stay and can easily be combined with a visit to some of the most impressive national parks in the area.

1. Sleeping under thousands of stars: glamping near Kanab

Sleeping under the stars with breathtaking views over the Utah desert

After driving about three kilometres along an unpaved road, where cows are still casually wandering across the path, you arrive at Basecamp 37. The property has only five tents, each with incredible views over Utah’s vast landscape.

The moment you step inside the tent, you are surprised. This is not ordinary camping, but glamping at its best. The tent is stylishly decorated with a comfortable king-size bed, a cosy seating area, a heater for the cooler desert nights and even an electric blanket to keep you warm and comfortable.

During the day, you can explore the impressive surroundings, but it is in the evening that this place truly comes alive. In front of your tent, you light a small fire and while crickets are singing in the background, you look out over the rugged landscape. Slowly, the first stars appear in the sky and you realise just how magical this place really is. After a day full of adventure, this is where you completely unwind.

And yes, in the middle of the night you might have to leave your warm bed to walk to the bathroom, but honestly, it is not a bad thing at all. When you look up, you see thousands of stars lighting up the sky. An unforgettable moment.

Kanab is also the perfect base for exploring Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. This means you can easily combine an adventurous overnight stay with some of the most spectacular natural areas in Utah.

Enjoying the view and slowing down

One of the absolute highlights near Kanab is the Wire Pass Trailhead. It is a lesser-known, but beautiful alternative to the busy Antelope Canyon. The journey there is already an adventure in itself: after driving thirteen kilometres along a dusty dirt road, you reach the start of the trail.

Here, you walk between towering red rock walls and through narrow canyons. It takes a little effort to get there, but the experience you get in return is unforgettable.

2. Waking up among the vineyards: a hidden gem near Death Valley

Tarantula Ranch Vineyard: sleeping among the vines, surrounded by desert in the Bottle Room

You probably know the expression "in the middle of nowhere". That is exactly the feeling you get when you arrive at this accommodation. Driving towards Death Valley, the landscape seems endlessly dry and empty. Yet, about twenty minutes before the entrance to the national park, you suddenly turn off towards Tarantula Ranch Vineyard.

You can hardly believe your eyes when green vineyards and a small wine hall appear in the middle of the desert. I stay in the only cabin on the property, with the original name "Bottle Room". There are also camping spots available, and you can even rent a glamping trailer.

The vineyard is run by a family who bought this piece of land in the Amargosa Valley with the dream of growing grapes here. The name of the vineyard may sound a little intimidating, but the atmosphere is exactly the opposite: relaxed and welcoming.

The Cortes glamping trailers are one of the highlights of this desert property

Here, you truly feel far away from the rest of the world. One with the desert, surrounded by complete silence and an impressive night sky. You watch the desert glow at sunrise and the Skeleton Hills turn golden during sunset. Because of the endless emptiness surrounding it, this oasis in the middle of the desert feels like an unexpected discovery. A hidden gem you would never expect to find here.

With a little luck, you might even spot a desert tortoise slowly making its way across the property. How cool is that?

3. Sleeping among the trees: a unique yurt near Sequoia National Park

Staying in a yurt, surrounded by nature near Sequoia National Park

On the way to the yurt, I receive a message from the owner with an important instruction: anything with a scent must be stored in the bear box at night. A bear box? Of course, I had thought about the possibility of bears, but it suddenly feels much more real when you receive that message. Well… I guess I’m about to find out.

Getting to this yurt also requires a bit of confident driving. The road takes you along winding, narrow paths deep into the forests near Sequoia Park. And then suddenly, you have to take a small trail downhill. Hidden among the wooden homes of the locals, you find your accommodation for the night: an unique yurt.

Did you know that yurts originally come from Mongolia? They have been used by nomadic families for centuries and are designed to be both comfortable and easy to move.

The moment you open the door, the large glass window in the centre of the roof immediately catches your attention. From your bed, you can look straight up at the stars and the tops of the trees at night. You instantly feel connected to the nature surrounding you. Have you ever slept somewhere like this? It feels like a dream.

Outside, there is a barbecue waiting for a cosy evening. Here too, you have to walk outside at night to use the bathroom, which feels just a little more exciting when you know there might be bears nearby. Luckily, there is a sturdy fence around the yurt.

In the morning, you wake up to the sounds of the forest. The peace and privacy are wonderful, and suddenly all your senses feel more alive. Moments like these make you realise how little you actually need to truly enjoy yourself.

Staying in this yurt may be a small adventure, but that is exactly what makes the experience so special. You experience nature up close, completely unwind and fall asleep while looking at the stars for hours above you. Isn’t that incredibly romantic? A unique stay that combines perfectly with a visit to Sequoia National Park.

Sleeping under a sky full of stars in a yurt

Let’s be honest: these are the kind of experiences you don’t want to miss, right? Of course, a comfortable hotel can be wonderful, but it is often these extraordinary stays that make a journey memorable. So dare to try something different and embrace the adventure.

Practical tips for these unique nature stays

These accommodations are often located in the most beautiful places, but that also means they can be further away from towns and everyday conveniences. Keep this in mind and prepare well before you arrive.

Bring your own groceries Don’t expect a supermarket or restaurant just around the corner. Stock up on food, drinks and snacks before you arrive, so you can fully enjoy your stay.

Bring a good cooler Not every accommodation has a fridge available. At the yurt, for example, you can use coolers, so make sure you bring enough ice to keep your food and drinks cold.

Prepare for less luxury, but more experience It is often the absence of certain conveniences that makes these places so special. No quick supermarket run or everything within reach, but instead peace, space, incredible star-filled skies and a truly memorable experience.

Fill up your tank in time In remote areas, distances can be long and gas stations can be limited. Make sure you fill up your tank before heading towards a more isolated accommodation.

This article has been published on Reisleven.nl on July 31st, 2026