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Texas to Arizona drive

Texas to arizona road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Texas to Arizona. If you're planning a road trip to Arizona, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start at Texas drive for about 5.5 hours

2:22 pm   Midland (Texas) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:22 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:48 pm   Pecos (Texas) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:48 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Van Horn drive for about 1.5 hours

10:44 am   El Paso stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:44 am drive for about 1.5 hours

1:17 pm   Deming stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:17 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

4:33 pm   Safford stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:33 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

6:56 pm   Globe (Arizona) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:56 pm drive for about 1 hour

9:03 pm  arrive at Arizona

day 2 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Midland (Texas)   (6 answers) Pecos (Texas)   (4 answers) Van Horn   (4 answers) El Paso   (47 answers)     questions about El Paso:         Best free things to do in El Paso?         Hotels in El Paso         Must-see spots & fun things to do for 4 guys in their mid twenties? Deming   (3 answers) Safford Globe (Arizona)   (3 answers)

What are some things to do in Arizona?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Arizona. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Arizona.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Arizona to Texas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Texas to Arizona . Or get a full Texas to Arizona flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Texas well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Texas!

More info on this route:

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places to eat

flattest route

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Texas To Grand Canyon Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Texas to Grand Canyon is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 900 miles of a road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon takes around 13 hours and 28 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 15 top tips that turn your Grand Canyon trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon

On the way from Texas to Grand Canyon, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Texas – Grand Canyon route!

• Cotton Court Hotel: Cotton Court Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon. Driving from Texas to Cotton Court Hotel might take around 2 hours and 44 mins . The accommodations at this hotel have a seamless blend of form and function, with custom-made beds featuring locally sourced luxurious cotton linens. Thanks to the hotel’s central location near the downtown area and Depot District, you’ll feel like you have your enclave in the city. Check the Cotton Court Hotel, one of the best hotels in Lubbock, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Best Western Santa Rosa Inn: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Texas is Best Western Santa Rosa Inn. Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, the hotel is 379 miles away from Texas, and it would take 5 hours and 56 mins to drive. Best Western Santa Rosa Inn is a cozy and comfortable place for any traveler that feels at home. The landscaping and property are always kept clean and tidy. If you want to learn more about the Best Western Santa Rosa Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Red Horse Bed and Breakfast: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Red Horse Bed and Breakfast. Red Horse Bed and Breakfast is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it’s 505 miles away from Texas. You can arrive there in 7 hours and 50 mins of non-stop driving. A few miles from the Albuquerque airport and Downtown, our bed and breakfast is set along the Rio Grande river valley. With historical roots, guests have plenty of private space to enjoy the beautiful New Mexico sunshine! Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Red Horse Bed and Breakfast for more information.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup: If you are taking the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon, Gallup, New Mexico, it must have a place you should visit. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup is one of the best hotels in town. It is La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup, 629 miles from Texas, and it would take 9 hours and 32 mins to drive. In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, pool, and complimentary breakfast to make your stay more enjoyable. If you need more info about the price and availability of La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: Our next hotel is Little America Hotel, Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona. It will take 12 hours, and 12 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Texas. Little America Flagstaff is an excellent option for travelers interested in checking out famous landmarks while visiting Flagstaff. It is located a short distance from Historic Downtown. Check the Little America Hotel, Arizona on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little America Hotel, Arizona, for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people take some Texas to the Grand Canyon route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Texas to Grand Canyon. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Way To Grand Canyon From Texas

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon with Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel. Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel is located in Lubbock, Texas, 176 miles from Texas. It would take 2 hours and 48 mins of driving. The Overton Hotel and Conference Center offers some of the best dinings in Lubbock. You’ll be steps away from your luxurious high-rise accommodations with hearty breakfasts, indulgent lunch dishes, and tasty dinner fare. For more information about Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel.
• Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Texas is Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant. Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant is 381 miles from Texas and would take 6 hours of driving. The food at this restaurant is varied and delicious, with something to appeal to every taste. Plenty of food is also available, so you’re sure to leave satisfied. If you want to learn more about Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque. It will take 7 hours and 42 mins of car drive to take 499 miles from Texas to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico. This restaurant serves New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads, and more. It is a clean restaurant with many options. For more information, you can check Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Badlands Grill: Badlands Grill deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Gallup, New Mexico. Badlands is a local favorite for those looking for a meal that is truly a cut above the rest. In addition, the restaurant offers genuine New Mexico hospitality and taste, making it the perfect place to relax with friends and neighbors. Badlands Grill is 636 miles away from Texas, and it would take 9 hours and 41 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Badlands Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona: If you enjoy dining, Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona, would be an excellent choice in Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s 870 miles from Texas and would take 12 hours and 41 mins of car driving. The food at this establishment is excellent, and the staff is amiable. This makes it perfect for the vegetarian diner, as many dinner choices are available. If you want to learn more about the Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 900 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Grand Canyon road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Texas to Grand Canyon. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon

A unique experience awaits you in Grand Canyon. However, some unique destinations, like Lubbock, Texas, are on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Grand Canyon route.

• National Ranching Heritage Center: National Ranching Heritage Center will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. Located in Lubbock, Texas, National Ranching Heritage Center is 177 miles away from Texas, and it would take 2 hours and 45 mins to drive. The historic park contains 53 ranch structures that can be seen in 45 to 90 minutes and a 1.5-mile pathway. In addition, the outdoor park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers and offers free admission. If you want to learn more about the National Ranching Heritage Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Blue Hole, Santa Rosa: Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa, New Mexico is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on Texas to Grand Canyon route. It’s 381 miles from Texas, and it’ll take about 6 hours and 2 mins of driving. The quarry is approximately 60 feet in diameter and 80 feet in depth. It is a popular scuba diving spot and is fed by an artisan. If you want to learn more about Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Sandia Peak Tramway: Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Texas to the Grand Canyon. And if you visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, we suggest you visit Sandia Peak Tramway. You can arrive at Sandia Peak Tramway after 7 hours and 47 mins of driving. Then, ride North America’s longest aerial tram ride for breathtaking views of over 11,000 square miles of New Mexico. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Sandia Peak Tramway for more information.
• Bill Malone Trading Company: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Bill Malone Trading Company, Gallup, New Mexico, on the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. Bill Malone Trading Company is 633 miles from Texas, and you can arrive there after the 9 hours and 38 mins of drive. Bill Malone, with over 40 years of experience operating trading posts for others, has recently opened his store, Bill Malone Trading. The store carries a variety of items from his collection and the collections of his many artist friends. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Bill Malone Trading Company before going there.
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District: Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Historic Downtown and Railroad District ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the Grand Canyon road trip. You must take 9 hours and 4 mins of driving to arrive at the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. Take a stroll down memory lane in this iconic western town rich with Route 66 history. Many of the buildings are adorned with beautiful hand-painted murals. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. If you want to learn more about Historic Downtown and Railroad District, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Texas to Grand Canyon

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about Texas to Grand Canyon drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Texas To Grand Canyon?

• The road trip takes approximately 13 hours and 28 mins to drive with ideal traffic and weather conditions. The distance between Texas and to Grand Canyon is 900 miles.
• If you want to make Texas to Grand Canyon road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be two days and 23 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Texas-Grand Canyon route, you will have to walk for eleven days and 22 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Texas To Grand Canyon?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Grand Canyon. Here we list five of them . For more information about the best places on Texas to Grand Canyon journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon part.

• National Ranching Heritage Center: 177 miles / 2 hours and 45 mins to drive from Texas | 722 miles / 10 hours and 49 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Blue Hole, Santa Rosa: 381 miles / 6 hours and 2 mins to drive from Texas | 520 miles / 7 hours and 36 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Sandia Peak Tramway: 497 miles / 7 hours and 47 mins to drive from Texas | 417 miles / 6 hours and 10 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Bill Malone Trading Company: 633 miles / 9 hours and 38 mins to drive from Texas | 268 miles / 3 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District: 625 miles / 9 hours and 4 mins to drive from Texas | 1,451 miles / 21 hours and 11 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Texas To Grand Canyon?

There are many excellent hotels during your Texas to Grand Canyon road trip. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Grand Canyon From Texas section.

• Cotton Court Hotel: 175 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins to drive from Texas | 723 miles / 10 hours and 51 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Best Western Santa Rosa Inn: 379 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins to drive from Texas | 521 miles / 7 hours and 34 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Red Horse Bed and Breakfast: 505 miles / 7 hours and 50 mins to drive from Texas | 404 miles / 5 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup: 629 miles / 9 hours and 32 mins to drive from Texas | 272 miles / 3 hours and 58 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: 816 miles / 12 hours and 12 mins to drive from Texas | 84.5 miles / 1 hour 21 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where To Eat Between Texas to Grand Canyon?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Texas to Grand Canyon journey, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Texas To Grand Canyon .

• Pecan Grill at the Overton Hotel: 176 miles / 2 hours and 48 mins to drive from Texas | 723 miles / 10 hours and 51 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Comet II Drive-In & Restaurant: 381 miles / 6 hours and to drive from Texas | 519 miles / 7 hours and 33 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: 499 miles / 7 hours and 42 mins to drive from Texas | 408 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Badlands Grill: 636 miles / 9 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 265 miles / 3 hours and 53 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Arizona: 870 miles / 12 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 234 miles / 3 hours and 33 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Texas to Grand Canyon and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Grand Canyon Road Trip – Top 10 Things To Do

In this video, you can find 10 things to do around Grand Canyon.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Sacramento To Grand Canyon Road Trip: The Beautiful Route
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• Long Road Trips from Dallas
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The ultimate travel itinerary to the Grand Canyon and surroundings

Top things to do in and around the grand canyon, including the best stops along the way and mini guides to flagstaff, sedona, page and monument valley..

I know two types of people: 

The ones that have had the Grand Canyon at the top of they travel bucket list since… ever. 

And the ones that never paid much attention to it, until they were eventually dragged there and fell irremediably in love with the place ♥

A road trip to the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime adventure you should not miss while living in Dallas – or anywhere else in the world, really!

Yes, we are (really) far from there – around 15 hours driving, to be more precise. But the AMAZING places to stop along the way make the journey as stunning as the destination and are absolutely worth the drive.

I just took this trip last Thanksgiving break. And it was mind-blowing! 

I’m one of the ones that have been wanting to visit the Grand Canyon forever, so I knew I would love it. 

But what I didn’t anticipated was that I would be as baffled by the attractions along the way and travel destinations around the National Park as I was by the Grand Canyon itself!

Here I share with you the top 10 places to visit on a road trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon, totaling over 30 things to do and see throughout Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Dig into it, prepare your own itinerary and hit the road!

And if you don’t have time to explore the surroundings, and is visiting Arizona with the sole purpose of visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, skip the next lines and read this article instead . A mini Grand Canyon guide containing 10 life-saving tips to make the most of your short visit to the Grand Canyon.

For more road trip ideas -from day trips to longer vacations – take a look into our Trips from Dallas page. 

1. Route 66

Distance: 320 miles/ 4 h 50 min from dallas (to starting point in shamrock, tx).

Bad thing is that it takes forever to reach the Grand Canyon driving from Dallas. 

Good thing is that it’s mostly done through THE Mother Road, Route 66! 

Embrace it and make your trip from Texas to Arizona a once in a lifetime journey through Historic Route 66. 

Remember that here is not about the destination, but the journey. The roadside attractions are all quick stops for a photo op (and in some cases a meal or roadside fun).

What makes this road so unique is the history behind it. So, to make the most of your Route 66 adventure learn about its history and golden times .

And don’t laugh out too loud, but consider maybe watching the Disney animation Cars before hitting the road – for those unaware, the fictitious town of Radiator Springs is a composite of iconic places found on Route 66 and its story resembles the one of the small towns along the once highly traveled road, which fall into oblivion once Interstate 40 was built.

Most of the trip from Dallas to the Grand Canyon is done on I-40, which replaced the original Route 66 road.

In this itinerary between Dallas and the Grand Canyon, I-40 will take you through the Route 66 Small Towns and icons in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. And, in some points, allow you to drive original preserved stretches along Route 66 – just follow the signs.

Follow below the Route 66 roadside attractions not to be missed between Texas and Albuquerque (the first recommended stop in this trip).

Other iconic Route 66 places along the way, between Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon, are mentioned as stops throughout the post. Look for this symbol:

1. Conoco Tower and U-Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock, TX

320 mi/ 4h 50m from Dallas Legendary Conoco Tower and adjacent U-Drop Inn Cafe are the starting points of this trip through Route 66. Can you recognize it from the movie Cars? The Cafe is no longer operating (it's currently a Visitor Center). So, stop for a quick snapshot and head to the nearby Big Vern's Steakhouse instead, a famous Route 66 restaurant.

2. Britten Leaning Water Tower in Groom, TX

51 mi/ 44 min from the Conoco Tower Did you know Texas has its own leaning tower? Ok, it's not Pisa. But it is cool! And a great photo op. The Britten Water Tower, AKA as the Leaning Tower of Texas, is a Route 66 icon and it's right off the highway (on your right side when you're heading towards Amarillo).

3. VW Slug Bug Ranch in Panhandle, TX

16 mi/ 16 min from Britten Leaning Water Tower The VW Slug Bug Ranch is a less touristic version of Cadillac Ranch, with VW Beetles buried instead of Cadillacs. Sounds lame, I know, like a copy of the real thing. Honestly, I only gave it a try because I had already been to Cadillac Ranch and wanted to see something new. I'm glad I did! I loved it! No crowds, amazing place for pics and to unleash your inner outlaw - you can bring your own spray paint can and graffiti the cars, walls and everything else you see covered in street art!

4. Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, TX

23 mi/ 22 min from the VW Slug Bug Ranch Great stop for lunch. The Big Texan is part of Route 66 history and famous for the 72 oz Steak Challenge - eat a huge steak plus side dishes in less than 2 hours and you don't pay the bill. I've been there twice and in both occasions there were people trying it! It was fun to watch: one guy made it and almost passed out afterwards. The other failed.

5. Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, TX

13 mi/ 16 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch A worldwide famous route 66 icon. You have to see it at least once in your lifetime, so make a quick stop and go there if only for a selfie LOL. It's right off the road and free, just park, walk a small distance and check the famous buried Cadillacs for yourself. You are encouraged to graffiti the cars - it's part of the art installation. So, don't forget to bring your own paint spray cans here too.

6. Route 66 Midpoint in Adrian, TX

40 mi/ 37 min from Big Texan Steak Ranch Step in front of this sign and you can say out loud that you've been in the very middle of Route 66! It marks the midpoint of the Mother Road and is located just across the street from the Midpoint Cafe, in Adrian, Texas. Grab a bite, take a selfie and get back to the road.

7. Tucumcari, NM

64 mi/ 58 min from Route 66's Midpoint in Adrian, TX Entering New Mexico, make a quick stop in Tucumcari, just off I-40. A tiny Route 66 sort of abandoned town, with a well-preserved stretch of the Mother Road, landmarks and interesting attractions. Stop by the Blue Swallow Motel and Tee Pee Curious (they are only a few feet apart). The vintage Blue Swallow Motel is an over 80 years old Route 66 Landmark and one of the only motels along the Mother Road still operating in its original configuration. Tee Pee Curious is the last remaining original curio shop in New Mexico and a unique place to shop gifts and grab your Route 66 souvenir. Other attractions to check in Tucumcari, if you have extra time to explore the area, are the New Mexico Route 66 Museum and the Dinosaur Museum.

2. Albuquerque, NM

Distance: 176 miles/ 2 h 40 min from tucumcari, nm.

After a fun day exploring the Route 66, recharge your batteries in Albuquerque, right on I-40 on your route to the Grand Canyon.

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest town, founded over 300 years ago as a Spanish colony, and part of historic Route 66 as well.

Spare one day to explore the city. Best things to do in Albuquerque include Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway and Petroglyph National Monument.

At  Sandia Peak ,  go up to enjoy superb panoramic views of Albuquerque. The Sandia Peak Tramway is the longest aerial tram in the US and riding it is one of the must-dos in the city.

At  Petroglyph National Monument , check one of the largest Petroglyph sites in North America. The National Monument features symbols and marks left by Natives and Spaniards in volcanic rocks 400 – 700 years ago and is a great place for hiking and exploring.

Albuquerque’s  Historic Old Town  is the place to go to experience the city roots. It is quaint and lovely area marked by the gorgeous and distinctive New Mexico’s architecture. Stroll through over 150 small shops and galleries, offering amazing native handcrafts. Stop by Black Bird Cafe for a gourmet coffee and quick bite (their chocolate cake is to die for). Visit the Iglesia de San Felipe de Neri , an over 300 years old church. For dinner, try Antiquity Restaurant or La Crepe Michel , both charming, top-rated and right at Old Town.

3. Acoma Pueblo

Distance: 63 miles/ 1 h 03 min from albuquerque.

Leaving Albuquerque towards Arizona, stop by  Acoma Pueblo , AKA Sky City.

Acoma Pueblo is a federally recognized tribal entity, historic site and the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. A special place, nestled on top of a mesa, with beautiful views and a lot of Puebloan history. 

It can only be visited through a guided tour, which takes you up by bus from the visitor’s center to the Pueblo.

There, a Native guide will take you through the streets and landmarks and you’ll learn how the Acoma Indians used to live 4 to 5 centuries ago. You can also buy native handcrafts directly from the residents, which display their work in front of their homes. 

Visiting Acoma Pueblo is overall a superb cultural experience, that will immerse you in Puebloan history. A trip back in time to New Mexico’s roots.

Hotel El Rancho, Gallup

88 mi/ 1h 20m from Acoma Pueblo, NM Drive a few more miles stop by El Rancho Hotel on Historic Route 66, in Gallup, right off I-40. El Rancho is a historic hotel that hosted famous Hollywood movie stars in its Golden Times. A fun place to explore or even spend the night (have in mind it's a vintage and old hotel, though). The lobby is imposing and cozy at the same time, covered with a lot of memorabilia and antiques resembling the old days (sort of a small museum). El Rancho Hotel also features a native shop and restaurant on site, open to the public.

4. Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, AZ

Distance: 83 miles/ 1 h 20 min from hotel el rancho, gallup.

Entering Arizona, head to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, right on your route to the Grand Canyon.

For those wondering if they should visit the Painted Desert OR the Petrified Forest, good news: they are both the same and can be seen in a single visit. Checking on these places is a must; the landscape is magnificent ♥

The Petrified Forest National Park is actually inside the Painted Desert area, which covers a big portion of Arizona.

The visit starts at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. From there, there is a 28-mile paved drive that takes you through the Painted Desert towards the Petrified Forest Area. There are several stops along the 28 miles – 12 to be more exact – with overlooks and trails. 

The first part of the drive takes you through the scenic Painted Desert Area. In the second part you’ll find ancestral Puebloan homes and petroglyphs (super cool!). And the final part is the Petrified Forest itself, which is something out of this world. What looks like scattered logs are in fact rocks and crystals, very unique.

A visit to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest can last anything between a couple hours to a full day (if you decide to hike, which a highly recommend because the area is gorgeous). I had only 1h 30m before the park closed to visit it, and as much as I had time to see almost everything I wanted, I must confess it was a bit of a rush. I would say 3 to 4 hours would have been ideal.

For a condensed visit, I would recommend stopping at the Painted Desert Overlooks (number 3 in the map you’ll receive at the Visitor Center), Newspaper Rock, to see the Petroglyphs (number 5, it was pretty neat!) and them spending the rest of the time exploring the last portion of the route (8, 9, 10 and 11) were the Petrified Forest is – this is the most unique part, so focus your time here.

Wigwam Motel, Holbrook

19 mi/ 20m from the Petrified Forest (exiting South) Leaving the Petrified Forest towards Winslow and Flagstaff (your next stops) you'll stumble upon Wigwam Motel, a registered historic landmark and one of the only 3 surviving Wigwam motels in the US. Wigwam was a popular hotel chain in the 30's and 40's, famous for its teepee shaped rooms. Featured in the movie Cars, it became an icon of the Disney animation. Nowadays the Holbrook location has replicas of the Cars characters in front of the teepees. "Kids" will go crazy (is it ok I got actually more excited than them? LOL).

5. Winslow, AZ

Distance: 32 mi/ 33 min from the wigwam motel.

Looking for a cool photo op on Route 66? Take advantage that Winslow is in your way from the Wigwam Motel to Flagstaff and stop for a quick snapshot.

Right in front of the Standin’ on the Corner Park you’ll spot a cool Route 66 sign on the street.

Winslow is also home to cool attractions that worth a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon:

Little Painted Desert County Park

18 mi/ 20 min from Standin' on the Corner Park, Winslow Life is about second chances! If for some reason you had to skip the Petrified Forest National Park, but still wants to take a close look to the painted desert, try this hidden gem just 20 minutes off Winslow. The Little Painted Desert County Park is a top-rated Painted Desert rim drive and looks super cool. I didn't go there, because actually I didn't know it existed until I started making some researches to this post! - shame on me - but it's definitively a place I'll check out in a future trip. It's a 40 minutes detour on your way to Flagstaff (20 each way) and recommended time for the drive through the Painted Desert rim is roughly 2 hours.

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

26 mi/ 27 min from Standin' on The Corner, Winslow Right after Winslow, on your way to Flagstaff and just off Hwy 40, you'll find the best well-preserved meteor impact crater in the world.  The huge 4,000 foot wide crater was formed over 50,000 years ago by an asteroid that hit the Earth. The crater is located inside a private area, features a lookout point and is accessible by the public with an entrance fee. Some visitors get disappointed claiming that it's just... a big hole. I disagree. It's not about the crater, but what caused it, and it's a one-of-a-kind attraction you can't find everywhere! - that's why the Meteor Crater attracts worldwide attention.  Worth a stop, in my opinion. 

6. Flagstaff, AZ

Distance: 58 mi/ 1 h 00 min from winslow.

Flagstaff can be a great base to explore the next attractions mentioned in this post. It’s within a reasonable driving distance from them, which can be visited as a day trip – this was my original plan, but things had to be adjusted due to a major winter thunderstorm warning.

Anyhow, Flagstaff is not only a place to sleep. It has enough great attractions nearby to be considered a destination by itself. It’s also part of Route 66 and has a well-preserved historic portion of it, which is a lively area full of pubs and restaurants.

Plan to spend at least one to two full days of your trip exploring the Flagstaff surroundings – but if time is short and you have to make choices, I would skip Flagstaff and focus on Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Page (where the Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend are located).

Best things to do in and around Flagstaff include the Historic Route 66 District, Lowell Observatory, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments and Bearizona:

Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ

Lowell Observatory is an over a century old observatory and the very place where Pluto was discovered. It operates as an astronomy museum, with educational activities and programs, and has an outdoor area with giant telescopes to observe stars and planets.

Walnut Canyon, AZ

12 mi/ 20 min from Flagstaff Walnut Canyon biggest draw are the ancient dwelling cliffs nestled in the canyon. It's an outdoor cultural experience, an immersion into the life of the Puebloans that once inhabited the area.

Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments

19 mi/ 30 min from Flagstaff Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Volcano and a 2 in 1 type of attraction. Both are in the same area (19 miles apart), under the same administration and can be explored in a single visit. At Wupatki you can spot several well-preserved ruins of ancient Anasazi and Sinagua Tribes, a cultural experience and step back in time. Sunset Crater is a once active volcano, with lava fields and an amazing place for hiking.

Bearizona Wildlife Park, AZ

31 mi/ 35 min from Flagstaff If you love wildlife or have kids in tow, you must visit this place. AMAZING! It's drive-through wildlife park with rescued animals from harming conditions - those who wouldn't survive out of the preserve. You get to see bears, wolves and tons of wildlife in their environment from a really close distance from your car or tram tour (2 or 3 feet sometimes!). It's a beautiful experience. You can drive your own car or take a tram ride (included in admission). I did both, and despite the route being the same, the experiences were distinct. In the car I could do that on my own pace. With the tram tour, the knowledgeable guide added to the experience with interesting facts and explanations. The park also has a small petting zoo, a walk-thru area and shows such the Birds of Prey - don't miss it. There is a restaurant and vendors on site, as well as a great gift shop. Plan to spend at least half a day there.

7. Sedona, AZ

Distance: 33 mi/ 55 min from flagstaff.

Sedona is STUNNING. It was love at the first sight. Wow. 

Sedona rocks (literally, LOL)! It’s a desert town surrounded by canyon walls and red rock buttes, making the landscape something out of this world.

Sedona is also considered a Vortex, a place with special energy on Earth, attracting mystics and artists from everywhere.

This is a place that can be easily entertain you for 2 to 3 days, and even be a destination on its own – I don’t discard getting back there in the future to spend a week just hiking and breathing in the town special atmosphere.

Despite of feeling short, my one-day visit to Sedona was still VERY enjoyable. I highly recommend you including Sedona in your itinerary, even if you have only one day to explore around, just like me. 

All best things to do in Sedona are very close to each other and you can still get a good glimpse of the town and enjoy its best attractions in a quick visit. 

Here are the best things to do in Sedona and how to explore the area in a short time frame:

Scenic State Road 89 A, Flagstaff to Sedona, AZ

Drive to Sedona from Flagstaff through State Road 89 A. It's jaw-dropping. With sharp curves, the scenic drive takes you from Coconino Forest into a canyon and the views are spectacular. If time allows, stop for a hiking at West Fork Trail, highly recommended by a local as one of the top things to do in Sedona. Then have lunch or a quick bite at Indian Gardens Market and Cafe - this place is gorgeous.

Chapel of The Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

In Sedona, head to the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) to explore the area. Start by visiting the stunning Chapel of The Holy Cross, nestled in a rock, with floor to ceiling windows and a beautiful architecture. It's a true gem not to be missed. 

Bell Rock, Sedona, AZ

Next hike nearby Bell Rock, one of Sedona's famous vortexes.  While all Sedona is considered a vortex area, - a place with stronger energy on Earth - there are 4 special vortexes there said to be points were the energy is even stronger: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable and easily accessible ones. The Bell Rock Trail is a 1 to 1.5-mile loop trail, family-friendly and relatively easy - if you don't decide to climb up Bell Rock. I did some climbing, it was amazing, but I must admit it was not easy. The trail that takes you to the top is not well-marked and it's VERY steep in some points. If you have an adventurous side and is in good shape, give it a try though - the views are superb!

Airport Mesa, Sedona, AZ

After hiking Bell Rock, head to Airport Mesa to watch the most beautiful sunset. Another famous Sedona's vortex, Airport Mesa is famous for the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city. Here you have 2 options. You can take the Airport Mesa hiking trail or, alternatively, park your car at the nearby parking lot (keep driving for about an extra half a mile from the Airport Mesa head trail and you'll reach it) and walk across the street to watch the sunset. Anyway the views are gorgeous and this place is a must-stop to breath in the stunning Sedona's landscape, even more startling at the golden hour, when the rocky mountains changing colors create an unforgettable scenery.

Shopping and Dining, Sedona, AZ

After a busy day filled with a lot of outdoor adventure, indulge in some shopping and reward yourself with a special dinner. Sedona is an extra charming town and strolling through its shops and streets is a must. Top off your day walking along lively Main Street or the unique Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village (or both). Then have dinner at the Pump House Station Urban Eatery, right at the Tlaquepaque, or at the charming and unique ChocolateTree Organic Oasis, a few minutes driving from there. 

8. Grand Canyon, AZ

Distance: 79 mi/ 1 h 25 min from flagstaff.

And you’re finally there: the one and only Grand Canyon!

The Grand Canyon National Park is as mind-blowing as I thought it would be. I fell in love at the first sight and highly recommend visiting it to anyone, do that at least once in your lifetime! It’s a must-visit place on Earth.

Having that said, the Grand Canyon attracts people from all over the words, meaning… it can get VERY crowded. Especially during school breaks and holidays.

But there is a way of skipping the crowds and having a blast even on the busiest times of the year! 

Find in this post a complete quick guide to the Grand Canyon, including top things to do (and to avoid) to make the most of your visit and stay away from tourist traps.

Lessons I’ve learned the hard way! I hope my experience helps you to have the time of your life there!

In brief, enter the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance to avoid long lines (if possible), use alternative parking lots (the one you are told to go gets crazy and leaves you really far from the top things to do) and plan in advance (cellphone coverage is poor and the Visitor Center information line huge). 

And make sure to cover the top things to do in your plans, spare at least 2 to 3 days to visit the Grand Canyon and extra time to explore the STUNNING surroundings. 

In the Grand Canyon, watching a sunset and sunrise, driving Desert View Drive and going down the canyon through Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails are musts. In the surroundings, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and Sedona are not to be missed!

9. Page, AZ

Distance: 109 mi/ 1 h 45 min from the grand canyon east entrance.

Page is a small Arizona town, by the Utah border, where Mother Nature has been especially generous. 

Page is famous for two impressive nature wonders: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. And they by themselves totally worth the less than 2-hour drive from the Grand Canyon East Entrance. 

The drive itself is very scenic, taking you first through Navajo Lands and the Little Colorado River Gorge, and then bordering the Painted Desert. Breathtaking.

Below I explore further the places you cannot miss in a trip to Page – the very reasons why you should include it in your Grand Canyon Itinerary in the first place.

But there is more to Page than its most popular attractions. Home to beautiful Lake Powell and surrounded by stunning Glen Canyon, page offers tons of outdoor things to do.

If you have extra time, also consider visiting the Glen Canyon Dam (right at the town), driving to Lone Rock Beach and Wahweap Overlook (about 15 minutes from Page) and hiking Hanging Garden and Rim Trails.

And, maybe, venturing into neighboring Utah to hike Toadstool Voodoos Trail and spot unique formations – something was at the top of my wish list for my trip to Page, but that I had to skip last minute due to a major winter thunderstorm.

Navajo Bridge and Lees Ferry

On your way to Page, take a detour and visit Navajo Bridge. Nestled in the Glen Canyon area, the Navajo Bridge a pair of steel bridges crossing the Colorado River. One, the newer, is used for traffic. The other one is an historic pedestrian bridge you can cross walking for beautiful views of the Colorado River. The drive there is very scenic. And Navajo Bridge is on your way to Lees Ferry, one of Page's top attractions, featuring historic buildings and River Trail, an easy 2-mile round trip through Glen Canyon, along the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend

Right before arriving to Page, stop by emblematic Horseshoe Bend, a work of art from nature. To get to the viewpoint, you'll have to hike a short and easy trail, with some elevation (about 10 to 15 minutes each way, depending on your pace). Once you reach Horseshoe Bend, the views are superb. There are no guardrails, so be cautious and keep a safe distance from the edge (surviving to walk Antelope Canyon and drive Monument Valley is more important than that perfect selfie LOL). Plan to watch a sunrise or sunset there if possible: it gets even more magic under dusk and dawn lights.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is jaw-dropping - for real, my mouth was wide open the entire way LOL! It gets worldwide attention, especially after the world's most expensive photo was taken there a few years ago (it was taken by photographer Peter Lik and sold for 6.5 million!) There are two possibilities here: visiting Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. They are both similar (part of the same formation), but Upper Antelope gets sold out faster because of its special lightning, ideal for photography. Antelope Canyon can only be visited through guided tours for safety reasons. There is a daily limit of visitors on both sides of the canyon for preservation purposes, so make reservations in advance! Lower Antelope receives light the whole day (this picture was taken there!). Upper Antelope only at specific hours, but when it does beam lights are formed, making the scenery extra special (the photo sold for 6.5 million was taken there!). I took the Lower Antelope Tour and highly recommend it! It takes about one hour, and the trail is mostly flat and easy. Exception for some steep stairs - but nothing crazy, my kids ages 5 and 9 did it with some help.

10. Monument Valley, AZ

Distance: 128 mi/ 2 h 15 min from page.

Another bucket list attraction, Monument Valley is a must-visit travel destination for those venturing through Arizona. 

A sacred place for the Navajo people, Monument Valley was featured in several movies, from Stagecoach, staring John Wayne, to counter-culture classic Easy Rider and Hollywood hits Back to the Future, Thelma & Louise and Forrest Gump. It is also in the cover of 2003 Led Zeppelin DVD and one of the filming locations of Metallica’s “I Disappear” video, just to name a few. In other words, it’s an American icon.

I’ve visited Monument Valley on my way back to Dallas, from Page. It adds about 1h30 to your trip and is absolutely worth the detour.

I had only a few hours to explore the area. So, I opted for taking the scenic drive throughout the only portion of Monument Valley open to self-guided tours – the back-country area can only be accessed through guided-tours , said to be amazing.

Scenic Valley Drive is a 17-mile unpaved road that takes you through Monument Valley’s most iconic formations. It has 11 viewpoints along the way to see humongous rocks with specific shapes, where you can get out of the car and breath in the views.

There is also a nice visitor center, gift shop and restaurant there. And a 3.3-mile loop trail, Wildcat Nature Trail, that takes you around West Mitten Butte, one of the most recognizable Monument Valley formations.

You can easily spend a day at Monument Valley – especially if you want to hike Wildcat Trail (allow 2 to 3 hours for that and bring water!), or even more if you decide to explore the back country through guided-tours. 

But if you have only a few hours like me, I would still recommend you visit it. Monument Valley is much more imposing in person than in the pictures and in 1h30 to 2h00 you’re able to take the scenic drive in a moderate pace and immerse into the landscape. Go for it!

A trip through Arizona will take you to places you must visit at least once in your life: Route 66, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Sedona.

And as a bonus you’ll stumble upon unbelievable places, such as the Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and Bearizona, just to name a few of the awesome attractions I covered in this post.  Arizona is mind-blowing!

So, plan this trip now. Add it to your bucket list for the upcoming months or, if it’s already there, just finally do it!

You’ll need at least one full week to visit the main attractions of this itinerary. But the more the merrier. If you have more time don’t worry, there are tons of things to see in these places and I promise you won’t get bored!

Read the post, choose your favorite places to visit and hit the road! Then get back here to brag about your awesome experiences and share new findings! 

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? Did you visit the places in its surroundings recommended in this post? Do you know of any other place not far from there that deserve to be on the “must-visit places near the Grand Canyon” list? Leave your comment below!

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15 amazing and cozy winter travel ideas from dallas, 12 best texas swimming holes to cool off this summer, there are 17 comments.

I am actually planning the Road Trip for this weekend! If there is a way I could contact you for more details, it’d be awesome!!

Please send an email to [email protected] . It will be a pleasure to help!

Thank you. So informative.

You are welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it and I hope it helps you to make the most of your trip.

Thank you for putting this together. Great recommendations. Do you have recommendations on places to stay along the way?

I’m glad you enjoyed it! For authentic Route 66 stays in historic motels, try the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, Hotel El Rancho in Gallup (I stayed there and loved it) or the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook (they have cool teepees! And it is not far from the Petrified Forest/ Painted Desert Park, a must-visit). If you plan to take a detour to visit Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo, try to get a cabin inside the State Park, this is on the top of my wish list. You will have to plan months in advance though, it is really hard to score a cabin reservation there. Have fun and get back here to share your experience!

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you! Exactly how many days was this trip?

I’m glad you found it helpful! I did this itinerary in 7 days and it was enough to cover the basics. But adding 2 or 3 extra days (or even more!) would be ideal, tons of wonderful things to see along the way. Have fun!

Glad I came across this page. If I only have 5 days to travel there and back from Dallas. Which sites would you recommend?

Though question! It will depend a lot on what you enjoy. But these are the places I wouldn’t miss: Petrified Forest/ Painted Desert, Sedona, Grand Canyon’s East Entrance, Page (Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon) and Monument Valley. I hope it helps!

Thanks for sharing! This is a wonderful trip. I will print itinerary and hit the road in 2 days.

I wish you a wonderful trip! You’ll love it, Arizona is absolutely stunning!

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Great post, very accurate and informative! It’s a beautiful country out there and Arizona/Utah are up there in the list! Thanks for sharing❣️

I’m glad you enjoyed ❤️ Amazing country, I couldn’t agree more!

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed ❤

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Road Trip From Houston To The Grand Canyon

A road trip from Houston to the Grand Canyon takes you from one of the largest cities in America to one of the most popular natural attractions on the planet. Along the way you'll discover caves, mountains and forests full of wildlife as well as fascinating cities and small towns.

The 1300-mile road trip from Houston to the Grand Canyon takes over 19 hours. Key stops along the way include San Antonio, Amarillo, Flagstaff, as well as the breathtaking Petrified Forest National Park and the legendary Route 66.

Read on to discover our top tips for making the most out of this road trip, including the best routes, places to visit and times to do this epic road trip.

How far is The Grand Canyon from Houston and how long will it take to get there?

The most direct route for a road trip from Houston to the Grand Canyon will cover 1286 miles and take almost 19 and a half hours to complete, passing through Amarillo and Albuquerque. We're calling this our Northern Route option.

If you have already had the opportunity to visit these cities - or simply find the prospect of skirting the Mexican border more exciting - there is another route option to consider.

Passing through San Antonio and El Paso, and then around Gila National Forest, is our Southern Route. This route is only marginally longer than our Northern Route, at 1300 miles and 19 hours and 50 minutes. As you can see, your route decision won't be made based on distance or time.

Best road trip route from Houston to The Grand Canyon

Both route options from Houston to The Grand Canyon offer culturally vibrant cities and fantastic desert scenery.

The Northern Route boasts some beautiful scenery as well as the chance to visit the simply stunning Navajo Nation in, whilst the Southern Route takes you through beautiful forests before you even reach Flagstaff. Read on to help you choose the best route for you and your road trip companions!

How to drive from Houston to the Grand Canyon

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Houston and Grand Canyon. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Northern Route

The most direct route from Houston to the Grand Canyon will take you on the I-45 heading north towards Fort Worth. From here you could take a short detour and visit the brilliant city of Dallas. Alternatively continue north and take the exit for 287 which will take you through Wichita Falls.

Next merge on to the I-40 west through Amarillo. Follow this road through Tucumcari until you reach Santa Rosa where you can spend some time exploring the beautiful Santa Rosa Lake State Park.

Keeping left, you'll next pass through Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city. Here you will discover historic buildings as well as plenty of museums and shops.

Continue on the I-40 and through some lovely small towns before passing the edge of Coconino National Forest - another small detour well worth a visit for its stunning landscape and views and on to Flagstaff. From here its just a short drive to AZ-64 north before you reach the Grand Canyon.

The Southern Route

Our Southern Route isn't a complicated detour, but will take you through some of the lesser seen parts of the country and gives fantastic views on the way.

Set out on the I-10 west through San Antonio. Although only a short distance, it's worth spending some time discovering this large city known for its culture and famous river walk.

Continue on the I-10 until you reach Fort Stockton and through Fort Bliss. At Deming switch to US-180 heading west and continue until you reach Gila National Forest and Pinetop-Lakeside - two beautiful places to stop and take a break from the roadside.

Next take the I-40 west before merging on the I-40 W/US-180 W towards Flagstaff and continue the rest of the road trip as per the Northern Route above.

Best places to stop between Houston and The Grand Canyon

With a road trip from Houston to the Grand Canyon we're setting the bar pretty high for the caliber of attractions we want to see, so it leaves a tough prospect for our stops along the way to live up to.

That said, the following three stops are incredible destinations featuring some iconic and memorable sights, that we genuinely believe will do just that.

Reach new heights - Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you decide to set out on our Northern Route, then a stop at Albuquerque is a great option. At just under 6 miles from the Grand Canyon, this large city is not only a great place for an overnight rest but it also is a great attraction in its own right.

As New Mexico's largest city, Albuquerque has a wonderful mix of a fantastic desert landscape and a town filled with historic buildings, such as San Felipe de Neri Church, five museums, and plenty of shops. Other noteworthy attractions include the Petroglyph National Monument and the world's longest tramway which takes you to the top of Sandia Peak.

Albuquerque is also famed for its International Balloon Fiesta, held in the first two weeks in October every year.

To fully appreciate this wonderful old city, we recommend a stop at the luxurious Hotel Chaco, just a short walk from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science .

This beautifully modern hotel combines fantastic amenities, including the all-important stunning outdoor pool, à la carte and American breakfast options plus private parking and an outdoor terrace perfect for stargazing in the evening. This might be a pricy option, but it's worth every penny for its luxurious surroundings.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

A legendary battleground - San Antonio, Texas

Located about 3 hours west of our starting point lies the second largest city in Texas, behind only Houston itself, San Antonio.

A wonderful city with vibrant culture, incredible attractions and its famous river walk, there is one location at the heart of the city that is head and shoulders above the rest.

That's because this is the location of the legendary 19th-century mission, The Alamo. The place where Davy Crockett and his small band of rebels faced off against waves of the Mexican army in the Texan war for independence.

A visit to the remains of this fabled location will give you a feeling you can't achieve from any history book. See what they saw, how they lived and what remained of the mission when everything was said and done.

Despite being on a trip to such a famous destination, this is one stop that may well leave a mark just as memorable as the canyon itself.

Speaking of memorable, there's no better place to stay while in town than Omni La Mansion del Rio . Located on the San Antonio Riverwalk, this luxury hotel features an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool - perfect for relaxing after a long day of driving.

The Alamo is a short walk from the hotel. The only problem is that you might not want to ever leave!

A sprawling forest - Flagstaff, Arizona

Our final stop brings us to a city just 80 miles from our final destination, Flagstaff. Known as the city in the pines, while some may be tempted to simply push on to our final destination, I would strongly recommend you hang around and find out exactly how it earned its nickname.

You see, Flagstaff is located on the edge of Coconino Forest. The largest Ponderosa pine forest anywhere in North America, this stunning location is one far too often overlooked due to its proximity to the canyon.

With mile after mile of hiking trails through incredible wildlife and scenery, this stop should be the icing on the cake to what is a road trip that will stay in your mind for the rest of your life.

To make absolutely sure it does, you should top your trip off with a stay at the Little America Hotel . Designed like a traditional log cabin, but filled with modern-day luxury including an outdoor swimming pool, this hotel located just on the edge of the forest is the perfect place to encapsulate the natural and historical nature of this amazing journey.

Things to see on a road trip from Houston to The Grand Canyon

There's so much to see on the road trip from Houston to the Grand Canyon regardless of which route you take from stunning parks to fantastic cities.

You could easily spend several days visiting all of the points of interest along the way, but here's our top pick of some of the very best:

• Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge - See the unique Attwater Prairie Chicken at one of the last known locations of the critically endangered species.
• San Antonio - The second most populous city in Texas, San Antonia mixes vibrant culture and cultural heritage with a beautiful mile-long river walk.
• The Alamo - Visit the site of the legendary battle in the Texan war for independence against the Mexican army in the heart of San Antonio.
• Fort Stockton - Explore a town built around the remains of the Civil War fort, featuring museums and locations dedicated to the history of the area.
• Orla Ghost Town - The ghostly town of Orla in Texas features remnants of the late 1800s town, which until recently was uninhabited.
• Carlsbad, New Mexico - Known as a gateway to the Caverns Nation Park, this city is worth an explore in its own right - there's even a Beach Park, perfect for picnics or swimming.
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Discover the vast bat-filled caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Explore the massive cave system surrounded by desert and which is home to a variety of species of birds and animals.
• Guadalupe National Park - Spend some time at Texas's highest mountain, the 8,751-foot Guadalupe Peak. Home to animals such as deer, elk, javelina and over 300 different species of bird.
• Roswell, New Mexico - The fifth largest city in the state of New Mexico and notorious for alleged UFO sightings, Roswell is a huge tourist destination, thanks to its International UFO and Research center among other things.
• Route 66 - One of the most legendary and historic roads in all of America, this is perhaps its most iconic stretch and won't disappoint.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico - Explore the most populous city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is rich with landmarks, monuments and the world's longest tramway.
• El Malpais Monument and National Conservation Area - The monuments and landscapes at this conservation area were made famous by their rugged, volcanic appearance.
• Gallup, New Mexico - Visit this thriving town, famous for its art and a popular hangout location for celebrities in the 50s and 60s. Gallup now maintains a tourist industry based around motoring and Native American trading posts.
• Navajo Nation - The largest Indian reservation in America, covering 17.5 million acres of land in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, which is home to around 175,000 Native Americans.
• Petrified Forest National Park - The only National Park along Route 66, this magnificent park features numerous archaeological wonders and species of animal.
• Flagstaff, Arizona - Known as the city in the pines, as it's located between the Grand Canyon and Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is a gateway to some unforgettable places to visit.
• Humphreys Peak - Take a hike to the highest peak in the state of Arizona. Humphreys Peak has an elevation of 12,637 feet and is located within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness in the Coconino National Forest.
• Kaibab National Forest - This 1.6-million-acre forest surrounding the rims of the Grand Canyon truly offer something for everyone, from canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, this forest offers quiet hikes and beautiful landscapes.

Best time to go on a road trip from Houston to The Grand Canyon

Despite both being generally warm climates, these are two places that can both be known for their extreme weather.

The Grand Canyon has blistering heat in the height of summer and sub-zero temperatures during the winter. Meanwhile Houston can see temperatures rising as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, making it rather uncomfortable for a road trip.

For this reason, February to April and during the fall months of September to November would give the best chance to missing the blistering heat.

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon would undoubtedly be between April and June when rainfall averages are low, temperatures are warm and crowds are generally thinner. That said, the fall foliage found at the Grand Canyon is best later in the year and the shorter days make sunsets much easier to catch.

Winter in Houston is fairly mild with snowfall rare, but pack extra layers if you decide to travel in December and January as the temperature falls pretty quickly when the sun goes down.

A visit to the Grand Canyon around this time also gives you the opportunity to spot the snow-covered Canyon. If a peaceful setting and picturesque views are more important, this might be the best time for you.

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Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: Complete 7 Day Itinerary with 50+ Stops

If you are looking for the ultimate Arizona itinerary look no further. This post is the complete itinerary that we used for the most recent YouTube video. You can see the video above or at this link if you want to watch it. In the video, we spend about a week road tripping across Arizona, from the very top at Page, all the way down to the bottom at Bisbee. Hopefully the video and post help you to do your own road trip and to see this amazing state yourself. If you want all of the places we stopped at on a map, head over the Patreon . Lets jump into it and let me know what your favorite spot is in Arizona in the comments.

Where to Begin

If you are wanting to fly in, the best bet is probably Phoenix . It is centrally located and easy to access the start and the end of the road trip. If you fly into Phoenix , the drive to Page to start what we did is about 4 hours though. Alternatively, you could fly into Las Vegas , but it is a much longer drive to get back to Las Vegas after the road trips is over. If you did fly into Las Vegas , it may be best to fly out of Phoenix to make the most of your time.

If you live close enough to drive, then just head to Page first and drive down the state and leave from Tucson to head back. This is what we did, we drove in from Southern California to Page and then drove through the state and back out through Yuma to Southern California when the trip was over.

After deciding where to come in, here is the full itinerary for what we did in our road trip video.

We drove from Southern California to Page, which is about 8.5 hours. We actually got in the day before and then did the Rainbow Bridge tour before starting our road trip. You can read more about that tour, if you have time to do it, in this post .

• Start – Page, AZ
• End – Grand Canyon South Rim
• Drive time – 2.5 hours (130 Miles)
• Hotel in Page – Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
• Hotel in Grand Canyon – El Tovar
• Main Stops – Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Cameron Trading Post, Grand Canyon South Rim

We started the day early by taking the first tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. While this did not have the light rays the canyon is known for, it was a small tour and an amazing way to experience the canyon. From there we headed to the Glen Canyon Overlook, Horseshoe Bend and then started driving to the Grand Canyon. On the way we stopped for lunch at Cameron Trading Post (get the Navajo Tacos).

We spent the rest of the day in the Grand Canyon. Be sure to stop at the Desert View Watchtower, and many of the other lookouts along the drive to Grand Canyon Village. In the village, you can walk the south rim, go on a few hikes or just enjoy the views from Mather Point.

We ended the night at the historic El Tovar Hotel, which was built in 1905 and is one of the most historic hotels in the national park system.

• Start – Grand Canyon Village
• End – Camp Verde (could end in Jerome or Sedona though)
• Drive time – 3.5 hours (165 Miles)
• Hotel in Camp Verde – Cliff Castle
• Main Stops – Flagstaff, Sedona, Jerome

We left the Grand Canyon early and headed south. On the way we stopped at Bedrock City to explore the fun Flintstones inspired park and then we headed past Flagstaff to Sedona. In Sedona, we hiked Cathedral Rock, went to the Chapel of Holy Cross, got lunch at Wildflower and then took in the views at Airport Mesa.

Leaving Sedona, we drove an hour to Jerome and toured the historic mining city on the hill. Some highlights here include the state park, the sliding jail and Haunted Burgers for dinner.

We ended the night at Camp Verde so we could be closer to our first location for day 3.

• Start – Camp Verde (could end in Jerome or Sedona though)
• End – Tucson
• Drive time – 3.5 hours (214 Miles)
• Hotel in Tucson – Hotel Congress
• Main Stops – Musical Instrument Museum, Hole in the Rock Hike, Casa Grande Ruins

Since we stayed in Camp Verde, we were right next to our first stop, Montezuma Castle National Monument. This beautiful cliff dwelling is something you do not want to miss! From there we headed south and stopped for pie at Rock Springs before heading into Phoenix. The original plan was to go to Taliesin West but it was closed for flooding, so we ended up going to a bunch of museums.

First up was the Musical Instrument Museum, one of the best I have ever been to. From there we got lunch at Spiritual Gangster and then did a short hike in Papago Park before heading over to the Hall of Flame Museum (the largest firefighting museum in the world).

We grabbed coffee at Cartel before heading south towards Tucson and getting off the freeway to go to Casa Grande National Monument. This building is almost 700 years old and is well worth seeing!

We ended the day at Tucson, staying at the historic Hotel Congress and getting dinner at El Charro Cafe, which is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the USA.

• Start – Tucson
• End – Tombstone
• Drive time – 2 hours (120 Miles)
• Hotel in Tombstone – Tombstone Grand Hotel
• Main Stops – Copper Queen Mine, OK Corral, Birdcage Theater

Leaving Tucson early, we headed 1.5 hours down to the small town of Bisbee, close to the Mexican border. Here we did the Copper Queen Mine tour, which allowed you to ride a mine cart into the mine itself. From there we walked historic Bisbee, went to a few museums and then continued on to Tombstone.

We spent the rest of the day in Tombstone, walking the dirt streets and stopping to see the Oriental Saloon, OK Corral, Birdcage Theater, Good Enough Mine Tour, Rose Tree Museum and the Tombstone Courthouse. It was a blast exploring this fun town and we ended the night with dinner at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon (get the cowboy cheesesteak).

• Start – Tombstone
• End – Yuma (or just back to Phoenix)
• Drive time – 4.5 hours to Yuma, 3 hours to Phoenix
• Main Stops – The Thing, Mission San Xavier Del Bac, Gates Pass, Rooster Cogburns

On the way out of Tombstone, we stopped at the historic Boothill Cemetery, since we had missed it the previous day. From there, we drove 30 minutes back to Benson and took a 15 minute detour over to The Thing, a fun roadside attraction.

Next, we drove back to Tucson and visited Mission San Xavier Del Bac, before getting Sonoran Hot Dogs at El Guero Canelo and getting an Eegee’s slushy for the road. Leaving Tucson, we headed towards Saguaro National Park with a stop at Gates Pass (my favorite desert view in Tucson) and a visit to the Sonoran Desert Museum. The museum is easily a place you could spend a half day, and be sure to see the rare crested saguaro right near the entrance.

Leaving the museum, we drove through Saguaro National Park (find more stops in the park here) and then made it back to the freeway. Our next stop brought us to Rooster Cogburn, which is a silly roadside attraction where you can feed all sorts of animals, from goats to stingrays.

From there, you will probably want to head back to Phoenix, but for us we headed to Yuma on the way back to Southern Califronia.

Optional Day 6 in Yuma

If you go to Yuma, be sure to stop by Cafecito for breakfast, it was a great spot! Then go to the Yuma Territorial Prison and to the Colorado River State Historic Park. If you are up for another silly roadside attraction, head ten minutes over the California border and go to the Center of the World in Felicity.

So there you have it, our one week road trip through Arizona. This is only a small portion of what the state has to offer and be sure to let us know what we left off in the comments!

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Hello, my name is Josh and I am a photographer and traveler. Come with me as I find new and unique places to explore all over the world.

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El Paso to Tucson: The Southwest Roadtrip, You Didn’t Know You Needed to Take

Have the adventure of a lifetime with a road trip from El Paso, Texas to Tucson Arizona. Though the drive clocks in at just under five hours, there’s plenty to see and do along the way, making it an ideal 2-3 day excursion through some of the best Southwestern scenery in the country. After all, the best part of any road trip is the ability to customize—so feel free to make additional stops along the way, or avoid stops of little interest.

The Road Ahead

The journey from El Paso to Tucson is packed with stellar scenery, fun towns, and state parks that offer everything from outdoor activities to photo ops that can’t be beat—making it one of the most unforgettable road trips out there.

Total Distance: 316 miles

Total Direct Route Driving Time: 4 hours, 38 minutes

Suggested Itinerary Length: 2-3 days

Day 1: Leaving El Paso

Before leaving El Paso, be sure to check out the local views of the Franklin Mountains. The Loop 375 road is incredibly scenic and connects to Interstate 10—the beginning of your road trip to Tucson. While I-10 is the main route to Tucson, some of the stops along the way may take slight detours off the interstate to visit some of the nearby towns and attractions.

The first stop on the road to Tucson is Las Cruces, New Mexico . Located less than an hour west of El Paso, it’s situated at the intersection of I-10 and I-25—easy to get to and definitely worth a stop, Las Cruces is a great place to explore for anywhere from an hour or two to an entire day, depending on your itinerary. Averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year, Las Cruces is known for its beautiful, sunny weather and warm temps all year long (even in winter!) Travelers will also find a plethora of things to keep them busy—as this diverse city is jam-packed with everything from fun outdoor activities to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, in addition to restaurants that wow and historic National Monuments that combine both scenery and history.

Get to Las Cruces early to beat the heat and hit the trails at The Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument . A whopping 496,000 acres surrounding the city of Las Cruces, it is our country’s newest protected area—and is full of history as well as jaw-dropping desert scenery. Take a hike on the Butterfield Sage Trail; check out Geronimo’s Cave and Billy the Kid’s Outlaw Rock; and explore the area’s over 200 petroglyph and archeological sites, all in the space of a single morning.

Grab a bite to eat at one of Las Cruces’ delicious restaurants before heading back on the road. Traditional Mexican fare abounds in this bustling New Mexico town so be sure to take advantage of its many tasty offerings. Andele is a great spot to grab a taco on the go, and Habanero’s Fresh Mex is a local fave, too. Try their Macho Chimichanga and fresh guacamole for a lunch that’s both authentic and filling.

The next stop on your Southwestern journey is Deming. Though still located in New Mexico, Deming is a fun, optional stop for those who don’t want to head directly to Lordsburg. About an hour from Las Cruces, visitors should look to arrive in Deming in the early afternoon to enjoy  the area’s fun Western vibe. Make a quick stop at City of Rocks State Park to admire its unique geological formations in the middle of the Chihuhuan desert ; browse some local art at the Deming Arts Center ; and grab a coffee at Copper Kettle Coffee before heading back out on the road. You might try a famous green chile cheeseburger at Blake’s Lotaburger , a popular NM chain restaurant.

The final stop on the first day of the road trip is in Lordsburg, New Mexico. Lordsburg is a fairly small town, but there are still plenty of places to stay the night that are clean and affordable. Where To Stay In Lordsburg

Day 2: Leaving Lordsburg On The Road To Arizona

Travelers can head out early from Lordsburg after having a delicious breakfast at Kranberry’s Chatterbox , or stick around for a bit to explore some cool things in Lordsburg.

Optional Things To See In Lordsburg

Visitors who want a true Wild West experience should visit the Shakespeare Ghost Town. Shakespeare was a true lawless western mining town frequented by the likes of outlaws such as Billy the Kid and Curley Bill. Walking tours are available daily for those who want to learn more about Shakespeare, known as the “world’s most authentic ghost town.” Visitors say that nearby Veterans Park is worth a stop, too.

The next stop is Bowie, Arizona. Though only about an hour away from Lordsburg, there’s plenty of scenery along the way on I-10—though not many places to stop. However, there are plenty of attractions in the nearby Willcox area, so travelers can decide to stay here, or one of the other nearby towns, depending on what they want to see and do on the journey. Thatcher and Safford are other towns in the area where travelers can find reasonable accommodations for the night. Where To Stay In Willcox, Safford, and Thatcher

Bowie is in Cochese Country Arizona and there’s a lot to see and do in the surrounding towns within a 20-30 mile radius. For those who want a side trip, head south from the tiny town of San Simon via Apache Pass Road, I-10BL W, and AZ 186-E to Willcox, stopping for some delicious take-out BBQ at Rodney’s before heading the Chiricahua National Monument , just over an hour south of San Simon. The route may seem a bit circuitous, but it’s well worth it to visit the “Wonderland of Rocks” that is Chiricahua. With both a scenic drive and a number of day-use hiking trails, visitors can explore this historic Willcox attraction for an hour or for an afternoon. Learn Chiricahua history; see the Faraway Ranch Historic District; and admire the incredible geology at this scenic site. There’s also a campsite here for visitors who’d rather sleep under the stars instead of at an area motel.

Camping At Chiricahua National Monument

Day 3: Optional Stops On The Way To Tucson

The final day on the road trip to Tucson begins in Bowie, AZ (or the surrounding area, depending on where you bunked for the night). Tucson is about an hour and a half west of Bowie, and about an hour and fifteen minutes from Willcox, so no matter your departure point, the drive will be a less than two hour trip without any stops. However, there are still things to see and do for those who have some extra time before arriving in Tucson.

Grab breakfast at Country Pride Restaurant in Willcox before heading north to Safford, about 45 minutes away. Safford is worth a stop because its home to another beautiful spot along the slopes of the Dos Cabezas Mountains: Indian Bread Rocks Picnic Area . More than just a simple picnic area, however, Indian Bread is a great place to sightsee and catch a glimpse of some of the area’s mountain ranges, rising majestically from the diverse terrain. The panoramic views alone are worth the trip to this scenic wilderness spot.

But why drive almost an hour out of the way just to see one attraction? Safford has numerous places to explore for those who want to spend the afternoon exploring before moving on to Tucson. Discovery Park at Eastern Arizona College is a great place to learn about space exploration and astronomy—and includes the Governor Aker Observatory. Take a swim, go fishing, or head out on the lake at Roper Lake State Park , a family-friendly destination that’s a great place to cool off in the summer. Spot some local wildlife, like mule deer and bighorn sheep, at the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area , a beautiful spot whose diverse landscapes include everything from beaches to woodlands on its over 20,000 acres.

The best way to get to Tucson from Safford is to head back to I-10 west, via US 191-S. The trip to Tucson is a little less than two hours away with no stops. The route will take you south back to Wilcox before turning west, so this would be a good time to see anything or stop anywhere you missed the first time in Willcox, like the Fort Bowie National Historic Site , the home of many historic battles between the Apache Indians and the U.S. Army in the 1800s. Fort Bowie offers sightseeing as well as hiking, and is a lovely serene landscape with plenty of local flora.

Grab a bite and stretch your legs before heading into Tucson. El Güero Canelo Restaurant is an Arizona chain specializing in authentic Mexican food, and its East Tucson location is the perfect spot to stop for a late lunch before heading in to the city. Known for their Sonoran style hot dog, a bacon wrapped frank served with the works, El Güero is the perfect casual spot to catch a bite before settling in for the night—or freshening up and heading out to explore Tuscon’s nightlife .

The best part of a road trip is choosing your own adventure. This El Paso to Tucson road trip is so much more than a scenic car ride (though it’s that, too). This Southwestern journey is a multi-day trek that spans three states and includes many diverse cultural and historical attractions; jaw-dropping desert scenery; and plenty of other stops along the way to create a trip to remember for any visitor to the Southwestern U.S.

Watch next: Venturing Out: Park 2 Park, El Paso: Conquering Mountains followed by behind the scenes content and extended moments from Tucson: Ropes and Fears

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Ideas for Texas/Arizona road trip - Texas Forum

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Welcome to the forum. You are talking about a vast area with much to see and do. Dont forget that New Mexico is between TX and AZ as well. Do some research then come back with more specific questions and include what your interests are so we can help.

Post your questions about this trip on both the Arizona forum and the Road Trip forum here on TA. You might want to have a look at some of the posts about this route on those forums before you post--lots of people do the kind of trip you are thinking of, and the experts there can give you excellent itinerary and timing advice. I am doing a similar trip in November and check those forums every couple of days to read the advice given in response to other questions. This is helping me put together my trip plan so I can then ask any specific questions once I have firmed up my itinerary.

About GC--lodging inside the park is preferable and popular, so make reservations as soon as you have a rough itinerary. Stay two nights so you have a full day to explore. The system opens a year in advance. GC South Rim elevation is 7000 ft (2100+ meters) so it can be chilly in April (and will be in Nov, TxOffWeGo).

Rather than Las Vegas , you could start in Phoenix and spend the first night in Sedona which is beautiful. Then go on to GC.

Have been reading trip reports and Houston - Galveston - Austin - San Antonio - Bandera - Fredericksburg - Fort Worth Dallas sounds good

I will be travelling with a 3 year old and 1 year old so kid friendly activities required. Does somebody have an itinerary they can suggest? Thanks!

Just a thought about Austin accommodations. Events at the University of Texas at Austin can impact price and availability of hotel rooms, so check the Longhorn football schedule to see if they are playing at home if you are going to be there over a weekend. Likewise, Family Weekend is scheduled for the last weekend in October this year; that will mean tighter accommodation availabililty as well.

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The Ultimate List of Things to Do On an I-10 Road Trip (CA, AZ, NM, TX, LA, AL, MS, FL)

Updated: Aug 5, 2023

There's never been a better time for a road trip and why not drive from California to Florida and see the country?

We are so lucky in the U.S. to have a great interstate highway system (thanks Ike!) that can connect the North to the South and the East to the West. You’re probably familiar with the old Route 66 highway that connected Chicago to LA. Sadly, it met its demise because of the same interstate system that paved the way (ha ha) for other cities to flourish along the new routes.

Interstate 10 (I-10) goes through the following cities:

Santa Cruz, Los Aneles, Anaheim, Palm Springs (CA)

Phoenix, Tucson (AZ)

Las Cruces (NM)

El Paso, Kerrville, San Antonio, and Houston (TX)

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans (LA)

Mobile and Fairhope (AL)

Tallahassee and Jacksonville (FL)

Glitz and glam, fiestas, cajun food and great beaches – this trip has it all.

Quick Links

Alabama and mississippi.

But you know what drives me crazy?

A search for things to do along I-10 or better yet, an itinerary, will show the same or very similar sites on most articles. Someone decided that a handful of places are the only places to stop, and I humbly disagree. I have to guess that most of these folks have never toured much of this highway or the cities that surround it. Because as I looked across I-10 on the map, I just kept thinking of all the amazing side trips that could take place along the route.

I thought about just coming up with a list of places that could be reasonably done in a week or so (like most articles), but that doesn’t seem particularly helpful because it forces you to eliminate so many places. I certainly didn’t include everything because that would also not be particularly useful. Instead, I focused on the main sites along the highway with some side trips within a couple of hours of the route that would be a shame to miss if you had the time (I'm looking at you, Marfa ).

You may not have time to do the entire highway at once. No worries. You may even choose not to do the whole thing ever. This itinerary can help you do segments or the whole shebang. It should be noted, however, that it is a huge source of pride (and bragging rights) to say that you’ve traversed from one end of the country to the other and all on the same highway.

So, let’s get started.

Please note: there may be some affiliate links on this site which means that I get a small commission if you book from a link at no additional cost to you.

Where does Interstate 10 start and where does it end? Does I-10 go across the country?

I-10 runs cross-country from California to Florida. If you are headed west, you start in Jacksonville, Florida and end in Los Angeles, California. If you are headed east on I-10, well.... you can figure that out.

I-10 through California

Santa monica pier.

Since 1909, the Santa Monica Pier has been one of the most fun and photographed places in California. Whether you ride the Ferris Wheel or just walk the pier, you are going to have a good time.

Day 1: Santa Monica Pier

Los angeles (la) and anaheim.

Los Angeles is a very unique American city. It's a good place to visit [once], but I hate it when people come to the U.S. and feel like LA and NYC are representative of the States. Wrong. They are iconic, but not representative. Having worked and spent a fair amount of time in LA, I would say that it is worth a visit, but I would stay just as long as necessary, and then get out. Here are some suggestions:

Day 1, cont.: Hollywood and see the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and end the day at a beach (Venice, Manhattan or Malibu would be my recommendations)

Day 2: disneyland, day 3: wake up and drive to palm springs.

Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park

I've actually driven through Palm Springs and not stopped. That was young Chrissy. Middle-age Chrissy appreciates mid-century modern architecture and the Hollywood glamour of a bygone era that vacationed in Palm Springs. I've since added it to my bucket list and look forward to doing an architecture tour when I can.

Day 3, continued: Take an architectural tour or just lounge by a pool. By 5:00 p.m., head to Joshua Tree to catch the sunset. Spend the next two nights near the park or in Twentynine Palms, CA.

Day 4: take a hike at joshua tree national park. here is a 1-day itinerary for joshua park ., i-10 through arizona, day 5: drive to phoenix (~4 hours).

Phoenix is a nice city with a lot of great restaurants and shopping, but I also think that you could stop for lunch and then get back on the road to head to Tucson within the same day. If you enjoy museums, the Heard is a great one. For architecture and design buffs, Taliesin West is a must-see. This is where Frank Lloyd Wright created his desert laboratory with his apprentices. It's not just a place that he built; it's a place that he frequented. That's cool.

Want to add a detour to the Grand Canyon or Sedona? Get our itinerary here.

Day 5, continued. drive to tucson (~1 hour, 45 minutes)..

Eat dinner and make it an early night (unless you got there late). Either way, go to bed!

Day 6: Visit Saguaro National Park.

When you think of the West, you probably think of saguaro cacti. Come to the desert and see these beautiful giants. Overnight in Tucson

Day 7: Time to get out of Dodge ...er, Tucson.

Consider stopping by Tombstone (that is a very multi-layered Western joke). I hear that it's very kitschy including re-enactments at the O.K. Corral. That is OK by me...(wink, wink). Tombstone is just 1 hour and 11 minutes down I-10.

White Sands National Park

Day 7, continued. las cruces, nm.

Continue driving on I-10 and in just under four hours, you will arrive in Las Cruces, NM. Check in to your hotel or AirBnb.

Day 8. Check out and head to White Sands National Park (~1 hour).

Check out my post on our trip and visiting white sands national park..

It's surreal to drive through the West and then get to White Sands. You don't expect to see beautiful dunes of powdery, white sand. And you certainly don't expect them to be comfortable to the touch out here in the desert, yet here they are...little pieces of broken gypsum. Take a sled down and then repeat. Now if you've done this in Colorado or another place, this is probably skippable. If not, make sure to add it to your list, especially if you have kids.

Day 8, continued: El Paso

El Paso is about 1 hour and 10 minutes further. El Paso is a scenic border town where the mix of American and Mexican culture intermix equally. If you've spent half a day at White Sands, you will arrive in time to get some good food and check in to your accommodation.

Then, go up to the scenic overlook , which provides a look over El Paso and into neighboring Juarez, Mexico.

Balmorhea and Kerrville

Day 9: balmorhea state park.

Today, you will drive through to Kerrville (~7 hours from El Paso). Balmorhea State Park has one of the largest spring fed natural pools in the country and is GORGEOUS, The park is just off of I-10.

Optional Trip: Time is always at a premium, but if you are in this area, try and figure out a way to make a side trip to Marfa for galleries, food and funk and the McDonald Observatory for a Star Party .

Further south, Big Bend is the least visited National Park in the contiguous United States because of its remoteness. It is a certified international Dark Sky location and seeing the Rio Grande and the Santa Elena Canyon are well worth the stop. It's also just outside of the amazing town of Terlingua, Texas famous for it's people and it's chili cook-off. Don't miss the Starlight Theatre restaurant.

Day 9, continued: Kerrville

Once you get to Kerrville (7 hours later), you've arrived into the Hill Country. This area has a special place in my heart. It's where Bill and I got married and it is a magical land of river tubing, barbecue, wineries, distilleries, antique stores and wild flowers. Stay around Kerrville or exit TX-16 and stay at the Hangar Hotel or a quaint house in Fredericksburg (30 minutes away). Plan on spending at least 2 full days (3 nights) in the area.

Day 10: Go tubing on the Guadalupe River

Day 11: Explore Fredericksburg's Main Street for shopping and the biergarten and consider venturing out to the Wildseed Farms or one of the areas wineries or distilleries.

San Antonio

Day 12: head back to i-10e and drive another hour into san antonio..

San Antonio is one of my favorite cities in Texas and it's not a surprise why that's the case. The Riverwalk is fabricated but magical and is amazing around the holidays. The lights drip down from the trees, music can be heard throughout the river and the boats are filled with tourists and locals alike. There's so much to do - you could easily spend a week here. But if you are just needing a taste as you pass through, make these stops:

Day 12: Riverwalk and the Alamo Day 13: Pearl Market and shops Day 14: Six Flags Fiesta, Texas and/or Sea World (if you or your family are interested. Otherwise, skip)

See more of my favorite Texas stops with my article on my Top 10 Texas Bucket List Places You Must Visit

Day 15: houston.

Leave San Antonio and head on I-10E for Houston (just 3 hours down the road). Houston has a lot of things to offer, but as a Dallasite, I am pre-disposed to drive through it:) With that said, by far one of the coolest things to see there is Space Center Houston . I think it's pretty cool that you can start in desolate West Texas - among the cacti and rattlesnakes - and end up among Mission Control and gators within the same (very long) day. Say what you want about Texas, but we have variety.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes from Houston. If you need a break - or better yet, are feeling lucky, play some tables or slots at the Golden Nugget . The pool setup is pretty swank and the rooms are nice, so it makes a good stopover as well.

Day 16: Lake Charles

It's just over two hours away from Houston though, so I am going to assume that you are going to continue on to...

Baton Rouge

The State Capitol is lovely and worth a look if you like to visit state capitol buildings. You arrive in Baton Rouge 4 hours and 35 minutes after leaving Houston. If you are not interested in touring the capitol, skip it and make the choice between...

Heading straight to New Orleans via I-10 or

Adding 15-20 minutes to your drive (plus the additional time to make a couple of stops) along River Road at some of the antebellum houses

Day 16, cont: Baton Rouge OR...

Now, the second option may be a reluctant choice for the purist that wants to say that he or she traveled the entire I-10 without circumventing the highway at any spots. Plot twist - no one will ask you specifically if you got off of I-10 and you can still claim credit as far as I'm concerned. I promise not to say a word.

To learn more about the history of the area, tour a couple of houses with differing styles and histories. Houmas House is considered the crown jewel of River Road and is in the Greek Revival Style (see orange button above). Laura House, is not nearly as ornate (it was actually pre-antebellum if that's a word). But if you can only make it to one house, make it to this one. It is a Creole plantation and there is a fascinating history that has been well-preserved both on the tour and in the book that's for sale in the gift shop. It also has slave quarters still intact on the property which gives a small but potent glimpse into the conditions that its slaves had to endure.

New Orleans

As you continue down River Road, you will arrive to New Orleans (just about an hour and a half from Baton Rouge). I find that people either love or hate New Orleans. I also find that the people that don't like New Orleans are people that I don't like to hang out with too much.

It's an amazing city. The history, the blend of cultures, the food, the personalities, the music, the atmosphere...if you can't get behind at least one of those things, you should really reevaluate how you spend your time. I don't like to repeat a lot of places, but a weekend trip to NOLA now and then always refills my soul with happiness.

Looking for a mid-range NOLA hotel with a fun vibe for a stopover?

There are so many things to do in New Orleans , but having visited most of the sites, we usually just focus on eating and drinking our way through. Bill and I enjoy oysters, but the first time we heard about chargrilled oysters, we were uninterested. I made the unfortunate (or so I thought) mistake of asking our server what she recommended and...you see where this is going. But since I asked, I ordered them. Holy hell. I will never forget that first time - it was one of those few food experiences where it's just on another level. If you've never had them, try them. Acme's and Felix's are across the street from each other. Acme's is more famous but Felix's is more of a local favorite. We love Felix's .

I would suggest spending a couple of nights here. If you can, I would highly recommend a Jazz Cruise on the Mississippi .

In the morning, pack a daypack and prepare for a fun-filled day out on the town. Here's my idea of a perfect day in New Orleans:

Have coffee and beignets at Café du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

Walk around Jackson Square and inside the French Market

Grab a muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deli (923 Decatur St.)

Hop on the Canal St. streetcar to the Garden District

Pay your respects at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Take a break at your hotel or Airbnb

Grab an early dinner at Felix's

Walk through Bourbon St and get a hurricane at Pat O'Brien's

Finish your evening at Preservation Hall , on a ghost tour or anywhere on Frenchman's St.

Spend another night in this beautiful and vibrant city and prepare to get up sometime before check out (hell, ask for a late checkout, you're on NOLA time).

Days 16 and 17: New Orleans

You drive through just a sliver of both Mississippi and Alabama. Both have good beaches. But if that's something that you are really interested in, I would continue on to Destin and possibly even detour further down highway 30A along the Emerald Coast in Florida where you'll find sugary sand and emerald green water. And if you decide to do that, make sure to add at 2-3 days onto your itinerary.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is a nice town, just two hours from New Orleans. For history or more specifically, World War II history, the USS Alabama , which was part of the Pacific Theater is interesting to tour.

Day 18: Mobile, AL

Thirty-two minutes away from Mobile is Fairhope, Alabama . It's just off of I-10. This is a really cool little town with funky shops and good restaurants. If you need a break, make it here.

Day 18, cont.: Fairhope, AL

Tallahassee.

Welcome to Florida! You've driven a lot today and have made it to the capitol city. Check into your hotel and if you have the energy, see some of the sites. If not, go to bed and get up early. There are some good history and art stops here:

Railroad Square Art Park - here you can watch artists create magic, peruse galleries, listen to blues and grab a yummy bite to eat

Tallahassee Automobile Museum - with over 150 cars - including Lincoln's hearse (what is it with this city and Lincoln?), this is a cool stop for any car lovers

Day 18, cont: Tallahassee

If these ideas all appeal to you, spend at least 2 nights here. Otherwise, just pick one and move on. You have a busy day ahead of you.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

If you didn't get a chance to tube as you passed through the Texas Hill Country, try and make a stop at Ichetucknee Springs State Park . This is just over 30 minutes off the highway (and ~2 hours from Tallahassee). Not only can you swim or tube, but you also have a chance to see manatees. These gentle giants are a bucket list favorite for adults and kids alike. And did I mention otters? You may have a cuteness overload! I thought that you had to go further south to see manatees so while I have done most of I-10, I have added this detour to my bucket list and plan to visit on the next trip to the region.

Day 19: Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Jacksonville

Just one and a half hours down the road from Ichetucknee, you reach Jacksonville. Congrats - you've reached the Atlantic Coast! Jacksonville has beautiful beaches, great food, wonderful shops and lots of places to hike and enjoy other outdoor sports.

I've cherrypicked a few places, but I also am including a link from Busy Tourists: 64 Best & Fun Things to Do In Jacksonville (Florida) :

Amelia Island - you have your pick of beaches, but Amelia Island has 12 miles of beach and beautiful water

Riverside & Avondale - these two areas are right by each other and sport beautiful, historic homes. The Five Points area has cafes, bookstores, bakeries and lots of great shopping

Friendship Fountain - When built in the 1960s, this fountain was the largest and tallest fountain in the world. It's no longer as grand as it once was, but it still is an icon of the city and is a great backdrop for pictures

Plan to spend 2-3 days. Two is probably sufficient if you are just doing one beach day, but make it longer if you want to enjoy the ocean.

Days 20 and 21: Jacksonville, FL

You did it! Completing this trip surely should earn you some bragging rights. And I bet that not only do you not regret doing the trip, but you have probably added a lot more places to your bucket list. Traveling always makes for longer bucket lists and the joy of knowing that you’ll never run out of new places!

Related Posts:

Staying afloat's cross-country trip, my tips for a great road trip, my favorite road trip playlists.

Also, please subscribe at the bottom of this page to get updates with new posts and infrequent - but valuable - emails with information that you won't find on the site.

Happy travels,

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Wow, what an epic road trip. This highlights all the things I love about the U.S. I'm a big fan of dark sky reserves and the Balmorhea and Big Bend area looks right up my alley. Thanks for sharing all these great things to do along the i-10!

I love that you wrote this as a travel itinerary, so I feel like I know exactly what to do and where to go.

Thanks! The devil is always in the detail. It’s not too hard to figure out what sites to see, but it takes time to figure out how much overall time that you need and what are reasonable stopping points. While you can travel much further in a day, I feel like a major trip like this shouldn’t have any segments longer than 7 hours. I appreciate the comment!

After road-tripping across Colorado, Arizona, Texas, and Utah nearly a dozen times, I planned the best itinerary through the Southwest

• I love the Southwest, and I planned a road trip through all my favorite destinations.
• It starts in Texas and ends in Colorado, covering 3,000 miles of forests, deserts, and mountains.
• My years of road-tripping through the American West inspired this perfect itinerary.

There's something about the American Southwest that I just can't seem to get enough of.

I've taken at least 10 road trips around western America. I've visited eight states, seven national parks, and several state parks and national forests.

Read more: Waiting on your passport? Here are 6 of the best places to visit in the US, according to a travel reporter.

From Texas to Colorado, I made a dream itinerary for the most epic Southwestern road trip adventure.

Every time I traveled west, I was on a tight budget. I used freecampsites.net to find campsites like this one each night, and I highly recommend it.

Source: Free Campsites

These are some of the most beautiful campsites I've ever seen. And I think using this site will decrease the cost of your trip without compromising your experience.

The trip would include five states and cover approximately 3,000 miles of incredibly diverse terrain, including forests, deserts, red rocks, mountains, and valleys.

Read more: I've been terrified of driving my whole life, but a recent trip to Tennessee without a car made me realize I need to get over it

Start in Austin, the easternmost point on the trip. I think it's the best city in Texas. Austin has a great sense of community and plenty of outdoor activities that are cheap or free.

Some of my favorite free hiking spots are Spicewood Springs and the cliffs next to the Pennybacker Bridge in West Austin.

Cool off from a hike at Barton Springs Pool, a gigantic 3-acre pool fed by natural springs that's typically 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the City of Austin.

Source: City of Austin

It takes about seven hours to get from Austin to the second stop: Big Bend National Park.

According to Texas Monthly, Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the US. My visits have always felt quiet and peaceful.

Source: Texas Monthly

The last time I went to Big Bend, I started off the trip with a sunset hike on the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.

This half-mile hike with almost no elevation made it really easy to relax and enjoy the sunset ...

... and to take some beautiful golden-hour landscapes, of course.

Read more: I have a degree in photography. Here's the most important thing I learned that I still use nearly a decade later.

For a more adventurous hike, check out the Lost Mine Trail. It's 4.8 miles in total, but many people turn around after the one-mile mark, where there are stunning views of Juniper Canyon.

Source: Planet Ware

But if you have the whole day, I highly recommend making the trek all the way to the top.

When I made it up there, I spent about an hour reflecting on this peaceful summit, and I was proud that I didn't turn around earlier. It felt good to work hard for this view.

Read more: I visited the Great Smoky Mountains and the best part of my trip was an unexpected discovery I made while stuck in the rain with no way to get to my Airbnb

The last time I was in Big Bend, I ended the trip at the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This hike features some of the grandest sites I've seen at Big Bend.

This trail is absolutely gorgeous, and it's my favorite in the park. There are stunning 360-degree views throughout the entire hike.

After Big Bend, I would drive into New Mexico for a handful of epic sites — the first of which is Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

This drive will take about five hours, but the route is scenic. Be sure to make a reservation at the caverns before heading there.

Source: National Park Service

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is comprised of more than 119 limestone caves found underground below the Chihuahuan Desert. You can take an elevator down to the caverns.

Source: National Parks Service

It's cool and humid inside the caves. Although mostly dark, there are lights placed around the caves, so patrons can see the different shapes, colors, and textures.

The caves are inherently ominous and spooky thanks to the shapes found in the limestone and the overall darkness down there.

In my opinion, the best way to experience this surreal site is to have no agenda.

Just get down there with your pals and get lost.

About three hours west of the caverns, you'll find yourself in a place that is the complete opposite of these dark caves: White Sands National Monument.

This area is very bright, and the sand feels like no other. It is soft and silky to the touch, and even on a warm day, the sand was cool.

Read more: I went to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time and 7 surprises made my trip harder — and better — than I expected

After an afternoon in the sand, it's only a 90-minute drive to the next destination.

Lincoln National Forest is a scenic place to set up camp.

This forest has views that overlook south-central New Mexico ...

... and there are lush trails around the campsites to explore.

After camping in Lincoln, there's only one more stop in New Mexico, and it's a pretty long drive to get there.

The next stop of the trip is approximately six hours from Lincoln in another New Mexican forest called Gila National Forest.

While it's pretty during the day ...

... the awe of this place doesn't come until nightfall. Inside Gila, there is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, according to the USDA Forest Service. This means it's one of the best places to view the night sky.

Source: USDA Forest Service

In the morning, head to Sedona, Arizona.

It's seven hours northwest of Gila.

Once you get close to Sedona, you'll start to see houses surrounded by cliffs and trees.

Sedona is a striking town embedded in red rocks.

To me, It almost feels like being on another planet ...

... until you get to the town, which has a downtown area full of shops and restaurants.

Just a few minutes from town, there are areas to camp for free.

The next stop after Sedona is the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

It's four and a half hours from Sedona.

The drive is this long because you have to drive north of the rim and then down to it.

But it will be worth it when you see this.

There is plenty to love about the North Rim, and the best views don't even require you to go inside the park ...

... but you'll want to pitch a tent.

Read more: Why I preferred sleeping in a glamping tent over cozy cabins during my first trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

Kaibab National Forest, which surrounds the North Rim, is home to my favorite free campsites.

The firepits are so close to the edge that you can feel the heat from a campfire while your feet hang over the side of the canyon.

There are trees all around this area — perfect for setting up a hammock.

The campsite is on Rainbow Trail, which is an ideal hike for finding spots to sit down and enjoy the view.

Sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon makes me feel small. While staring into such a vast, epic site, it's easy to live in the moment and forget about pretty much everything else.

Leaving this campsite is the hardest part of every trip ...

... but it gets easier once you're back on the road headed towards Zion National Park. It only takes about two hours to get to Zion, which is a national park in southwestern Utah.

The free campsites just outside of the park offer starry nights.

Unlike other national parks on this trip, Zion has public transportation that goes through the park. Because of this, a day in Zion requires a little more planning.

If I had only one day in Zion, I would hike the Narrows trail.

The Narrows is a trail that leads you into the river. The river gets deeper and deeper as you go ...

... and the canyons come closing in ...

... and that's why it's called the Narrows!

After a day in Zion, another national park in Utah is certainly worth the stop. Bryce Canyon National Park is about 90 minutes northwest of Zion, and it's one of the most otherworldly destinations on this entire trip.

Hike the one-mile Bristlecone Loop for spectacular views like this one, as Trip Advisor suggests ...

Source: Trip Advisor

... or just drive around and catch the viewpoints.

Just like Zion, the free campsites outside of Bryce Canyon offer a gorgeous view of the night sky.

After spending some time in awe of Bryce Canyon, it's time for the final leg of the trip, which just happens to be the longest.

The final stop of the trip is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

The coolest thing about this park is that it includes four different ecosystems.

That means there are four different groups of animals, plants, geological components, and naturally occurring cycles that work together to sustain their respective systems all in one park.

Seeing this herd of elk grazing the tundra in the Rocky Mountains was an unforgettable experience ...

... and it would be a great way to end your epic road trip through America's Southwest.

Read more: 15 photos that will transport you to the Great Smoky Mountains, from cozy cabin views to jaw-dropping landscapes

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Arizona Road Trip: A review of our Arizona Adventure

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Hey friends! As promised, I thought I would give you a run down of all our adventures on our Arizona road trip that we took this summer. My husband and I grew up in Arizona, and our two older children were born there, but we haven’t lived there in over 8 years. Arizona still, in a lot of ways, feels like home to us and we still have family there. So we thought it would be fun to take the kids back and show them all the places that were important to my husband and I growing up.

Luckily, we had a beautiful resort waiting for us when we arrived in the Phoenix area. We stayed at the Arizona Grand Resort which is situated in the base of South Mountain. We stayed there rather than some of the gorgeous resorts all around the Scottsdale area because this is close to where we grew up and our family and friends live near the resort.

The Phoenix Area

The Arizona Grand Resort is quite affordable and the room accommodations worked really well for our family of 5. We stayed in a suite that had two queen sized beds and a separate living room with a wet bar, fridge, eating and sitting area, and a fold out queen size bed. Our room was very close to the nice water park that is on the property. We enjoyed hanging out at the park when we weren’t visiting with friends and family.

We also enjoyed a lot of Mexican food (our favorite) and other great food while we stayed in the Phoenix area. Some of our favorite restaurants in the Phoenix are include:

1.La Pinata

2.Oreganos 

3. Pizzeria Bianco

5. Rubios (quick casual dining)

6. The Mission

Here are the links to some of the outfits I wore on the trip:

Northern Arizona

We next headed up to the high country in Arizona. From Phoenix, it’s about an hour and a half drive to Sedona, AZ and then another half hour north to Flagstaff. On the drive up north, we stopped in Camp Verde and visited Montezuma’s Castle, which is a really amazing well-preserved Native American dwelling built in the side of a mountain. Visiting Montezuma’s Castle takes only about 30-45 minutes depending on how much time you devote to reading all the placards and taking pics. It was a really cool stop on the way up to the Arizona mountains.

When we arrived in Flagstaff, we decided to go to our favorite little 50’s diner that we’ve been coming to for 20 years, Galaxy Diner. Their milk shakes are SO good!

We stayed in Flagstaff at a Residence Inn right in the heart of the downtown area. There was an outdoor art fair going on just across the street from our hotel the weekend we were there, which was really cool. And we loved that we could walk to all the local restaurants. Flagstaff is a really nice college town and the weather in the summer time there is absolutely perfect!

We visited the Grand Canyon on a Saturday afternoon. It is about an hour and a half drive from Flagstaff to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Because it was the weekend before July 4th, it was extremely busy at the canyon. So many tourists (including us)! Yikes! I would recommend not going to the Grand Canyon on a weekend if you can avoid it.

We stopped by the Visitor Center at the south rim of the canyon first. Parking was pretty crazy, but we lucked out on a spot. At this area, there are lots of overlooks and photo ops of the canyon. You can walk a path around the rim where there is no barricade. It was so amazing! The kids were even impressed. I was crazy nervous having the kids so close to the edge however, and was sick to my stomach when I saw people going out onto very small plateaus with sheer drops down just to take pictures!

If you visit the Grand Canyon, I would recommend visiting the area where the Bright Angel Lodge and the El Tovar hotels are located first. That part of the south rim is really cool. There are tons of old buildings to tour including the hotels and tons of historical placards for you to read. There are also several restaurants at the hotels, and the views are amazing. Honestly, if you don’t have a whole day to spend at the Grand Canyon, I would choose this area to visit over the Visitor Center area that they try to filter all traffic through when you get to the park. Also, if you’re into hiking, the Bright Angel Trail starts at this point as well.

After a fun time exploring the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, we headed back south and spent the next day in Sedona, Arizona among the gorgeous red rock. Sedona has a fun shopping and dining area that you definitely need to visit if you go. We didn’t get a chance to hike through Oak Creek Canyon or do a jeep tour this time, but that’s definitely a highlight of any visit to Sedona.

We spent the last night in Arizona in a little town south of Sedona called Jerome. Jerome is an old mining town built into the side of a mountain and is known for it’s “haunted”  hotel, The Jerome Grand hotel . My oldest daughter is totally into the spooky and creepy, so this was right up her alley. My youngest, however, was not into it. We did a little self tour of the Jerome Grand and took some pictures. We also ate dinner at a fun restaurant called Haunted Hamburger. Jerome is a cute, old town with tons of history. There’s lots of interesting facts to read about the town’s history walking around the streets, as well as little stores to window shop. I would definitely recommend visiting Jerome if you ever get a chance to tour around Northern Arizona!

The last stop of our trip as we drove out of Arizona, was Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is the most well preserved and largest crater created by a meteorite in the world! They have a really interesting museum at the location, as well as a free 30 minute guided tour, and a short movie. The kids were really blown away by how huge the crater was. They have free telescopes that you can look through with objects at the bottom of the crater that help you visualize just how massive the crater is (they said that 9 foot ball fields and two million people could fit into the crater). The whole experience can take 1-2 hours depending on how much you want to read and explore. But if you’re in the area, this experience is something that you shouldn’t miss!

We drove from the Meteor Crater until we got to Albuquerque, New Mexico were we stayed the night at a Hyatt Place hotel. It was not a crazy nice hotel, but much better than the dive we stayed in on the way there! This was a vacation that I think our kids will remember for a long time. Our usual vacations involve either Disney or the beach, so I was glad to be able to give them some experiences they’ve never had before. It was definitely educational as well as fun, and I would highly recommend touring around my home state of Arizona if you ever get the chance!

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7 Scenic Canyon Road Trips To Add To Your Arizona Bucket List

• There are many scenic road trips in Arizona to canyons, like Marble and Sycamore, as well as the Grand Canyon.
• Flagstaff to Marble Canyon boasts ancestral sites, natural springs, and limestone gorge views.
• Tucson to Sabino Canyon leads to lush desert landscapes, ideal for hiking and tram tours.

The United States, with its wide array of landscapes and historical monuments, provides an ideal backdrop for land travel in any direction, whether aboard a tiny vehicle or a luxurious RV. There are exciting Texas day trips only three hours from Dallas , for instance; iconic landmarks along the various sections of Route 66 ; or simply charming small towns in the Hudson Valley to explore .

However, the Grand Canyon State is particularly a traveler's favorite; in fact, 40.19 million people visited Arizona in 2022 , perhaps drawn by some of the most iconic landmarks in the USA, including the Grand Canyon, commonly said to be the top tourist attraction in the United States .

While this natural wonder gets most of the attention, there are actually a number of other canyons in Arizona in addition to the Grand Canyon , and what better way to explore them (as well as many of the state's other noteworthy landscapes, towns, and cities) on a road trip?

There's already a myriad of Arizona road trips to the Grand Canyon , but this list will expand on those, including scenic drives to its South Rim as well as other canyons in the state. The following Arizona canyon road trips also take adventurers through picturesque and interesting stops on their way to majestic canyons like Marble, Sabino, and the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

What To Know Before Visiting The Three Indian Canyons Of Palm Springs

Flagstaff to marble canyon, 130 miles via wupatki national monument and antelope pass.

The spring weather in Flagstaff is ideal for outdoor activities , although it's great to visit year-round, given its proximity to many natural wonders, such as the Wupatki National Monument , which is only 36 minutes away and features many ancestral Puebloan sites, three natural springs, ripple-marked sandstone, several blow holes, and evergreen trees like the One-seed Juniper and Mormon Tea.

The next photo stop after heading northwest is Antelope Pass Vista , a viewpoint of canyons and red rock formations at 6151 feet, via the hills and narrow curves of State Route 89A, just outside Bitter Springs.

As for the ultimate destination, Marble Canyon , it sits at 3,573 feet and is partially located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the Grand Canyon National Park. This impressive, free-access gorge features limestone rocks and cliff walls perched above the Colorado River, and it attracts whitewater rafters, trout-fishing lovers, picnickers, and photographers alike, especially in the early morning and at sunset.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Wupatki National Monument (sunrise to sunset; from $15 ); Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($15/person); Marble Canyon Lodge (rooms from $170)
• Easy Trail: Old Navajo Bridge (0.5 mile; 10 minutes)

Tucson To Sabino Canyon

51.9 miles via gates pass.

Once visitors are done with the city of Tucson’s unique activities and attractions , like the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, it’s time to explore the area’s natural marvel: the 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park , which is popular for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, rifle shooting, horseback riding, bird watching, and archery hunting. For the best panoramic desert and mountain views around, one must head to the Gates Pass Scenic Overlook, named after Thomas Gates, a pioneer and rancher.

From there, it will take an hour and 15 minutes to reach Sabino Canyon Recreation Area , located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest and which can be explored on the emission-free, English and Spanish-narrated, and open-air Sabino Canyon Crawler tram. Common plants and animals include saguaro and barrel cacti, palo verde and mesquite trees, rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, roadrunners, mountain lions, and hummingbirds.

• Total Drive Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Tucson Mountain Park ( dusk to dawn; free ); Sabino Canyon ($8/vehicle/day; shuttle: from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; $15/adult); Sabino Creek
• Easy Trails: Prickly Pear Gates Pass (1.9 miles; 40 minutes); Sabino Walkway Loop (2.3 miles; 48 minutes)

Pets and camping are not allowed in Sabino Canyon.

7 Scenic Yet Casual Hikes In Arizona

Phoenix to sycamore canyon, 149 miles via cave creek and montezuma castle.

Another one of the scenic canyon road trips in Arizona is the route from Phoenix to Sycamore Canyon. Driving only 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix’s downtown, which can be explored for just $100 over an entire weekend , will take road trippers to Phoenix Mountain Preserve , which features several parks combining small mountains, foothills, and deserts and offers many scenic hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking opportunities.

The next stop is the 2,922-acre Cave Creek Regional Park , a desert oasis popular among hikers, equestrians, and picnickers, followed by a visit to the historic Montezuma Castle National Monumen in Camp Verde, once the dwelling of the Sinagua people.

The final destination, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness , is 1 hour 18 minutes away; it is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide, spans pinnacles, red rocks, buttes, and arches, and is home to spy black bears, mountain lions, ringtail cats, canyon wrens, and hermit thrushes.

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Phoenix Mountains Preserve (8 am to 12 pm; free; scenic spots: Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain); Cave Creek Regional Park (November to April, daily, 6 am to 8 pm; May to October, 5 am to 9 pm; $7/vehicle); Montezuma Castle National Monument (8 am to 4:45 pm; $10/person ); Sycamore Canyon Wilderness (24/7; $5/day pass )
• Great Trails: Three Hill Loop (easy; 1.2 miles; 28 minutes); Parsons Trail (moderate; 7.3 miles; 2 hours 57 minutes)

Sycamore Canyon is the second-largest canyon in Arizona, after Oak Creek Canyon.

10 Affordable Small Towns In Arizona For A Vacation

Flagstaff to boynton canyon, 49.2 miles via kachina wetlands and munds park.

Explore another one of the many scenic Arizona canyon road trip itineraries: the the picturesque route from Flagstaff to Boynton Canyon. The first beautiful stop on this journey is the free-access Kachina Wetlands Preserve , an amalgamation of ponds, marshes, grasslands, and pine forests boasting 247 bird species, including the rare American and Least Bittern, Sabine’s Gull, and Greater White-fronted Goose.

Up next is the unincorporated town of Munds Park , a hidden gem founded in 1876 and providing ample outdoor activities among the pines of Coconino National Forest.

Then, on the way to the city of Sedona and its great art galleries, restaurants, and cowboy and New Age shops, a photo stop at the Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook is recommended for stunning views of red-rock landscapes all around.

As for the ultimate destination, Boynton Canyon , it is considered one of Sedona’s energy vortexes and is sacred to the Yavapai people. It will undoubtedly fill visitors with a sense of awe and peace as they admire the striking crimson cliffs, high buttes, and desert plants.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 19 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Odell Lake in Munds Park; Sedona’s Main Street ; Boynton Canyon ( 6 am to 11 pm ; $5/Red Rock Pass )
• Great Trails: Kachina Wetlands Loop (easy; 1.6 miles; 29 minutes); Boynton Vista Trail (moderate; 1.1 miles; 28 minutes)

The best months to complete the Boynton Vortex Trail is between January and May.

Wahweap To Antelope Canyon

19.9 miles via lake powell and glen canyon dam.

Nestled in Coconino County, on the border with Utah, Wahweap boasts an overlook with a 360-degree panorama of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that is especially colorful at sunrise and sunset.

It can be accessed freely by those who don’t want to go through the Recreation Area’s entrance; otherwise, there is plenty to see and do in the vicinity, including Lake Powell and its boating, photography, fishing, and paddleboarding activities, and the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, perched at 1,000 feet and offering impressive views of the Colorado River, the canyon, and the dam.

On the way to Antelope Canyon , one of Arizona’s seven natural wonders to see on a road trip with its gold, red, and orange hues, a stop at the city of Page and its wellness and shopping venues may be warranted. Antelope Canyon looks like another planet, with Martian landscapes that are home to some of the most otherworldly hiking trails on Earth . Accessing the canyon is only possible via a guided tour, departing from 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, and prior reservation is required.

• Total Drive Time: 40 minutes
• Great Attractions: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($15/person); Upper Antelope Canyon Tour (year-round; from $85/adult)
• Easy Trail: Dam Overlook Trail (940 feet)

7 Arizona National Park Road Trips With Scenic Stops

Williams to oak creek canyon, 66.3 miles via bellemont and rogers lake county natural area.

The town of Williams is known for being a major stop along Route 66 and a trip to the Grand Canyon, but it’s also charming in and of itself with its historic buildings, hearty restaurants, and fishing, camping, and equestrian activities. The nearby community of Bellemont is also worth checking out for the Pine Breeze Inn, which was featured in the 1969 movie Easy Rider , as well as its WWII Army camp.

Up next is Rogers Lake County Natural Area , which includes high-elevation wetland and forested uplands that are home to many wildlife species, such as elks, black bears, prairie dogs, mule deer, pronghorns, and bald eagles.

The following stop, Slide Rock State Park , is 1 hour and 4 minutes away and technically within Oak Creek Canyon . It is considered a prime swimming and hiking destination, featuring rustic cabins that date back to the 1930s. As for the canyon, it is a 12-mile-long, red-rock river gorge with depths that range from 800 to 2000 feet and many hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, and fishing opportunities.

• Total Drive Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Grand Canyon Deer Farm ( March 16 to October 15, 9 am to 5 or 6 pm; October 16 to March 15, 10 am to 5 pm; $16/adult ); Rogers Lake County Natural Area (6 am to 10 pm; free); Slide Rock State Park (8 am to 6 pm; from $20/vehicle)
• Moderate Trail: Two-Spot Loop (2.4 miles; 47 minutes)

10 Underrated Arizona State Parks

Seligman to grand canyon south rim, 112 miles via mcclelland lake and kaibab national forest.

This drive starts from the quaint town of Seligman, known as the birthplace of Route 66, and first stops at McClelland Lake, a serene fishing location for the Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch.

Up next is Buckskinner Park , a municipal park in Williams with hiking trails, picnic tables, volleyball and basketball courts, and a fishing Reservoir.

As for Kaibab National Forest , it is located 1 hour 27 minutes away and offers a wide tapestry of canyons, prairies, mountains, and plateaus. Better still, it borders the Grand Canyon, whose South Rim is easier to access but is particularly crowded during spring break and in summer. Fortunately, there is a free shuttle bus system and dozens of viewpoints with fantastic panoramic vistas to conclude this bucket-list Arizona road trip itinerary.

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
• Great Attractions and Stops: Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Original Route 66 Gift Shop (daily from 9 am to 5 pm); Buckskinner Park (7 am to 7 pm; free); Kaibab National Forest (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm; free); Grand Canyon South Rim (24/7; $20/person; $35/vehicle; overlooks include Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point)
• Easy Trail: Dogtown Lake Trail (2.2 miles; 39 minutes)

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The top things to do on an I-40 road trip

Iconic Route 66 sites, cool towns, and picturesque parks from California to North Carolina

• Featured Trip Guides
• Classic American road trips

Created by Roadtrippers - January 7th 2021

Route 66 is the fabled pathway known as the Mother Road. Established in 1926, it connected Chicago and California and became a classic U.S. road trip.

Much of present-day Interstate 40 runs along Historic Route 66; however, where Route 66 turned northeast, Interstate 40 continues east, running through Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Connecting the East Coast and West Coast, I-40 takes travelers from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina, passing through major cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville.

Along the way, you'll find iconic Route 66 sites, cool towns, and picturesque parks. Check out our favorite things to do on I-40.

Barstow, California, United States

Barstow is a small town that oozes kitschy Historic Route 66 vibes. Check out the town's Route 66 Mother Road Museum or the Western American Rail Road Museum. Stock up on snacks and souvenirs at Barstow Station, a massive rest stop.

36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo, CA, US

Calico Ghost Town

Ghost towns are dotted all across the west, and Calico is one of the cutest. Though it's been well-preserved, it is now more of a tourist attraction than an authentic historic stop. You'll find museums, shops, restaurants, train rides, and restored buildings. There's even a campground, if you're looking for a place to stay the night.

Mojave National Preserve

For a taste of the desert landscape you've been driving through on I-40, stop at the Mojave National Preserve. Scrubby plants, multicolored rocks, and stark, stony earth provide a unique view. The Mojave is especially breathtaking at sunset and sunrise. If you plan on hiking here, remember to be careful of the heat and lack of shade.

Old Route 66, Golden Valley, AZ, US

Cool Springs Gas Station

Don't expect to top off your tank here—the gas pumps, while beautifully restored, don't actually work. However, a pit stop at Cool Springs Gas Station is worthwhile because it's an authentic Route 66 icon. This once-abandoned gem of the Mother Road now includes a museum and souvenir shop.

Flagstaff, Arizona, United States

Surrounded by National Forests and U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Areas, Flagstaff is an oasis of natural beauty that also provides the pleasures of a big city. Check out the Museum of Northern Arizona during the day and the Lowell Observatory come nightfall. Grab lunch or dinner at Diablo Burger, which is known for its fresh, locally-grown ingredients. If you're in search of a place to stay in Flagstaff, the city provides unique options. The Little America Hotel features a gorgeous setting in a pine forest, and the Starlight Pines Bed and Breakfast will make you feel like royalty, thanks to the clawfoot tubs, private balconies, and delicious breakfasts.

I 40 Exit 233, Winslow, AZ, US

Meteor Crater

Just outside Flagstaff is one of the weirdest attractions in the west: Meteor Crater. This unbelievably massive impact crater formed from a meteor that hit Earth thousands of years ago. The mile-wide hole in the ground is topped with a visitor center that features a museum, videos, and an observation deck.

Exit 311, AZ, US

Petrified Forest National Park

Like Historic Route 66, I-40 cuts right through Petrified Forest National Park, which features impressive hikes and scenic viewpoints. The park is named for its glittering petrified wood, made from fossilized redwood trees that lived over 225 million years ago. Tour the Rainbow Forest, the Crystal Forest, and the Agate House, or hike the Blue Mesa Trail for views of the Painted Desert.

1000 E Historic Hwy 66, Gallup, NM, US

El Rancho Hotel and Motel

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Stepping into Hotel El Rancho is like stepping back in time to the 1930s, when Route 66 first started to gain popularity. The lobby features Southwestern motifs and native stone and wood. Even if you don't stay the night in one of the vintage rooms, grab enchiladas and a drink at the bar and soak up the history.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Eventually, I-40 will take you to Albuquerque. Famous for its balloon festival and association with the TV show Breaking Bad , this town has artsy Southwestern charm. Visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, grab a bite to eat at Perea's New Mexican Restaurant, and tuck in for the night at the Nativo Lodge. As for hotels in Albuquerque, there are some cool options. Hotel Parq Central is an old hospital turned sleek hotel, and the Casas de Suenos rents private adobe casitas in Old Town.

Route 66, Santa Rosa, NM, US

Blue Hole of Santa Rosa

If you're looking for a place to cool off while driving through the desert, then you won't find a better spot than the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa. The crystal-clear, deeply blue water is quite refreshing. Jump off the rocks into the pool, scuba dive to the bottom, or just dip your toes in and soak up the natural beauty of the setting.

924 E Tucumcari Blvd, Tucumcari, NM, US

Tee Pee Curios

The whole town of Tucumcari is pure retro bliss, but the crown jewel of the community might be Tee Pee Curios. The sign, decor, and building—with its concrete teepee out front—ooze an authentic 1950s aesthetic. Inside, you'll find a collection of souvenirs that range from kitschy to authentic Native American art. Stay in Tucumcari until after to dark to snap pictures of the vintage neon signs around town.

12601 W Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX, US

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo is home to the iconic folk art attraction known as Cadillac Ranch. Proposed by three artists and financed by an eccentric millionaire, Cadillac Ranch went relatively unnoticed for a few years before becoming a popular road trip stop. The interactive nature adds to the fun—you can add your own graffiti to the row of Cadillacs. Bring your own paint—just be sure to take your trash with you when you go.

Amarillo, Texas, United States

Since I-40 only passes through a small portion of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a great place to experience the Lone Star State. Home to the larger-than-life Big Texan Steak Ranch and authentic Tyler's BBQ, it has some good eats. You'll also find the vintage Wonderland Amusement Park and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. If you are staying overnight, the Courtyard in Downtown Amarillo is in a historic building with a great location.

11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX, US

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to the second-largest canyon in the U.S. There are several trails that traverse the bottom of the canyon, and others take you to the rim for more expansive views. The campground gets high reviews and offers unbeatable stargazing.

1242 N Main St, Shamrock, TX, US

Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café

Another major icon from the glory days of Route 66, the Tower Station Conoco and U-Drop Inn Cafe are probably recognizable to most because they inspired scenes in Disney's Cars . The classic Art Deco architecture has been thoroughly restored. Today, this is home to Shamrock's Chamber of Commerce and a visitor center.

3000 E Logan Rd, Weatherford, OK, US

Stafford Air & Space Museum

From a recreation of the Wright Brothers glider to an F-4 Phantom to spacesuits that were worn by astronauts in flight, the Stafford Air and Space Museum covers the history of air and space flight. There are 3,500 artifacts and objects on display, including a very impressive exhibit on the U.S.'s nuclear missiles, complete with a Titan II rocket.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Oklahoma City is the next major urban center along I-40. Home to offbeat attractions like the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Museum of Osteology, and the American Banjo Museum, along with an aquarium, a zoo, a science museum, an art museum, a history museum, and more, it's a rich city bursting with things to see and do. Hit up Ann's Chicken Fry House or Tucker's Onion Burgers for a classic OKC meal. If you are staying overnight, check out the Colcord luxury boutique hotel.

South side of Broadway between 3rd and 4th St, Okemah, OK, US

Woody Guthrie Statue

Woody Guthrie was a massively influential folk artist from Okemah. Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, and more drew inspiration from Guthrie's huge catalogue of songs, many of which were based on his experiences during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Today, a small park stands in Okemah with a statue and memorial plaque dedicated to Woody Guthrie.

301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR, US

Fort Smith National Historic Site

As you continue along I-40, you'll make your way into Arkansas. Stop at the Fort Smith National Historic Site for a look into the state's past. The fort was established in 1817, which means that this fort was the backdrop for an interesting history involving outlaws, settlers, and Native Americans. Tour the old buildings and the visitor center, which houses a museum with artifacts.

11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd., Roland, AR, US

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Get out of the car and breathe in the fresh air at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. You can get a taste of the landscape at the visitor center or by hiking or biking one of the trails. The views from the top of the mountain are utterly breathtaking.

There's no bad time to road trip I-40. Since the route is pretty far south, snowy weather isn't too much of a concern. However, if it happens to snow, be prepared for slick roads. Never underestimate how hot it can get in the desert between Texas and California. Always bring plenty of water, and make sure your car's AC is in good working condition.

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Best places to visit in arizona.

Arizona is home to incredible landscapes, lively cities, spooky ghost towns, world-class spas and warm weather year-round, making the state ideal for a getaway any time of year. But to help you decide which Arizona destinations to spend your vacation in, U.S. News considered factors like the number of attractions, the availability of accommodations and the opinions of everyday travelers to pick the best places to visit in Arizona. Vote for your favorite spot below to help determine next year's list.

Grand Canyon National Park

Canyon de chelly national monument, monument valley, glen canyon national recreation area, vermilion cliffs national monument, coconino national forest, lake powell, wupatki national monument, petrified forest national park, montezuma castle national monument, lake havasu.

Undisputed as one of the best national parks in the U.S. , Grand Canyon National Park is Arizona's crowning achievement. Many travelers opt to visit the South Rim, which is home to Grand Canyon Village, scenic overlooks and several hiking trails, including popular routes like Bright Angel Trail and Rim Trail. For a less crowded alternative, try visiting the North Rim between mid-May and mid-October. And if you want a story for the ages, consider a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon or a whitewater rafting trip along the Colorado River.

In addition to breathtaking natural landscapes, Canyon de Chelly National Monument within the Navajo Nation is home to nearly 5,000 years of human history, making it one of the longest continuously inhabited destinations in North America. A thriving community of Navajo people still live and work here, surrounded by ancient Pueblo ruins, cliff dwellings and pictographs. While access to the interior of the canyon is limited to tours led by a Navajo guide (this includes excursions on foot, horseback and vehicle), auto-tours along the scenic North and South Rim Drives are self-guided.

Whether you're a fan of movies or jaw-dropping landscapes, chances are you'll love visiting Monument Valley. Many films have featured the red sandstone mesas and buttes found in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which occupies land in both Arizona and Utah. Take the 17-mile-long Valley Drive from the visitor center to see some of the Arizona side's most popular sights, including the East and West Mitten buttes, Elephant Butte and John Ford's Point. The latter is named after the famous film director and features a Navajo store where you can buy jewelry and crafts.

Spanning more than 1.25 million acres in Utah and Arizona, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area appeals to travelers who are looking to spend some quality time in nature. Spend the afternoon water skiing on Lake Powell, the second-largest human-made lake in the United States, or hike the short trail to Horseshoe Bend overlook, which offers a unique perspective of the Colorado River as it snakes through Glen Canyon in a horseshoe-shaped curve. While you're here, you can't miss a visit to nearby Antelope Canyon, a mesmerizing slot canyon within the Navajo Nation that can only be explored via guided tour.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this central Arizona town to enjoy its stunning scenery. Regularly described as one of the most beautiful places in America, Sedona dazzles with its famous red rocks and hiking trails (found in Red Rock State Park), as well as its vortexes. These unique rock formations are said to emit a healing energy from the earth, and it's an experience you have to feel for yourself to believe. The town is also home to numerous spas with Sedona-inspired specialty treatments, which are bound to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument's gorgeous rock formations draw hikers from around the world. Can't-miss landmarks here include The Wave in Coyote Buttes North and White Pocket in the Paria Canyon. Keep in mind, though, that both areas require permits for hiking and camping. These permits – which are given to a limited number of people per day (depending on the region and type of visit) by Arizona's Bureau of Land Management – ensure travelers can enjoy the monument without rubbing elbows with hordes of tourists.

This scenic town about 30 miles south of Sedona offers a wealth of attractions to suit every type of traveler. History buffs can spend their time browsing exhibits at Fort Verde State Historic Park and Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum, or exploring ancient cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Meanwhile, daredevils can choose from a variety of thrilling activities, including zip lining, horseback riding and joining a safari tour at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Head to Coconino National Forest if you want to be surrounded by nature on your next Arizona getaway. This expansive forest is one of America's most diverse, with nearly 2 million acres of mountain-, lake- and creek-covered land. Hike to the top of the San Francisco Peaks (home to Arizona's tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak) to enjoy phenomenal panoramas, visit Fossil Creek to see one of the state's best waterfalls , or zip down Slide Rock State Park's rock slide for a refreshing dip in a swimming hole. The area is home to all kinds of wildlife, too, so keep an eye out for critters as you explore.

Millions of people flock to this destination in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area every year to enjoy the ultimate lake vacation . Popular pursuits at Lake Powell – which features nearly 2,000 miles of winding shoreline– include boating, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding and wakeboarding. The lake's abundance of game fish also draws anglers in droves. No visit would be complete without hiking around the towering red rock formations that line the lake's shores.

Sitting less than 30 miles southwest of Sedona and roughly 110 miles north of Phoenix, this sleepy cliff side community in central Arizona makes for an excellent daytrip destination. Once dubbed "The Wickedest Town in the West," Jerome embraces its history as a former mining town, boasting must-see tourist attractions like the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum and Jerome State Historic Park, which is home to the striking Douglas Mansion. Other activities include sipping on delicious vino at one of Jerome's wineries and learning about the town's haunted history on a ghost tour.

Travel to this national monument in northern Arizona for a glimpse into the state's fascinating past. Once home to a thriving agricultural community, Wupatki was designated a national monument in 1924 as a way to preserve this outstanding archaeological site. Four walking trails are open to the public and lead to seven well-preserved pueblos, prehistoric villages that were occupied 900 years ago. Want to explore off-trail? Join one of the park's ranger-led hikes (offered October through April) for a deeper look into Wupatki National Monument's backcountry, which includes additional pueblo structures and petroglyphs.

If you want to spend your next vacation outdoors, head to Petrified Forest National Park. In this more than 200,000-acre park, you'll discover one of the world's largest concentrations of petrified wood, plus rocky cliffs and animal fossils. To make the most of your time here, plan on incorporating several activities into your visit. Popular in-park pursuits include hiking, horseback riding and biking. Don't forget to also leave time for checking out some of the park's historical exhibits, such as those found at the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark.

Nicknamed "The Town Too Tough to Die," this southeastern Arizona destination shows what life was like in the Wild West. On Allen Street, where many of the town's saloons, shops and restaurants are located, you can check out historical landmarks like The Bird Cage Theater and the O.K. Corral Historic Complex, as well as watch costumed actors reenact a famous 1881 gunfight. The town's original courthouse and an Old West graveyard are also still intact, providing you additional opportunities to learn more about Tombstone's earliest pioneers, lawmen and outlaws.

Often compared to a high-rise apartment building, Montezuma Castle National Monument features a five-story, 20-room design that's built into the cliffs of central Arizona's Verde Valley. Although the pueblo structures were named after an Aztec emperor, the dwellings were built and formerly inhabited by the Sinagua Indian Tribe. Visitors can learn more about Sinagua culture at the monument's museum, located within the Montezuma Castle Visitor Center, before they trek the area's trails to Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well. Remember, the monument does not permit entry into the dwellings due to their fragile state.

Surrounded by multiple natural treasures, Flagstaff is more than just a stopover on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. To the north, you'll find the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort – which offers everything from ski slopes to hiking trails – nestled 9,500 feet high in the San Francisco Peaks. And to the east sit ancient dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument. You should also spend a day exploring the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. The area is located on what is known today as Route 66 and features 20th-century buildings that house numerous restaurants, art galleries and shops.

Once a thriving mining town, Bisbee attracts travelers who want to get a taste of the town's past. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you stroll up and down Bisbee's streets during a walking tour. You can also learn more about the southern Arizona town's mining days as you explore the Copper Queen Mine and peruse the exhibits at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. If you enjoy learning about the paranormal, sign up for an evening ghost tour of some of Bisbee's historical – and reportedly haunted – buildings.

Prescott appeals to every type of traveler. Nature lovers can explore Prescott National Forest's 900-plus miles of trails on foot, by mountain bike or by horse before venturing to one of its lakes to go boating or fishing. For architecture buffs, there's Prescott's downtown district, which features all kinds of early American structures, including Victorian-era homes and former saloons. Meanwhile, culture hounds can check out several highly regarded museums, such as the Old West art-themed Phippen Museum and the Museum of Indigenous People.

Visit Lake Havasu to enjoy a variety of activities on and by water. The lake is one of Arizona's premier destinations for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. Plus, it features hidden coves accessible by kayak and the eye-catching London Bridge, which was relocated here from London in 1971. After spending some time on the lake, head ashore to Lake Havasu City, where you'll find shops, restaurants, campgrounds and hiking trails, among other amenities.

As the nation's fifth most-populated city, Arizona's capital is constantly buzzing with activity. Phoenix is lauded for its well-manicured golf courses, its world-class spas and its proximity to Camelback Mountain's hiking trails, but travelers can also visit unique attractions, such as the Musical Instrument Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. What's more, Phoenix's diverse population gives it a dynamic restaurant scene for foodies to explore. Steakhouse fare and Mexican-inspired cuisine appear on many local restaurant menus, but to sample a bit of everything the area has to offer, sign up for a food tour of Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale.

You'll find plenty of ways to stay busy at Lake Mead. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which extends across the Arizona-Nevada border, is the first and largest of its kind in America. Its 700 miles of shoreline and 9 trillion gallons of water make it a massive hub for water sports like boating, fishing and water skiing. Plus, Lake Mead is considered one of the world's best freshwater lakes for scuba diving thanks to its range of depths. Can't-miss dive sites on the Arizona side of the lake include the Gypsum Reefs and Kingman Wash.

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Top 10 weird and wonderful USA roadside attractions

May 5, 2024 • 5 min read

Embrace your inner-artist at Cadillac Ranch © YuniqueB / Shutterstock

There is a sense of humor around every corner when you're driving in the USA . How else to explain those wacky, way-out-in-left-field roadside attractions you’ll stumble upon? Sculptures made of cars, energy vortexes and oversized household items are just the beginning. Here are our favorite offbeat stops.

1. Cadillac Ranch – Texas

In 1974, the late, local eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh planted 10 Cadillacs (vintage 1949 to 1963) headlights down in a deserted stretch of dirt outside Amarillo – and then moved them further out in 1997 to escape town encroachment. The reason? He said he constructed what has come to be known as Cadillac Ranch (I-40 between exits 60 & 62) in a salute to Route 66, using cars he considered to represent the golden age of car travel.

The accepted practice today is to leave your own mark on the art by drawing on the cars. Bring spray paint in case other visitors haven’t left any around. Occasionally, the cars get a makeover, like when they were all painted pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. To get here, park along the south feeder road a couple of miles west of Loop 335, and walk the well-worn path. As cool as it sounds, there’s a sort of forlorn feel to the place.

2. World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Minnesota

There’s much ado about which ball of twine actually holds the record these days, but why not pay your respects to the original that started all the fuss?  Behold the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin , 62 miles west of Minneapolis on US 12. To be specific, it’s the “Largest Built by One Person” – Francis A Johnson wrapped the 17,400lb whopper on his farm over the course of 29 years. Gawk at it in the town gazebo. Better yet, visit the museum  beside it and buy your own twine ball starter kit in the gift shop.

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center – Alabama

Head into downtown Scottsboro, Alabama, on Hwy 279 and follow the signs to the Unclaimed Baggage Center . Wait…is that your iPhone? The one you left in the seat pocket on that flight from Poughkeepsie? Probably. This Macy’s-sized retail space is the end of the line for the majority of unclaimed bags in the US. After 90 days, the airlines send your lost luggage here. It takes thrift shop-level patience, but there you'll find Tumi luggage, Kate Spade bags, Bruno Magli loafers, cameras, laptops, golf clubs – you name it – all for a fraction of retail.

4. Wall Drug Store – South Dakota

A tourist trap par excellence, this drugstore in South Dakota is famous for its roadside billboards that start advertising “free ice water” several states away, but it's a surprisingly worthy stop.  They really do have 5¢ coffee, free ice water and enough diversions to warm the heart of schlock-lovers everywhere. D on’t miss the animatronic dinosaurs.

5. Coral Castle – Florida

This favored stop in Homestead is one man’s kitschy do-it-yourself testament to lost love. Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin dug up over 2.2 million tons of coral rock to build this mock castle  that took him nearly 30 years (1923-1951) to complete. Its engineering was once a bit of mystery, especially since the broken-hearted Romeo worked secretively at night without using any mortar. Some claim that the marvel has unusual electromagnetic properties.

6. Lucas – Kansas

“Outsider art,” meaning works created outside the bounds of traditional culture, has blossomed in tiny Lucas . Samuel Dinsmoor began it all in 1907 by filling his yard with enormous concrete sculptures espousing his eccentric philosophies. His Garden of Eden is visible from the sidewalk, but paid admission lets you hear some wonderful stories and see his remains in a glass-topped coffin.

7. Lucy the Elephant – New Jersey

Drive around the beach communities just south of Atlantic City, and something massive, gray and kitsch will stop you in your tracks: Lucy the Elephant ,  a 65ft-high wooden pachyderm constructed in 1881 as a developer’s truly weird scheme to attract land buyers to the area. It was variously used as a hotel, beach cottage, private mansion and last, a tavern, but rowdy patrons almost destroyed her. Now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Lucy is a beloved part of the city.  

8. The Shoe Tree of Middlegate – Nevada 

Located on the "Loneliest Road in America," the Shoe Tree of Middlegate is a testament to love. Story goes that to keep his girlfriend from leaving after an argument, a man threw the women's shoes into a tree. After cooler heads prevailed, the two reconciled and went on to live a happy life. Since then, traveling sweethearts having been throwing their shoes into the tree. The original tree was chopped down by vandals in 2010, but a second tree was selected in 2017.  

9. Roswell – New Mexico

No list is complete without Roswell, New Mexico – if you believe that "The Truth is Out There,” then this is your spot. In 1947, a mysterious object crashed at a nearby ranch. No one would have skipped any sleep over it, but the military made a big to-do of hushing it up, and for a lot of folks, that sealed it: the aliens had landed!

International curiosity and local ingenuity have transformed the city into a quirky extraterrestrial-friendly zone. Bulbous white heads glow atop the downtown street lamps.

Believers and kitsch-seekers must check out the International UFO Museum & Research Center , displaying documents supporting the cover-up as well as lots of far-out art and exhibitions. The annual Roswell UFO Festival beams down over the July 4 weekend, with an otherworldly costume parade, guest speakers, workshops and concerts.

10. Meteor Crater – Arizona

The second most impressive hole in Arizona was formed by a fiery meteor that screamed into the atmosphere about 50,000 years ago, when giant sloths lived in these parts. Meteor Crater , 40 miles east of Flagstaff , is an out-of-this-world site for those with a thimbleful of imagination. Nearly a mile across and 600ft deep, there are lookout points around the crater’s edge but no hiking to the bottom. Check out the fun, informative visitor center.

Keep planning your USA road trip: 

Plot your route with  the best road trips in the USA Listen to the experts:  I took my camper van across 48 US states. These are my 10 favorites Hit the highlights with  11 amazing experiences in the USA

This article was first published Jun 16, 2010 and updated May 5, 2024.

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The essential guide to visiting Texas

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Lone Star State—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Texas

Big skies and bigger parks. Barbecue and Tex-Mex food (don’t miss the breakfast tacos). A vibrant live music scene in   Austin and world-class birding in South Texas. Plus, cowboys .

Best time to visit Texas

Spring:   March and April bring colorful wildflowers (indigo-hued bluebonnets , red-and-yellow Indian blankets) to the highways and backroads in Central Texas. In Austin,   the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has 284 acres of native plants inspired by the   Texas-born first lady . Outdoor festivals crowd the calendar. Austin’s South by Southwest Festival offers films and concerts each March; San Antonio ’s ebullient Fiesta   celebrates the city’s Hispanic heritage with parades, a stuff-your-face food festival , and concerts in April. And midway between Austin and Houston , the March Round Top Antiques Fair fills tents, barns, and hayfields with French furniture, vintage cowboy boots, and more.

Summer:   Y’all, it’s hot, with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the heat at one of the state’s Gulf of Mexico beaches , including South Padre Island , where you can watch hatchling releases of baby Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles . Or do as the locals do and go tubing in the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels or in the Frio River in Garner State Park .

Autumn:   Cooler temps lure Texans outdoors to events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival , with bands in Zilker Park,   or the State Fair of Texas   in Dallas where you can eat a corn dog and wave to Big Tex ,   the 55-foot-tall animatronic greeter.   Lost Maples State Natural Area ,   northwest of San Antonio, has the state’s best fall colors. Celebrate New Braunfels ’ German heritage at Wurstfest .

Winter:   Mild weather makes outdoor activities pleasant around the holidays. In San Antonio, stroll the Riverwalk, where the bald cypress trees are draped with twinkling lights. Amid the Victorian downtown of Galveston , Dickens on the Strand brings costumed revelers and roving musicians.  

Four of America’s largest cities are in Texas.

In the south, San Antonio was once a part of Spain and later Mexico, a history that shows up at the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions . Houston has high culture (art museums, the acclaimed Alley Theatre ) and the NASA Johnson Space Center , where tram tours take in Mission Control and other sites.  

Sister cities Dallas and Fort Worth are just 30 miles apart in North Texas. In “Big D,” catch home games from the Dallas Cowboys football team or hear live music in funky Deep Ellum . A good art museum scene and cowboy culture rule in neighboring Fort Worth, where hatted herders lead longhorn cattle through the Stockyards District every day.

The capital city of Austin is known for live music, barbecue, and Barton Springs Pool , a natural, spring-fed watering hole and the soul of the city.

In the Rio Grande Valley,   an agricultural region bordering Mexico, there are cities such as McAllen and Brownsville plus the varied wildlife habitats (wetlands, thorn forests) of the World Birding Center .

In West Texas, El Paso   offers Tex-Mex bordertown culture amid the stark beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and the foothills of the Franklin Mountains , best explored via mountain bike or hiking trails.

Parks and smaller cities

The Hill Country

The rolling terrain of the Hill Country in Central Texas is home to Fredericksburg , with its throwback main street full of indie boutiques and German restaurants plus 60-plus wineries in and around town. You’ll also find cowboy culture in Bandera and the beer-drinking enclave made famous in Waylon Jennings’   song “ Luckenbach , Texas .”

The Big Bend  

Two of the state’s largest parks— Big Bend National Park and the adjacent Big Bend Ranch State Park —lure hikers, bikers, and campers to the desert and mountain landscapes of West Texas. Stargaze at the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, or check out the Donald Judd art installations in funky Marfa .  

Texas Coast  

The longest barrier island in the world, Padre Island stretches for 113 miles from the tip of South Texas to Corpus Christi .   Farther north, Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth and home to Victorian mansions.  

Panhandle  

Palo Duro Canyon , the second largest canyon in the U.S. and a state park, carves through the Panhandle for 120 miles.  

Getting in and around Texas

By plane: Dallas-Fort Worth International, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, and Austin-Bergstrom International offer domestic and international service; San Antonio International serves Mexico and other cities in the U.S.

By bus: Vonlane   and RedCoach   have luxury bus service between Austin, Dallas/Forth Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Valley Metro serves the Rio Grande Valley.

By train: Amtrak operates two train routes through Texas—the Texas Eagle   and Sunset Limited .

By car: Texas is easily accessible via major interstates including I-10, I-20, I-35, I-45, and I-37. One of the most scenic drives is FM 170, or the River Road, which hugs the Rio Grande and cuts through Big Bend Ranch State Park between Presidio and Lajitas.

In town: Major cities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso have bus service and bike share systems. DART rail in Dallas serves 65 stations. Austin’s CapMetro rail operates a single line from downtown to the northern suburbs. Houston’s three METRORail   lines connect tourist destinations. The Streetcar in El Paso loops through uptown and downtown.

Know before you go

Cultural history: Native Americans have occupied Texas for more than 14,000 years. Coastal tribes like the Karankawa were semi-nomadic, the Caddos in East Texas and Jumanos in the West farmed and traded. Comanches and Apaches hunted bison and raided villages in the north and west. Enslaved Africans helped the Spanish settle parts of Texas in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The flags of France, Spain, and Mexico once flew over the state, which declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and joined the U.S in 1846. Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America in 1861. The end of enslavement was announced in Galveston at the end of the Civil War, leading to the Juneteenth holiday .   Immigrants from around the world, including Germany and Czechia,   arrived during the 18th   and 19th centuries, making their marks on places such as New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Kerrville .

LGBTQ+ : Texas ranked 27th in a 2020 24/7 Wall St. report of the most LGBTQ+-friendly states in the U.S. Despite Texas’ conservative politics, cities such as Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio get high marks on the Human Rights Campaign 2022 Municipal Equality Index scorecard.

How to visit Texas sustainably

Help preserve habitat by sticking to designated trails and roads. Support businesses that promote dark night skies. It’s legal to drive on public beaches, but watch for wildlife, including nesting sea turtles, and use reef-safe sunscreen. The Love Fredericksburg and Port A Way stewardship   campaigns encourage visitors to keep an eye out for wildlife and pick up litter. Look for LEED-certified hotels and restaurants committed to selling locally grown food.

What to read  

Empire of the Summer Moon , by S.C. Gwynne. This sweeping historic account follows four decades of fighting with the Comanches, Spanish colonialism, the decimation of the American bison and the arrival of railroads.

Forget the Alamo ,   by Bryan Burrough, Chris Tomlinson and Jason Stanford. The myths surrounding the Texas “cradle of liberty” get debunked and explored in this fascinating look at the evolution of the Lone Star State, its legends, and its prejudices. Valley of Shadows ,   by Rudy Ruiz. In this novel set in 19th-century West Texas, tensions along the Mexican border bubble up in dramatic, dark style—with a dash of magical realism.  

( For more tips on what to do in Texas, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• STATE PARKS
• DARK-SKY PRESERVES
• CITY GUIDES

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