Road Trip from Albuquerque to Flagstaff: Top Places to See
There's nothing more thrilling than embarking on a road trip. And if you're planning one from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Flagstaff, Arizona, then it's going to be one scenic drive. You'll pass through breathtaking landscapes, charming little towns, and cultural hotspots. With numerous options to explore, this blog post is a guide to the top places to see on your route from Albuquerque to Flagstaff.
So buckle up, grab some snacks, and prep your playlist. This road trip is going to be an unforgettable adventure!
Natural Wonders
Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The park is famous for its vast collection of fossilized trees which date back to the Late Triassic Period. The petrified wood is so well-preserved that the logs look like they've turned to stone. Take a walk through the vividly hued badlands, marvel at the colorful rock formations, and explore the ancient petroglyphs. The highlight of the park is the Blue Mesa Trail, a 3-mile loop that takes you on a walk through an otherworldly landscape that looks like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Meteor Crater
A unique natural wonder that you should not miss is the Meteor Crater. This is the site of an impact crater created by a comet or asteroid. The meteor was estimated to be about 55 meters in diameter, and the impact scar it left behind is about 1.2 km in diameter. Here, you can experience the force and power of a celestial collision that occurred 50,000 years ago. The Meteor Crater is fascinating, and the guided tour and exhibits will teach you more about the science behind meteor impacts.
Wupatki National Monument
The Wupatki National Monument tells the story of the Sinagua people. This ancient civilization built hundreds of stone structures throughout the area between 1100 and 1250 CE. The Puebloan-style buildings are impressively intact, and it's worth the stop just to marvel at the engineering feat of these constructions. The monument has a self-guided trail that takes you through more than 800 years of history and culture.
Hidden Gems
El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument is often overshadowed by its popular neighbor, the Petrified Forest National Park. But that doesn't mean that the Monument is any less impressive. Malpais means "badlands" in Spanish, and the wild landscape here reveals plenty of intriguing rock formations and lava fields to explore. The most impressive highlight of the park is La Ventana Arch, a natural stone arch that stands 135 feet tall and 120 feet wide. The Monument also has several hiking trails, and it's worth looking for a guided tour to learn more about the geological wonders.
Acoma Pueblo
The drive from Albuquerque to Flagstaff is full of surprises, and Acoma Pueblo is one of the most exceptional surprise stops. This ancient city stands atop a 365-foot-high sandstone mesa, and it's been home to the Acoma people for more than 800 years. The pueblo is known as Sky City, and it's one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States. When you visit, you can take a guided tour of the pueblo, which includes a visit to the San Esteban Del Rey Mission and the Acoma Cultural Heritage Centre.
Quirky Stops
Twin Arrows Trading Post
The Twin Arrows Trading Post is a quirky stop off on Route 66 that's worth a visit. What makes this stop unique isn't the fact that it's a trading post, but that it's decorated with two colossal arrows that are 25-metres tall! The arrows were originally oil rigs, and their construction was inspired by a Hopi symbol. The trading post is also a great spot to buy unique souvenirs and local arts and crafts.
The Museum Club
Making your road trip even quirkier is The Museum Club, a Flagstaff landmark that's been around since 1931. The Museum Club is both a museum and a country-western dance hall, and it's located in the heart of the Coconino National Forest. The Museum Club is famous for its unique atmosphere and decor, which include numerous taxidermy animals, vintage beer cans, and old movie posters. The club hosts well-known country-western bands from around the world and is a perfect place to end your trip with a drink and a dance.
Conclusion
The road trip from Albuquerque to Flagstaff is an adventure that you won't forget. It's a journey full of fantastic natural wonders, impressive historical monuments, hidden gems, and quirky stops. The drive itself is scenic, and the miles of stunning landscapes and charming towns make this road trip worth the effort. So, grab your keys, start the engine, and let the trip begin!