Top Places to See When Driving From Amarillo, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you are planning a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico, there are plenty of sights and attractions to see along the way. From breathtaking natural wonders to one-of-a-kind museums, this route offers a little bit of everything for adventurous travelers. In this blog post, we'll highlight some of the most popular places to visit on this scenic route.

So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road – we've got a lot of ground to cover!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located just 25 miles south of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the top natural attractions in Texas. The park boasts stunning vistas, hiking trails, campsites, horseback riding, and much more. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon offers incredible views of rugged rock formations, wildflowers, and wildlife. The park has over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, and guided horseback rides through the canyon are also available.

Cadillac Ranch

One of the most iconic roadside attractions in America is Cadillac Ranch, located just outside of Amarillo along Route 66. Created by the art group Ant Farm in 1974, Cadillac Ranch features ten classic Cadillac cars buried nose-down in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring paint along and leave their mark on the cars, which have been repainted countless times over the years.

Tucumcari, New Mexico

As you cross the border into New Mexico, the first major town you'll pass through is Tucumcari. This legendary stop on Route 66 is known for its historic motels, neon signs, and murals painted on the sides of buildings. Be sure to stop by the Tucumcari Railroad Museum and the Mesalands Community College's Dinosaur Museum and Natural Sciences Laboratory, which features a fantastic collection of fossils and dinosaur skeletons.

Acoma Pueblo

An hour west of Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo is known as the "Sky City" due to its unique location atop a sandstone mesa. The pueblo has been inhabited for more than 800 years and is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. Visitors can take a guided tour of the pueblo, which includes the historic church, traditional dwellings, and a museum showcasing local art and pottery.

Sandia Peak Tramway

For a stunning view of the Albuquerque area, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, which climbs 2.7 miles up the eastern face of the Sandia Mountains. At the top, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and surrounding landscape. There are also hiking trails, a mountain-top restaurant, and gift shop at the summit.

Petroglyph National Monument

Located just west of Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument is a unique cultural and geological site that showcases thousands of ancient petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock. The petroglyphs, created by early indigenous peoples, depict a wide range of objects and imagery. Visitors can hike through the monument and view the petroglyphs up close. There are also educational programs, ranger-led tours, and exhibits at the visitor center.

Conclusion

Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for adventure on your next road trip, there are plenty of top sights to see when driving from Amarillo, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico. From stunning canyons and mesas to roadside attractions and national monuments, this route offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American Southwest!