Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Amarillo, Texas and Taos, New Mexico

Amarillo, Texas and Taos, New Mexico are two culturally vibrant travel destinations located in the Southwestern United States. Whether you enjoy art, nature, or history, this road trip has something for everyone. The approximately four-hour drive from Amarillo to Taos brings travelers through Clayton, NM, a small town situated at the halfway point of the trek.

Top 5 Things to do on the Road Trip

Visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in the USA, offering vivid panoramic vista, numerous hiking trails, and a diverse flora and fauna. From Amarillo, the park is only thirty minutes away. An ideal way to take in the scenic splendor that refreshes the mind and soul.

Interesting Fact: The stunning Palo Duro Canyon was formed over millions of years by water, wind, and rock erosion and is 120 miles long and 20 miles wide.

Explore the Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is Amarillo's famously striking public art installation. Ten vintage Cadillacs are standing nose down in the ground. Visitors can bring a can of spray paint and leave their artistic mark, adding to the vibrant colors that cover the cars.

Interesting Fact: The ranch installation was designed in 1974 by Chip Lord of the art collective Ant Farm, and it's free for anyone to enjoy.

Discover the Tucumcari Historical Museum

In Tucumcari, New Mexico, the Tucumcari Historical Museum captures the essence of the town since its founding in 1901. The museum has a collection of items that spans over a century, from Native American artifacts to the first telephone exchange that came to Tucumcari.

Interesting Fact: One of the museum's eye-catching displays is the Texaco gas station built-in replica, which adds a 1950s feel to the museum experience.

Visit Coronado Historic Site

The Coronado Historic Site pays homage to the historic structures and cultures that thrived in the area before colonization. The site exhibits historical artifacts, such as ruins, carvings, and important artifacts, offering an insight into pre-colonization New Mexico.

Interesting Fact: The site, named after the 16th-century Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, is known for its kivas, the iconic underground structures of the Pueblo people.

Take a Stroll in the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of America's beautiful suspension bridges. The Bridge has an inviting, breathtaking view, and it's the ideal spot for sightseeing, be it the mountains, or Santa Fe at a distance.

Interesting Fact: The bridge was built in 1965, spans 1,280 feet, and is the tenth highest suspension bridge in the US, standing at 600 feet.

Conclusion

This road trip from Amarillo to Taos is a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the famous and lesser-known attractions in the Southwest. The scenic drive covers about 280 miles, a four-hour drive worth taking for an immersive experience into Texas and New Mexico's culture and heritage.