Road Trip from Buckeye, AZ to Las Cruces, NM

Are you looking for a fun road trip from Buckeye, Arizona to Las Cruces, New Mexico? This route has plenty of museums, parks, and landmarks to explore, making it an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

Did you know that the distance between Buckeye and Las Cruces is nearly 428 miles, which takes approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes? Nevertheless, the route passes through deserts, mountains, and scenic landscapes, making the journey an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for an excellent halfway point to break up your trip, Benson, Arizona, is your best bet. Benson is a small town situated between the Huachuca, Dragoon, and Rincon mountain ranges. You can stop by the Benson Visitor Center, which has free Wi-Fi, a playground, and a picnic area.

The duration of the trip varies depending on traffic and other factors. However, you can expect the journey to take about seven hours. The route is approximately 428 miles and involves some beautiful and scenic highways.

Here are the top five places to visit along the way:

1. Coronado National Forest - The Coronado National Forest is spread across an area of 1.78 million acres that stretches across southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The forest offers an incredible hiking and camping experience, with several trails ranging from easy to difficult. One popular spot is the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, which offers picturesque views of the city below.

Recommended Point of Interest: Visit the fall season when the whole area is full of colors.

2. Kartchner Caverns State Park - Kartchner Caverns is a living cave that is still growing. It's one of the top attractions in the state and is home to some of the world's most extensive and colorful formations. The cave is only open to the public through a guided tour, which makes the experience even more exciting.

Recommended Point of Interest: Check out the bat cave and learn about the lives of its inhabitants.

3. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part botanical garden and part zoo. It's a fantastic place to visit if you're interested in the desert ecosystem. The museum has paved walking trails, and visitors can watch the animals in their natural habitats.

Recommended Point of Interest: Visit the hummingbird aviary where you can see colorful and different species of hummingbirds.

4. White Sands National Park - White Sands National Park is one of the most stunning things to see in New Mexico. The park spans 275 miles from the San Andres Mountains to the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. The dunes are made of gypsum sand, which sparkles in the sunlight, giving it a magical feeling.

Recommended Point of Interest: Go on a sunset walk through the trails when the lighting is at its best.

5. Museum of Nature & Science - Last but not least, the Museum of Nature & Science in Las Cruces is the perfect destination for families with kids. The museum features several interactive exhibits on space exploration, earth sciences, and local wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy a planetarium show that will take you on a journey of our solar system.

Recommended Point of Interest: Attend the planetarium show and learn about our galaxy.

In conclusion, the route from Buckeye, Arizona, to Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a scenic drive that offers a wealth of opportunities to stop, explore, and learn. The road trip covers some of the most incredible natural landscapes and offers a wide range of outdoor activities that families and solo travellers alike can enjoy. If you have a chance, do not miss this road trip, with so much to see and do, you will not regret the experience!