Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico and Houston, Texas
The stretch between Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Houston, Texas, is a route littered with exhilarating sights and sounds. The journey is dotted with a myriad of attractions that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. The highlights include vast expanses of deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and pristine natural landscapes. A midway stop in the quaint town of Roosevelt, Texas, provides visitors with a glimpse of the classic Wild West era.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Explore the Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Nestled in the far west of Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is an epitome of natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscape. The park boasts of the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, and features miles upon miles of hiking trails and winding paths. Visitors can indulge in a range of activities throughout the year, from autumn hikes to wintertime sledding. With a scenic wilderness area spanning over 86,000 acres, travelers will experience nature in its unadulterated form.
Interesting Fact: The Guadalupe Mountains are ancient fossilized reef bed and contain over 90 different species of plants and animals.
2. Witness the Majestic Carlsbad Caverns
The Carlsbad Caverns are a marvel of nature that are situated deep below the Guadalupe Mountains and spread out over a vast network of limestone caves and passages. Walking through the chambers and gazing at the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, visitors describe the experience as ethereal. During certain times of the year, travelers can witness the spectacle of thousands of bats flying out of the cave at sunset.
Interesting Fact: The Carlsbad Cavern chambers are some of the largest cave chambers in the world and have been an essential part of geological research for over a century.
3. Visit the "Cowboy Capital of the World"
Dubbed the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera, Texas, is a charming town with a vibrant history. Visitors are welcomed by the Cowboy capital sign proudly inscribed on the iconic Main Street, lined with shops that specialize in everything western, from saddles to hats. The town is home to numerous ranches with an expansive range of animals, including cattle, llamas, and horses. Tourists can participate in horseback riding, rodeos, and western-style cuisine.
Interesting Fact: Bandera was once a notorious spot for cattle rustlers and gunfights, and its law enforcement operated under the rogue law known as "Judge Roy Bean."
4. Experience the Thrill of Space and Rocketry
The Johnson Space Center is located in Houston, Texas, and is a fitting testament to the achievements of space and rocketry in America. Visitors can explore space exhibits, including astronaut training facilities, rocket ships, and a mission control center where numerous spaceflights have been managed. The center also boasts of a fascinating compilation of space-related artifacts, including the moon rocks retrieved during the Apollo missions.
Interesting Fact: The Johnson Space Center has played a pivotal role in numerous space missions, including the famous Apollo 11 mission, which saw the first human land on the moon.
5. Visit the San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a network of walkways located alongside the San Antonio River. The walkway spans a distance of more than 15 miles and features a range of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries. Visitors wander through the sidewalks line with vibrant and colorful flowers while enjoying the soothing sound of the river. The promenade is an inviting space to relax or participate in a narrated boat tour, which highlights the history and cultural heritage of San Antonio city.
Interesting Fact: The San Antonio River Walk was originally built as a flood control measure in the city but has since become a significant attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually.
In conclusion, the journey from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Houston, Texas, is a road trip that offers an unforgettable experience of nature, culture, and history. The road trip took about fourteen hours. Visitors will find that they never run out of places to explore and new experiences to try. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, Bandera, the Johnson Space Center, and the San Antonio River Walk are just some of the significant highlights of a trip that promises to be more than advertised.