Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico and Laughlin, Nevada
From the splendor of the Walnut Canyon to the scenic beauty of the Hoover Dam, there's so much to discover on a road trip from Carlsbad, New Mexico to Laughlin, Nevada. The route is scenic and offers some incredible attractions that make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. With a journey of over 750 miles, this road trip across New Mexico and Arizona has a midpoint at Thoreau, NM, where travelers can refuel, grab a bite and refresh before continuing their journey.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Explore the Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a natural wonder that's located 27 miles southwest of the city of Carlsbad. The caverns include over 119 limestone caves, offering an incredible sightseeing experience. Visitors can either walk a trail or take an elevator ride down to the Big Room, the park's largest naturally lit chamber. The stalactites and stalagmites are a sight to behold, and there are even bats that make the caverns their home. Overall, this is a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts.
Interesting fact: The Guadalupe Mountains, which surround the caverns, are the remains of an ancient reef that was formed some 250 million years ago.
2. Take a Tour of the White Sands National Park
White Sands is one of New Mexico's most beautiful landmarks, with miles of shining white dunes made of gypsum crystals. The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sand foxes and roadrunners. Visitors can drive through a 16-mile road that winds through the dunes, take a hike with a ranger or a picnic in the park.
Interesting fact: The White Sands National Park was also used as a location for the film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."
3. Visit the Walnut Canyon National Monument
The Walnut Canyon National Monument is a fascinating historical site that features 20 cliff dwellings. The Sinagua people built these homes between 1100 and 1250 AD, and the structures offer a glimpse into the Native American lifestyle. Visitors can hike through the canyon and view the cliff dwellings.
Interesting fact: In the past, visitors were allowed to climb ladders to the dwellings, but due to preservation concerns, this practice has now been discontinued.
4. Marvel at the Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a man-made wonder that's over eighty years old and still standing strong. The dam spans the Colorado River, and it's one of the largest and most impressive engineering feats of its time. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam and its powerplant and learn the history behind its construction.
Interesting fact: The construction of the Hoover Dam took over five years to complete and claimed over one hundred lives.
5. Enjoy the View at the Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic sites in the United States. Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long, and it's also over a mile deep. Visitors can take a guided tour or choose to explore the park at their own pace. The views here are spectacular, and it's a must-visit for any adventurer.
Interesting fact: The Grand Canyon was created over millions of years through the process of erosion.
Conclusion
This road trip is an incredible journey, offering some of the best sights in New Mexico and Arizona. With the Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Walnut Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, there's a diverse range of attractions to explore along the way. The road trip should take around 12 hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop for food and refreshments along the way. With so much to see and do, this is an adventure that any traveler will not want to miss.