Five Unexpected Places To Stop On A Drive From Castle Pines, Colorado and Amarillo, Texas
If you are looking for an adventure more intimately intertwined with nature's breathtaking beauty, then a road trip from Castle Pines, Colorado to Amarillo, Texas is just for you. This drive takes you through some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the United States, including the Rocky Mountains, vast prairies, and the rugged terrain of eastern New Mexico. This article highlights five unexpected places to stop on this drive, each with unique experiences to offer.
Halfway Point: Raton, NM
As you drive towards Amarillo, the halfway point is the small town of Raton, New Mexico. Raton is a perfect pit stop to stretch your legs, take a walk, and grab a bite to eat or coffee before continuing your trip. This town serves as a gateway to the southern Rockies, and the history and charm make it worth a stop. The main street of this town is littered with unique gift shops, cozy coffee shops, antique stores, and art galleries to explore and discover souvenirs to take back home.
1. Capulin Volcano National Monument (Capulin, NM)
Just about 28 miles east of Raton, Capulin Volcano National Monument offers a unique adventure that no other place offers. This park preserves a beautiful explosion-caused tuff cone on the great plains, allowing visitors a chance to hike on a volcano's rim to experience the epic view of the surrounding landscape. The site provides visitors with an opportunity to see the different layers formed through volcanic activity over the years, featuring unique and diverse landscapes, plant life, and animals. After such a hike, treat yourself to lunch at the Taqueria Hernandez in nearby Springer, where the tacos are savory and will leave you longing for more.
2. Mackenzie Park (Lubbock, TX)
Mackenzie Park, located at the heart of Lubbock, offers visitors an opportunity to have a hands-on experience with nature. This park has a unique commitment to protect natural habitats and serves as a sanctuary for numerous species of wild animals living in their natural habitats. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, a fishing lake, and even an amusement park. After all the activities, top off your delight with the famous West Texas style barbeque served at Tom and Bingo's BBQ in Lubbock, Texas.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon, TX)
A perfect stop for outdoor enthusiasts, Palo Duro Canyon State Park never disappoints and is a must-visit. This park runs 120 miles in length and is about 20 miles wide, with incredible hiking, biking, and horse riding trails, and so much to see and do. Visitors get a chance to experience the beauty of the second-largest canyon in the United States, with its vibrantly colored earth and stunning rock formations. After enjoying all the activities in this area, take a well-deserved break to satisfy your cravings with some sliders at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo.
4. Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX)
No trip to Amarillo will be complete without a visit to Cadillac Ranch. This remarkable art installation features ten brightly colored vintage cars half-buried nose down in the ground, awaiting customers to leave their mark by adding their graffiti. Visitors leave a piece of themselves in this remarkable art installation, making it a fun and interactive way to participate in public art. And after all the exploring, treat your taste buds at the beloved Golden Light Cafe and Cantina, with their legendary cheeseburgers and incredible milkshakes.
5. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum (Amarillo, TX)
Located in Amarillo, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is a unique stop on this route that celebrates the western heritage of the United States. The museum showcases over 32,000 pieces of art, artifacts, and archival materials, including a substantial collection of art and photography. The Horses and Heroes gallery honors horses that have touched people's hearts, and the Hall of Fame honors those who have had a big influence on the breed of the quarter horse. Complete your visit with a mouthwatering steak dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, which won't disappoint.
Conclusion
Every traveler's dream is to enjoy an adventure that beautifully encompasses nature's different aspects and preserves essentials of history and culture. This Castle Pines to Amarillo drive through the beautiful natural landscapes of the western United States offers untold possibilities and experiences. From scenic views of the Rocky Mountains to the unique experiences of hiking on a volcano rim, this drive is a winner. The carefully selected points featured in this article offer a plan and highlights of any journey, so exploring them will leave travelers with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So why not plan your trip today and embark on a life memory adventure.