Rustic Road Trip: From Houston to New Mexico via Scenic Views and Sites

  1. Day 1: Junction, TX
    6 hours 30 minutes (421 miles) from Houston

    Stopover at the charming small town of Junction. Visit the Kimble County Historical Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture. Take a stroll through the Roosevelt Park, a scenic park home to a beautiful lake and walking trails.

  2. Day 2: Fort Davis, TX
    3 hours 20 minutes (201 miles) from Junction

    Visit the Fort Davis National Historic Site, a well-preserved frontier military post from the 1800s. Take a scenic drive through the Chihuahuan Desert and marvel at the beautiful mountain ranges and rock formations.

  3. Day 3: Carlsbad, NM
    2 hours 20 minutes (122 miles) from Fort Davis

    Explore the remarkable underground landscape of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a scenic drive through the park to enjoy the beautiful views.

  4. Day 4: Santa Fe, NM
    4 hours 30 minutes (293 miles) from Carlsbad

    Explore the charming and historic Santa Fe Plaza, home to the Palace of the Governors, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and numerous shops and art galleries. Spend some time at the Bandelier National Monument, a beautiful park rich in history and culture, with trails and ruins for exploration.

  5. Day 5: Taos, NM
    1 hour 30 minutes (74 miles) from Santa Fe

    Visit the beautiful and charming town of Taos, which boasts stunning scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Explore the many art galleries and museums, including the Millicent Rogers Museum, which showcases Native American arts and crafts.

  6. Day 6: Albuquerque, NM
    2 hours 10 minutes (133 miles) from Taos

    Visit Old Town Albuquerque, a historic district brimming with culture and food. Explore the beautiful San Felipe de Neri Church, which is the oldest building in the city. Enjoy an aerial view of the city from the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Time and Cost Estimates:

  • Kimble County Historical Museum (1-2 hours, $5-10)
  • Fort Davis National Historic Site (2-3 hours, $10-20)
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park (4-5 hours, $20-30)
  • Bandelier National Monument (2-3 hours, $10-20)
  • Millicent Rogers Museum (1-2 hours, $5-10)
  • San Felipe de Neri Church (30 minutes - 1 hour, free)
  • Sandia Peak Tramway (2-3 hours, $20-30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $70-150

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can take a detour to the Big Bend National Park to explore its beautiful wilderness. If you have less time, you can skip Junction and head straight to Fort Davis to make up for lost time.

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