Start your road trip with a visit to White Sands National Monument, an area known for its white sand dunes made of gypsum crystals. Spend your day exploring the dunes by hiking, sledding, or taking a scenic drive through the desert landscape.
Head to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a geological wonder featuring limestone caves, colorful formations, and underground chambers. Take a self-guided or ranger-led tour of the caves and don't miss the Bat Flight Program at dusk from May to October.
Explore El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area, a volcanic landscape with lava flows, cinder cones, and sandstone cliffs. Take a scenic drive along the Sandstone Bluffs or hike the many trails in the area.
Visit Bandelier National Monument, a cultural site featuring ancient Pueblo dwellings, rock art, and mesas. Take a self-guided tour of the Main Loop Trail and don't miss the Alcove House. Continue to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, characterized by cone-shaped rock formations and canyons. Take the Tent Rocks Trail and marvel at the unique geology.
End your road trip with a visit to Albuquerque's Old Town, a historic district featuring adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants. Stroll along the narrow streets, visit the San Felipe de Neri Church, and shop for souvenirs at the Plaza.
You will need a car for this road trip. Consider renting a car in Dallas and dropping it off at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport before flying back home. The estimated cost for a midsize car rental is $250-$350 for 5 days. The total travel time for the road trip is around 22 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby attractions such as Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, or Taos Pueblo. If you have less time, skip El Malpais and make it a 4-day trip.
Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) is the major airport serving Albuquerque with flights from major US cities. It is located 4 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque.