3-Day Southern Route Road Trip from Fallston, MD to Taos, NM Exploring Significant Earth Structures

Day 1: Mammoth Cave Exploration

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sunrise Cafe

Enjoy a hearty southern-style breakfast at this cozy local spot, perfect fuel for the day ahead.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Mammoth Cave Tour

Explore the world's longest known cave system with guided tours that showcase stunning underground earth formations and history.
USD25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Green River Grill

Savor a tasty lunch featuring local ingredients and southern flavors near the park entrance.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Surface Nature Trails

Walk some of the scenic above-ground trails at Mammoth Cave National Park to see the natural landscape and wildlife.
Included with park admission, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive toward Nashville, TN

Begin the drive southwest towards Tennessee, staying overnight near Nashville for rest before next day's journey.
USD50 for lodging, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Southern Steak & Oyster

Dine on fresh Southern-inspired dishes with a lively atmosphere in downtown Nashville.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Great Sand Dunes Adventure

Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO on June 6, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry, Nashville

Start with delicious pancakes and classic breakfast fare to fuel an early start.
USD15, 1h0m

7:45am

Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park

Long scenic drive west across Tennessee, Arkansas and into Colorado, arriving by afternoon.
USD60 for fuel approx., 6h30m

2:15pm

Lunch picnic at the park

Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park to maximize time enjoying the dunes.
USD10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Great Sand Dunes

Hike and play on the massive sand dunes, the tallest in North America, with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
USD25 admission, 3h0m

7:00pm

Overnight in Alamosa, CO

Drive into nearby Alamosa for lodging and dinner after an active day.
USD70 lodging, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Michel's Italian Restaurant

Relax with classic Italian dishes and a fine ambiance after a physically demanding day.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tent Rocks and Arrival

Taos, NM on June 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at RJ's Cafe in Alamosa

Enjoy a filling breakfast with local flair before setting off for New Mexico.
USD12, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Tent Rocks National Monument, NM

Head southwest into New Mexico for a stop at the unique tent-shaped rock formations.
USD15 fuel approx., 5h0m

1:00pm

Hike Tent Rocks Trails

Explore the well-marked trails among surreal cone-shaped rock formations created by volcanic activity.
USD5 parking fee, 2h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at a local eatery, Cochiti Pueblo

Taste Native American inspired cuisine a short drive from Tent Rocks.
USD18, 1h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Taos, NM

Complete your journey by heading north to your final destination in Taos.
USD10 fuel approx., 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lambert's of Taos

Celebrate the end of your journey with upscale Southwestern cuisine and an extensive wine list.
USD40, 1h30m
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