The American Southwest is a region rich in history and breathtaking landscapes. Taking a road trip through this area offers a unique way to explore its diverse culture and natural beauty. From ancient ruins to iconic desert vistas, each stop tells a story of the past. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, these historic road trips provide an unforgettable journey.
Route 66: Arizona to New Mexico
This iconic road trip along Route 66 covers about 400 miles from Arizona into New Mexico. The journey is filled with historic landmarks, old motels, and classic diners that capture the spirit of mid-20th-century Americana. Traffic is generally light, especially outside of major cities, making it a relaxing drive. You’ll pass through stunning desert landscapes and charming small towns that feel frozen in time.
Monument Valley Loop: Arizona to Utah
The Monument Valley Loop is a 17-mile drive that takes you through one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest. Known for its towering red sandstone formations, this road offers breathtaking views at every turn. Traffic is light, but the road can be dusty and rough in places, so be prepared for a slower pace. The loop provides plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the majestic scenery.
Santa Fe to Taos Scenic Byway: New Mexico
This 56-mile drive from Santa Fe to Taos is a journey through the heart of New Mexico’s cultural and artistic heritage. The road winds through mountain passes, ancient pueblos, and charming villages. Traffic is moderate, especially during peak tourist season, but the scenic views make it worth the trip. The route is rich with history, offering stops at historic churches, art galleries, and traditional markets.
The Loneliest Road: Nevada’s Highway 50
Stretching across 287 miles of Nevada, Highway 50 is often called “The Loneliest Road in America.” This road trip offers a stark, beautiful landscape of open desert, mountain ranges, and historic ghost towns. Traffic is incredibly light, giving you the feeling of having the vast, rugged landscape all to yourself. It’s a peaceful, introspective journey with plenty of opportunities to explore remnants of the Old West.
Apache Trail: Arizona
The Apache Trail is a 40-mile scenic drive through the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. This historic route was originally a stagecoach trail and is now known for its rugged beauty and challenging twists and turns. Traffic is light, but the road is narrow and unpaved in some sections, requiring careful driving. The trail offers stunning views of canyons, desert flora, and the famous Roosevelt Dam.
Petrified Forest National Park: Arizona
A 28-mile road through Petrified Forest National Park offers a glimpse into the prehistoric past. The drive takes you through landscapes filled with petrified wood, ancient fossils, and colorful badlands. Traffic is light, making it easy to take your time and enjoy the natural wonders. There are several pullouts along the way where you can stop, explore, and learn about the park’s geological history.
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro: New Mexico
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro is a historic road that stretches 400 miles from El Paso, Texas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This road trip follows one of North America’s oldest trade routes, used by Spanish explorers and Native Americans. Traffic is generally light, especially outside urban areas, allowing for a peaceful drive. The route is dotted with historic missions, trading posts, and cultural sites that offer a deep dive into the region’s history.
The Extraterrestrial Highway: Nevada
The Extraterrestrial Highway, or State Route 375, is a 98-mile road that runs through the remote Nevada desert. Known for its proximity to Area 51, this road is steeped in UFO lore and mystery. Traffic is light, adding to the eerie, isolated feel of the drive. Along the way, you’ll encounter quirky roadside attractions, vast desert vistas, and maybe even a UFO or two.
Canyon de Chelly Scenic Drive: Arizona
This 130-mile drive takes you through the heart of the Navajo Nation, offering stunning views of Canyon de Chelly’s sandstone cliffs and ancient ruins. The road is paved and well-maintained, with light traffic most of the year. You’ll pass several overlooks where you can stop to admire the canyon’s beauty and learn about its rich Native American history. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere makes this a serene and reflective journey.
Historic Route 66: California to Arizona
This 315-mile stretch of Route 66 takes you from the California desert into Arizona, offering a nostalgic journey through the American Southwest. The road is lined with vintage motels, classic diners, and quirky roadside attractions. Traffic is moderate, especially near larger towns, but the open stretches of desert highway are generally quiet. It’s a road trip filled with history, charm, and a sense of the open road.
Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway: New Mexico
The Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway is a 50-mile drive connecting Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The road winds through historic mining towns, art galleries, and stunning desert landscapes. Traffic is light, making it an enjoyable and leisurely drive. Along the way, you can explore the quirky towns of Madrid and Cerrillos, known for their rich history and artistic communities.
Grand Circle Tour: Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico
The Grand Circle Tour is a 1,200-mile loop that takes you through some of the most famous national parks in the American Southwest. The route covers Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and more, offering unparalleled natural beauty and geological wonders. Traffic varies depending on the season, with heavier traffic in the summer months. Despite the potential crowds, the awe-inspiring landscapes make this an unforgettable road trip.
Highway 163: Arizona to Utah
Highway 163 is a 64-mile stretch that runs through Monument Valley, one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. The road offers breathtaking views of towering buttes and wide-open desert plains. Traffic is generally light, but be prepared for slow-moving vehicles as drivers stop to take in the scenery. The drive is relatively short, but the dramatic landscape makes it a must-see.
The Trail of the Ancients: Colorado and Utah
The Trail of the Ancients is a 480-mile loop that explores the ancient cultural sites of the Four Corners region. The route takes you through archaeological sites, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs that tell the story of the region’s ancient inhabitants. Traffic is light, and the road is well-maintained, making for an easy and fascinating drive. It’s a journey through time, offering a deep connection to the history of the American Southwest.
The Devil’s Highway: Arizona
Formerly known as Route 666, the Devil’s Highway is a 200-mile road that runs through the remote desert of southeastern Arizona. The road is infamous for its challenging terrain and eerie reputation. Traffic is extremely light, with long stretches of isolated desert road. The drive offers stunning desert vistas and a sense of adventure, but be prepared for the isolation and the road’s rugged conditions.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: New Mexico
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is an 83-mile loop that takes you through the scenic mountains of northern New Mexico. The route passes through quaint towns, lush forests, and open meadows, offering a diverse landscape. Traffic is moderate, especially during peak tourist seasons, but the road is well-maintained and easy to navigate. It’s a beautiful drive that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of New Mexico.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: Arizona
This 14-mile drive through Oak Creek Canyon is often considered one of the most beautiful drives in Arizona. The road winds through a stunning red rock canyon, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to plan for an early start. Despite the traffic, the drive is worth it for the stunning scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the canyon.
Historic Columbia River Highway: Oregon
The Historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile road that takes you through the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Though it’s outside the traditional boundaries of the Southwest, this road trip offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, lush forests, and historic landmarks. Traffic can be heavy during peak seasons, but the road is well worth the drive for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The highway is a testament to early 20th-century engineering and offers a unique blend of natural and man-made beauty.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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