Top Places to See When Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Bakersfield, California

If you're planning a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Bakersfield, California, you're in for a treat! This 788-mile journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the United States. From desert vistas and rugged mountains to charming small towns and thriving cities, there's something for everyone on this road trip.

To help you make the most of your journey, we've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Albuquerque to Bakersfield. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, you're sure to find something that piques your interest on this list.

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort

Starting off your journey from Albuquerque, you can begin with a relaxing stop at the Sunrise Springs Spa Resort. The resort can be found in Santa Fe, which is a 30 minutes drive north of Albuquerque. This resort is perfect to spend a day or a weekend relaxing, taking their Yoga or Tai Chi classes, enjoying a massage or getting involved in their art activities.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can participate in their Equine Experience and learn about horse psychology. They also have walking trails, a greenhouse, swimming pool and hot tubs. And the best part? They have a farm to table restaurant utilizing their fresh produce and the honey that their resident bees produce.

Petrified Forest National Park

Continuing west on I-40, you'll cross into Arizona, where you can visit the Petrified Forest National Park. The park is named for its colorful, petrified wood, which has been preserved for millions of years. Visitors can hike through the park's badlands, marvel at the rainbow-colored petrified wood, and explore ancient pueblo ruins.

A particular site to see is the Crystal Forest, where you can see the reflections of petrified wood on crystals. Do not forget to take a scenic drive along their 28-mile route that goes from one end of the park to the other and passes through all of the park's major sights such as Blue Mesa, Newspaper rock, and the Painted Desert.

Grand Canyon National Park

From Petrified Forest National Park, it is a two and a half hours drive to the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, receiving over five million visitors every year. This geological wonder is over 1.5 miles deep and 277 miles long.

Visitors can hike, raft, and bike through the park, and enjoy panoramic views of the canyon from observation platforms and overlooks. The park also has several lodges, restaurants, and ranger-led programs.

Las Vegas, Nevada

After marveling at the Grand Canyon, you can continue your journey westward into Nevada and make a stop at Las Vegas. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a first-time visitor, there's something for everyone in Las Vegas. You can enjoy a live show, indulge in a gourmet meal, and try your luck at the slot machines, all within the glittering confines of the Las Vegas Strip.

For something different than the casinos and glitz, you could visit downtown Las Vegas to see their historic district. It includes casinos that have been updated as well as museums and galleries.

Joshua Tree National Park

Continuing west from Las Vegas, you'll pass through the Mojave National Preserve before reaching Joshua Tree National Park. The park spans two distinct desert ecosystems, and it's named for the abundant Joshua trees that grow there. Visitors can hike, climb, and camp in the park, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Some of the top activities visitors do include rock climbing, stargazing, and hiking to the park's famous Arch Rock.

Conclusion

There you have it - our top picks for places to see when driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Bakersfield, California. This road trip offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, and it's sure to leave you with lasting memories. From the spa resort in Santa Fe to the rugged landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, each stop on this journey is well worth the visit. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!