Best Places to See on a Road Trip from Albuquerque, NM to Tulsa, OK
Are you planning a road trip from Albuquerque, NM to Tulsa, OK and looking for the best places to see along the way? You're in luck! This beautiful part of America has plenty of awesome attractions, from historic sites to natural wonders. With almost 700 miles to cover on this route, you'll find a range of landscapes, cultures, and cuisines to explore. So buckle up, grab your road trip snacks, and let's hit the road!
Best Places to Stop on a Road Trip from Albuquerque, NM to Tulsa, OK
The Painted Desert, AZ
The Painted Desert is a desert area in northern Arizona, directly adjacent to the Petrified Forest National Park. The striking landscape features rocky outcrops, mesas, and buttes in shades of red, purple, brown, and gray. It's a photographer's paradise! You can drive through the park, or even take a hike to see fossilized logs, ancient petroglyphs, and panoramic vistas. Don't forget your sunscreen and water bottles, as it can get quite hot and dry.
Meteor Crater, AZ
Meteor Crater is the world's best-preserved meteorite impact site, located in Winslow, Arizona. It's over 50,000 years old and was created by a giant asteroid that hit the Earth's surface with an explosive force of 10 million tons of TNT. The result? A magnificent crater that's 550 feet deep and almost a mile wide. You can take a guided tour, see real space artifacts, and learn about the history and science of meteorites. It's a truly unique and fascinating experience!
Santa Fe Plaza, NM
Santa Fe Plaza is the heart and soul of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's the oldest public square in the United States, dating back to the early 1600s when Spanish settlers built a presidio (fort) and a chapel there. Today, it's a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike, featuring art galleries, shops, restaurants, museums, and music performances. You can also see the famous Palace of the Governors, a historic adobe building that dates back to 1610 and houses a museum of New Mexico history.
Palo Duro Canyon, TX
Palo Duro Canyon is a hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle region, just South of Amarillo. It's the second-largest canyon in the United States, next to the Grand Canyon, and offers spectacular views of rugged rock formations, colorful cliffs, and vast prairie grasslands. You can drive, hike, bike, or horseback ride through the canyon trails, or even attend a live outdoor musical drama called "Texas" in the summer months. It's a must-see destination for nature lovers!
Oklahoma City National Memorial, OK
The Oklahoma City National Memorial is a poignant tribute to the victims and survivors of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. It's a solemn and beautiful memorial that features an interactive museum, a reflecting pool, a survivor tree, and a field of empty chairs to honor the 168 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. It's a reminder of the resilience and compassion of the American people in times of crisis.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our top recommendations for the best places to see on a road trip from Albuquerque, NM to Tulsa, OK. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or science, you'll find something to amaze and inspire you on this trip. So pack your bags, put on your favorite tunes, and hit the open road. Happy travels!