6 Epic Stops + Real-Life Itinerary
If you’re looking for a real-life, doable Southwest road trip from Texas, this is the exact route we just did for spring break—and it might be one of my favorite routes yet.
Think: desert sunsets, slot canyons, giant cacti, and lots of memories made!
Overview of the Route
- Start: Dallas, TX
- States: Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → back to Texas
- Total Time: 6 days
- Stops: Albuquerque, Tent Rocks, Canyon de Chelly, Saguaro, Chiricahua, White Sands
Day 1: Drive to Albuquerque + Sunset Views
After a long travel day from Texas, we made it to Albuquerque, NM just in time for sunset—and WOW, this is such an underrated stop.
What to do:
- Head up to Sandia Crest (or nearby overlooks) for sunset
- Take Dramamine if you get carsick – that road up to the peak is no joke!
- Watch the mountains turn pink + gold
Why it’s worth it – This is the perfect way to kick off the trip without overpacking your first day.
Where to stay – Anywhere in Albuquerque for easy access to the next day’s drive. We stayed at Home2Suites by Hilton and had a lovely stay in a spacious room!
Day 2: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
This was one of the most unique hikes we’ve done—slot canyon + cone-shaped rock formations = unreal.
What to do:
- Hike the Cave Loop + Slot Canyon Trail
- Climb the ladder (kids will LOVE this spot)
- Don’t miss the overlook at the top
Important tips:
- You must have a reservation to enter
- You also need a Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Access Pass
- Go early to avoid crowds + heat
- You’ll check-in at the Visitor Center and then follow a pilot truck to the actual site
- Tent Rocks is open Thursdays – Mondays at 8:00 am and the last pilot truck leaves at 1:00 pm
Time needed: 2–3 hours
From Tent Rocks, we drove to Farmington, NM and stayed the Holiday Inn Express before venturing onto the Arizona!
Day 3: Canyon de Chelly National Monument
One of the most underrated places in the Southwest—and honestly, it surprised us.
What to do:
- Hike the White House Trail (only trail you can do without a guide)
- Stop at scenic overlooks along the rim
Why it’s special – You’re looking at ancient cliff dwellings AND massive canyon views—without the crowds of bigger parks.
Time needed: Half day
We drove straight to Tucson, AZ after visiting this site. We stayed two nights at Townplace Suites by Marriott in Tucson, and really enjoyed the spacious room and the breakfast was delicious! The pool was great, too!
Day 4: Saguaro National Park (Tucson, AZ)
This is where you get those iconic giant cactus views—especially at sunset
What to do:
- Split your time between morning + sunset
- Drive the scenic loop
- Short hikes for max cactus views
- Eat at Saguaro Corners Restaurant and Bar
Best areas:
- Saguaro West (Tucson Mountain District) for sunset
- Saguaro East (Rincon Mountain District) for fewer crowds
Pro tip – Plan to come back in the evening—this was one of our BEST sunsets of the trip.
Day 5: Chiricahua National Monument
This place feels like a hidden wonderland—and most people skip it. Rumor has it, it might become our next National Park!
What to do:
- Hike among the rock pinnacles (“standing up rocks”)
- Do a shorter loop if traveling with kids
- We hiked the Echo Canyon Loop and loved it
- Eat at La Unica Restaurant and Tortilleria when you finish exploring – it’s so good!
Why it’s worth it – Totally different landscape from anywhere else on this trip.
Time needed: 2–4 hours
From here, we drove to Las Cruces, NM for the night. We stayed at Townplace Suites here and it was another nice, spacious hotel!
Day 6: White Sands National Park + Drive Home
Ending the trip at White Sands was the perfect finale—and also the start of our drive back to Texas.
What to do:
- Walk out onto the dunes
- Let kids run + play
- Bring sleds if you have them or you can rent them at the Visitor Center
Best time to go – Morning or sunset for cooler temps + best lighting
Once we finished exploring the dunes, we drove straight back home to Dallas (about 9.5 hours).
The Reality Check (Because This Is Real-Life)
- Yes, this trip is FAST-PACED
- Yes, the drive home is LONG
- And yes… it is 100% worth it
This is one of those trips where every single stop feels completely different—which keeps it fun for both kids and adults.
Tips for Planning This Trip
- Book Tent Rocks reservations early
- Download offline maps (service is spotty!)
- Pack layers (desert temps swing a LOT)
- Bring snacks + water—distances are real out here
Optional Add-On Ideas
If you have more time, check out:
We really enjoyed our Southwest spring break road trip! Follow along to see where we end up next!
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