I think I'm overdue for a road trip - I just spent an hour mapping out a couple of options.
The biggest challenge with the direct route is much of the territory is neither scenic enough nor desolate enough to be particularly memorable. Towns like Plainview and Brownfield got their names for a reason.
With two days to make the trip, I think I'd swing either north or south to see sites I have on my wish list. I don't mind the extra distance, particularly when the speed limit is 75 or 80.
Northern route: Before leaving, watch the
Last Picture Show. Get an early start. Stop for a little sightseeing in Archer City mid-day, picking up a dip cone from the Dairy Queen for the road. Continue toward Amarillo.
Palo Duro Canyon just south of Amarillo is on my list of places to see. I'd think it would be particularly beautiful late in the day with the sun low in the sky. A dusty day with a pretty sunset would be ideal. I see the park is open for day visitors 8-6 in November, except on Friday and Saturday when they stay open until 8. Sunset is around 5:30 in November. I'd get an early start from Ft. Worth and arrive by 2:00 or so there's some time for hiking / sightseeing / picture taking through sunset.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Spend the night in Amarillo, after eating a free steak.
The 72 OZ Steak
On Day 2, get up early enough to get to Taos for lunch after a 5 hour drive. The trip up the forested mountains from the plains is a good one. And chile rellenos....yum.
Before driving into Albuquerque, spend a few hours at either the Taos Pueblo or wandering through some galleries and the old hotel on the square in Santa Fe down the road a bit. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge just NW of Taos is a great option if you prefer panoramic vistas over adobe and R.C. Gorman prints.
The southern route is longer, but has three places I'd like to see: Balmorhea State Park, McDonald Observatory and Guadalupe National Park.
On day one, drive from Ft. Worth to Balmorhea and take a swim in the spring-fed pool after 6 hours in the car. That evening go on down to Ft. Davis and see some stars.
Balmorhea State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Calendar of Events | McDonald Observatory
There's a lodge at the state park, or maybe you could find a place to stay in Ft. Davis or Van Horn.
On day two, there will be many miles on desolate roads. My kind of road trip.
In the morning, there's the road from Van Horn to Guadalupe Mtns. N.P. (Pack a lunch.) In the early afternoon, there's the road from the park to El Paso. I didn't see any signs of civilization along either road when looking at Google maps / photos.
From El Paso, it's a straight 4-hour shot to Albuquerque up I-25.
