Best Places to See When Driving from Alamogordo, NM to Scottsdale, AZ

The road trip from Alamogordo, New Mexico, to Scottsdale, Arizona, promises to be one of the most stunning drives of your life. With magical scenery, historic landmarks, and natural wonders, you'll enjoy every mile on the two-lane highways that connect the two cities. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top places to see on this road trip.

So, fuel up your car, put on your favorite tunes, and hit the road with us!

1. White Sands National Park

The first on our list is the White Sands National Park, the largest gypsum dunefield in the world. Marvel at the rolling dunes of pure white sand, and capture a photo that will take your breath away. You can also hike the Dune Life Nature Trail, a one-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the dunefield.

If you visit in the summer months, catch a sunset at the park and enjoy the Full Moon Night program. During the winter months, go snowshoeing on the snow-white dunes.

2. Mesilla Plaza

The next stop on our road trip is the Mesilla Plaza, a charming adobe town that offers a glimpse into the wild west. The town was once a stop along the El Camino Real and is home to the historic La Posta restaurant. Savor delicious Mexican dishes while enjoying the ambiance of Old Mesilla.

Stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Check out the San Albino Basilica, where Billy the Kid's trial took place.

3. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Located in southern Arizona, Kartchner Caverns State Park is an underground wonderland of intricate limestone cave formations. Take the Throne Room Tour, a guided tour that takes you through the massive cave chambers to see the 58-foot-high Kubla Khan stalactite.

Go for a hike in the park and see the Huachuca Mountains in the distance. Catch a glimpse of wildlife like deer, black bears, or foxes.

4. Saguaro National Park

The Saguaro National Park is a vast desert landscape, home to the iconic saguaro cacti that symbolizes the American Southwest. The park's two districts, the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District, offer visitors hiking opportunities with panoramic views, picnic areas, and natural water features. Drive the scenic Bajada Loop Drive, a five-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the cacti forest.

5. Sabino Canyon

The Sabino Canyon is situated in the Santa Catalina Mountains, northeast of Tucson. It’s a perfect destination for hiking, biking, or a picnic amidst the stunning desert beauty. Try the Seven Falls Trail, a 4.8-mile hike that leads to a series of seven stunning waterfalls cascading from the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Take the Sabino Canyon tram if you're a fan of panoramic views without the walking. The 45-minute tram ride takes you through one of the most scenic spots in Arizona, including towering mountains, streams, and a diverse variety of plants and wildlife.

Conclusion

Now that you have our list of the top places to see when driving from Alamogordo, NM to Scottsdale, AZ, we hope you'll have the best road-tripping experience.

From the white sand dunes to the historic Mesilla Plaza, to the stunning caves of Kartchner Caverns State Park, and the fantastic Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon, there's a lot to do and see on this road trip.

So, pack up your car and hit the road to enjoy the crisp desert air, the stunning views, and the full enjoyment of the American Southwest.