Road Tripping from Albuquerque to Lake, Mississippi: Don't Miss These Incredible Stops!
Do you have an itch to take a road trip across the United States? If so, you shouldn’t miss driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico down to Lake, Mississippi. The approximately 1,300-mile journey encompasses many unique experiences that will take you through scenic vistas, historic landmarks, cultural centers, national parks, and more.
To make planning your trip easier, we’ve compiled a list of must-see stops along the way. So, pack up your car, grab your friends or family, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Here are the top places to see on the drive from Albuquerque to Lake, Mississippi.
Explore the Beauty of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The first stop on your road trip from Albuquerque to Lake, Mississippi should be the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which is located in the Guadalupe Mountains in southeastern New Mexico. This park is home to one of the most extensive cave systems in the world, where you can explore incredible limestone formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological features.
You’ll have the option to choose from several self-guided tours, including the Natural Entrance Tour, Big Room Trail, the Left Hand Tunnel, and the Kings Palace. We recommend taking the Natural Entrance Tour, which is a 1.25-mile hike that descends 750 feet underground. Once you arrive in the Big Room, you will be in awe of the chamber's enormous size, which can hold about six football fields.
Experience Native American Culture at Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument marks the spot where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico come together. This unique landmark provides an opportunity to stand simultaneously in four states while viewing incredible views of the surrounding deserts and mountains.
The monument is also a cultural center of the Native American tribes of the Navajo, Ute, and Hopi, historically considered the native communities to have occupied the region. You'll find local tribes' handmade jewelry, pottery, and other crafts available for sale, while performers showcase traditional dances, art, and music.
Visit the Grand Canyon: A Natural Wonder of the World
The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, is a breathtaking natural wonder of the world worth visiting. It is nearly 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep in some areas. You can take a scenic drive along the South Rim, which offers incredible views of the canyon.
If you want a more adventurous experience, hike the Bright Angel Trail or go on a mule ride down to the canyon' s floor. Additionally, you can go skydiving or take a helicopter tour, or simply sit in your car and marvel in the beauty of this magnificent natural wonder.
Get a Taste of Cowboy Living in Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, is like stepping back in time and experiencing the American Old West. The city is known for its stockyards, where people can watch cattle drives, rodeos, and even bulls being ridden.
You can walk through the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, which feature plenty of restaurants serving classic Texan cuisine, western shops selling cowboy gear, and horse barns. In the evening, you can experience the Fort Worth nightlife at one of the many western-themed saloons as you enjoy cold beer, live music, and authentic Texas BBQ.
Explore Elvis Presley's Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi
As you reach the end of your trip to Lake, Mississippi, don't miss out on touring the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The humble two-room house is where Elvis was born in 1935 and lived with his family for the first three years of his life.
Today, the birthplace has been restored as a museum, where you can walk through the family's house, visit his childhood church, and view the museum's artifacts. You can also stroll around the museum's grounds, featuring statues of Elvis and other musicians and soak in the surroundings while enjoying some of the memorabilia.
Conclusion
The road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Lake, Mississippi, is a journey that will expose you to diverse landscapes, cultures, and your inner being. These are just a few of the must-see places along the way that will take your journey from humdrum to adventurous.
Explore the underground wonders at Carlsbad Caverns, immerse yourself in Native American history at the Four Corners Monument, take in the natural marvels of the Grand Canyon, experience the cowboy culture of Fort Worth, and tour the birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll in Tupelo.
We hope this list prepares you for your next unforgettable road trip! So, buckle up, turn up the radio, and let the adventures roll!