Top Places to See When Driving From Amarillo, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada

Are you planning a road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada? This stretch of road is full of unique sights and experiences that you don't want to miss. From natural wonders to man-made attractions, this road trip has something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll highlight our top picks for the best places to see on your journey from Amarillo to Las Vegas.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Located just 30 minutes south of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the best places to stop for a hike and scenic ride. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," the park boasts stunning views of the canyon that stretches across the horizon. With over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, the park offers a variety of ways to explore the beautiful terrain. To fully appreciate the natural beauty, take a horseback ride or scenic drive, which will allow you to see the park's wildlife up close, including bison and pronghorn antelope.

Cadillac Ranch

About 10 minutes west of Amarillo and located along the famous Route 66 is Cadillac Ranch, which is a truly unique and iconic roadside attraction. Created in 1974 by a group of artists, the exhibit displays 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first into the ground. Visitors are invited to spray paint the cars in various colors, leaving their mark on this one-of-a-kind work of art. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and get some fun pictures.

Petroglyphs at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

The Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is an outdoor museum, and is one of the largest petroglyph collections in the Southwest. Located in Tularosa basin, it is just a slight detour from the Amarillo - Vegas route. Though it is a bit off the beaten track, it offers a magnificent experience of historical art if you're interested in seeing truly ancient rock carvings. You can see around 21,000 petroglyphs from about 1000 years ago in the Jornada Mogollon people, and fee it to your artistic spirit at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico, about 90 minutes east of Las Cruces and was classified as a national park in 2019. This park is full of gorgeous, white sand dunes that look like they came straight out of a movie. You can take a scenic drive or hike one of the many trails to observe beautiful white sand formations and have a closer look at the unique plant and animal species that call the park home. Camping, ranger-led programs, and tent camping are also available. This breathtaking scenery is an unforgettable experience that every traveler must-see.

Grand Canyon National Park

Being one among world’s famous natural attractions, the Grand Canyon exists for millions of years. It has been home to various people, evidence shown by its historical landmarks. Situated in Arizona, the drive from Amarillo is around 8-9 hours, but the views that are offered are worth it. This natural wonder can only be truly appreciated in person. You can participate in the guided tours, trekking, hiking or helicopter ride — whatever takes into your heart the most. The Grand Canyon is surely one of the must-include pitstops on the way from Amarillo, TX to Las Vegas, NV.

Last stop: Las Vegas!

The final stop of this road trip is Las Vegas, the famous 'Entertainment Capital of the World,' and the ultimate destination for a relaxing vacation after a long drive. Las Vegas has everything from casinos and world-class shows to exquisite food and shopping. To catch your breath after your long ride, we recommend staying at one of the famous luxury hotels on The Strip, such as the Bellagio, which is more than just a hotel, but an experience in itself with its restaurants, art exhibits, and the iconic Fountains of Bellagio.

In conclusion, this road trip from Amarillo, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada is full of surprises, history, and natural wonders. In each of the destinations on the way, there’s something unique to catch your eye and interest. Bring along a camera and plan each pitstop wisely to have the full advantage of all attractions that this route has to offer!