Top Five Places to Visit Between Austin, Texas and Scottsdale, Arizona
Are you planning a road trip between Texas and Arizona? If so, then you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled the top five must-visit spots between Austin and Scottsdale, so buckle up and get ready to hit the road.
First, let’s take a look at the route itself. The journey from Austin, Texas to Scottsdale, Arizona is a long one- around 1,000 miles. The most direct route is via I-10 W, which will take you roughly 16 hours to complete. That said, we recommend spending some time exploring the sights and sounds along the way. Here are our top five favorite places to stop:
Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Located in southern New Mexico, this park is home to over 100 caves. Take a guided tour or venture on your own to experience the stunning rock formations and underground vistas.
White Sands National Monument - Also located in southern New Mexico, this national monument is home to the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes. Hike or picnic among the sands, which are constantly shifting and changing.
Saguaro National Park - Further west, you’ll find Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson, Arizona. This park is famous for its cactus forests, including the eponymous saguaro cactus. Drive or hike through the park to take in the sweeping desert vistas.
Biosphere 2 - Just north of Tucson, Biosphere 2 is a unique research facility that includes five biomes within a massive glass structure. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and current experiments.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument - Located in southern Arizona, this park is home to over two dozen species of cactus. Drive the Ajo Mountain Drive or hike one of the many trails to explore the unique desert landscape.
As you make your way from Austin to Scottsdale, take some time to explore these unique destinations. From underground caverns to massive sand dune fields, the route has no shortage of natural wonders to discover. Happy travels!