The Best Road Trip from Ball, Louisiana to Longmont, Colorado

Are you planning on hitting the road from Ball, Louisiana to Longmont, Colorado? Then you're in for a treat! This route offers breathtaking scenic views, diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences. However, if you don't know where to go or what to see, it's easy to miss some of the best attractions of the journey.

We've done the research for you, compiling a list of the top places to see on your road trip and highlighting some attractions you don't want to miss. So buckle up, grab your map, and let’s hit the road!

Route 66

If you love iconic American car culture, you can't miss Route 66. Although the original route no longer exists in its entirety, you can still retrace some of its most historic stretches.

A can’t-miss stop on Route 66 is Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. This monument, created by a group of artists, features ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to spray paint the cars, leaving a colorful legacy. Another popular stop along Route 66 is the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Here, you can see an incredible collection of petrified wood and fossils dating back 225 million years.

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon, located about 20 miles southeast of Amarillo, Texas, is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” And for obvious reasons. The canyon is the second-largest in America, stretching for 70 miles with depths of up to 800 feet.

Besides the breathtaking scenery, Palo Duro Canyon also offers plenty of activities for visitors. You can take a guided horseback ride, hike one of the many trails, or catch an outdoor performance of “Texas,” the longest-running musical in America.

Mesa Verde National Park

As you enter Colorado, make sure to stop at the Mesa Verde National Park, which features one of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in the entire country. Through guided tours, visitors get to explore various cliff dwellings, including the famous Cliff Palace.

The park offers a range of activities including hiking, camping, and stargazing, so there’s something for everyone. There's also a museum and visitor center that provide insight into the history and culture of the site.

Garden of the Gods

This impressive site in Colorado Springs, Colorado is a must-see. The Garden of the Gods has picturesque red sandstone formations that are more than 300 million years old.

Visitors can hike, bike, or even rock climb in the park. For a more relaxed experience, you can also drive through the park to see the beautiful views. If you are interested in Native American culture, check out the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, which features a museum and an expansive collection of local arts and crafts.

Rocky Mountain National Park

As you get closer to your destination, you can't miss the Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is breathtakingly beautiful and covers a range of terrains, including mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes.

There are over 300 miles of hiking trails and plenty of wildlife to observe throughout the park. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the incredible views from the many lookout points. The scenic Trail Ridge Road should also not be missed, as it offers incredible views from its 12,000-foot summit.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing places to visit on your road trip from Ball, Louisiana to Longmont, Colorado. Whether you love natural landscapes, cultural attractions, or iconic American landmarks, these stops have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure!