Points of Interest between Carlsbad, New Mexico to Show Low, Arizona

picture of Carlsbad, New Mexico

A Road Trip Adventure: Carlsbad, NM to Show Low, AZ

Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Traveling from Carlsbad, New Mexico to Show Low, Arizona is a great way to see some of the natural wonders of the Southwest. Along the way, you'll find small towns, beautiful vistas, and some fantastic attractions. Here are the top five places you don't want to miss on this epic road trip.

Socorro, NM: The Halfway Point

About halfway between Carlsbad and Show Low, you'll find the charming town of Socorro, New Mexico. Socorro is home to a historic downtown, which is a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. In addition to great restaurants and shops, Socorro is also home to some fascinating museums, including the New Mexico Tech Mineral Museum and the Hammel Museum. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural charm, Socorro is a great place to stop on your road trip.

Top Five Places to See

  1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park: One of the most impressive natural wonders in the Southwest, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-see for anyone traveling in the area. The park is home to over a hundred caves, with the most famous being the Big Room. Visitors can explore the caves on their own or take a guided tour. In addition to the cave system, the park also offers hiking trails and stunning vistas.

  2. White Sands National Park: Another natural wonder that you don't want to miss is White Sands National Park. Located in southern New Mexico, the park is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the dunes or hike the numerous trails. The park is also a great place for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in the country.

  3. Petrified Forest National Park: Heading east from Socorro, you'll find Petrified Forest National Park. This unique park is home to some of the largest and most colorful petrified wood in the world. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the park or hike the numerous trails. The park is also home to ancient rock art and some fascinating geological formations.

  4. Meteor Crater: Just outside of Winslow, Arizona, you'll find Meteor Crater. This massive hole in the ground was created by a meteor impact around 50,000 years ago. Visitors can take a guided tour of the crater or explore the Interactive Discovery Center. The crater is a great place to learn about geology and the history of our planet.

  5. Sunrise Ski Resort: The final stop on our road trip is the Sunrise Ski Resort in eastern Arizona. This popular ski destination offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking in the summer. In addition to great outdoor activities, the resort also offers dining and lodging options for visitors.

Best Route for This Trip

If you're planning to make this road trip, the best route is to take Highway 285 from Carlsbad to Socorro, then head east on Highway 60 to Petrified Forest National Park. From there, you can head north on Highway 180 to Meteor Crater and on to Show Low. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the Southwest, making for a truly unforgettable road trip.

So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun and exciting road trip, the route from Carlsbad to Show Low won't disappoint.