If you’re craving wide-open roads, fun roadside stops, and some of the Southwest’s coolest sights, this road trip is perfect for you.
You’ll start in Dallas then roll through cowboy towns, desert museums, wild terrain, and even an alien crash site.
This route offers it all, from history and mystery to mountain views and one seriously epic ending that’s been millions of years in the making.
So fill up the tank and get ready for the ultimate Dallas to Grand Canyon adventure, because you won’t want to miss a single stop.
1. Dallas, TX
Located in North Texas, Dallas is one of the state’s largest cities and just a 30-minute drive from Fort Worth.
It’s known for big sports, mouthwatering BBQ, bold skylines, and the iconic Reunion Tower with its glowing ball that lights up the night.
History fans can check out Dealey Plaza, where President JFK was assassinated, and visit The Sixth Floor Museum at the old Texas School Book Depository.
And if you’ve got time before hitting the road, swing by the Dallas Arboretum or grab some tacos at Fuel City, a gas station famous for its late-night snacks.
2. Fort Worth Stockyards, TX
Just a quick 35-minute drive from Dallas, the Fort Worth Stockyards feel like stepping into an Old West movie, complete with real longhorns.
This historic district is known for its cattle drive, where actual cowboys lead a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
After the show, you can wander through the Stockyards Station shops, catch a rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, or grab a plate of smoked brisket at Riscky’s BBQ.
Don’t skip the White Elephant Saloon either, a staple since the 1800s with a vintage vibe and live country music almost every night.
3. Frontier Texas!, Abilene, TX
The next stop is Abilene, about two hours and twenty minutes from the Stockyards and home to the popular history museum: Frontier Texas!
This interactive museum uses holograms and sound effects to re-create the Old West, sharing stories from buffalo hunters, Comanche warriors, and early settlers.
You can even walk through a simulated prairie thunderstorm or feel the rumble of a buffalo stampede in the Experience Theater.
It’s a full-on experience that makes you feel like you time-traveled straight to the 1800s.
4. Llano Estacado Winery, TX
Around 2.5 hours from Abilene, Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock is a hidden gem in Texas wine country.
It’s one of the oldest wineries in West Texas and has been producing award-winning wines since 1976 using grapes grown right in the High Plains.
For some behind-the-scenes action, join a tour of the production room, then relax in the tasting room with a glass of their signature Sweet Red.
If you visit in the fall, you might see the harvest celebration happening, and sipping wine among the vines makes the experience even better.
5. International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell, NM
Ready for some alien encounters? Make your way to Roswell, New Mexico, home to the legendary International UFO Museum and Research Center.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the 1947 Roswell Incident featuring newspaper archives, magazines, and theories about what might have landed in the desert.
And yes, you’ll also come across alien models, flying-saucer displays, and pop-culture nods to the extraterrestrial.
It’s quirky, it’s weird, and whether you’re a true believer or just in it for the laughs, it’s absolutely worth the stop.
6. Sandia Peak Tramway, NM
Roughly three hours from Roswell, the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque offers breathtaking views across the Southwest.
This cable car climbs 2.7 miles up the Sandia Mountains, lifting you from the desert floor to the 10,378-foot peak in just 15 minutes.
At the top, you’ll see sweeping landscapes that stretch across 11,000 square miles, with hiking trails and a mountain-side restaurant called TEN 3 nearby.
If you can, stick around for sunset, when the mountains glow pink and earn their name “Sandia,” which means watermelon in Spanish.
7. Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Next up is Petrified Forest National Park, one of the strangest and most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see.
This park is filled with ancient trees that turned to stone over 200 million years ago, now scattered across the desert like a giant rock garden.
For a closer look, drive the 28-mile park road, which winds past Blue Mesa’s striped badlands and the sparkling petrified logs of Crystal Forest.
Weird, colorful, and totally prehistoric, this place feels like walking through a movie set that just happens to be real.
8. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, AZ
A little over an hour from Petrified Forest, you’ll reach Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
This massive crater spans nearly a mile across and drops about 560 feet deep, created by a meteor that struck Earth around 50,000 years ago.
There’s also a visitor center with space exhibits, an actual chunk of the meteor on display, and guided rim tours that give you wild views into the crater.
It looks like a real sci-fi crash site, making it a must for space enthusiasts.
9. Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
After all the miles and memorable stops, your road trip ends at the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.
Spanning 277 miles long and plunging more than a mile deep, this natural wonder was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
For jaw-dropping views, you can walk along the Rim Trail, hike down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail, or catch sunrise at Mather Point.
And if you’re ready for full adventure mode, book a rafting trip or a mule ride, because nothing beats seeing the Grand Canyon from deep inside.
Related Posts
