Road trip

Question

Hello everyone, me and my husband are planing a road trip from amarillo , we are thinking of two options , the first one is a road trip around texas, the second is New Mexico and Arizona, we love hiking and nature scenery, good coffee shops and exploring cities , we prefer a warm weather but not a must, any ideas ? And what is a better option (for texas we were thing San Antonio- Austin- Houston and state parks) fro New Mexico and Arizona ( Santa fe - Albuquerque- Sedona) but we are open for any suggestions and ideas thank you so much!

Answer

Both Texas and the New Mexico–Arizona route offer unique experiences, and the best option depends on your interests and the pace you want for your road trip. Since you love hiking, nature, coffee shops, and exploring cities, here’s a detailed comparison and some suggestions for each route.

Option 1: Texas Road Trip (San Antonio – Austin – Houston)

This route focuses on cities with rich culture, history, live music, and good food, with state parks offering outdoor options. Texas can be warm, especially in spring and fall, which fits your preference.

San Antonio: Explore the historic River Walk, the Alamo, and nearby natural areas like Government Canyon State Natural Area or Eisenhower Park for short hikes. The city also has plenty of specialty coffee shops and bakeries.
Austin: Known for live music, coffee culture, and outdoor activities. Consider hiking and kayaking at Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake Trail, or McKinney Falls State Park. Austin’s coffee shops and food scene are exceptional.
Houston: A larger, urban city with museums, parks, and culinary diversity. Hermann Park offers walking paths, and the Buffalo Bayou Park is great for scenic strolls and casual hikes.
State Parks: If you want more nature, you can visit Pedernales Falls, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Austin, or Brazos Bend State Park near Houston for hiking and wildlife.

Pros:

Great food, coffee, and urban culture combined with some nature.
Shorter driving distances between cities compared to the NM–AZ route.
Warmer climate and easier to access amenities.

Cons:

Limited iconic desert and mountain scenery compared to the Southwest.
Fewer dramatic hiking experiences.

Option 2: New Mexico – Arizona Road Trip (Santa Fe – Albuquerque – Sedona)

This route offers stunning landscapes, desert and canyon scenery, historic towns, and excellent hiking. The weather is generally mild and dry, with cooler mornings and warm afternoons.

Santa Fe: Explore the historic plaza, art galleries, and Pueblo architecture. Hiking options include Atalaya Mountain Trail and the Dale Ball Trails nearby. Great coffee shops and New Mexican cuisine abound.
Albuquerque: Take a stroll in Old Town, visit the Sandia Mountains, and ride the Sandia Peak Tramway. Nearby hiking options include the Petroglyph National Monument trails.
Sedona: Famous for red rock formations and scenic hiking trails such as Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock. The town has vibrant art galleries, local coffee shops, and excellent restaurants.
Optional Stops: Consider Taos, White Sands National Park, or Petrified Forest National Park if you want more nature and scenic variety.

Pros:

Stunning desert and canyon landscapes with world-class hiking.
Historic towns with unique culture, art, and cuisine.
Opportunities for outdoor adventures like trails, canyons, and scenic drives.

Cons:

Longer driving distances between some destinations.
Elevation changes in places like Santa Fe might require some acclimation.

Recommendation: If your primary goal is hiking, nature, and dramatic scenery, the New Mexico–Arizona route is more rewarding. If you prefer a mix of city life, food, coffee, and shorter drives, Texas is an easier, more relaxed option. For a balance of both, you could consider starting in New Mexico and including Sedona, with Santa Fe and Albuquerque as shorter city stops.

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