6 days across the West

Ancient adobe ruins under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Explore historic sites, dramatic landscapes, and the beauty of the American Southwest with this six-day road trip from Oklahoma to New Mexico. Tour historic forts, hike up ancient volcanoes, learn about Westward Expansion, and experience the art and culture of Santa Fe and Amarillo as you go.

Duration
6 days
Perfect for
History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and road trip adventurers.
Highlights
Heritage sites, stargazing, hiking, and history.
Days 1-2

Washita Battlefield & Lake Meredith

Two tall trees at Washita Battlefield stand in a sunny, grassy field under a clear blue sky.

Reflect on the past at Washita Battlefield

Visit Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, where  Lt. Col. George Custer attacked a Cheyenne winter village led by Peace Chief Black Kettle in 1868. Gain a deeper understanding of this significant event through exhibits at the visitor center and self-guided walking tours.

Serene lake under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Enjoy Lake Meredith’s serene landscapes

Get up early and make the 125-mile drive from Washita Battlefield to this Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Hike the Harbor Bay (eight miles out and back) or Mullinaw (4.3 miles) trails, or enjoy a day on the water. 

Cadillac sculptures half-buried in a golden wheat field under a blue sky.

Experience history in Amarillo

Explore the town’s downtown historic districts or take in the sites of historic Route 66, such as Cadillac Ranch. 

Days 3-4

Capulin Volcano & Fort Union

Capulin Volcano sign in grassy landscape with distant green hill.

Ancient landscapes

Next on your route is Capulin Volcano National Monument. Drive the scenic Volcano Road to the summit and hike the Crater Rim Trail for a closer look at the ancient volcanic landscape.

Starry night sky over a silhouetted landscape.

Lava fields and bright stars

Take a deeper dive into the region’s geology by hiking the Lava Flow Trail (1 mile loop) or Boca Trail (2 mile loop), then spend the evening enjoying some of the darkest skies in the country. 

Old adobe structures and a wooden cart under a blue sky.

Visit Fort Union

Continue 120 miles to Fort Union National Monument, the largest 19th century fort in New Mexico. Follow the self-guided walking trail or opt for a ranger tour of this historic site.

Days 5-6

Santa Fe & Surroundings

Rustic wooden door with red chili peppers hanging, adobe walls under bright blue sky.

Experience history at Santa Fe Plaza

Drive 95 miles to Santa Fe Plaza, the city’s cultural and historical heart. Visit the New Mexico History Museum, which includes the Palace of the Governors, one of the oldest public buildings in the US.

Adobe building with turquoise trim and tree under a blue sky.

Discover art along Canyon Road

Take a stroll down Canyon Road, a vibrant district lined with art galleries featuring traditional and contemporary Southwestern art.

Sunflower meadow with a mountain backdrop under a cloudy sky.

Pecos National Historical Park

Drive 28 miles outside of Santa Fe to this cultural crossroads, where you can see the Pecos Pueblo and a Spanish mission built in the early 1600s.

Colorful desert sunset over a rocky landscape with distant mountains.
Optional add-on

Add an extra day or two by visiting Bandelier National Monument, a cultural site where you can see cliff dwellings built by the ancestral Puebloans.

Visit Smart

Check the time

This road trip includes destinations in Central and Mountain time zones. Plan accordingly. 

Pack for all weather

The West’s climate can vary significantly. Travelers should bring layers and sun protection. 

Adjust for altitude

The destinations on this trip in New Mexico are over 6,000 feet. Hydrate well and adjust your activity levels if necessary.

Leave no trace

These landscapes and cultural sites remain important to many Indigenous peoples. Visit with respect.

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