not many mountains or trees, but interesting: I would drop down I-25 to US380 through Roswell NM, Carlsbad, Fort Stockton, Pecos. At Pecos, take I-20 west to I-10 east, then stop at Balmorhea State Park. (or you can take Hwy 17 south from Pecos and then west (right) on I-10) shorter but 2 lane hwy in middle of nowhere. The state park is very unique. Then I would stop in Kerrville TX and Fredericksburg. Lots to see and do in that area. Stop in Luckenbach TX near Fredericksburg. Very small place but way cool. In Fredericksburg see National Museum of Pacific War and eat at German restaurants. To get off I-10, use US190 east to Brady then south to Fredericksburg. Then Austin and Round Rock TX. From Round Rock take US290 east to Hwy 8 outer loop through Houston. Take US90 east to Beaumont. I-10 to Lake Charles. At Vinton, take US90 to I-310 to New Orleans. Side trip to Avery Island to the Tabasco Factory off US90 south of Lafayette LA.