Forum Discussion

2chiefsRus's avatar
2chiefsRus
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017

Atlanta GA to Albuquerque, NM

Retirees with some time on our hands leaving tomorrow. We had intended to stop to see the Memorial at Oklahoma City but just realized that the marathon is this weekend. Tons of people not our cup of tea so that will have to wait for another time. Would like to get off the interstates for a while. Any suggestions on US or State Highways with things to see on the way? We are hiking from North to South Rim of Grand Canyon at the end of May.

We are interested in National Parks (have hiked in 32 of them so far) ; not so interested in shopping. Nice trails to hike along the way would be nice.

Appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.
Roads and Routes
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2017
    Thanks 2gypsies. Two great suggestions there - we loved both of them when we were there. We are REALLY excited about the Rim to Rim. We have hiked from South down South Kaibab Trail and back out on Bright Angel Trail on two different occasions but this will be our first Rim to Rim. That is part of why we are finding it difficult to focus on trip planning in the meantime.

    trailertraveler - will take a look at your links today. Thank you!

    On Friday, we have decided to do the lower portion of the Natchez Trace Route from Jackson MS to Natchez, MS.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Apr 27, 2017
    Awesome to hike the Canyon! We just did the Bright Angel down to meet the rafts for our trip and we were exhausted from just the 'down' part!

    A little out of your way but Guadalupe Mountain Nat' Park has a good workout trail up to the peak. We've done that one.

    What about some of the Arkansas state parks? Hot Springs Nat'l Park?
  • trailertraveler's avatar
    trailertraveler
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2017
    Just South of Amarillo, there is Palo Duro Canyon State Park. US-60 is a good 2 lane from Amarillo West to I-25.

    In and near Grants, a little West of Albuquerque, are the Mining Museum, El Malpais National Monument, El Malpais National Conservation Area, El Moro National Monument and the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano.

    Tucumcari still has dinners along Historic Route 66 and numerous murals painted on buildings plus other attractions. Santa Rosa is another Route 66 town and has the The Blue Hole and Santa Rosa Lake State Park which has a nice campground.
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2017
    thanks Busskipper. Thanks for the suggestion on Canyon De Chelly, we have been there before but you are correct, it is very nice too.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2017
    2chiefsRus wrote:
    Retirees with some time on our hands leaving tomorrow. We had intended to stop to see the Memorial at Oklahoma City but just realized that the marathon is this weekend. Tons of people not our cup of tea so that will have to wait for another time. Would like to get off the interstates for a while. Any suggestions on US or State Highways with things to see on the way? We are hiking from North to South Rim of Grand Canyon at the end of May.

    We are interested in National Parks (have hiked in 32 of them so far) ; not so interested in shopping. Nice trails to hike along the way would be nice.

    Appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.


    Look over this Option

    When you leave Alburquerque, think about checking out Canyon de Chelly, it will get you in the right frame of mind for the Hike Across the Grand Canyon.

    Best of Luck,

About Bucket List Trips

13,487 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025