Trails of New Mexico & Texas

Day 1 - Fly to Austin

On arrival, make your own way to your hotel. Settle in and get acquainted with the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. Head out in the evening to explore, enjoying a relaxed dinner and drinks.

while live music sets the tone for your first night.

Day 2 - Austin

A full day to explore this eclectic city. Wander along South Congress, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere and vibrant street life. Enjoy a canoe trip along the river, where you may spot local wildlife, including turtles, then cool off with a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Sample Austin’s renowned food scene, famous for its Texan brisket and diverse flavours, before heading to Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the unforgettable spectacle of the city’s bat colony emerging at sunset.

Day 3 – Sonora

Collect your motorhome and begin your adventure, making your way to Sonora, a small Hill Country town known for its scenic landscapes. You may wish to break the journey in charming Fredericksburg for lunch.

Day 4 – Marathon

Depart Sonora along the scenic I‑90 towards Marathon - an early start is recommended for this longer drive. En route, stop at the Pecos River High Bridge Lookout or Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site for striking desert view.

Day 5 – Big Bend National Park

Spend two nights in Big Bend National Park, where vast desert landscapes reveal a raw, untamed beauty. Drift through Santa Elena Canyon, hike the Window Trail and pause for a refined picnic overlooking the Chisos Mountains. As twilight deepens, stargaze beneath impossibly clear skies, where the Milky Way glimmers in breathtaking, undisturbed silence.

Day 6 – Big Bend National Park

A full day to enjoy hiking, scenic drives and world-class stargazing.

Day 7 – Marfa

Travel from Marfa to Carlsbad via the striking landscapes of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where dramatic peaks and rugged desert scenery make for a memorable drive.

Day 8 – Carlsbad

Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad offers a relaxed atmosphere with tree-lined streets, local culture, and intriguing historic sites. Just beyond the city, descend into the immense limestone chambers of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where towering stalactites and cathedral-sized rooms - including the renowned Big Room - create an otherworldly underground landscape.

Day 9 – Alamogordo (White Sands National Park)

Located in the high desert at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, Alamogordo offers a gateway to some of New Mexico’s most striking landscapes. Just 15 minutes away lies one of the world’s great natural wonders - White Sands National Park, where shimmering gypsum dunes stretch across 275 square miles of desert.

Day 10 – Alamogordo (White Sands National Park)

Spend a full day discovering the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park. Arrive early to witness sunrise over the glistening gypsum dunes, then stay through the day to explore the ever-shifting landscape. Break for lunch nearby before returning in the evening, as the dunes glow softly and transform at sunset. End your day in Alamogordo, enjoying a relaxed evening after this unforgettable desert experience.

Day 11 - Albuquerque

Journey from Alamogordo to Albuquerque, travelling via Truth or Consequences, known for its natural hot springs, or opt for a detour to Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its rich birdlife and serene wetlands. This evening, sample the flavours of the Southwest in one of Old Town Albuquerque’s charming and atmospheric restaurants.

Day 12 – Albuquerque

Take to the nearby Sandia Mountains via the scenic tramway, one of the longest in North America, offering sweeping views across the Rio Grande Valley to the rugged peaks beyond. For those seeking adventure, hike the La Luz Trail to reach the summit. You may also wish to visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre for a deeper insight into the region’s rich Native American heritage. Afterwards, consider stopping by one of Albuquerque’s many breweries or tasting rooms to sample local wines and craft beers.

Day 13 – Santa Fe

Leave Albuquerque behind and head to Santa Fe, perhaps stopping en route at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument to explore its striking cone-shaped rock formations and scenic trails. Rich with four centuries of history and legend, Santa Fe sits nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is home to more than 400 restaurants, 250 art galleries, and 19 world-class museums, all within compact, walkable streets. Spend the afternoon exploring Santa Fe Plaza, visiting San Miguel Chapel and Loretto Chapel, or browsing the renowned galleries along Canyon Road.

Day 14 – Santa Fe

Delve deeper into the region’s heritage with a visit to Bandelier National Monument, once inhabited by ancient Puebloan people for over 11,000 years. Back in Santa Fe, continue your cultural journey at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum before heading out to one of the many acclaimed and characterful restaurants.

Day 15 – Roswell

Travel onwards to Roswell, perhaps detouring to Pecos National Historical Park to explore ancient ruins and scenic landscapes, or via Santa Rosa to visit the famous Blue Hole and Santa Rosa Lake State Park. Roswell is home to fascinating museums, including the Roswell Museum and Art Centre and the International UFO Museum, while its streets are dotted with playful alien murals, sculptures and themed attractions that celebrate the city’s famous extraterrestrial connections.

Day 16 – Lubbock

Drive to Lubbock, consider a stop in Brownfield for lunch or a visit to Llano Estacado Winery. Known for its musical heritage, visit the Buddy Holly Centre, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer. In the evening, enjoy live music and local breweries.

Day 17 – Abilene

Continue your journey towards Abilene, taking a scenic detour via Caprock Canyons State Park. Arrive in Abilene, a welcoming Texas town known for its rich Western heritage, vibrant arts scene and emerging culinary scene.

Day 18 – Austin

Leave Abilene early for Austin to return your motorhome, then make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.