Welcome to the Native Southwest Trip. In this post, we’ve mapped out our exciting adventure in detail, so you can join us from the comfort of your home. Let’s hit the road together!
Table of Contents
Full List of Posts
- Pecos, Cochiti, and Bandalier: Connecting the Puebloan Dots
We explored the Cochiti Pueblo’s Feast Day and its Corn Dance, visited Bandelier National Monument’s cliff dwellings, and tested our heights at Alcove House. At Valles Caldera, we enjoyed the cool weather and wildlife. Our tour ended at Pecos Pueblo, highlighting Spanish contact, the Pueblo Revolt, and the Civil War’s Glorieta Pass battle. - Taos and Los Alamos, New Mexico: Earthships and Powwows!
Our journey through Los Alamos and Taos highlighted New Mexico’s blend of history and modern innovation. In Los Alamos, we explored the birthplace of the atomic age and reflected on its impact. In Taos, we camped, attended a Powwow, savored local cuisine, crossed the Rio Gorge Bridge, and visited sustainable Earthship homes. - Chaco Culture National Historical Park
A journey through Aztec Ruins and Chaco Canyon, exploring ancient Puebloan culture. The trip highlights the Aztec Ruins National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and mysterious architectural marvels like Pueblo Bonito and the Sun Dagger. Celestial connections, advanced engineering, and rich history create an unforgettable experience in the Southwest. - Mesa Verde National Park: Delving into Pueblan Culture
A scenic 6.5-hour drive from Bryce to Mesa Verde includes a stop at Arches National Park and car trouble resolved by a good Samaritan. At Mesa Verde, we explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, kivas, the Cultural Center in Cortez, and learn about Ute tribal origins and the great Pueblo migration mystery. - Bryce Canyon National Park
Our family had an incredible camping trip at Bryce Canyon National Park, starting with a scenic drive from Zion. We enjoyed biking paths, explored Fairyland Canyon, and hiked iconic trails like the Queen Victoria and Navajo Loop. We also visited Mossy Cave, and took in stunning views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante. - Zion National Park or Mukuntuweap
Nestled in the Paiute Indians’ sacred lands, Zion National Park, with its rich history and stunning scenery, remains a haven for visitors. In 2024, it is expected to welcome 5 million guests. The park offers camping, biking, swimming, epic hikes, and educational ranger programs, providing unforgettable experiences for all. - Gila Cliff Dwellings and Petrified Forest National Park
The trip from White Sands to Zion National Park included stops at Gila Cliff Dwellings, Catwalk Recreation Area, and Petrified Forest National Park. Highlights were the historic Gila Cliff Dwellings, scenic Catwalk trail, and vibrant petrified trees. Long drives averaged six hours, but stops kept the journey enjoyable for the kids. Stay tuned for Zion! - The Super White Sands National Park
The journey from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands passes through scenic Cloudcroft and Lincoln National Forest. Staying in Alamogordo, KOA Journey. Visiting White Sands National Park, they highlight its history, activities, and stunning sunsets. Subsequently, the trip continues to Gila Cliff Dwellings. - Our Exciting Trip through West Texas to Carlsbad Caverns
The journey from Austin to Carlsbad Caverns was an adventure filled with historical sites, natural wonders, and incredible night skies. Highlights included the Lyndon B. Johnson Boyhood Home, swimming at Balmorhea State Park, hiking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and exploring Carlsbad Caverns, culminating in an awe-inspiring bat show. - A Fun-Filled Trip to Austin, Texas
We spent three nights in Austin, Texas, celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on the drive from New Orleans. Activities included exploring McKinney Falls State Park, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, watching the Congress Street Bridge bat show, a lively camping experience, brunch with friends, and learning Texas history. - New Orleans! The Big Easy
Tallahassee for fishing, Gulf Islands National Seashore for a wildlife learning adventure, and New Orleans for a mix of cultural experiences, including Café du Monde, the French Quarter, Bayou Segnette State Park, and various local attractions like jazz performances and historical sites, culminating in a rich, memorable journey. - St. Augustine, Florida and Surrounding Area
St Augustine home to Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas, Anastasia State Park and the Author’s parents! - Traveling Sustainably: Net Zero Camping in a Camper
In this article you will learn strategies for how to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve a Net Zero and climate positive camping experience for you and your family.
Trip Overview
We’re back on the road! With the whole family free for the summer, we’re setting off on a 40-day, action-packed road trip through the Southwest. This journey’s theme is… the Native Southwest (because every trip needs a theme). Let the adventure begin!
What inspired this adventure? Our first epic journey, The Great American Road Trip took us on a 50-day tour around the entire United States. We were intrigued by Southwest and decided to come back to explore more deeply. Our intentions are for a trip packed with family fun, delving into pueblan culture and to do right by planet earth by travelling sustainably.
READ MORE:
Traveling Sustainably in a Camper: How to Achieve a Carbon Neutral Trip Strategies for how to reduce your carbon footprint when camping.
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40-Day Itinerary
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Southwest! We’ll kick things off in sunny Florida, then cruise through the jazzy vibes of Louisiana, the big-hearted Texas, the enchanting landscapes of New Mexico, the wild wonders of Arizona, the breathtaking scenery of Utah, and the majestic mountains of Colorado. Finally, we’ll head back to our cozy home base in Georgia.
38 Days, 12 States and 5,000 miles – that’s alotta drivin!
Full Itinerary
- DAY 1 – Anastasia State Park [June 12, 2024]
- DAY 4 – Tallahassee, Florida [June 16]
- DAY 6 – New Orleans [June 18]
- DAY 9 – Austin, Texas [June 21]
- DAY 12 – Davis Mountain State Park, Texas [June 24]
- DAY 13 – Carlsbad Caverns National Park [June 25]
- DAY 15 – White Sands National Park [June 27]
- DAY 17 – Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument [June 29]
- DAY 18 – Petrified Forest National Park [June 30]
- DAY 19 – Zion National Park [July 1]
- DAY 23 – Bryce Canyon National Park [July 5]
- DAY 26 – Mesa Verde National Park [July 8]
- DAY 29 – Chaco Culture National Historical Site [July 11]
- DAY 31 – Taos, New Mexico [July 13]
- DAY 32 – Los Alamos, New Mexico [July 14]
- DAY 33 – Bandalier National Monument [July 15]
- DAY 34 – Palo Duro State Park, Texas [July 16]
- DAY 36 – Tenkiller State Park, Oklahoma [July 18]
- DAY 38 – Home in Georgia! [July 20]
We are back safely and all the posts from the trip are up… Enjoy!
