Roadtrip with RVshare Phoenix to Albuquerque

When you are in Phoenix, you can enjoy everything from challenging golf courses to high-end spas. Before you leave, you might want to take in the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape. There are two travel routes that you can choose for your road trip from Phoenix to Albuquerque. You can stay on Interstate 40 and quickly get to Albuquerque. If you want to take it slow, you can join the historic Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona. Whatever you choose, you will see many exciting places with this road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Albuquerque. 

Nearby National Parks

On your road trip adventure, you should take some time to visit a national park. If you want to find out some more information about these parks, make sure to check out RVshare's national parks guide.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is probably one of the most well-known parks in the country. It is so popular that over 6 million people visit this iconic location each year. The Grand Canyon covers over 1.2 million acres. The majority of visitors head here to view the spectacular canyon that was carved out by the Colorado River. If you are looking for something to do, you can backpack, hike, whitewater raft, or bike throughout the area. The park is the perfect spot to take one of the ranger-led hikes to learn about the native animals and plants. 

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park encompasses over 200 square miles of the Arizona desert. In this park, you will find the famous petrified wood and ancient petroglyphs. Nature lovers might get a glimpse of the coyotes, bobcats, or pronghorns roaming throughout the park. The Petrified Forest is home to over 600 archaeological sites. Horseback riding, backpacking, and hiking are popular activities in the park. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the area, you should sign up for a guided tour.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is one of the newest national parks. This location was once designated as a national monument, but it was upgraded to a national park at the end of 2019. At this park, you can explore over 275 square miles of gypsum dunes. White Sands National Park is home to the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world. While you are visiting the park, you might want to look out for the native coyotes, bobcats, and roadrunners. Some of the most popular activities include sledding down the dunes and hiking around the park. 

Nearby State Parks

A Phoenix to Albuquerque RV road trip should only take a day's drive, but you can extend your trip with a visit to a state park. At RVshare, there is a state park guide that will help you plan out all the details. 

Lost Dutchman State Park

Located in the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park is a popular recreational destination in the Phoenix area. By camping or hiking, you can explore over 320 acres in this state park. This location is tied to a local legend, and there are rumors of a lost mine filled with gold. If you want to learn more about the area, there is a nonprofit museum in Apache Junction that helps protect and preserve the mountains' history. 

Bottomless Lakes State Park

The Bottomless Lakes State Park lakes are actually underwater canyons collapsed by pressure from the Pecos River. The bottomless claim is not true as most lakes are between 17 and 90 feet deep. With its pools of bluish-green water, you can still enjoy the natural beauty of the area. For those who want to hit the water, there are places to swim and kayak. If you are an angler, you will not want to miss the fishing action at Devil's Inkwell and Cottonwood Lake. Bottomless Lakes State Park in New Mexico is also a great place to hit the trails to get a closer look at the local landscape. 

Hyde Memorial State Park

You will find Hyde Memorial State Park in the hills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. With over 340 acres, this park is the perfect place to view the emerald evergreen forests, fascinating rock formations, and high mountain peaks. Hyde Memorial State Park has plenty of hiking trails that wind through the forests of aspen and pine trees. On the trail, you will see a few waterfalls along the way. This area is also known as a refuge, and it is home to porcupines, coyotes, butterflies, and foxes. In the winter, you might want to check out the recreational activities, such as sledding, cross-country skiing, and tubing. 

Along the Way

Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix has the largest visual arts museum in this part of the country. The collection includes works from all over the world, and it is the home of several community programs. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts live performances, educational programs, and film festivals. With over 18,000 pieces in the collection, you will find something to pique your interest. 

Desert Botanical Garden

This 140-acre garden is a popular attraction in Phoenix. It is home to more than 50,000 plants, including a huge collection of agave and cacti. Many of the exhibits focus on desert plants from Australia, South America, and California. During certain times of the year, you can even learn to keep your desert garden healthy with some expert gardening tips. 

Navajo County Historical Museum

When you are in Holbrook, you should take a few hours to visit the Navajo County Historical Museum. This large museum includes a vast collection of antiques from the town's past. You can even see some famous Route 66 artifacts and an old jail cell at this location. In the museum, there are many exhibits celebrating the Navajo and Apache cultures. 

Gallup Cultural Center

This cultural center serves several functions in the city. It has an art gallery, the Story Teller's Museum, and a music shop on the main floors. A cafe serves up meals to hungry guests. In addition to that, the Gallup Cultural Center is a stop on Amtrak's Southwest Chief railroad line. 

Old Town

The narrow streets and adobe houses are part of Albuquerque's charm. You can find many New Mexican eateries serving up sopapillas and enchiladas alongside shops with Native American jewelry. The Old Town Plaza overlooks the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is only a short walk from this location.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

There are several cities that you'll pass through on your Phoenix to Albuquerque road trip adventure. When you want to stay healthy on the road, there are a few dump stations to keep your vehicle clean. For those who need a place to rest, you will find many campgrounds along the route. 

Gilbert

Gilbert is located just southeast of Phoenix, and it was known as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World." This Arizona town is home to 200 species of birds at the Riparian Preserve. If you want to spend a day before heading to Phoenix, you can find a campground in the Gilbert area. 

Holbrook

Holbrook, Arizona, started out as a town for outlaws, cattlemen, and railroaders. Today, the city celebrates its Native American and Hispanic roots and culture. The community is located in the middle of Navajo Country and serves as the gateway to Petrified Forest National Park. With all these things to see and do, there is a wide selection of campgrounds to park your vehicle for the night. 

Gallup

This small city in New Mexico is located on historic Route 66. As you pass through the area, you will see the red sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Park. This location is the home of several Anasazi archaeological sites that date back to 300 A.D. You can even see displays of silver and pottery in the Red Rock Museum. At the end of your busy day, Gallup is home to some comfortable campgrounds. You can also find dump stations in the area. 

Find Adventure from Phoenix to Albuquerque

Find your One-Way Rental

When planning your Phoenix to Albuquerque road trip itinerary, you should think about visiting these exciting locations. For those who want to have a unique experience, think about getting an RV rental from RVshare. There is a wide range of these vehicles for rent in Phoenix and Albuquerque. While on a Phoenix to Albuquerque road trip, you will see the best of America's Southwest.