Southwest Desert Road Trips

For desert lovers, Arizona's most striking Route 66 scenery lies between Flagstaff and the New Mexico border. Chiefly, you'll travel I-40 as not much remains of old 66 in eastern Arizona. Along the drive you'll see a petrified wood forest, a gorgeous “painted” desert and a massive meteor crater. You want classic Route 66 towns, too? Buckle up and hit the blacktop.

This route through the heart of Santa Fe National Forest follows the curves of the Pecos River from the small town of Pecos to a crossroads of campgrounds and hiking trails at Cowles. The peaceful area is remote enough that a Benedictine monastery makes its home here. Seasonal floods may cause poor road conditions, especially north of Terrero, where the road narrows.

This route is part of the New Mexico's Enchanted Circle, beginning at Eagle Nest and winding northwest through the rugged mountains and pine woodlands of the Carson National Forest to Questa. Amid the spectacular natural scenery you'll find the occasional quaint resort town and even a ghost town with a colorful past.