Compare Kicks on Route 66 by Tours of Distinction vs On the Road in Southern New Mexico: Rugged Beauty and the Final Frontier by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,450 | $ 1,739 |
| Price Per Day | $ 383 | $ 217 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners |
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| Description |
Travel the “Mother Road” a term coined by author John Steinbeck because Route 66 was the road people took west across America to escape the dust bowl and the Great Depression. On this tour, you will be treated like the “King and Queen” of the road as you gawk at odd roadside attractions, stay in vintage hotels, and eat hardy American road food. Get ready to saddle up in Texas and tour Cadillac Ranch. A highlight is the fabled town of Santa Fe, known for its’ Spanish and Native American culture. Afterward tour Albuquerque’s Old Town, stop in at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Gallup, and a walk through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in Arizona. History, the beauty of the Wild West, and nostalgia makes this road-trip mythic! |
New Mexico is known for both natural beauty and its unique role in the history of space exploration. Explore both on this journey to Carlsbad Caverns, the Very Large Array and more! |
Day 1 - Arrive Amarillo, TX
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Amarillo, TX. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodations for the next two evenings. This evening is free to hang out on Route 66 in the Historic District, where you can enjoy dinner and Saturday Cruise Night.
Day 2 - Amarillo
Get ready to saddle up, as we go horseback riding at the Cowgirls and Cowboys of the West Ranch, and for those that aren’t ready to saddle up, bring your camera and learn to take beautiful scenic pictures, while touring the ranch. Lunch, on own, is at the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery, which opened back in 1960 and became a well known stopping point along Route 66. This afternoon enjoy time to explore Amarillo ~ maybe check out the artifacts and art at the Panhandle - Plains Historical Museum, there are other museums and the Botanical Gardens. Tonight we check out the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, situated in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. A guide will take us into the Canyon before dinner and the show. (B, D)
Day 3 - Amarillo - Santa Rosa, NM
On our way out of Amarillo a quick stop is made at the famous Cadillac Ranch exhibit, paying homage to the ‘Golden Age’ of automobiles. Continuing our journey West, we stop in the ghost town of Glenrio, which straddles the New Mexico and Texas borders, before arriving in Tucumcari, NM. Visit the Route 66 Museum, Tee Pee Curious, and have lunch at Del’s Restaurant, serving travelers along Route 66 since 1956. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Blue Swallow Hotel, where travelers have been staying since 1939! Later, we check into our hotel. Evening on own. (B)
Day 4 - Santa Rosa - Santa Fe
This morning we head to Fort Sumner, a military fort charged with the internment of nearby Navajo and Mescalero Apache populations from 1863 to 1868. After it’s closing, the fort was privately purchased and its best known visitor was Billy the Kid. We visit the Billy the Kid Museum and Burial before making our way over to the Bosque Redondo Memorial. This memorial depicts the tragic history of Fort Sumner and the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation. After, we depart for Santa Fe, but not before stopping to have lunch in Santa Rosa, on own. Later, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Inn on the Alameda. The evening is free. (B)
Day 5 - Santa Fe
This morning we visit De Vargas Street House and the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest house and church in the U.S. The remaining part of the day will be visiting many of the Pueblos that make up this area. The day will consist of the Tesuque Pueblo, which has been occupied since 1200AD, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. We will also get a chance to visit the Nambe Pueblo, the Santa Clara Pueblo, the Puye Cliffs Welcome Center and the San Ildefonso Pueblo. All known for their pottery and jewelry. Upon our return to Santa Fe, the remainder of the day and evening are on your own. (B)
Day 6 - Santa Fe to Albuquerque
This morning is yours to explore. There is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi or the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied government building in the U.S. Visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, walk along the Barrio De Analaco Historic District, here you will see the San Miguel Mission. This afternoon we continue West along our historic route, stopping in Albuquerque, NM. After checking into our 4-star accommodations, we depart for dinner where you will feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to a beautiful southwestern roadhouse found along old Route 66. From dinner, we will meet our guide and take a walking ghost tour of Old Town. (B, D)
Day 7 - Albuquerque to Gallup
This morning we will tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, before having free time in the historic Nob Hill area of town. This afternoon we will take a trail at Petroglyph National Monument, and walk where early native and Spanish settlers walked, and look at the images left behind, telling their story. This afternoon we continue West into Gallup, NM, where we will check into our hotel for the evening. (B)
Day 8 - Gallup to Flagstaff, AZ
Today we cross the boarder from New Mexico into Arizona, where our first stop along our historic route is the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert National Forest. This unpaved one mile hike will wind us through the rim woodland, where there are spectacular views of the Painted Desert. This afternoon we continue our drive into Winslow, AZ, where we will stop for lunch at the famous Turquois Room & Martini Lounge. Route 66 was the primary artery through Winslow, in its railroad days and bypassed by I-40 in the late 1970s. As our journey continues, we make a picture stop in the ghost town of Two Guns, AZ, sight of a bitter fight between the Apache and Navajo Indians, before stopping at Walnut Canyon National Monument. We will be able to walk the Rim Trail (0.7 mile roundtrip), where there are two overlooks that provide scenic views of the canyon and cliff dwellings below. After a busy day, we will check into our accommodations for the next two nights in Flagstaff, AZ. The remainder of the evening is free. (B, L)
Day 9 - Flagstaff
A local guide will take us on a tour of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona National Park, and Jerome, AZ. Today is not the day to forget your camera! Oak Creek Canyon is famous for its beautiful scenery, and we will have the opportunity to see it up close. From here it’s a short drive to Sedona National Park, where our pink Jeeps will be waiting to take us on a rugged off road adventure, with a local guide. We will be riding the rough terrain of the red rocks, stopping at lookout vistas, and where Hollywood movies were made. After, there will be a picnic lunch waiting for us. This afternoon we drive into Jerome, AZ. Another ghost town trying to build itself back up again. Stop in and shop at the world’s largest kaleidoscope store, set up in Jerome’s original brothel. Dinner is included tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Depart Flagstaff
This morning we say good-bye to our historic past and travel into Phoenix for our flight home. To be able to see parts of our country before it disappears is such an exhilarating experience. (B)
Day 1 Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously). Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. The activity level for this program is “Keep the Pace.” Participants should be able to walk up to two miles over uneven, sometimes slippery terrain. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Welcome dinner at the hotel
Day 2 Roswell Museum & Art Center, Transfer to Carlsbad Carlsbad, New Mexico
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 300 miles, approximately 4.5 hours over the course of the day. Walking up to 1 mile indoors and out and standing approximately 1 hour; paved sidewalks.
We’ll check out of the hotel, board our motorcoach, and ride to Roswell, 200 miles southeast of Albuquerque. This drive will provide us with our first look at the arid, high-desert terrain of southern New Mexico.
Next, we’ll go to the Roswell Museum and Art Center, founded in 1935 through an agreement among the City of Roswell, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Federal Art Project (FAP), the Chaves County Archaeological and Historical Society, and the Roswell Friends of Art. It first opened in 1937 with its initial support coming in the wake of the Depression through the WPA’s project dedicated to supporting public art through federal establishments across the country. Other than the Roswell Museum and Art Center, only a few of these Federal Art Centers remain open. It is home to the largest public collection of works by Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth, painters who lived in the nearby Hondo Valley and made the distinctive local landscapes of southeastern New Mexico famous. Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll drive 75 miles south to Carlsbad and check in to our hotel.
After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
At the hotel.
At a local restaurant.
At a local restaurant.
Day 3 Carlsbad Caverns National Park Roswell, New Mexico
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; varied terrain, some stairs, inclines and occasionally slippery trails.
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and ride 30 miles southwest to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Carlsbad Caverns, one of the oldest and most famous cave systems in the world, include several vast underground chambers, up to 250 feet high, filled with amazing formations of many colors and shapes, all formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes. Upon arrival, we will have some time to explore the Visitor Center independently and watch the introductory film, “Hidden World.” It features high definition photography of cave natural wonders, bats in flight, cave explorations, and a fly-over of the Natural Entrance. We will then take the elevator down for a self-directed walk through the Big Room, home to some of the most well-known features in the caverns. It is more than 30,000 square yards in total size. We will each make our way along the well-lit, mostly level trail at our own pace and then take the elevator back up to regroup in the Visitor Center.
We’ll have some more time to explore the Caverns and the museum at the Visitor Center independently. We’ll then reboard the motorcoach and ride to Roswell for a late afternoon hotel check-in.
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Hotel buffet.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company at the west end of the Visitor Center offers hot and cold choices cafeteria style.
At a local restaurant.
Day 4 UFO Museum, Hurd Gallery, Lincoln, Three Rivers Petroglyphs Alamogordo,NM
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles, approximately 2 hours over the course of the day. Walking up to 1 mile; varied terrain; standing at museum and gallery.
We’ll head to the International UFO Museum and Research Center for a self-guided exploration. Best known as the home for information about the 1947 Roswell Incident and other UFO phenomena, the museum works to fulfill the mission of educating the general public on all aspects of the UFO phenomena. The museum asserts its position as representing the serious side of the UFO phenomena. Next, we will board our motorcoach and ride 50 miles west to San Patricio in the beautiful Hondo Valley. On arrival, we’ll stop at the Hurd La Rinconada Gallery. The gallery is located on the Hurd family’s ranch and is home to the works of both the Hurd family, Peter, Henriette Wyeth, and their son Michael. The gallery also features a selection of works by acclaimed artists N.C. and Andrew Wyeth. A local expert will give us an introduction followed by time to view original works by the artists.
From San Patricio, it’s a short drive to Lincoln, New Mexico, center of the famous Lincoln County Wars. It was during this conflict between rival cattle barons in 1878 that Billy the Kid earned his place in history. Our Group Leader will take us on a walking exploration of the town, including a visit to the Lincoln County Courthouse, complete with bullet holes, and some other historical buildings nearby. Next, we’ll head to Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. This 50-acre preserve was set aside by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect some 21,000 petroglyphs created by the Mogollon culture between 900 and 1400 CE. We’ll set out on a walking field trip to see some of these rock carvings. We’ll ride on to Alamogordo and check in to our hotel in late afternoon.
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Hotel buffet.
We’ll have boxed lunches.
At a local restaurant.
Day 5 White Sands National Park, Pistachio Farm Alamogordo,NM
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 2.5 hours over the course of the day. Walking several hundred feet; sand dunes with inclines; standing at museum.
We’ll drive to White Sands National Park, where we’ll stop first at the Visitor Center to explore the museum and enjoy an orientation video. We will then embark on an 8-mile scenic drive through the stunning dune landscape.
Next, we’ll board 14-passenger electric vehicles for an expert-led exploration of a working farm where pistachios and wine grapes are produced. We’ll ride through the orchards and vineyards and learn about growing techniques, then return to the hotel.
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Hotel buffet.
At a local restaurant.
At a local restaurant.
Day 6 Museum of Space History, Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge Socorro,NM
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles, approximately 3 hours over the course of the day. Walking several hundred feet.
After checking out of the hotel, we will set out on a field trip to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. The mission of the museum is to educate visitors from around the world in the history, science, and technology of space. During a docent-led exploration, we’ll learn about the significant role the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of significant related artifacts. We’ll then drive north to Socorro, stopping briefly at the Valley of Fires Recreation Area en route.
Next, we’ll drive to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, situated between mountain ranges to the east and west. Established in 1939 to provide a resting stop for migrating waterfowl, the refuge is well known for the thousands of sandhill cranes, geese, and other waterfowl that winter here each year. The 60,000 acre refuge includes a wild stretch of the Rio Grande, a “bosque” of cottonwood and willow trees that provide for the diversity of wildlife. While in the refuge, a local expert will lead our exploration and describe the birds and unique ecosystems we’ll see at several spots.
After dinner we will continue on to Socorro, where we will check in to our hotel.
Hotel buffet.
At a scenic spot in the Valley of Fires, we’ll have boxed lunches.
At a local café.
Day 7 Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory Albuquerque, New Mexico
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles, approximately 3 hours over the course of the day. Walking about 1 mile; varied terrain.
After hotel check-out, we’ll board the motorcoach and ride 50 miles west to the Very Large Array, one of the world’s premier radio astronomy observatories. The array comprises 27 radio antennas — each 82 feet in diameter — configured in a Y-shape and set on moving tracks on the Plains of San Agustin. Our expert-led field trip through the facility will begin with a 20-minute video presentation that will provide an overview of radio astronomy, interferometry, and the VLA itself. We’ll then examine exhibits to learn more about radio astronomy and the role the Very Large Array and other NRAO telescopes play in current research.
We’ll ride on to Albuquerque and check in to our hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
We’ll gather for a wrap-up session to touch upon highlights of the program and say farewells. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Hotel buffet.
At a local restaurant.
Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 Program Concludes Albuquerque, New Mexico
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
