There’s no better way to soak up the American Southwest’s culture, history, and natural beauty than hitting the open road. If you’re an active traveller looking for a route packed with unique sights, local flavours and the biggest must-see attractions, this Phoenix, Arizona to El Paso, Texas itinerary is perfect for you. Covering stunning desert landscapes, National Parks, and legendary historical towns, this journey offers the best of both popular sights and hidden gems. Let’s dive in and map out your epic adventure!
Table of contents
Getting to Phoenix, Arizona
Fly
If you’re flying in, getting to Phoenix, Arizona is a breeze. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a major hub for both American Airlines and Southwest, with direct flights from most major U.S. cities.
Drive
Phoenix is easy to reach by car if you’re coming from nearby states like California, Nevada, or Utah.
If you’re picking up a rental car, make sure to choose something comfortable with good air-conditioning—it gets seriously hot out here, especially during the summer months!
Train
Unfortunately, Amtrak only provides service from Maricopa, Arizona. Maricopa is an hour’s drive south of Phoenix, and there are no efficient public transport routes to get you there. Nor are there any rental car offices to return your vehicle. Flying is the best option for long-distance travellers.
Phoenix to El Paso Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix
Kick off your Phoenix to El Paso road trip by exploring the cultural heart of Phoenix. Once you’ve landed, head to Scottsdale, the trendy neighbouring city where you’ll stay for the night. Your first stop is Taliesin West, the winter home of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers guided tours of Wright’s impressive desert masterpiece.
After soaking in the architectural brilliance, spend your afternoon exploring Old Town Scottsdale. With its boutique shops, local art galleries, and fantastic dining spots, it’s the perfect place to ease into your adventure.
Driving distance: Local driving only
Overnight: Scottsdale
Tip: Taliesin West tour times vary throughout the seasons. If you are travelling in the warmer months, tours only operate in the morning. Therefore, you’ll need to adapt this itinerary accordingly. There is time to take an early tour on day 2 instead, if that fits better with your arrival.
Day 2: Phoenix to Tucson via Saguaro National Park
On Day 2, make a leisurely start to your Phoenix to El Paso drive by heading south towards Tucson. Grab a light breakfast at a local spot in Scottsdale, but save room! Tucson is a UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy and there are so many great foodie-approved choices! Enjoy lunch on your arrival.
Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks and sun protection. Next, and head into the breathtaking desert landscapes of Saguaro National Park, where you can see the iconic saguaro cacti. Saguaro National Park is split into two units, west and east of Tucson. The west side, named the Red Hill Unit, is the place to see the highest density of its namesake cacti and is closer to town.
Heat permitting, take a hike or to enjoy a scenic drive. If you need to wait out the afternoon heat a little longer, make sure you visit the Visitor Center and drop into the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Valley View Overlook Trail and Signal Hill are scenic, short trails ideal for exploring in that couple of hours before sundown.
Driving distance: 240- km (150-mi), about 3-hours driving time
Overnight: Tucson
Tip: Some Saguaro National Park roads are closed and gated at sunset. If you plan to stay for sunset viewing, make sure you talk to a Park Ranger about a spot where you won’t get locked in!
Day 3: Tucson to Las Cruces via Tombstone
Get started early! Today’s journey takes you deeper into the Wild West as you drive from Tucson to Las Cruces, New Mexico, via the famous frontier town of Tombstone, Arizona. Known for the legendary gunfight at O.K. Corral (it was really in Fremont St), Tombstone is a step back in time. Explore National Historic Landmark including sites such as Boothill Graveyard and the original Bird Cage Theatre. Maybe even catch a live reenactment of the infamous shootout.
After lunch, continue your drive to Las Cruces, New Mexico. This artsy town offers a great mix of cultural attractions and New Mexican cuisine.
Driving distance: 520-km (322-mi), about 5-hours 30-mins driving time
Overnight: Las Cruces
Day 4: White Sands National Park, Cloudcroft and Carlsbad
On Day 4, head out early for a visit to White Sands National Park, a stunning landscape of brilliant white sand dunes. This will be one of the highlights of your Phoenix to El Paso road trip! This Park is just incredible, especially if you’re a photographer. Plan to spend 2-3-hours exploring before the heat of the day hits.
As the mercury rises, head for the Sacramento Mountains and Lincoln National Forest. Look back at White Sands from the scenic pullouts as you climb the mountains along U.S. Highway-82. Stop for the iconic Cloudcroft shot of its last remaining railway trestle bridge.
Lunch in Cloudcroft before you descend the cooler mountain environment, back into the desert of New Mexico. Arrive in Carlsbad by late afternoon and settle in for the night, resting up for the next day’s adventure.
Overnight: Carlsbad
Driving distance: 345-km (214-mi), 4-hours driving time
Day 5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Next up on your Phoenix to El Paso drive, explore the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one of the most impressive cave systems in the world. There is no better place to be on a hot day in the desert, than 75-stories underground in a wonderland of dramatic caves, stalagmites, and stalactites.
A self-guided tour through the Big Room offers an awe-inspiring view of massive stalactites and stalagmites. You can also opt for one of the guided cave tours for a more in-depth experience, where you’ll venture into lesser-known sections of the caverns.
Depending on the time of year, you might stay to catch the nightly bat flight, where thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats exit the cave en masse at sunset.
Driving distance: 73-km (41-mi), 1-hour driving time
Overnight: Carlsbad
Day 6: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Start early to enjoy the final National Park on your Phoenix to El Paso road trip itinerary. Less than an hour drive across the New Mexico-Texas border and you will reach Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Start out with a visit to McKittrick Canyon Visitor Center. Take a short hike on the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail, especially in the autumn months when the maples and other deciduous trees change colours. Yes – you can leaf peep in the desert!
Next, drive to the Pine Springs Visitor Center. If you’re up for a more strenuous hike that showcases the geology of the mountains, take on the Devil’s Hall Trail. The Guadalupe Mountains are a made of a fossilised reef that pre-dates the dinosaurs, when this part of Texas and New Mexico was an inland sea.
Driving distance: 290-km (180-mi), 3-hours driving time
Overnight: El Paso
Day 7: Depart El Paso
Your journey wraps up in El Paso, Texas, a city that blends Mexican and American cultures. Consider visiting the El Paso Museum of Art or hiking in Franklin Mountains State Park to top-off your adventure.
Departing El Paso, Texas
Drive
By road, you can easily reach big cities like Albuquerque or San Antonio. The drive time from El Paso to Albuquerque is approximately 4.5-hours, while from San Antonio, it takes around 8-hours.
Train
Amtrak provides a scenic alternative to reach your next destination. The Sunset Limited line connects El Paso to major cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans, offering a unique way to experience the diverse landscapes of the Southwest. While the Texas Eagle connects cities such as Chicago, St Louis and Little Rock and Dallas. Consider taking the train for a relaxing and more environmentally friendly journey to finish your road trip.
Fly
El Paso International Airport (ELP) is the main airport serving the city. With direct flight availability to cities as far away as Boston and Seattle, you’ll find an easy way to reach home or your next destination.
Places to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
This road trip is packed with opportunities to indulge in local cuisine:
- Scottsdale: Old Town offers plenty of trendy restaurants, but don’t miss out on grabbing a meal at Arcadia Farms Café and Fourtillfour for coffee.
- Tucson: Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so you’re spoiled for choice. Try something from this list of certified artisan fare.
- Las Cruces: This town Mexican food. La Nueva Casita Café is a local favourite.
- Carlsbad: Stop by The Trinity Hotel Restaurant for some fine dining in a historic setting, or and Yellow Brix Restaurant if you are getting into town late.
Phoenix, Arizona to El Paso, Texas map
Last Tips for a Smooth Phoenix to El Paso Road Trip
– Reverse it: Remember you can always flip this itinerary and travel El Paso to Phoenix. We began/ended in these cities because they have plenty of transit options to arrive and depart, making this road trip fully reversible.
– Pack for the desert climate: The American Southwest can be hot and dry, especially between May and September, so bring plenty of water (more than you think you will need), sunscreen, and light clothing.
– Plan your fuel stops: Some stretches between Arizona to Texas can be long and remote, so fill up whenever you can. That also goes for human fuel – make sure you take lots of snacks on the road.
– Prepare for park fees: The National Parks along this route, have entrance fees totaling $75 (for the occupants of a private vehicle). Consider purchasing an annual National Parks Pass for $80, if you plan to visit all the Parks on this itinerary plus additional Parks in the next year.
– Optimise your visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather.
– Plan ahead: Book accommodations and tours (especially for Carlsbad Caverns and Taliesin West) in advance to avoid disappointment.
– Be flexible: Leave some room in your schedule for spontaneous stops and local discoveries! Or, for minor mishaps – we got a flat tyre.
– Watch for timezone changes: You will be crossing two State border son this trip, so make sure you know what the relative timezones are and account for them as you move around.
This Phoenix, Arizona to El Paso, Texas road trip offers an incredible way to experience the best of the American Southwest. From architectural marvels and scenic national parks to historical Wild West towns, there’s something for everyone on this Phoenix to El Paso drive. Pack your bags, hit the open road, and enjoy this unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture.
Peace, love & inspiring travels,
Madam ZoZo
