Suggestions for road trip with children from Birmingham, AL to Grand Canyon
 

My husband and I are researching a trip to the Grand Canyon this October. We will be driving with our 3 children (11,9 & 6) from Birmingham. We will probably also stop in Sedona to see Cathedral Rock. None of us have ever traveled west of Louisiana, so we would appreciate any suggestions for places we should see along the way. Thanks!

As you go through New Mexico, you could stop at Carlsbad Caverns www.nps.gov/cave and White Sands www.nps.gov/whsa

If you'd like a break from the road, Albuquerque has a lot to offer kids - a very nice zoo, hiking, etc.

West of Albuquerque, Acoma Pueblo is worth a visit. http://www.acomaskycity.org/home.html

Lee Ann

amymomof3,

How long do you have for this trip? Will you be coming at the beginning of the month or at the end of October? I ask because you are already looking at 5 or 6 days of just driving to make the 1,665 miles from Birmingham to the Grand Canyon and back home. Adding other locations will take time to visit and possibly more driving time.

There is a lot to do and see on the way there and back. Lee Ann has already mentioned a few including Carlsbad Caverns which would add another 200 miles to your route. Also just outside of Albuquerque is the Petroglyph National Monument. http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm

In Arizona on Interstate 40 is the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Parks. http://www.nps.gov/pefo/index.htm Walnut Canyon National Monument http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm and Meteor Crater http://www.meteorcrater.com/

Utahtea

Utahtea is right. If you're going to be driving along I-40, Carlsbad Caverns is pretty far out of your way in the southeast corner of New Mexico.

If you're taking I-10 through Texas, though, Carlsbad isn't too far off your route.

Lee Ann

and consider Mesa Verde which is just a wee bit to the north of the painted desert and monument valley. I'm an Arizona native, and now live in New Mexico and both states are lovely. Take your time, fill up on gas (and bathroom stops) whenever you have the chance, and take some of the more local highways so you can see the beauty of the states. they are truly gorgeous.

Texas has 3 president's libraries. We've been to LBJ and Bush Sr (plus many more at other states). Well worth the stop. Ike's is our favorite followed by HST.

You should also tour State Capitols. Texas's is huge.

Vaga