Barbecue, canyon views, and red-rock sunsets: make the journey to your winter destination part of the adventure.
The drive to the Southwest is one of America’s most scenic road trips. As the landscapes shift from rolling plains to towering red rocks and desert sunsets, every mile brings something worth stopping for.
If you’re heading west for the winter, leave a little room in your itinerary to explore. These six stops offer a mix of local flavor, wildlife, history, and wide-open scenery along the way.
In This Article
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Sedona, Arizona
Kansas City, Missouri
Kick off your adventure with world-famous barbecue, vibrant neighborhoods, and RV campground options in the surrounding area. It’s a great place to fuel up before heading west.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
A hidden gem filled with rugged granite peaks, free-roaming bison, and scenic hiking trails, the Wichita Mountains offer a peaceful stop and a taste of the wide-open landscapes waiting ahead.
If you plan to stay overnight at Doris Campground, reserve your site in advance and check that it fits your RV.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro delivers breathtaking overlooks, colorful canyon walls, and unforgettable sunsets. It’s a memorable destination for RV travelers crossing the Texas Panhandle.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rich in culture, history, and Southwestern flavor, Albuquerque offers everything from Old Town shopping and local cuisine to the Sandia Peak Tramway. It’s a rewarding place to pause before continuing into Arizona.
For a future early-October trip, consider planning around the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The 2026 event runs October 3–11, so it will already have wrapped up by late October.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Ancient fossilized trees, colorful badlands, and a connection to historic Route 66 make this national park unlike anywhere else. It’s a rewarding day stop packed with incredible scenery and fascinating history.
Plan your overnight RV stay outside the park; Petrified Forest has no RV or front-country camping.
Sedona, Arizona
With its iconic red rock formations and countless hiking trails, Sedona is a destination many RVers return to year after year. Whether you’re exploring local art galleries, enjoying scenic views, or simply relaxing under the stars, it’s a beautiful place to slow down and soak it all in.
Welcome to the Southwest
Whether you’re spending the season in Arizona, New Mexico, Southern California, or beyond, the journey west is every bit as rewarding as the destination. From mountain passes to desert vistas and great local towns, the road is filled with unforgettable moments.
Before each leg, check weather, campground availability, and road access for your RV. Fall and winter conditions vary along this route, especially at higher elevations.
Stay Connected Through Every Changing Landscape
From planning your route and checking campground availability to streaming after a day of exploring or keeping in touch with family back home, reliable internet helps make life on the road more enjoyable.
TravlFi offers multi-network cellular connectivity built for RV travel. Select devices use TowerSync to choose an available network automatically, helping you stay connected as your surroundings change.
Spend less time depending on campground Wi-Fi or managing separate hotspots and more time enjoying your destination. Coverage and performance depend on your location, device, and network conditions, so download maps and reservation details before remote stretches.
Stay connected. Travel Freely.
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