Road Tripping Dallas to Durango
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 and Beyond
Durango is one of the best destinations for whitewater rafting and outback tours. If you’re driving, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your road trip to Durango an adventure all its own.
Driving from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to Durango takes a bit of time – around 13 hours. Spread it out over two days and enjoy the experience by visiting spots of interest along the way.
If you’re heading out of Dallas on US-287, you might want to make a pit stop in Wichita Falls, where you’ll find the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. If the kids need to burn off some energy before hitting the road again, a trip to Lake Wichita Park has something for all ages, including a dog park for your road-weary pooch. Road trippers looking for unusual roadside attractions should visit “The Largest Shovel in Texas”, which is exactly what it sounds like.
It’s easy to see why travelers would get their kicks on Route 66 at the largest city on the route, Amarillo. At the heart of its historic Route 66 district, you’ll find over a mile of specialty shops, antiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. If you have time to explore, near Amarillo you’ll discover the famous Midpoint Café, named for its location at the midpoint of Route 66. To the east of Amarillo in Shamrock, you can visit one of Route 66’s most recognizable spots – the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café.
For those craving a bit more excitement, a visit to the Wonderland Amusement Park may be in order. Palo Duro Canyon is a short drive from Amarillo and offers hiking, biking, and zip lining.
The next stop on your road trip to Durango is Albuquerque. The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is an interesting mix of historic adobe buildings and modern architecture. You’ll find an abundance of museums such as the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and Explora, a family-friendly hands-on tech and art center. A visit to Petroglyph National Monument to view the thousands of prehistoric Native American drawings is a must. Top off your Albuquerque experience with a ride in a hot air balloon. The city is known as the “Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World” for its excellent conditions and scenery.
Next stop: Durango! Hit US Hwy 550 N and travel through scenic desert landscapes on your way to Durango. The drive takes around three and a half hours, so bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets, if they are traveling with you.
Once you arrive in Durango, stop by the Tourist Welcome Center downtown and pick up your insider’s guide to the in-town attractions. As you stroll through our iconic downtown, be sure to visit us at the Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours kiosk. We’re looking forward to making your vacation a memorable experience!
