Austin to Santa Fe and Back: A 4-Day Road Trip

After my amazing Midwest trip with my friend Greer in the summer of 2017, we were already itching for our next adventure. So, in October of that fall, we decided to embark on a road trip from Austin, Texas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. With Greer balancing law school, we couldn’t take an extended trip, so we planned a compact but thrilling 4-day journey. With our bikes hitched to my Prius, I drove while Greer studied. Greer and I both spent $55 on accommodations on this trip.

Greer and I have taken multiple road trips throughout America. You can check out some of my other blogs here:

On this road trip, we didn’t get to explore all of West Texas—it was just a quick pit stop since we were on our way to Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, having visited West Texas several times, I have plenty of experiences to share. For a comprehensive guide, check out my detailed blogs on exploring West Texas. I also have a simplified blog highlighting the top things to do in the region. West Texas is an incredibly beautiful place that you definitely don’t want to miss!

To enhance the adventure, I had curated a special playlist on Spotify before the trip, specifically designed to accompany our journey. Listening to this playlist now brings me back to those moments, letting the music serve as a vivid reminder of the road trip’s magic. It’s always a pleasure to reminisce through these melodies, each one a note in the soundtrack of an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: Austin to Marfa

We began our journey early in the morning, setting off from Austin on a 6-hour drive to Marfa. Greer studied immigration law as I navigated the familiar roads. As we approached Alpine, Texas, I realized with a shock that we had only 1 mile of gas left. Somehow, I had lost track of the fuel level, assuming I had recently filled up the tank. Panic set in, but luck was on our side—we ran out of gas right in front of a place called “Primp My Ride,” which, sadly, is no longer in business.

It turned out to be a car wash, and the kind guys there offered us gas. Fortunately, I had a stash of 10 delicious bean and cheese tamales from Tamale House East from Austin, so I fed them in an exchange to their offering. As we made the trade, one of the guys brought out his DJ gear and started spinning tracks, mixing in some “Rick and Morty” bits. The scene was surreal—a guy spraying water on an RV, a cop on a golf cart checking in, and us exchanging Bud Lights and tamales. Greer and I exchanged amused glances, feeling like we had stepped into a music video or reality show. This unexpected stop added a memorable twist to our road trip, setting the tone for the incredible experiences that followed.

After we parted ways with the friendly folks at “Primp My Ride,” we encountered a girl walking by who asked if she could join us. She was from Massachusetts and curious about our next stop, Big Bend Brewery, which was just a five-minute drive away. It was surprising she hadn’t heard of it since the town was quite small. We ended up lending her some clothes, bought her a drink, and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere at Big Bend Brewery (which, unfortunately, went out of business due to COVID).

She then asked if she could come along with us to New Mexico and if we could support her. Feeling a bit uncomfortable with her energy and hesitant about traveling with a stranger, we politely declined. We dropped her off where we had met her, letting her keep the clothes and giving her a couple of bucks.

From Alpine, we drove to Marfa, a beautiful 30-minute drive. Upon arriving at El Cosmico, we pitched our tent for the night. Back then, it cost $25 per person, but as of 2024, it’s $30 per night Sunday-Thursday and $50 per night on Fridays and Saturdays. El Cosmico is a really cool spot in Marfa. If you want to explore and learn more about Marfa, check out my separate blog here!

  • Discovering Marfa: A Guide to Texas’ Artistic Desert Town

After setting up our tent, Greer and I decided to ride our bikes into the town of Marfa. We had no specific plans, just the idea of riding under the stars. We ended up stopping at Marfa Public Radio, where a feast and drinks were in full swing for a fundraising event. While mingling with the locals, we eventually found ourselves in the radio booth, helping raise money by answering phone calls. Greer and I managed to raise $500!

Buoyed by the great spirit of the evening, we continued our bike ride adventure and grabbed a couple of cocktails at the St. George Hotel. We then rode our bikes back to El Cosmico and rested up for an early start the next day.

Day 2: White Sands National Park & Bandelier National Monument

We packed up our tent and set off towards White Sands, a destination that was a National Monument at the time of our trip and has since been designated a National Park in 2019. The drive from Marfa to White Sands is about four hours, and we made the most of the journey with a couple of memorable stops along the way.

Our first stop was in Valentine,TX to visit the Prada Marfa installation. This unique piece of modern art, nestled in the vast Texan desert, offered a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape and piqued our curiosity. After soaking in the artistic vibes, we headed to El Paso,TX for a quick coffee break, just before crossing into New Mexico.

Finally, we arrived at White Sands National Park. The $25 entrance fee per vehicle was a small price to pay for the breathtaking expanse that awaited us. The park’s pure white gypsum dunes stretch endlessly under the clear sky, creating a dreamy and enchanting landscape. The dunes, shaped by the wind, glow brilliantly in the sunlight, making it feel as though we had stepped onto another planet.

Having visited White Sands three times, I’ve seen its beauty from different angles each visit, and it never ceases to amaze. For a bit of added fun, consider picking up or bringing a sled from the visitor center to glide down the dunes. Even if you’re short on time, just experiencing the surreal beauty of White Sands is well worth the trip.

From White Sands National Park, we continued our journey with another 4.5 hours of driving to Bandelier National Monument. The drive felt almost dream-like, as if we could have been transported through time and space in an instant. The vast, open landscapes of New Mexico seemed to stretch and compress time, making the journey feel both long and fleeting. There’s something about driving through this state that evokes a sense of timelessness and wonder, amplifying the adventure of the road trip.

Bandelier National Monument is a captivating tapestry of ancient history and natural beauty. Nestled in the rugged canyons of northern New Mexico, it features striking cliff dwellings carved into volcanic rock and lush, serene mesas. The monument’s landscape is a blend of dramatic rock formations, verdant forests, and meandering trails that invite exploration. Here, the whispers of past civilizations echo through the canyons, offering a profound connection to the land’s rich heritage. The breathtaking scenery and historic ruins create a timeless allure, making Bandelier a place of both wonder and tranquility.

Greer and I went on a nice hike together in Bandelier National Monument and discovered many cliff dwellings. There was nobody there and we enjoyed the place to ourselves. We stayed at Juniper campsite for $20 for the night. I didn’t take much photos of the place but it was quite a peaceful serene place!

Day 3: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Greer and I set off on a thrilling adventure that began with packing up our tent at Bandelier. On a whim, we decided to explore the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and what unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary. The landscape was a breathtaking masterpiece of nature’s artistry, and our spontaneous hike led us to a cliff with an awe-inspiring view.

As the first light of dawn painted the sky, we were treated to a sunrise that felt almost otherworldly. The memory is so vivid that I wish I could retrace the exact path we took to that magical spot.

While soaking in the picturesque view, we were graced by the presence of an elk nearby, observing the sunrise alongside us. Our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like the elk was silently conveying, “nature is dope,” before returning to its serene contemplation.

After this enchanting experience, we headed to Santa Fe, a place I had never explored before but have since fallen in love with. It’s become a regular destination for me, with three more visits under my belt since then. In 2020, Greer and I ventured into Southern Colorado, where we continued to uncover the hidden wonders of northern New Mexico. Trust me, these are gems you absolutely don’t want to miss! You can check out that article here:

  • San Juan Mountains in Southern Colorado: The Swiss Alps of America

As Greer and I arrived in Santa Fe, we were beyond excited to grab breakfast at The Pantry, known for its amazing breakfast options! Dining out is a rare treat for us during our road trips, as we usually stick to freeze-dried food to save time and money. But today, we decided to indulge, and I couldn’t resist ordering the Huevo Rancheros with a choice of red, green, or Christmas salsa (yes, Christmas means both – how fun!).

After our delicious meal, we made our way to Meow Wolf. At the time, Meow Wolf was a hidden gem, a completely novel and unique concept to us. Although we’ve explored The House on the Rock in Wisconsin and City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, so we felt prepared for this obscure and enchanting artistic adventure that brilliantly combines limitless creativity and captivating sensory experiences. Want to discover more amazing places from our Midwest road trip? Check out my blog for all the cool details!

Meow Wolf is a truly mesmerizing experience, though its sheer intensity can be overwhelming for some. Greer and I were captivated by the vibrant, otherworldly installation, but as we delved deeper, we discovered an intricate narrative woven into the artwork. The details were so rich and complex that our senses were on overload, making it clear that it was time to step away and clear our minds.

Having already explored Meow Wolf in Las Vegas (2023+2024), I’m thrilled to experience each unique venue in their expanding collection, knowing that every one offers its own incredible journey.

With that thrilling chapter behind us, our excitement to relax was palpable. We made a stop at Kakawa Chocolate House, which has quickly become one of my favorite spots whenever I visit Santa Fe. This charming chocolate shop specializes in historic and authentic drinking chocolate elixirs that transport you back in time. My absolute favorites are the Historic European Chocolate Elixirs. These are derived from historical recipes dating from the early 1600s through the early 1800s, offering a diverse array of flavors and intensities. They beautifully capture the culinary exchange that occurred after Europeans arrived in the Americas.

Among these, the 1666 Italian Citrus Elixir, the 1775 Marie Antoinette Elixir, and the 1692 French Lavender Elixir hold a special place in my heart. Each sip offers a unique experience, blending rich chocolate with distinct flavors that tell a story of a different era. The Kakawa Chocolate House has truly become a highlight of my trips to Santa Fe, offering not just a treat but a taste of history.

Afterwards, we eagerly anticipated unwinding at a Japanese bathhouse called Ten Thousand Waves, ready to embrace a moment of tranquility after our vibrant adventure. Some of you might already know this, but I have a deep love for hot springs and bathhouses. They bring me immense joy—perhaps because they remind me of my preteen years visiting family in Japan. There’s something incredibly soothing about soaking in water heated by the earth’s thermal energy amidst serene, natural surroundings. It’s a truly unique and calming experience.

I’m so passionate about hot springs and bathhouses that I’ve written an article detailing the places I’ve visited. If you share this love or are curious to learn more, check it out here:

  • Hot Springs and Bathhouses I Have Visited

I don’t want to give too much away about Ten Thousand Waves—just know that it’s a must-visit! The place offers not only incredible baths but also a restaurant, massages, and lodging. If you find yourself in a communal co-ed bath, be sure to bring a bathing suit, though you can also opt for a private rental. Greer and I chose a communal women’s-only bath, which was bathing suit optional, and it provided the perfect soothing experience after the sensory overload of Meow Wolf. It was a beautifully relaxing way to end our day.

We headed towards our Airbnb in Madrid, New Mexico—a charming, isolated, and artsy town just outside Santa Fe. I had visited Madrid once before in 2015, and I was thrilled to return. The property we stayed at was an off-the-grid earth home, perfectly continuing the serene vibes we’d enjoyed at Ten Thousand Waves. You can reserve this unique Airbnb HERE

The drive to Madrid was nothing short of breathtaking. With the car window down, we savored the crisp October air, feeling rejuvenated by the foliage scenery. Upon arrival, we took a leisurely hike on the property, where a small hill provided a stunning view of the stars. The day’s adventures had left us wonderfully tired, and we drifted off to sleep without a hitch, grateful for the peaceful end to a perfect day.

Day 4: Heading back to Austin, TX

As dawn broke, signaling the end of our journey, we awoke to face a long 10-hour drive back home, with an added hour of time difference. Though the final day was filled with endless stretches of road, each mile felt like a pilgrimage, a journey back from the enchanting realms of Northern New Mexico. The land we had traversed was steeped in mystique, its beauty resonating deeply within us. As we drove away, we carried with us a sense of wonder and a yearning to explore more of the magical places yet to be discovered. Northern New Mexico had woven its spell upon us, and we knew that its secrets would continue to beckon us toward future adventures.