From our small hometown of Bryan, Texas, we packed the car to the brim and set off on an unforgettable family road trip to the Grand Canyon. With our bags loaded, snacks stocked, and playlists queued, my husband and I hit the open road, excited to trade our daily routine for a cross-country adventure. Our route took us west through the scenic highways of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Each state offering its own unique roadside attractions, charming towns, and delicious local eats.
We made intentional stops along the way to break up the drive and create lasting memories with my father who joined us on the road trip to the Grand Canyon. We stopped to explore the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, strolled the art filled streets in Santa Fe, and spent one night in the historic Hotel El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico before riding the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon. Every mile brought a new adventure and a deeper appreciation for the American Southwest. Our final destination, the breathtaking Grand Canyon, was the perfect final stop for our family road trip. This article is your ultimate guide to planning a family road trip from Texas to riding the train to the Grand Canyon; complete with travel tips, packing lists, where to stay, and what to do along the way!
Our Pre-Road Trip Checklist: Planning, Packing, and Prepping
At the beginning of the year, my husband and I set the goal of planning more family travel as a way to create memories with our parents and explore parts of the country that we love. A bucket list destination for me and also my dad was seeing the Grand Canyon. My husband has spent a lot of time traveling the Southwest and loved the idea of creating new memories together on a weeklong family road trip to the Grand Canyon.
The planning started a few months out, however I would recommend at least one year out if you are wanting to stay at a hotel located at the Grand Canyon, such as El Tovar Hotel which require a longer lead time to secure lodging. However, if you are a family similar to ours, sometimes last-minute planning is just a reality, especially if you are in a busy season of life.
Before you jump in your car or get on a plane make sure to secure your National Parks passes ahead of time. Purchasing the National Parks pass has been one of the best travel expenses we have invested in this year. We are nearly halfway through the year and have visited six National Parks. If you are military or a senior, check for discounts on the National Parks website. Another tip before you start your adventure is to download the National Park System app. On the app, there are many self-guided tours filled with detailed information about each park, ground accessibility and more tools to help you plan your trip.
What to Pack for a Family Road Trip to the Grand Canyon
We had a long road trip ahead of us and we knew we needed to pack with intention and make sure we had important essentials before hitting the road. In true road trip fashion, we packed a cooler with water and put together a “snack bag” with peanut butter crackers, raisins, trail mix, granola bars, skinny pop, and of course a few of our favorite sweet treats. On a road trip this long, it’s important to prepare for times when a gas station or grocery store isn’t available on some of the longer stretches of road. In addition to water and snacks, we packed a few basics such as paper towels, wet ones (wipes), and trash bags to easily despose of trash at our stops. For all electronics we made sure to not only have car chargers, but battery packs in case we found ourselves in a situation that required quick charging for any of our devises. From a roadside safety perspective, we made sure to have safety vests, a reflective triangle, first aid kit, and flashlight. Luckily, we did not have to use the roadside safety kit on this road trip, but I’m glad we were prepared.
We traveled to the Grand Canyon at the end of May and the weather was absolutely perfect. The mornings and evenings were cooler, requiring a light jacket but during the day it warmed up to the upper 70s. I spent most of the trip wearing jeans, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt or my lightweight Patagonia jacket with my Hoka running shoes. If you plan to hike or explore any trails, I would definitely recommend on investing in hiking boots or footwear more appropriate for the National Parks. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat to shield as much of your face as you can. Next time we visit the Grand Canyon, I will pack…
- A lightweight backpack
- Binoculars
- A refillable water bottle
- Chapstick with SPF
- More layers… I am cold natured, and I did not pack enough layers.
The Route: From Bryan, Texas to the Grand Canyon. Our Road Trip full daily itinerary
Our first stop on our road trip was Midland/Odessa to see a family member and to get a good night’s rest before embarking on our weeklong journey to the brim. From Bryan to Midland, Texas, we traveled a little over six hours in the first leg of the trip. We stopped at Big Easy Station, for burgers and pizza at a restored train depot, in Brady, Texas.
Day Two: Roswell, New Mexico to Santa Fe
From Midland, we traveled three hours to Roswell, New Mexico to visit the roadside attraction, the International UFO Museum and Research Center. This was a low-cost adventure and provided a little entertainment as we stretched our legs before heading to our next stop, the La Fonda on The Plaza, Sante Fe, New Mexico. We checked-in to the La Fonda and shopped the plaza before heading to dinner at the La Plazuela Restaurant. We loved this restaurant so much we opted to dine for a second time on day three for breakfast.
Day Three: Santa Fe & Bandelier National Monument
On day three of our road trip, we woke up in the heart of Santa Fe to the soft glow of morning light filtering through adobe walls and crisp mountain air. We were eager to soak in the charm of this historic city before the day fully began, so we decided to set out on a two-mile morning walk before breakfast. The streets of Santa Fe were just beginning to wake up, giving us an opportunity to explore without the usual crowds.
As we wandered, we admired the city’s signature Southwestern architecture of earth toned adobe buildings adorned with wooden vigas and colorful doors. One of our favorite stops along the way was Canyon Road, a stretch known for its incredible art galleries and vibrant creativity. Nearly every turn revealed sculptural gardens, hand-painted tiles, and hidden courtyards filled with wildflowers in full bloom. We couldn’t resist pausing often to snap photos of the blooming hollyhocks, climbing roses, and desert succulents that framed every doorway and fence. Santa Fe set a calm and inspired tone for the rest of the day and was one of the most unexpectedly memorable parts of our journey.
While I could have ended our trip here and spent the rest of week wandering the streets of Santa Fe, it was time to move on to the next stop on our road trip adventure. This was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to all of the jam packed exploring we had on our itinerary.
After checking out of the La Fonda on The Plaza, we headed west to Bandelier National Monument. To our surprise, Bandelier was mobility friendly, offering a completely paved walkway up close to the Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the rock cliffs. For the adventure seekers, you can climb up stairs (with railings) to get a closer look at the Petroglyphs.
Bandelier Visitor Side Notes:
- The stairs are really steep up to the Petroglyphs, but there are railings to help you navigate the stairs.
- The altitude can cause you to have shortness of breath if you are not use to this type of climate.
- I always recommend taking activities like this slower, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
- Pack accordingly for an activity like this especially when traveling with children and seniors.
- In our experience, the National Park Rangers are extremely helpful when visiting parks. Stop by the visitors centers to check in and visit with the experts on what they would recommend based on your mobility and skill level.
After a full day of exploring the high desert landscapes and the awe-inspiring sights of Petrified Forest National Park, we were ready to rest and recharge for the next leg of our journey. Our destination for the night was the iconic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, a National Historic Site and a gem along old Route 66. Stepping through the grand front doors of this storied hotel felt like taking a step back in time. With its rustic Southwestern charm, hand carved bannisters, and walls adorned with vintage photographs, El Rancho offered more than just a place to sleep – it offered a glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age.
During the 1940s and ‘50s, El Rancho was a favorite lodging spot for movie stars filming Westerns in the surrounding desert, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel’s warm, nostalgic atmosphere and Old West flair made it one of our favorite stops. We enjoyed a cozy dinner at The Silver Screen, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, which offers hearty comfort food and classic cocktails under the glow of retro neon lights. After dinner, we took a few minutes to wander through the lobby, soaking in the history before settling into our room for a restful night.
Day Four: Petrified Forest National Park
Feeling rested and reenergized, we headed to our next stop on our family road trip, the Petrified Forest National Park. This was one of the most fascinating and colorful stops on our family road trip to the Grand Canyon. Located in northeastern Arizona, this lesser-known National Park offers a unique blend of ancient history and stunning desert landscapes. One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking the self-guided driving tour, which you can easily follow using the official National Park Service app. The app provides a detailed map, interpretive information, and audio guides that make each stop along the way even more meaningful. From the vibrant petrified wood scattered across the Painted Desert to petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock and views from Blue Mesa, there’s so much to see and learn. This is a great stop for families because you can customize your experience based on your schedule. We spent four hours at this park. Again, bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and have your camera ready because there is so much natural beauty and history at every stop.
Day Five: Arriving at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
After several days of scenic driving and unforgettable stops along the way, we rolled into Williams, Arizona with excitement building for what was still ahead. This charming Route 66 town was the perfect location for the final stretch of our journey. We checked into the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, a beautifully restored property that blends modern comfort with Old West charm. The hotel is located just steps from the historic Williams Depot, making it an ideal spot for families planning to ride the iconic Grand Canyon Railway.
After settling into our room and stretching our legs, we made our way to the depot to pick up our train tickets for the next day’s adventure. The ticketing process was seamless, and the staff were incredibly helpful in answering questions about the schedule, onboard amenities, and what to expect at the South Rim. With our tickets in hand and the anticipation of a vintage train ride ahead, we explored the hotel and even peeked into the gift shop for a few last-minute souvenirs.
Day Six: All Aboard to the Grand Canyon
The morning of our train ride to the Grand Canyon felt like Christmas morning. We woke up early filled with anticipation and excitement. After coffee and breakfast at the hotel, we made our way to the Williams Depot to watch a staged Wild West shootout before boarding the Grand Canyon Railway.
Once aboard, we settled into our comfortable seats and began the two-hour and fifteen-minute journey through the high desert and pine forests of Northern Arizona. The scenic ride was a relaxing contrast to the road trip leading up to it. Friendly attendants kept us entertained with stories about the railway’s history, wildlife facts, and even a surprise “train robbery” that had everyone laughing.
As we arrived at the South Rim and walked toward the edge of the canyon for the first time, I really couldn’t think of a word to describe the view. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty. It’s impossible to truly prepare yourself for the scale and beauty of the Grand Canyon until you’re standing at its rim. The layered red rock cliffs seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction, and the colors shifted as the sun danced across the canyon walls. I stood there quietly for a while, completely humbled by nature’s masterpiece, grateful for this family journey that brought us to such a breathtaking place.
Questions about our Family Road Trip to the Grand Canyon?
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