Texas road trip part 2: To make a road trip truly successful, one needs to pull the car over and enjoy the sights along the way. Darryl originally wanted to get to Texas in three days. “Can we please extend our trip into five days?” was my request. “Alright.” He said. Thanks to compassion from my husband, here are tips for stops on a road trip from Canada to Texas.

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Montana

Stop 1: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

I had always heard about Custer’s Last Stand but didn’t know much about it. Learning about history is vitally important. It was natural to have some historical stops on a road trip along the way. We thought we would spend maybe a half-hour at Little Bighorn. A half-hour turned into nearly two hours.

The battlefield and the story of this site are fascinating! A clash of cultures brought about the campaign of 1876 leaving not one man of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer’s 260 men alive.

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The Northern Plains Indians wanted to preserve their ancestral way of life. The US Army didn’t agree. Two hot days in June sealed the fate of Custer’s men. They had underestimated the force and skill of the several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors. The Lakota and Cheyenne won the battle at Little Bighorn but subsequently lost the war against the military’s efforts to end their independent, nomadic way of life.

Headstones from both sides of the battle are scattered among the rolling hills; stone battle scars protruding from the grassy plains in remembrance of the dead. There are trails to follow covering the battlefield leading to the Bighorn River.

Last Stand Hill is the most prominent of the features on the battlefield. The headstones of the massacred 7th Cavalry and Custer cover the hillside, marking the demise of the fallen men. The graveyard is enclosed inside a metal fence. The fence encircles them now just as they were surrounded one fateful day in June. A large, stone monument stands guard at the top of the hill.

Wyoming

Stop 2: Buford

Since I’m a small-town gal, we simply had to stop at Buford, Wyoming, the smallest town in the United States of America. Population: 1. Reading about Buford intrigued me. Legend has it a Vietnamese businessman bought the tiny town to sell his specialty Vietnamese coffee in the store. It is the only place in the US where you can buy his unique coffee. Small town. Coffee. How could we not stop at Buford?

All the buildings were boarded up when we arrived at America’s smallest town. I so desperately wanted to try the coffee and buy something in the little town. But now, it seems to only be a ghost town. The photo op in front of the sign was a bonus though, so our trip to Buford was not in vain. Be prepared that tips for stops on a road trip to not always work out exactly as planned.

Colorado

Stop 3: Red Rock Canyon

A stunning park with contrasts of green foliage and red rock is in Colorado Springs. Finding places like this make a road trip special. Road trips are about numerous destinations, not just one. Discovery is the name of the game to a successful road trip.

There are numerous trails to explore in Red Rock Canyon so we embarked to see what we could find, stretching our legs, taking pictures and enjoying life.

Colorado people are friendly and happy. Everyone we passed greeted us with a cheery, “Hello!” It is a pleasure when people are welcoming during travels.

Back into the car and back onto crazy I25. This was the busiest highway we travelled so far. Darryl appreciated the stops along the way to get a break from the constant barrage of vehicles on all sides.

I25 separates the landscape. On the West side are mountains and on the East side there are flat plains. I had the scenic side. Good for the passenger! The mountains are always medicine for the soul. I sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the view. Darryl loves to drive. I don’t. We make the perfect couple.

As we approached New Mexico, the landscape changed yet again. There were hills, mountains and valleys all around us. We entered Raton Pass at 7834 feet. Our time in New Mexico was short so there were no stops. It was on to Texas! We do have plans to sightsee New Mexico on the drive home, though.

Texas

Stop 4: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Texas Grand Canyon is a must-stop for adventure enthusiasts. Activities such as horseback riding, ziplines and jeep tours are available. Not to mention hiking and biking on the park trails. The park is beautiful for nature photography with red and green contrasts.

The smell of cedar trees beckons you to explore the different trails. What’s cool is there is sunscreen provided at the beginning of each trail. Brilliant!

Small-Town Travel Tip: Take lots of water with you to stay hydrated. The weather can change quickly in the park from a cool, overcast day to a hot, humid sauna when the sun peeks out from behind the clouds. It is also easy to get a sunburn in Texas because of the heat and high UV index. Slather on the sunscreen and reapply often.

Texans are incredibly outgoing and courteous people. Every biker and person walking on the trails gave us a, “How y’all doin?’”. I’ve never had people on bicycles address me in passing before. It was genuine Texas hospitality.

Stop 5: Fort Phantom Hill (near Abilene)

Ruins are one of my favourite historical sites to photograph. Our visit to Fort Phantom Hill was blessed with pleasant weather. It was cloudy, cool and a gentle breeze flowed through the trees. Visiting the ruins is free and there is a self-guided map at the site. There was also a sign warning about rattlesnakes but we never saw any. Strange bugs had their choir practicing in the grass. It’s all part of God’s music.

I had a heyday taking pictures at the abandoned fort. Bricks, wood, grass, trees, cacti and spring flowers out in full force made for terrific captures.

Tips for Stops on a Road Trip

Planning stops is half the fun on a road trip. When you have your drive mapped out, Google what there is to see along your highway of choice. You will be surprised by all the different attractions popping up in your search. And, it’s not a bad idea to ask fellow travellers on Instagram! If a picture peaks your interest, ask the person for tips about the sight or surrounding area. We bloggers are on social media to be social and help you travel better. From parks to historical sites to cool small towns, there will be a place sure to capture your heart for an hour or two. Get out there, explore and have fun!

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.