Road trip from Las Vegas to Santa Fe in mid November

[ekcor1]

Hi there

We are planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Santa Fe in mid November.

We only have around 7 days. I am not familiar with that part of the US and am slightly concerned about driving times (we'll have our 4 year old daughter with us, so don't want to spend too much of the week in the car) and driving conditions - principally snow (we are from Australia, so have zero experience driving in those conditions!).

At this stage, our itinerary is:

Day 1 Las Vegas - Williams
Day 2 Williams - Monument Valley via Grand Canyon
Day 3 Monument Valley to Durango
Day 4 Durango to Taos
Day 5 Taos to Santa Fe
Day 6 Santa Fe to Albuquerque (for a flight)

I would be really grateful for any insight you can provide on that route, and whether you think it might be a bit ambitious in the time allowed, or if you think there is a chance of difficult driving conditions. If so, it would be great if you think there are any alternative routes from Monument Valley to Santa Fe.

Thanks so much for your help!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

One thing you do need to understand is that the entire area you are talking about here is above 5,000 feet of elevation, so it is quite possible that you could see some winter weather. Everything depends upon exact weather patterns that won't be known until just days before you travel, so you just have to understand that dealing with snow is a possibility that you can't really avoid.

With your trip plan, I think it seems ok, except for the first part. Williams to Monument Valley in one day is going to leave you a little short on time at the Grand Canyon - which is a very big place. You could do it certainly, but I'd try to stop a little shorter - like cameron or tuba city - so you can have most of the day at the canyon.

Your other drives are all very manageable - with Taos to Albuquerque being only about 2 hours of driving total.