There are few things more classically American than a good old fashioned road trip. The unexpected roadside highlights, the snacks you only eat while driving, the songs that hit extra hard with the windows rolled down. For almost all of our guests, a trip to Glorieta involves a road trip of at least a couple hours — or maybe even 13+! That being the case, we wanted to share a few ideas for how you can make this year’s journey to Glorieta the most memorable one yet.
1. Swing by a National Park!
If you’re coming to Glorieta from the Phoenix area, you’ve got an easy option along the way in Petrified Forest National Park. Pull off at exit 311 on I–40 to savor some ice cream at the Painted Desert Inn and catch a lovely view from Pintado Point.
If a National Park isn’t on your route, check to see if there are any cool state parks along your way that’d make for a fun stop.
Petrified Forest National Park
2. Take a selfie with the WILDEST roadside attraction you can find
Maybe Oklahoma’s your home and you’ll pass by Amarillo on your way to New Mexico. In that case, head south of town and grab a pic with the Giant Legs. Yes, you read that right. Giant Legs. You might even spot a Glorieta sticker or two on the calves!
You also could leave this one up to chance and swing by anything that strikes your fancy on the way. Odds are you’ll come across something memorable if you just keep your eyes open!
3. Add on a night under the stars
Let’s say you’re driving from Houston and 13+ hours in the car for a day just isn’t your cup of tea. Why not pack a tent and break up the trip with a night at a campground? Palo Duro Canyon would make for a beautiful camping spot — and if nothing else, we guarantee that your bed at Glorieta will have never felt better!
If camping is too much of a commitment, you could try to find a unique Airbnb that’ll provide more memories for your family than your regular hotel.
Lighthouse Rock at Palo Duro Canyon
4. Make time for a New Mexican Meal
For those of you traveling down I-25 from Colorado, one of the last places you’ll hit before Glorieta is the one & only Las Vegas, New Mexico. It’s a great place for authentic New Mexican food, and you can learn all about what it means to decide between red, green, or Christmas.
Las Vegas is far from the only place for authentic New Mexican food, though. This could look as simple as choosing a new mom & pop joint you’ve never tried before rather than opting for fast food.
5. Extend your Glorieta adventure
If you hang your hat in Lubbock, your relatively short commute might allow time to explore the area around Glorieta. Tent Rocks, the Pecos River, and Meow Wolf are all great spots to check out — either before or after your event at camp!
Regardless of where you’re coming from, you could add on a night in Santa Fe after your trip is done and explore all the The City Different has to offer.
6. Make the most of the time in the car
Fight the urge to get pulled into a screen for hours on end and carve out some time for intentional conversation with the folks around you. Questions like, What’s something you’re learning right now?, What are you most excited about for our trip?, or Tell me about one of your favorite memories could all kickstart some great conversations.
And when screen time inevitably does come, try finding something that can enrich your upcoming time at Glorieta. If you’re coming for Family Camp, you could check out Bible Project videos recapping the books of the Bible that you’re about to study!
Whether your road trip is full of green chile burritos, giant legs, or something else entirely, we hope that you always know that Glorieta will be ready to welcome you at the end of it. When you’ve heard “Are we there yet?” for the 100th time, just remember that soon enough that front gate will open, you’ll roll down the windows and breathe in the fresh mountain air, and you’ll know the whole journey will have been worth it.
See you soon!
