We had no idea New Mexico was going to steal our hearts the way it did.

When we planned this road trip, the destination on our minds was El Paso, Texas, where we were headed to see BTS perform at Sun Bowl Stadium as part of the ARIRANG World Tour. New Mexico was always going to be part of the drive, but we thought of it mostly as the in-between. What it turned into was one of the most beautiful and memorable stretches of the entire journey.

If you have been sleeping on New Mexico as a road trip destination, we hope this post changes that for you. If you want the full BTS concert travel guide, we cover everything from getting to the stadium to what to bring.

These are the four stops that made this leg of the trip unforgettable, and every single one of them is pet friendly.

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There are some places that genuinely do not look real, and White Sands National Park is one of them. The dunes stretch out in every direction in the most brilliant shade of white, and the contrast against the blue sky is something you have to see in person to fully appreciate. You will also see surrounding mountains in the background which we love. What makes it so unique is that the dunes are not actually sand at all, they are made of gypsum crystals, which is why they stay brilliantly white rather than turning golden like typical sand dunes.

We stopped here around 1:30 PM after picking up our BTS concert merch at the nearby pickup location, and ended up spending just under an hour exploring. Honestly we could have stayed longer but we were tired from the drive and wanted to check in as soon as it was time. We took photos at the national park sign, walked the dunes with Tira, and let him run around on the sand, which he absolutely loved.

White Sands is pet friendly on leash, so if you are traveling with your dog, this is a must stop. Just know that the sand is bright white and reflects sunlight intensely, so protect your pup’s paws in the heat and bring plenty of water for both of you.

A few practical tips for your visit:

• Walking on the sand is softer and more physically tiring than it looks. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes
• The reflected sunlight is intense. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non negotiable
• Bring water for yourself and your dog
• Early morning and late afternoon light are the most beautiful for photography, but the midday white on blue is pretty stunning too
• We used our America the Beautiful Annual Pass for entry, which covers the standard entrance fee. If you visit multiple national parks each year, the pass pays for itself quickly

Distance from Alamogordo: White Sands is about 15 miles southwest of downtown Alamogordo, roughly a 20 minute drive.

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Right after White Sands we stumbled upon one of those classic American roadside stops that you almost pass and then absolutely do not regret pulling over for. McGinn’s PistachioLand is home to the World’s Largest Pistachio, a giant pistachio sculpture sitting right off the highway that you simply cannot drive past without stopping.

But here is the real reason to stop: the pistachio ice cream and milkshakes. We were not expecting much and then it turned out to be genuinely delicious. Rich, nutty, and the kind of thing you talk about for the rest of the drive.

This is exactly the kind of spontaneous stop that makes a road trip feel like a road trip. We were not planning on it, we saw it, we pulled over, and we loved every minute of it. If you are driving through Alamogordo, do not skip this one.

Note: The stop is open daily and has a gift shop, pistachio products, ice cream, and of course the photo opportunity with the giant pistachio out front.

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On the day of the concert we had time to spend with Tira before heading to El Paso for the show. We found an off leash dog park in Alamogordo called Bark Park where he could burn some energy, and while we were there we kept noticing the mountains rising in the distance. They were striking, and we could not stop looking at them.

So we did what any good road tripper does. We drove toward them. Classic Sarah and Jam move!

What followed was one of the most beautiful spontaneous drives of the entire trip. The road up into the Sacramento Mountains winds through dramatic elevation changes and the views open up quickly. We stopped at the Tunnel Vista Observation Site, which gave us sweeping panoramic views of the valley below, and then continued on to the Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle.

We spotted a trail descending from the observation site and we were tempted, but with concert prep ahead of us we made the call to turn back. That trail is the Tunnel Vista Trail, rated 4.4 stars on AllTrails. It is a steep descent through rocky terrain that leads to a waterfall and swimming hole at the canyon bottom. To find the trailhead, walk from the parking lot toward the tunnel and look for the yellow lights on sign. The trail entrance is on your left marked by a red arrow on a concrete block next to a large black pipe. If you have the time and the right shoes, do not skip it. Just know it is steep, involves some river crossing, and is not a casual stroll.

The Mexican Canyon Railroad Trestle is an easy stop. There is a pull-off parking area right off the road and it is a short, flat walk to the trestle itself. The old railroad bridge sits in a rugged canyon landscape and the whole scene feels almost cinematic, stone and steel against the mountains. We kept saying to each other that we could not believe we almost did not come here.

It felt dramatic in the best way. The trees, the fog, the light rain coming down from the mountains gave it an energy that reminded us of a scene straight out of Twilight. The train tracks stretching across the canyon also had serious Harry Potter vibes, the kind you would expect to see on the Scottish Highlands route. If you love dramatic and picturesque landscapes, this is a must see.

New Mexico is like Colorado’s little sister, and we mean that in the most loving way possible. The mountains, the dramatic open landscapes, the way everything feels both wild and accessible. It is underrated as a road trip state and we are already talking about going back for a dedicated trip. We also noticed hiking trails throughout the Sacramento Mountains area, so if you are staying longer there is no shortage of ways to explore.

Tira-friendly note: Both the Tunnel Vista overlook and the Mexican Canyon Trestle pulloff are easy, accessible stops with flat ground, perfect for dogs of any size or fitness level.

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On our way home we made a stop in Santa Fe, and it was the perfect way to close out the trip. We spent a few hours walking through the historic downtown Plaza area, admired the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi anchoring the square, and found our way to Torogoz Restaurant for lunch.

Torogoz serves Mexican and El Salvadoran food and it was genuinely one of the best meals of the trip. The food was flavorful, fresh, and the kind of lunch that makes you want to cancel your drive home and just stay. The atmosphere of the whole city matched it: warm, vibrant, unhurried.

Santa Fe has a distinctive look and feel unlike anywhere else we have visited. The adobe architecture, the thriving art scene, the layered mix of Indigenous, Spanish, and contemporary culture. It is charming in a way that makes you want to slow down and stay longer. We only had a few hours but we left already planning a full trip back someday. Next time we want to stay overnight in one of the classic pueblo-style adobe properties the city is known for, it is exactly the kind of experience Santa Fe was made for.

It is also wonderfully pet friendly. Walking through the Plaza on a Sunday afternoon we noticed dogs everywhere with their owners enjoying the weather. Tira fit right in.

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Final Thoughts

New Mexico surprised us in the best possible way on this trip. Between White Sands, the spontaneous Sacramento Mountains drive, PistachioLand, and Santa Fe, it delivered some of our most memorable moments of the entire journey, and it was technically just the road trip stops on the way to and from a BTS concert.

That is the thing about the Southwest. You plan one trip and end up discovering three more you want to take.

If you are road tripping through this part of the country, give New Mexico the time it deserves. It is not just a drive-through state. It is a destination, and we will be back.

For the full El Paso and New Mexico road trip itinerary including concert day planning, hotel logistics, and driving times, check out our complete guide.