When Texas became a state in 1845, the relevant legislation included a clause allowing it to split into up to five distinct states if the state legislature approved it. Likewise, planning a Texas road trip can be something like planning a road trip across five states. El Paso is closer to Tucson, Arizona (319 miles away), than it is to Dallas (634 miles away). There is a lot of ground to cover: big cities; beautiful, wide-open spaces; and miles and miles of highway in between. With all of the acreage, it's important to not stretch yourself too thin. It's easy to spend too much time behind the wheel in Texas. As always, tailor your itinerary to your interests. If you like cowboy culture, Fort Worth and Amarillo might be focal points; hikers and paddlers will want to beeline to Big Bend National Park; city-slickers might head to Dallas and Houston; and music lovers should flock to Austin. During your time on the Texas road, take the opportunity to explore places off the beaten path, and get out and gander at those wide-open spaces. This big state has a lot to offer, so take advantage of as much as you can.
