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Southern Corridor to the Great Lakes

A cross-country journey avoiding the high-altitude I-40 corridor. This route traverses the Sonoran Desert, the vast Texas plains, and the Ozark foothills before reaching the industrial heart and natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.

5days
12stops
3915km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in El Paso · Abilene · Oklahoma City · Collinsville — start in Surprise, end in Midland.

DAY01

Surprise → San Jacinto Plaza

745 km · 6h 57m driving · long drive · Overnight in San Jacinto Plaza
  1. 09:00
    Surprise City Hall· start
  2. 213 km · 2h 6m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Saguaro National Park West
  4. 532 km · 4h 51m
  5. 15:00
    San Jacinto Plaza· overnight
DAY02

San Jacinto Plaza → Downtown Abilene

823 km · 8h 18m driving · long drive · Overnight in Downtown Abilene
  1. 09:00
    San Jacinto Plaza· start
  2. 153 km · 1h 27m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ White Sands National Park
  4. 670 km · 6h 51m
  5. 15:00
    Downtown Abilene· overnight
DAY03

Downtown Abilene → Oklahoma City

620 km · 5h 44m driving · long drive · Overnight in Oklahoma City National Memorial
  1. 09:00
    Downtown Abilene· start
  2. 290 km · 2h 41m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Dealey Plaza
  4. 330 km · 3h 3m
  5. 15:00
    Oklahoma City National Memorial· overnight
DAY04

Oklahoma City → Downtown Collinsville

824 km · 7h 34m driving · long drive · Overnight in Downtown Collinsville
  1. 09:00
    Oklahoma City National Memorial· start
  2. 803 km · 7h 15m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Gateway Arch National Park
  4. 22 km · 19m
  5. 15:00
    Downtown Collinsville· overnight
DAY05

Downtown Collinsville → Midland

903 km · 8h 38m driving · long drive
  1. 09:00
    Downtown Collinsville· start
  2. 763 km · 7h
  3. 11:42
    Potter Park Zoo
  4. 132 km · 1h 28m
  5. 14:24
    ⭐ Dow Gardens
  6. 7.6 km · 10m
  7. 16:12
    Midland City Forest
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Day 1Stay in El Paso · Night 1
  2. Day 2Stay in Abilene · Night 2
  3. Day 3Stay in Oklahoma City · Night 3
  4. Day 4Stay in Collinsville · Night 4
Heads Up
  • Day 1: 6h 57m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 2: 8h 18m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 3: 5h 44m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 4: 7h 34m driving — plan rest stops
  • Day 5: 8h 39m driving — plan rest stops
  • This route involves significant driving distances; ensure your vehicle is serviced for long-haul highway travel.
  • Check weather conditions in the Midwest, as sudden storms can impact visibility on I-44 and I-55.
  • Carry plenty of water and fuel when crossing the desert stretches between Tucson and El Paso.