Williams to Albuquerque | Our Winter Road Trip Begins
Some mornings feel heavier than others—not because they’re difficult, but because they carry anticipation. Day 1 of our winter road trip was one of those mornings. We woke up in Williams, Arizona, wrapped in cold air and quiet stillness, knowing this was the first true travel day of our journey.
Outside, winter had fully settled in. The temperature hovered around 35°F, the air dry and sharp. Inside our Holiday Inn Williams room, the heater hummed softly while our toddler slept peacefully, her tiny body curled up with her blanket.
Because she had been dealing with a cough, we had brought a humidifier with us—one of those small parenting decisions that suddenly feels very important on trips like this. Traveling with a baby teaches you quickly that comfort comes before everything else.
A Slow Winter Morning in Williams
We woke around 7:30 AM, moving slowly and quietly. The first thing we checked was our Tesla—44% battery, not quite enough for the long drive ahead. Outside, fog hugged the car, frost lining the windows like delicate lace from the night before.
Charging turned out to be slower than expected because of the cold. What we thought would be a quick stop took almost 25 minutes to reach 80%, but winter road trips have a way of teaching patience. We wiped down the foggy windows, packed our bags, and prepared a simple lunch—small, grounding rituals before a long day.
Downstairs, breakfast felt warm and familiar. Veggie omelets and bagels for us, pancakes for our toddler. Coffee warmed my hands as she slowly woke up to the idea that today was different.
Into the Forest — Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona is just minutes from Williams, but it feels like stepping into another world. Tall pine trees surrounded the road, the forest quiet and still under winter skies.
🎥At first, our toddler was sleepy and cranky, unsure about being buckled back into her seat again. But the moment wildlife appeared outside the window, everything changed.
A deer crossed the road.
Then another.
Quiet and alert, they moved effortlessly through the winter forest, blending into the muted browns and greens of the landscape. Just watching them felt calming, like the forest itself was slowly waking up around us.
Soon after, white and gray wolves appeared—moving silently between the trees, watchful and composed. There was something striking about their presence. They didn’t rush or hide, yet they felt powerful and untouchable. Seeing them this close made the moment feel thrilling, the kind that makes you instinctively lower your voice.
Further along the drive, American bison emerged—massive, steady, and completely unbothered by passing cars. Their sheer size was startling. Standing so close to the road, they made the forest feel suddenly smaller, as if we were guests moving carefully through their space.
And then came the bears.
Big bears—black and brown—moved slowly through the winter forest. Some wandered between trees dusted with frost, while others rested quietly near the roadside, unhurried and calm. Signs reminded us not to stop the car or roll down the windows, and we followed every rule carefully, hearts racing just a little.
Our toddler pressed her face to the window and shouted joyfully,
“Bear! Bear!”
📸 Photo: Black bear walking through the forest at Bearizona, winter light filtering through trees.
Walk-Through Encounters & Toddler Wonder
After the drive-through, we parked and explored the walk-through section. Bears climbed trees, elk stood quietly in the distance, and otters darted playfully through the water.
Our toddler was fully awake now—pointing, laughing, calling every small creature “cute.” She watched animals with wide eyes, her excitement pure and unfiltered.
Before leaving, we stopped at the souvenir shop and picked up a small keepsake—something to remember her first real wildlife adventure.
📸 Tiny steps — discovering animals up close in Bearizona’s walk-through area
On the Road — Arizona’s Winter Landscapes
With Bearizona behind us, we started our long drive toward Albuquerque. Tesla navigation showed multiple charging stops ahead, and our first major pause was Holbrook, Arizona.
After a quick restroom break, we made a small detour to Petrified Forest National Park. Even brief stops here feel powerful. From the overlook, the Painted Desert stretched endlessly—layers of muted reds and grays under a pale winter sky.
We parked, ate lunch in the car, and simply took it all in.
📸 The Painted Desert — quiet winter layers stretching endlessly beneath a pale sky.
The road carried us onward through Gallup and Milan, New Mexico, charging quietly as daylight slowly faded. Winter road trips feel slower, but there’s beauty in that pace. Landscapes pass by gently. Conversations fade into silence. Our toddler drifts in and out of sleep.
Evening Magic — River of Lights
By the time we reached Albuquerque, darkness had settled in and the cold returned. But the night still held magic.
The River of Lights at ABQ BioPark transformed the evening completely. Thousands of glowing lights shaped into flowers, animals, tunnels, and trees illuminated the paths. Our toddler’s eyes widened with every step. She stopped often—just to stare.
Walking through the lights felt gentle and joyful, not overwhelming. The colors reflected softly in the winter air, wrapping the entire garden in warmth.
✨ Winter nights at the River of Lights — soft glows, slow steps, and pure toddler wonder.
Ending the Day — Warm Food & Rest
After the lights, we headed to Cocina Azul for dinner. Warm New Mexican flavors filled the air—comforting food after a long, cold day.
Later, in our hotel room, our toddler fell asleep quickly—tired in the best possible way. We watched her for a moment, peaceful and still, before letting the day finally settle.
Travel Tips for Families (Day 1)
- Winter mornings in Williams are very cold — pack layers, gloves, and a warm jacket for kids.
- Bearizona is perfect for toddlers — the drive-through lets them see animals comfortably from the car.
- Don’t rush the walk-through section — it’s quieter and great for little explorers.
- Cold weather slows EV charging — plan extra buffer time in winter.
- River of Lights is stroller-friendly, but dress warmly and arrive early for a relaxed walk.
- Pack simple lunch food — it makes long driving days easier with a baby.
Why This Day Was Special
This day held everything a road trip should—quiet mornings, wildlife encounters, wide-open roads, glowing lights, and the comfort of warm food at night. It wasn’t rushed or packed. It unfolded slowly, just as it needed to.
Closing Reflection
Day 1 wasn’t just about wildlife or miles driven.
It was about cold mornings, slow charging stops, tiny moments of wonder, and glowing lights at night.
It reminded us that beginnings don’t need to be loud to be meaningful. Some of the most beautiful days are built quietly—one forest road, one bear sighting, one sleepy toddler smile at a time.
And with that, our winter road trip truly began.