Are you looking for an epic national park road trip adventure? Look no further than the national parks in Texas and New Mexico. From Big Bend National Park’s soaring canyons and desert landscape to Carlsbad Caverns’ vast cave system, these two states are packed with outdoor wonders.
In this blog post, we’ll be detailing exactly what each national park service site has to offer and helping you plan your ultimate road trip adventure through Texas and New Mexico’s incredible national parks.
My family had such an incredible time exploring these awesome Texas and New Mexico national parks on a fun spring break road trip!
National Parks in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to two stunning national parks: Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands. The underground wonders of Carlsbad Caverns are a sight to behold, with spectacular rock formations and bat colonies filling the caverns’ eerie depths.
Alternatively, White Sands’ glistening sand dunes will make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a remote, otherworldly planet with its pure white sands and surreal landscapes. These two national parks offer adventure, natural beauty, and unique experiences that are sure to make your visit unforgettable.
National Parks in Texas
Texas may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of national parks, but Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains are two of the Lone Star State’s crown jewels. Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts the highest peak in Texas, as well as a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Big Bend encompasses a vast expanse of rugged terrain that includes everything from desert landscapes to lush mountain forests. In these parks, visitors can enjoy nature and see the amazing beauty of West Texas.
How to Get to the National Parks in Texas and New Mexico
For easy access to the national parks in Texas and New Mexico, El Paso International Airport is your best option. This vibrant airport sees millions of travelers annually and provides a broad selection of flights from destinations all over the United States.
You will definitely need a car to explore the national parks in Texas and New Mexico. If you need a rental car, check Discover Cars for the latest availability and pricing from all of the major car rental brands.
National Parks in Texas and New Mexico: 10-Day Itinerary
Embark on an epic 10-day journey through the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of Texas and New Mexico’s national parks. Start your adventure at Big Bend National Park, where you’ll hike through canyons, soak in natural hot springs, and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country.
From there, head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peak in Texas and breathtaking views of the Chihuahuan Desert. Next, explore the stunningly beautiful underground world at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Finally, end your epic national parks road trip at the glistening White Sands National Park.
This itinerary is perfect for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty of Texas and New Mexico. This itinerary also visits national monuments in the area to add history to your trip.
Day 1: El Paso, Texas to Terlingua, Texas
For this itinerary, we are going to assume that you will be flying into El Paso. Before leaving El Paso, spend a little time at the Chamizal National Memorial to learn all about the settlement of the boundary dispute between the United States and Mexico. The Chamizal National Memorial Cultural Center displays exhibits to teach the history of this period.
Next, head on towards Big Bend National Park. If you can snag a reservation, there is lodging available inside the park. If you cannot get reservations, stay in the nearby town of Terlingua. It is almost 5 hours from El Paso to Terlingua.
If you cannot wait to get started on your adventure and love the outdoors, add some time to your day and stop at Big Bend Ranch State Park before driving to Terlingua. It is a beautiful, unique, and peaceful place to explore. With sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and rugged desert terrain, visitors are treated to a special experience in the park.
Day 2: Big Bend National Park
All visitors to Big Bend must experience the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – a picturesque highway winding for 30 miles along the western border of the park. Start your Big Bend National Park adventure with this drive through the rugged landscape.
From panoramic vistas to spectacular desert landscapes, you will be awe-struck by the natural splendor around every corner. From your vehicle, you can take in all of its beauty or step out and explore some trails on foot. The 1-mile Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail and 1.5-mile Santa Elena Canyon Overlook Trail are popular hikes in this part of the park.
Words simply cannot do this place justice; it’s something that has to be experienced firsthand!
Day 3: Big Bend National Park
Nestled in the heart of Big Bend National Park lies a natural wonderland known as Chisos Basin. This oasis of greenery and wildlife is a must-visit destination in the park. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Emory Peak, exploring the winding trails, or simply admiring the sunset from Window View Trail, Chisos Basin deserves a day of your time.
Lose yourself in the views from Lost Mine Trail, a 4.8-mile round-trip hike. With an approximate 3-hour completion time, your day will be filled with stunning desert and mountain sights that won’t soon be forgotten.
The Window Trail is another popular hike in the Chisos Mountains. It is 5.6 miles round trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
If you have spare time and a high-clearance vehicle, you may want to take Grapevine Hills Road to hike the 2.2-mile round-trip trek to Balanced Rock.
Day 4: Big Bend National Park
Spend your third day in Big Bend exploring the east side of this scenic park. Here, you’ll find the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, Panther Junction Visitor Center, and the Rio Grande Villiage.
Step back in time at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit as you explore the fossils uncovered from Big Bend’s Ancient Age! With specimens on display and vivid artwork, this educational exhibit brings history to life— perfect for those visiting with kids.
Get a crash course in the unique beauty and history of Big Bend when you visit Panther Junction Visitor Center. From interactive exhibits that explain its geological past to an onsite park orientation video, it’s your one-stop shop for all things Big Bend! Plus, spend some time in their extensive gift shop.
Visitors of Big Bend National Park have the unique opportunity to cross an international boundary and explore Mexico. With your passport handy, head across the Rio Grande river for a few hours to enjoy some Mexican cuisine and souvenir shopping.
Trails
There are multiple short trails to do while you are in the Rio Grande Villiage area. With the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, you’ll explore some incredible plant and animal life from start to finish in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Another short trail worth checking out is the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail at the campground nearby. It might only be a 0.75-mile loop but this trail promises a lot with bird-watching opportunities and sunset views.
The Boquillas Canyon Trail gives you a bird’s eye view of the majestic Rio Grande as it winds through the landscape. If an easy hike with some impressive scenery is what you’re looking for, this 1.4-mile round-trip trail won’t disappoint.
Hot Springs
To end your day, treat yourself to a serene experience at the Rio Grande Hot Springs! Enjoy an easy 2-mile drive down scenic gravel roads, then take in all that nature has to offer as you hike half a mile round trip to the thermal waters. Relax and unwind in the comforting warmth of these natural phenomena while admiring magnificent surroundings.
For more information on visiting Big Bend National Park, read the full blog post here.
Day 5: Greater Big Bend Area
Day 5 of this 10-day national parks in Texas and New Mexico road trip takes you to your next destination, Carlsbad. It takes about 5 hours to drive from Terlingua to Carlsbad.
However, there are a few towns and attractions that are worth checking out along the way. Depending on your interests, add a few of these towns to your trip to fill up your day.
Spend some time in Alpine at the Museum of the Big Bend learning the natural and human history of the area.
Marathon is home to the historic 1927 Gage Hotel and Gardens. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, stop by to see the 26-acre oasis of fountains and flowers.
The Blackwell School National Historic Site in Marfa is a landmark that holds significant historical importance. The school was a segregated institution that catered only to Hispanic children during a time when racial segregation was at its peak in the United States.
Marfa is also home to Prada Marfa, a permanent sculpture art installation. It looks like a Prada store sitting all by itself in the middle of the desert. Very unique.
There is much to see in Fort Davis, including the stunning Davis Mountain State Park and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Discover the history of the area at the Fort Davis National Historic Site. And, participate in a special program at the McDonald Observatory.
Your final destination is Carlsbad, New Mexico. This will be your base for the next 3 nights.
Day 6: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery, explore its natural wonders and have a whole lot of outdoor fun. Whether you’re exploring this rugged area’s history or summiting the highest peak in Texas; countless incredible experiences are awaiting you here!
The park features five distinct regions, each with its own highlights to see. McKittrick Canyon boasts some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the region, while Frijoles Ranch serves as a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich cultural history. The Pine Springs area, including the Pine Springs Visitor Center, is the perfect spot for hikers since it is the gateway to many of the popular hiking trails in the park.
Salt Basin Dunes is a unique part of the park that features white gypsum dunes. Finally, Dog Canyon, located 70 miles from the main area of the park, serves as a peaceful and secluded spot perfect for a quiet retreat from the daily grind.
Whatever your interests may be, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is worth a day of exploring.
For more information on visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park, read the full blog post here.
Day 7: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a unique mix of nature and adventure. Hikers will appreciate the scenic trails, while everyone can take in the stunning natural beauty on a self-guided tour through the cave’s natural entrance to its depths.
The park’s visitor center has some nice exhibits explaining the cave system including a replica of the path into the cave. In addition to the self-guided tour, there are also ranger-guided tours available on a limited basis.
The bat flight program is a highlight of the park from late May through October. Don’t miss it if you are visiting during that time.
For more information on visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, read the full blog post here.
Day 8: Roswell to Alamogordo
On your way out of town, stop at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad. It is a native wildlife zoo with more than 40 species of animals to observe. In addition to the animals, you can learn about the stunning flora that is specific to the area’s ecosystem.
Next up on the itinerary is a visit to the quirky town of Roswell. It is a little out of the way but worth a stop. As you might already know, Roswell is famous for being the site of an alleged alien spaceship crash. In addition to the aliens all around town, there are other attractions worth visiting.
The International UFO Museum tells the entire story of the crash and has some fun photo ops set up. The Roswell UFO Spacewalk is another out-of-this-world activity. This blacklight experience features special effects and animatronics.
To keep the space theme going, make sure to watch a show at the Robert H Goddard Planetarium. It is located in the Roswell Museum & Art Center. You might as well stay and check out the museum exhibits, too.
If you are more interested in outdoor attractions, there are a few options to choose from near Roswell including the Bottomless Lakes State Park, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and J. Kenneth Smith Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center.
When you are done exploring Roswell, drive an additional 2 hours to Alamogordo. This is a good base for the next 2 nights.
Day 9: White Sands National Park
Start your day in Alamogordo with a visit to the Museum of Space History. From historic spacecraft and spacesuits to interactive exhibits and immersive displays, this interesting museum is worth a visit even if you aren’t a huge aerospace fan.
Next, spend the rest of the day at White Sands National Park. Dunes Drive, the most renowned attraction at the park, offers spectacular views of the landscape as it winds through the rolling sand dunes.
For a thrilling experience, rent a sled and slide down the many dunes. Or if you’re looking for something more adventurous, take a hike on one of the park’s trails! You can explore the rugged landscape while being rewarded with beautiful views along the way.
Make sure to stay in the park to experience the sunset. There is something special about the orange glow over the dunes. A trip to White Sands National Park is an absolute must!
For more information on visiting White Sands National Park, read the full blog post here.
Day 10: Las Cruces and El Paso
Alamogordo to El Paso is about a 1.5-hour drive. Depending on how much time you have to get to the airport, stopping at Las Cruces on the way back to El Paso might be worth it.
Las Cruces offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. One must-visit destination is the 935-acre Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, where visitors can immerse themselves in the unique flora and fauna of the desert.
For those interested in prehistoric history, the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is a must-see. This site contains a vast deposit of fossilized footprints from the Paleozoic Era. Additionally, the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers a scenic landscape to hike and explore. With so many natural wonders to explore, Las Cruces is the ultimate destination for outdoor adventurers.
For indoor attractions in Las Cruces, check out one of the many museums in town. These include the Las Cruces Museum of Art, Railroad Museum, New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, and Old Mesilla.
Finish this amazing road trip through the four National Parks in Texas and New Mexico by driving the final hour back to El Paso to catch a plane back home.
Tips for a Desert Road Trip
Here are some tips to make sure you are fully prepared for this desert road trip itinerary.
Plan Your Route in Advance
One of the most important things to do before embarking on a desert road trip is to plan your route in advance. This will help you to avoid getting lost or running out of gas, as cell phone signals can be spotty in many areas. Be sure to map out your route and check the weather before heading out.
Bring Plenty of Water
When traveling through the desert, it is essential to bring plenty of water with you. It is recommended that each person traveling in the vehicle have at least 1 gallon of water per day.
Pack Food that Won’t Spoil
It is important to pack food that will not spoil in the heat, such as canned goods, dried fruits, and nuts. It is also a good idea to pack snacks that are high in energy, such as granola bars or trail mix.
Bring a First-Aid Kit
When traveling in remote areas, it is always a good idea to have a first-aid kit with you. This should include items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers. If someone in your party has a medical condition, be sure to bring along any necessary medications.
Pack Ample Clothing
When packing for a desert road trip, it is important to pack ample clothing that you can layer. This includes long-sleeved shirts and pants for the cool evenings, as well as hats and sunglasses for the harsh daytime rays. Also, make sure to pack comfortable shoes for hiking as well as sandals to give your feet a break at the end of the day.
Bring Sunscreen
Another essential item to pack for a desert road trip is sunscreen. The sun can be very harsh in desert regions and can cause sunburns very quickly. Be sure to pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it liberally throughout the day
When to Visit West Texas and New Mexico
Filled with vibrant colors, rugged mountains, and desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, the beauty of Texas and New Mexico is truly remarkable. However, with varying temperatures and weather patterns, it’s important to plan your visit accordingly.
For those looking to experience the rugged terrain, crisp air, and stunning sunsets, the best time to visit would be in the fall and spring when the temperatures are mild. Winter can also be pleasant but the temperatures can be more unpredictable.
When exploring desert areas, summers can be especially sweltering and uncomfortable. To ensure you remain cool during your travels, it is wise to limit outdoor activities during the afternoon hours when temperatures are at their highest.
How to Modify This Itinerary
Here are some suggestions on how to modify the itinerary.
Opposite Direction
If you plan to do this road trip in the opposite direction, here is the itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in El Paso and drive to Alamogordo through Las Cruces
- Day 2: White Sands National Park
- Day 3: Drive to Carlsbad through Roswell
- Day 4: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Day 5: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Day 6: Big Bend National Park Greater Area
- Day 7: Big Bend National Park
- Day 8: Big Bend National Park
- Day 9: Big Bend National Park
- Day 10: Big Bend to El Paso
7-Day Itinerary
If you only have 7 days to explore the national parks in Texas and New Mexico, here is a suggested itinerary to see the 4 national parks.
- Day 1: Arrive in El Paso and drive to Big Bend
- Day 2: Big Bend National Park
- Day 3: Big Bend National Park
- Day 4: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Day 5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Day 6: White Sands National Park
- Day 7: Drive to El Paso
Final Thoughts: National Parks in Texas and New Mexico
Taking a road trip through the national parks in Texas and New Mexico is an unforgettable experience. You will be surrounded by nature’s beauty and have opportunities to capture memories that will last a lifetime. From hikes to breathtaking views, the easy access to both Texas and New Mexico’s national parks makes them ideal for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A trip here is sure to be filled with adventure, learning, and lots of fun.
- For information on other U.S. National Parks, check out these posts
