Carlsbad Caverns Travel Agent Advisor

Carlsbad Caverns Natl Park

A family vacation to the national parks of Texas and New Mexico can be an exciting and enriching experience, filled with adventure, stunning landscapes, and educational opportunities. 

Located between Las Cruces, New Mexico and Carlsbad New Mexico you'll find 3 National Parks: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and White Sands National Park.   Guadalupe Mountains National Park if actually in the state of Texas, just south of the Texas/New Mexico border. It is a remarkable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique experience in the beautiful landscapes of the West. The park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, which rises 8,749 feet above sea level. With over 80 miles of hiking trails, there are options suitable for all skill levels, allowing for exploration of the park’s rugged terrain.  About 30 miles north you'll find the awe-inspiring Carlsbad Caverns, located in Carlsbad, NM. You can do self-guided tours through either the Natural Entrance, which is a steep, winding descent into the cavern that offers stunning views and a sense of adventure as you enter the cave, or you can take the Big Room Route through one of the largest underground chambers in North America, featuring impressive formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.  If you want deeper insights into the geology and history of the caves you can do a number of different guided tours offered that really allow visitors to experience a remote part of the cavern, featuring rare formations and fascinating geological features. And in May through October each year you can witness the spectacular sight of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats leaving the cave at sunset to feed. It's a visual spectacle like no other! Next up is White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, renowned for its stunning and unique landscape of vast white gypsum sand dunes. The park features the largest gypsum dune field in the world, with rolling dunes that can reach heights of up to 60 feet. The contrast of the bright white sand with the blue sky creates a visually stunning experience., and the dunes change color throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering exceptional photography opportunities.There are several easy to moderate hiking trails, and you can even go Sand Sledding down the dunes while you are there. 

Further south in Texas, literally at the western "bend" in the border with Mexico is Big Bend National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. This park features a dramatic contrast between the Chisos Mountains and the arid Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can hike in the mountains and then explore the desert in the same day. The Rio Grande River runs along the park's southern boundary, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for river activities like kayaking and canoeing. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, there are hiking options for every skill level, including popular hikes like the Window Trail, Lost Mine Trail, and the more challenging Emory Peak. Many of the trails lead to scenic viewpoints, providing stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Big Bend is designated as a Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing. The lack of light pollution means that visitors can see the Milky Way and various constellations clearly. Visiting the National Parks in Texas and New Mexico offers a blend of adventure, tranquility, and exploration, making it a remarkable destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking to escape into the beauty of the American Southwest.