There are four National Parks near each other in the Western Texas and Southern New Mexico area. We decided to hit all four of them during Spring Break.
9
4
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2635 mi
Spring Break may not be the best time to visit parks because it’s always busy, but it worked in our schedule. This trip was only for the four of us. Most of our trips include other family, especially our parents who enjoy traveling. But this time, we wanted to go on our own.
After living in Texas for almost nine years, it was time to see the natural beauty in other areas of the Lone Star State. We’ve done a couple of trips to San Antonio, one to Austin, and one to Dallas, but hadn’t really explored much more of the state outside the greater Houston area. There are only two Texas National Parks, but Guadalupe Mountains is so close to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands so we added those to the trip.
I planned everything out including how many days we needed in each location, where we would stay, the driving distance between everything, what we needed to pack, etc. I booked all of the reservations, went to put it into our shared Google calendar, and realized I booked the wrong week!! I had to then call all three hotels and make some quick adjustments. Luckily, since I noticed it less than an hour after booking, they all changed it for me without any issues.
Getting There
Since we live in the Houston area, we made this a road trip. There’s such a distance between the National Parks and the airports, that you would have to road trip at least part of this no matter what. Once we left southeast Texas, we were in the Chihuahuan Desert Basin for the entire trip. The Chihuahuan Desert is the largest desert in North America and spans six states in Mexico and three states in the United States.
If you are planning to fly to the area, the best airport is El Paso International Airport (ELP), although that’s still over five hours to get to the Big Bend area. If you can find a flight into the smaller regional airport in Midland-Odessa (MAF) that is the closest to the park.
Small plane flying overhead along I-10
Best Time to Go
The best time of year to go to these parks is in the spring or fall. The summer months get brutal in the summer heat which makes it dangerous to hike, especially in Big Bend National Park. We went for Spring Break in mid-March and the temperatures were perfect. It was still a little chilly in the morning and evening, but we were able to wear t-shirts and shorts during the middle of the day. Make sure to wear layers here as the temperature also changes at different elevations.
Day One
Drive to Big Bend Station Inn & RV Ranch
We stayed at Big Bend Station Inn and RV Ranch in Terlingua, Texas. It took us about 10.5 hours to drive there. Luckily, the drive was uneventful, and we got to see a few small crop dusters fly directly over us on I10. We stayed in the Station Lodge in room B14.
Dinner at Big Bend Inn Motor Store and Restaurant
After getting settled into our room and unloading the vehicle, we were all ready for some dinner that wasn’t fast food eaten in the car. Right next door to the Inn is a restaurant so we walked over there. The boys split a large cheese pizza while Justin and I had some of the chicken fried rice that was on special that evening.
Delicious chicken fried rice
The boys were excited for pizza
Big Bend National Park Entrance Sign
The first night we were there, which was on a Saturday, was the only night available to do the Stars Over Big Bend ranger talk. On the way to the park, we stopped to get our traditional photo at the entrance sign.
Entrance sign for Big Bend National Park
Stars Over Big Bend Program
Due to the time change that was happening that weekend, along with the program only being on Saturday, we went into Big Bend National Park and drove straight to the Panther Junction Visitor Center. We were a bit surprised at how busy the area was and had to park along the road outside of the visitor center parking lot. The visitor center was closed, so everyone was there for the nighttime program.
At the program, the ranger talked about all of the things we could see in the night sky at that time of the year. He also talked about the park being an International Dark Sky area and what light pollution does to animals as well as how it affects us. He asked if anyone knew of an animal affected and Tyler immediately said, “Sea turtles”! After pointing out some of the constellations as it got darker, we were able to get in line to look through one of two telescopes that they had pointed at Jupiter.
Stars over the Visitor Center building
The Night Sky
So many stars!
Day One Map
Day Two
Maverick Entrance
Since we had already taken a photo with the National Park entrance sign the night before, we went straight to the entrance station closest to Terlingua, the Maverick Entrance. This is on the Northwest side of the park. We showed our National Park Pass and were ready to set off into the park.
Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail
The first trail we did was the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff Trail. This is an out-and-back trail that takes you to a dead-end at a cliff face. The trail is about a 1-mile round trip, so an easy way to start the day. The first portion of the trail is through a dirt path in the desert. About halfway through, the desert trail gives way to the pour-off area. Here you are walking in the riverbed so it is dry sand and small gravel.
The trail ends at a 100-foot pour-off. Tyler and Ryan were able to climb up this just a little bit. In the rainy season, be careful as the water will pour off the top of the cliff and travel through the riverbed that you walk in. Keep an eye on the weather for this one so you don’t get caught in a storm or flash flood.
First view of the desert on the trail
Overlooking the desert mountains
Walking along the trail
Reaching the pouroff
The boys climbed as far as they could
Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off
Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off
Castolon Visitor Center & Store
Castolon was the first Visitor Center we went to while it was open. I was a bit chilly so purchased a Big Bend beanie cap and we got our Passport Book stamped.
The Castolon area was a bit different from most of the National Park Visitor Centers we usually go to. There were multiple buildings, and the store was in a different building, about a quarter-mile walk from the ranger station. We walked over to the ranger station to pick up a Junior Ranger book for the boys to work on.
While there, we discussed our plans with the park rangers. Big Bend is along the border between Texas and Mexico, so we weren’t sure what to expect. He eased our worries, though, and said they haven’t had any issues along the trails that we were planning to take.
Santa Elena Canyon Overlook
Before hiking down through the Santa Elena Canyon, we stopped at the overlook. Honestly, it didn’t seem very impressive, other than telling the boys we were looking at Mexico across the way. We didn’t spend long here before moving on to the trailhead for the Santa Elena Canyon.
A look at the canyon from the overlook point
Santa Elena Canyon Overlook
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
This trail was definitely the highlight of our day! Santa Elena Canyon is one of the more popular hikes in the park, so the parking lot fills up quickly. We had to park about ¼ mile from the trailhead and there were rangers there guiding visitors to parking spots. The trailhead is at the end of the road so you can’t miss it.
The trail starts off with a small boardwalk that gives way to a sandy trail. Once you walk just a little ways down you’ll see the Rio Grande. There were quite a few people here skipping rocks and playing at the water’s edge. The river was hardly flowing, so we were able to walk across some rocks to the other side, technically in Mexico. We took a few photos and then went straight back to the United States Side of the river.
The trail continues along the river, turning to your right as you get down to the river. At this point, you will have to cross the Terlingua Creek. When we went in early March, there was only a trickle of water so it wasn’t an issue. At times, though, when the creek bed is full or flooded, the path can be dangerous. Make sure to check the current conditions before attempting this trail.
After that, the trail goes up the steep embankment to a series of paved steps leading to an overlook. Continue from there on the dirt trail that will take you along the river through some fields of plants that look like bamboo twice as tall as we are! The trail ends at the mouth of the canyon where it meets the river.
A look into the canyon and the Rio Grande
Other side of the Rio Grande
Walking on rocks across the Rio Grande
Relaxing on a rock
In front of the Rio Grande
The Rio Grande turns a bend outside of the canyon
Santa Elena Canyon
Picnic at Santa Elena Canyon River Takeout
For lunch, we stopped at the Santa Elena Canyon River Takeout Picnic Area. This is an area meant for those who are doing day trips paddling up the Rio Grande into Santa Elena Canyon and back. There were a few picnic tables, though, so it was a nice spot to stop for lunch.
River Trail
There’s a small trail along the river called the River Trail. We started to walk down that but only went for a few minutes before we turned around. The signs say no dogs or horses, but the whole trail seemed to be covered in horse manure. So if you are using this to put in for rafting, or come here for a picnic, beware of where you step on the trail!
Pretty purple flowers at the picnic area
Walking on the nearby River Trail
Another view of the Rio Grande
Attempted to Get to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center
Our next stop was going to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center. But Spring Break traffic decided otherwise for us. The moment we turned off of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, we were stopped by a long line of cars with a ranger holding up traffic. After about 5 minutes, I stuck my head out the window and asked what was going on. He said the area was so busy they were letting one car in as one left. At that time, we hadn’t seen any vehicles leave. So we decided we would rather see other areas of the park instead of waiting in that line and turned around. We weren’t able to get to the Chisos Basin but could see bits of the Chisos Mountain Range from the vehicle.
Panther Junction Visitor Center & Panther Path Trail
Since we couldn’t go to the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, we then made our way to the Panther Junction Visitor Center. This is where we were the night before for the Stars Over Big Bend Program, but they were closed at the time.
We went in and got our Passport Book stamp from this visitor center, and then Ryan noticed he was almost done with his Junior Ranger book. One of the few things he needed to do was along the Panther Trail outside of the building. It was a neat little paved 100-yard loop trail with over 20 of the plants you’ll find in the park. Each one had a plaque in front of it with the name, the scientific name, and a little bit about the plant.
Once we finished that walk, Ryan was able to turn in his book and earn his Junior Ranger badge! The ranger there also told him about the three special patches that kids could earn from doing the Panther Path (which he just did), the Hot Springs Trail, and the Emory Peak Trail. Sadly, they were all out of the Panther Path patches when we got there.
Working on the Junior Ranger book
We love the Junior Ranger program
Creosote Bush
Purplish Prickly Pear
Nipple Cactus
Getting sworn in as a Junior Ranger
Panther Path
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
After looking at the map, this was Justin’s choice of places to visit. He has been fascinated with dinosaurs since he was a kid. The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is an open-air pavilion with some of the fossils and skeletons of animals that once lived in the area.
Off to the side, there’s a short but steep walk to a vista that overlooks the entire area.
Standing with tall bone fossils
Tyler in the head of a crocodilian fossil replica
Ryan in the head of a crocodilian fossil replica
View from the overlook mesa
Our family at the desert overlook
One more view of the desert
Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Bluebonnets on the side of the road
On the side of Persimmon Gap Road, which is where the Fossil Discovery Exhibit is located, there were Bluebonnets. We had been seeing them as we were driving, and I wanted to stop and take photos. We’ve lived in Texas for almost 10 years and I still hadn’t taken a photo with bluebonnets. They are the Texas State Flower, so we found a good place to pull over so Tyler, Ryan, and I could jump out and take a few photos.
Beautiful lupine bluebonnets
Me with the bluebonnets
Ryan and Tyler with the bluebonnets
Tyler with the bluebonnets
Anniversary Dinner from Big Bend Restaurant
When we got married, we didn’t plan very well that our anniversary would fall during spring break for our future children. So, we were in Big Bend on the day of our 12th wedding anniversary. That evening, we made sure the boys got some food in the hotel, then we got food from the restaurant next door and ate at picnic tables outside the hotel room together. It wasn’t big, it wasn’t anything crazy, but it was about an hour for the two of us.
Anniversary dinner together
Day Two Map
Day Three
Sotol Vista
On Day Three, Justin decided that we needed to do some stargazing while we were in a Dark Sky area. While I wasn’t opposed to that, I was a little opposed to the time of morning we had to get up and the temperatures at that time. But, we did it, and I’m so glad we did!
We woke up at 4:30 and were in the park by 5 AM. We drove straight to the Sotol Vista and put a few blankets on the sidewalk to lay and look at the stars for an hour. It was amazing to see so many more stars than we do at home. There were a lot of shooting stars, too, which Tyler and Ryan had never seen before.
After we were done looking at the stars and using the restroom in the parking lot (part of the reason we chose this area), we all slept in the vehicle for about an hour. I planned ahead and brought all of our blankets and some breakfast foods so we could eat.
Once we were all warm, rested, and fed, we watched the sunrise over the Chisos Mountains before starting the rest of our day in Big Bend.
The most stars the boys have ever seen
Trying to stay warm while stargazing
Sunrise over the Chisos Mountains
Rio Grande Village Visitor Center
From the Sotol Vista, we drove to the Rio Grande Village Visitor Center. It was there that we learned about being able to officially (and legally) cross into a small town in Mexico. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open on Mondays and Tuesdays at that time of the year, and this was a Monday and our last day in Big Bend. I brought our US Passports with us, just in case, since we were so close to the border. Had we known about that, we would have done that the day before when the crossing was open.
While at the Visitor Center, Ryan asked about the Panther Path patches and they had some! He was able to get his Panther Path patch and also learned about the Hot Springs Patch so we decided to go there next.
Hot Springs Historic Trail
I wish we knew to bring our swimsuits for this one! Part of the path takes you to a natural hot spring that is attached to the Rio Grande. There were a few other people already there in their swim attire and here we come in our jeans and hiking boots.
Since we couldn’t get all the way in, we decided to at least take our shoes off and put our feet in. The water was pleasantly warm and it was fun to say we were in the Rio Grande.
After about 15 minutes at the hot spring, we continued along the entire Hot Springs Historic Trail. Let me tell you, it got really hot on that trail. There was no shade the entire time and it weaved up through the cliffside. At the highest point, you get to the ruins of an old home that was built to overlook the hot springs.
We got lucky we did this trail early enough in the morning due to parking. It’s a dirt path that winds back to the ruins at the trailhead for the hot springs. When we were leaving, there was a ranger there who was communicating with a ranger at the beginning of the dirt path. They were on a one-car-out, one-car-in system at that time. So this is definitely one to get to early if you are there during peak season. We were at the trailhead by 9:30 AM.
Old buildings near the historic trail
Petroglyphs on the cliff walls
Lots of bees in the area
Standing in the Hot Spring
A different section of the Rio Grande
The dirt road that leads to and from the trailhead
Hot Springs Historic
Rio Grande Visitor Center to get the Hot Springs Challenge Patch
By completing the Hot Springs Historic Trail and answering questions in the Junior Ranger book, Ryan was able to get the Hot Springs patch as well. We took a quick drive back to the visitor center so he could pick that up.
Ryan got his patches for the Panther Trail and Historic Hot Springs Trail
Rio Grande Store
After picking up Ryan’s patch, we went to the Rio Grande Village Store. We all wanted a snack so made a quick stop there.
Boquillas Canyon Overlook
Just past the Rio Grande Village Store is the Boquillas Canyon Overlook. We were debating on doing the Boquillas Canyon Hike, but we were all exhausted even though it was only about noon.
From the overlook, you can see the town of Boquillas which is in Mexico. This is the town that you can cross the border and walk to if the Port of Entry is open.
The Rio Grande with the Mexican town of Boquillas in the distance
The Rio Grande
Canoes on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande
Boquillos Canyon Overlook
Back to the Hotel
At that point, we decided we were done with what we wanted to do in Big Bend National Park. On the way back we checked the road again for Chisos Basin, but it was just as packed as before. We were hoping since it was a weekday it wouldn’t be as bad but no luck. Besides that area, we felt like we did most of the park.
When we got back to the hotel, we all grabbed some food. Justin ran to the laundromat attached to the building next door to run some laundry since we had some extra time.
While the clothes were washing, Justin and I both took a quick nap while we let the boys have some time on their iPads.
Going through a tunnel on the way back
Ryan and Tyler with their cereal in a cup
Terlingua Ghost Town
Once we were all well-rested we wanted to explore a bit of the Terlingua area while we were there. For the last few days we had seen signs about the Terlingua Ghost Town so figured we should check that out.
I looked it up online briefly and didn’t find a lot of information so we just drove up there, found a parking spot, and explored. I’m not quite sure why it’s called a Ghost Town, as there were some shops and restaurants in the ruins, so it wasn’t completely abandoned like I would expect.
There is no charge to get into the Ghost Town, so it’s a great place to explore. The ruins are from an old mining town. We had fun walking through the old buildings, noting how small some of the doorways were. There were also a few shells of vehicles left behind.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town
Terlingua Ghost Town
Dinner at Taqueria El Milagro
While in the Ghost Town, we went to the one restaurant there, Taqueria El Milagro. The seating was all outdoors, and even though it was warm that afternoon, they had fans going and there was a decent breeze.
The food here was very authentic Mexican dishes, and it was delicious! The boys got a cheese quesadilla and I got a chicken quesadilla. Justin wanted to try it all so got the 5 Tacos Plate and chose five different meats: asada, pastor, barbacoa, chicken, and shrimp.
Taqueria El Milagro menu
Ryan
Tyler
5 Tacos Plate
Stephanie
Huge agave plant
Dessert at Milky Way Treats
Dessert with a desert view
Sunset at the Hotel
We ended the evening by sitting in the lounge area outside of the main lobby of the hotel. They have two areas set up with patio chairs and couches and a gas fire pit for each. Justin got the fire going for some ambiance and we sat there, talking to some of the other travelers, while we watched the sunset.
It was neat to say that we watched the sunrise and the sunset together on the same day. This was definitely one of those days that felt like a week!
Sunset in the desert
Sun setting behind the desert palms
Tyler, Ryan, and Justin relaxing in pajamas watching the sunset
Day Three Map
Day Four
Drive to Hampton Inn Alamogordo, New Mexico
After spending four nights in Terlingua, it was time for us to move on to our next stop, Alamogordo, New Mexico. This was the second time the boys had been to New Mexico as we went the year before over their February break to play in the snow in Angel Fire, New Mexico.
It was about a 6-hour drive from Big Bend Station to Alamogordo. For about an hour of the drive, before you get to El Paso, Texas, you will be driving right along the Mexican border. The boys thought it was neat to look out the window and see another country just past the Rio Grande River!
You will go through at least two border patrol checkpoints during this drive along the far west Texas border. Make sure you have your photo ID handy as they may ask to see that as you go through the checkpoints.
New Mexico state sign
Dinner at IHOP
Our hotel was right next to an IHOP so we walked there for dinner. It would not have been my first choice, but the boys saw it and really wanted some pancakes, so we went there.
Since we had the kids, and it happened to be their Kids Eat Free day and time, we figured this would save us some money, too. Unfortunately, when I mentioned it to the waiter, he said they couldn’t honor that since there wasn’t a manager there at that time. I had never heard of this before, so this was a bit surprising and disappointing, but we were already there so we stayed.
Relax at the Hotel
After dinner, we went back to the hotel and changed into swimwear. The boys went into the indoor pool while Justin and I took a dip in the hot tub. It worked well that they were in the same room so we could keep an eye on the boys from the hot tub.
Ryan and Tyler in the hotel pool
Day Four Map
Day Five
Breakfast at the Hotel
One of the great things about staying at a regular hotel is the free breakfast. When we aren’t doing a VRBO home rental, I always look for places with free breakfast. It lets us have a variety of food, more than we could easily keep in the hotel room, and it saves us some money.
It wasn’t an option while we were in the Big Bend area as there were so few hotels there. But now we decided to take full advantage of the free breakfast.
White Sands Visitor Center & Store
We arrived at White Sands National Park about 15 minutes before the visitor center and store opened. This gave us time to take a photo at the National Park sign before waiting at the door for the visitor center.
When they opened, we went in to get our Passport Book stamp along with the Junior Ranger workbook. Because it’s the only visitor center in the park, and White Sands is such a small park, the ranger at the desk said he was going to “deputize” me to be able to give Ryan the badge once he finished the book.
After we did that, we went over to the store side of the building. I bought the Christmas ornament I wanted and we were able to rent sleds for the boys.
Justin, Ryan, Stephanie, and Tyler at the White Sands National Park entrance sign
Sledding at Alkali Flats Trail
We went all the way to the back of the National Park to the area near the Alkali Flats Trailhead. It had a huge parking lot with restrooms nearby so it was a great place to start our day. As soon as we got some sunscreen on, the boys hit the sand dunes.
Climbing up the dunes wasn’t easy, but the boys were up and down them for about an hour of sand dune sledding. Justin and I tried a few times, but we mostly sat up on the dunes, taking in the scenery, and watched the boys while they were sledding.
Looking out at Alkali Flats
Tyler sledding on the dunes
Justin sledding on the dunes
Stephanie at White Sands Naitonal Park
Desert plants at White Sands
Interdune Boardwalk Trail
Once the boys were done sledding for the morning, we went to the Interdune Boardwalk Trail. It’s a short boardwalk, less than ½ mile round trip, out further on some of the dunes. There are a few informational signs along the way that give insight into the area.
Inderdune area
Ryan and Tyler at the information signs on Interdune Boardwalk
Looking at the dunes
Interdune Boardwalk
Dune Life Nature Trail
We started this trail but didn’t make it very far. The trail is marked only by stakes in the dunes, so it’s not very easy to follow. After walking for about 10-15 minutes, the boys were ready to go back to the vehicle. There’s no shade to be found in this park, including along the trail. Between the heat and their exhaustion from the sledding, they weren’t interested in continuing on the trail so we turned around.
Dune Life Nature Trail
Playa Trail
Although they said no more trails, I was able to convince them to walk for a few minutes on the Playa Trail. It’s only a ½ mile round trip trail on flat ground. It goes out to a playa that you can overlook.
The playa
Stephanie and Justin at the playa
Tyler and Ryan at the playa
Playa Trail
White Sands Store
On our way out of the park, we stopped back at the store at the entrance to the park. We were able to return the sleds for a store credit of $5 for each sled. The boys used that to buy themselves a stuffed animal from the store.
White Sands Missile Range
Before this trip, I had been out this way a few times. Back then, White Sands was considered a National Monument, not a National Park (and some signs still say monument on them). We have family friends who live on the military post of White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces.
When we booked the trip, I reached out to see what else they suggested in the area so we started talking about the trip. On our way from Big Bend to Alamogordo, I sent a text to see if we could meet up. They suggested we meet them at the military installation to go to the museum there together whenever we were done at the park.
So, that’s exactly what we did. We finished up at White Sands National Park around lunchtime and ate some food in the car while driving to the post. It took us about 40 minutes to drive between the two places.
Upon arrival at the installation, we had to walk inside their visitor building, which is outside of the gates, and get a day pass. Justin and I both had to show our IDs and tell them exactly where we were going. The sign also asked to have your vehicle registration and insurance ready, but we weren’t asked about that.
The officers asked us to enter our social security numbers into their system then went from there. Justin’s registration was much quicker because it pulled up his old military ID information from when his dad was in the Army. They asked me a lot more questions, but then we got our passes and were able to get back in the car and proceed through the security checkpoint.
Entrance to White Sands Missile Range
White Sands Missile Range Missile Park
There are two parts to the museum area, outside and inside. We started with the outside area which was a walk along a pathway through many of the missiles and spacecraft that have been used in our military history at WSMR. A few of these have ladders and walkways that you can look inside the aircraft.
While the boys checked out the rockets, I was able to catch up with my friends as we walked and they knew a lot of the history so could answer questions the boys had.
After spending about an hour at the outdoor park, they had to get back to work so we said our goodbyes.
Tyler and Ryan lookin ginside one of the displays
White Sands Missile Range Missile Park
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Even though they had to leave, we weren’t done with the museum. We had only seen the missile park portion so we then went to the inside museum. There was a complete history of the White Sands Missile Range and the area including information about the testing of the first atomic bombs at the Trinity site at the northern end of the Gunnery Range. There were displays that showed everything from the first missile launches to what they still work on now at the range.
Relief map of the area
Some sounds from Star Wars were recorded at the Missile Range, this helmet was a thank you gift
Justin reading a display about the Cold War era
Back to the Hotel
When we were done at the museum, after spending almost 2 hours there, it was time to head back to the hotel. We all quickly changed into swimsuits and went to the pool and hot tub again.
For dinner, we ate some of the food we had in the room as we all took showers for the day. While everyone was relaxing, Justin and I took turns to head to the laundry room on our floor and run some laundry.
Since we weren’t able to do the Sunset Walk at White Sands National Park like I wanted (it wasn’t offered due to the weather), we went to the end of the hallway in the hotel to watch the sunset over the mountains.
Sunset through the hotel windows
Tyler and Ryan watching the sunset
Day Five Map
Day Six
Breakfast at the Hotel
Since we knew we had a short drive for the day, we slept in but made sure we were awake in time for the free breakfast.
Drive to Holiday Inn & Suites Carlsbad, New Mexico
This was our shortest drive at only 2.5 hours between the two hotels. As soon as we left Alamogordo, I called the next hotel to see if we could check in early. She said she would have one room ready early and we were the only ones who called ahead so far.
The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating at this hotel. Even though I usually do IHG hotels, this was a good pick for the last place we stayed on this trip.
Although this was a short drive, it was a really neat drive. Normally I read while we are driving, but we were going through a few cute small towns and there was still snow on the ground in some places. One that really caught our eye was Cloudcroft, New Mexico. We would love to take a trip back to the area and see what there is to do in that small town. Most of the drive, including going through Cloudcroft, was through the Lincoln National Forest.
Lincoln National Forest
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Late Lunch/Early Dinner at Pizza Inn North
At check-in, I was given a list of local food and things to do. One of those options for food was Pizza Inn. As soon as the boys heard that, they didn’t want to go anywhere else.
There are two Pizza Inn restaurants in the area, we went to the one that was only a mile down the road, Pizza Inn North. It’s a pizza and salad buffet with a lot of dessert options.
We weren’t super impressed with the place. The service was very slow, and the pizza was ok. But it was very reasonably priced for a buffet, and the dessert pizzas were delicious! We all tried a little bit of every dessert pizza.
There was an arcade in the back of the restaurant so when the boys were done eating we let them play back there for a few minutes.
Arcade at Pizza Inn North
Geocache
Since it was still early in the evening, we decided to make one more stop. I didn’t think about finding a geocache before this, but I realized I didn’t have the New Mexico badge. We located the closest geocache to the hotel and went to look for it. This was an easy one, and we found it within minutes, but it’s still fun to grab a cache and log it in the app.
Pool/Hot Tub
We ended the evening with a trip to the pool and hot tub again. It’s a great way for the boys to burn some energy and for Justin and me to relax after a long day.
Day Six Map
Day Seven
Wake at 5 AM for Breakfast
Everything I read about Guadalupe Mountains National Park said that the trailhead parking lots fill up very quickly, so get there early. Well, we did just that. We set the alarm for 5 AM to get up and get ready. We went down for the hotel breakfast and were the first ones there right as they were opening it up.
Leave Hotel at 6 AM
Again, wanting to get to the park early enough, we left the hotel at 6 AM. It was still dark outside, but we tried to time it so we would be getting there right around sunrise. Since it was still dark, we didn’t stop for the entrance sign but said we would get it on the way out. It worked well because the parking lot was only about half-full when we arrived.
Devil’s Hall Trail
When researching the Guadalupe Mountains, it seems like most of the trails there are day-long (or more) hiking trails. We knew we didn’t want to do that partially because it was near the end of our trip and we would be worn out, but also because we didn’t have the right equipment to do a backpacking trail. Otherwise, the most popular hike is the Guadalupe Mountain Peak Trail which takes you to the top of the highest peak in Texas.
Knowing how much the boys LOVED to scramble the rocks when we visited Joshua Tree National Park a month before, we decided to do the Devil’s Hall Trail after reading about it. The trail is a 4-mile round-trip out-and-back trail. The first mile you are on a dirt path, but the remainder of the trail is climbing boulders through the river wash until you make it to the Hiker’s Staircase then the slot canyon at the end.
We were the first people on the trail and didn’t see anyone else until we were already on our way back to the vehicle.
Starting the trail
Justin in the river wash area
Foggy view of the mountains
Stephanie, Ryan, Tyler, and Justin at Hikers Staircase
Natural stone steps on the trail
Devil's Hall
Pine Springs Visitor Center
After doing the trail, we went over to the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Of course, I wanted to get my Passport Book stamp for the park, and we like to check out the visitor centers at the parks.
As we were driving into the parking lot, I saw the Guadalupe Mountains entrance sign. It was a much better sign than the one on the side of the road as we drove into the park, so we walked up to that to get a photo.
When we pulled in, the visitor center had only been open for a couple of hours, but the parking lot was already getting full. We lucked out in finding a spot but there weren’t many more.
The first thing we did inside was talk to the rangers to get the Junior Ranger book. We also discussed other areas of the park, but they were either closed off at the time or were too long of walks for the time we had left in the day.
We went to the park store to get the Passport Book stamp, the boys both bought a stuffed animal (their favorite thing to get from every park), and I got my Christmas ornament.
Pinery Trail
Outside of the visitor center is one of the only short trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the Pinery Trail. The trail is a paved trail, only ¾ mile round trip. We started walking on this, but after all the walking we’ve done all week and being tired from the Devil’s Hall Trail, the boys decided not to finish the walk. We went about halfway but never got to the stagecoach at the end of it.
Lunch at Cactus Cafe
For lunch, we decided to head out of the park and went to Cactus Cafe which is just outside the road to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It was about halfway between the entrance to Guadalupe Mountains and our hotel.
The place was fairly busy, but it was a busy season with Spring Break and there aren’t a lot of restaurants in the area. The service seemed a little slow, but they possibly weren’t ready for that many people to be there.
Although the service was slow, the food was absolutely delicious! We all got some type of tacos with beans. Mine were chicken and cheese tacos with beans and rice. You know it’s an authentic Mexican restaurant when you have to ask for sour cream.
Lunch
Pool/Hot Tub
When we arrived back at the hotel, the boys asked to go to the pool again, so we did.
Sonic Treats
Directly across the street from our hotel was a Sonic and the boys were asking for dessert. We placed an order for some treats and Justin ran over to get them and bring it back to the hotel. We had those and ate some of the food we had in the room for dinner.
Day Seven Map
Day Eight
Breakfast at the Hotel
Again, we got up to have breakfast at the hotel. We had timed tickets for Carlsbad Caverns, but we wanted to get there early to check out the area and the visitor center before our cave tour.
Leave at 8 AM
As I said, we wanted to get there early. The entrance road for the park was about 30 minutes from our hotel. We knew this would get us there in plenty of time.
Park Sign Photo
Of course, we had to stop on the way in for a photo at the park entrance sign. This is another spot that does not have a photo stand like some parks, and there were no other visitors there. I set my phone up on the rocks, set the timer, and ran into the photo!
Carlsbad Caverns entrance sign
Visitor Center
The first thing we did when we got to the visitor center was to get in line to get our cavern tickets. We had ordered them online ahead of time, but you still have to show the receipt to get the actual tickets. I was in line by about 8:30 and it took about 15 minutes to get through the line. By 9 AM, the line was wrapped all through the visitor center.
My suggestion: Get in line as soon as you get there, even if it’s a few hours before your tour time. You don’t want to miss your tour because the line was too long.
This is also where you will pay your entrance fee, so have your park pass handy if you have one.
Tyler
Ryan
Junior Ranger & Senior Ranger
When we talked to the rangers about the Junior Ranger program, they asked if I wanted a Senior Ranger booklet. This was new to me as we’ve never seen it at any other parks. Of course, I said yes!
Everything in both the Junior Ranger and the Senior Ranger books can be completed at and around the visitor center. There are a lot of interactive displays around the visitor center that answer most of the questions in the booklets.
Watched the Park Movie
One of the pages in both books is based on the park movie. Most of the time, when we go to parks, we don’t stop to watch the park movie. But since we had some time to kill, we decided to sit in on the video and learn more about the park.
Store
There are two stores in the visitor center here. One is the park bookstore, which is to the right when you enter the visitor center. The other is the park store which is to the left when you enter. We went to both and looked at the options before making our purchases.
Yep, you guessed it, the boys bought a stuffed animal (this time birds that chirp) and I bought my Christmas ornament.
Cavern Tour
Finally, it was time to line up for our cavern tour. There are two options when you go to the caverns. You can do the elevator down to the cavern or take the Natural Entrance Trail. We debated which one to do, but ultimately the pain I was experiencing in my knee made the decision. I’ve had issues with it off and on recently and it was really bad when walking downhill. Even though this was a paved walkway, I wasn’t sure my knee would be able to handle walking the equivalent of 75 stories on a steep incline.
The cavern walk is a self-guided tour. There are plenty of signs along the way that explain what you are looking at, how features were formed, and about the early explorers of the cavern.
We’ve been to a few caves and caverns and this was by far one of the most spectacular ones to see. My mom loves caves, I told her she’s got to make it out to this one.
The walk is relatively easy as it’s a paved pathway the entire time. There are very few areas with steep inclines.
Overall, we walked the 1.25 miles in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. We wanted to take our time and really enjoy the walk through the cavern.
Tyler and Ryan in the caverns
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room
Carlsbad Caverns Big Room
Big Room
Lunch at Red Chimney BBQ
After our cavern tour, we decided it was time to leave the park. There are a few trails that you can do above ground, but the weather was very foggy and wet that day, so we didn’t want to be outside.
On the way back to the hotel, we started looking up places to have lunch. We settled on Red Chimney BBQ and I’m so glad that’s where we went! The service was great and the food was amazing. The boys even both tried something new while we were there.
Huge baked potato for lunch
Back to the Hotel
When we got back to the hotel, the boys wanted to go to the pool again. I was exhausted so Justin took them to the pool while I took a short nap. Once they were back in the room and everyone had showered, we relaxed for a couple of hours, got some things done on our computers, and let the boys play on their iPads.
Packed Vehicle and Early to Bed
Our plan was to get up at 3 AM to start the long drive home. So we grabbed some food in the hotel room as we packed up everything we wouldn’t need overnight and first thing in the morning. We got the vehicle loaded and all went to bed early.
Day Eight Map
Day Nine
Drive Home
The alarm went off at 3 AM and we got up, all used the restroom and hit the road. It was another 10-hour drive for the day, and we would lose an hour going from Mountain Time to Central Time.
By leaving early, we beat a lot of traffic and got home at a decent time. We were able to unload the vehicle, unpack, start laundry, and run to the grocery store before going to bed that evening.
Updated our state and national park travel map when we got home
Day Nine Map
Walking Data
Just for fun, I decided to keep track of my walking data for this trip. I didn’t calculate on the travel days since we didn’t do much walking. This is based on the data from my Apple Watch that I wore then entire time we were in the parks.
Day Two: Big Bend
Steps: 11,841
Miles: 5.42
Flights: 19
Day Three: Big Bend
Steps: 7,906
Miles: 3.64
Flights: 7
Day Five: White Sands
Steps: 7,958
Miles: 3.62
Flights: 15 (most of this was from climbing the dunes)
Day Seven: Guadalupe Mountains
Steps: 13,420
Miles: 5.55
Flights: 18
Day Eight: Carlsbad Caverns
Steps: 6,248
Miles: 2.49
Flights: 3
Walking Totals
Total Steps: 61, 522
Total Miles: 27.05
Total Flights: 69