The Ultimate New Mexico National Parks Road Trip
One of the many draws of New Mexico is the two incredible National Parks: White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. With about three hours between the two Parks a two-day trip is the best way to see both. After completing the trip, I compiled a full hour-by-hour itinerary so you can experience the Ultimate New Mexico National Parks Roadtrip!
(This Itinerary begins and ends in Albuquerque, but this trip could be completed from anywhere!)
What to Bring on your New Mexico National Parks Road Trip
White Sand National Park and Carlsbad Caverns have polar opposite geographies, so you will need different things for visiting each.
Find the full blog post HERE with exactly what to bring and what to expect at White Sands National Park!
For Carlsbad Caverns National Park I would suggest wearing good shoes, comfortable clothes, and packing in water or snacks as needed.
Other Items
- Bagged Lunch for Day 1– Plan to eat lunch at White Sands on the first day. I would suggest packing a full lunch and snacks.
- A Change of Clothes for Day 1– After you leave White Sands you will be VERY sandy. I would suggest bringing a second set of clothing so you’ll be comfortable during the drive to Carlsbad, NM.
- Everything you would normally pack for a one-night stay.
- A water bottle and snacks for Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
New Mexico National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to and Explore White Sands National Park and Drive to Carlsbad, NM
6:30-7:00am– Leave bright and early in the morning. The earlier you leave the earlier you can make it to White Sands National Park. Once it hits about 12-2 it gets incredibly hot.
Travel Time (Albuquerque to White Sands): 3.5 Hours
*Be sure to use the restrooms in Albuquerque or while you’re going through San Antonio. There are very few places to stop on Highway 380, especially this early in the morning*
(There is a very popular “World’s Largest Pistachio” just North of Alamogordo. If you love a good roadside attraction I would suggest stopping for a photo op!)
10:30am– Arrive in White Sands National Park.
FILL YOUR WATER AT THE VISITORS CENTER (There is no water within the park)
11:00 am– Drive to Dune Life Nature Trail trailhead and spend about an hour exploring this area. The trail is closer to the perimeter so you will find a unique combination of the white sand, native vegetation, and possibly some animals!
12:00am– When you get back to the trailhead, hop in your car and drive further down the road (there’s only one road, you won’t get lost) until you get to the picnic area near Backcountry Camping trailhead. Take 30-45 minutes to enjoy your lunch and the shade!
12:30-12:45am– Get on Backcountry Camping Trail (2 miles) and spend ~1.5 hours hiking and exploring the dunes.
2:15pm– Wrap up your hike and take some time to sled down the dunes.
2:30pm– Head back to the Visitors Center and grab a few souvenirs, go to the bathroom, fill your water and change your clothes.
Drive to Carlsbad, NM
2:45pm– Get back on the road. We stopped at a gas station to grab a drink and an ice cream in Alamogordo, NM before we left for Carlsbad, NM.
Travel Time (White Sands to Carlsbad): 3 Hours
3:30pm– On your way to Carlsbad be sure to stop at the Tunnel Vista Observation Site for beautiful views of the Tularosa Basin. This is a roadside stop, no need to budget too much time.
6:00pm– Arrive in Carlsbad, NM. Check into your hotel or vacation rental. Get settled and have a shower (YOU WILL NEED IT!)
We stayed at Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area. The hotel was clean, we felt very safe and they had a continental breakfast.
7:00pm– Drive North up US Highway 285 and grab supper at La Patrona (New Mexican Cuisine). The Tamales were SO good! *If you don’t like spicy food I would suggest choosing someplace else*
8:00pm– Head back to your accommodation and rest! Depending on how much time you spent at White Sands, you will likely be very tired.
Day 2: Explore Carlsbad Caverns and Drive back to Albuquerque.
8:00am– Wake up, pack up, and grab breakfast. We ate at our hotel.
9:00am– Leave for Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the National Park from Carlsbad.
9:40am- Explore Carlsbad Caverns for 3 hours.
If you’re interested in hiking after your cave tour, there are several trails on the road down from Carlsbad Caverns!
1:00pm- Get on the road and head back to Albuquerque (or your next destination). We stopped at the UFO McDonalds in Roswell, NM for lunch.
Travel Time: (Carlsbad Caverns National Park to Albuquerque): 5 Hours
3:00pm- Arrive in Roswell. A fun stop is the McDonald’s on North Main Street. The McDonald’s is shaped and decorated like a UFO.
Roswell is famous for alleged UFO landings. If you are interested in learning more consider budgeting some time for museums or other attractions.
6:00pm- Arrive in Albuquerque (or your next destination).
The Ultimate New Mexico National Parks Road Trip Map
What I would do Differently
If I had one more day, I would add on a trip to Guadalupe Mountain National Park in Texas. It’s less than an hour drive South-West of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If I were to do this, I would book the Carlsbad accommodation for two nights and add the hike to the afternoon of Day 2.
If you LOVE National Parks check out other posts: Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and Guide to Voyageurs National Park!
The New Mexico National Parks are one of the many incredible things to do and see in the Land of Enchantment.
