In February 2025 my husband and I went on the ultimate 7-day Texico National Park road trip along the Texas and New Mexico border. After flying into El Paso, we hiked the Aztec trail in Franklin Mountains State Park. We started our road trip by visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Then we drove to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore the cave system. The last stop of the trip was White Sands National Park. Where we hiked through massive sand dunes, played frisbee, and had a picnic. However, you can do this trip in reverse as well.
“It is not for the sake of any privileged few that we are thus working so strenuously for wilderness preservation, but rather for all Americans. We feel that the privilege of a wilderness experience is something to which every American is entitled, including those who are not yet born. There is no person that we should like to see excluded.” – Howard Zanhiser, 1957
This national park road trip itinerary provides information about each stop, the length of time spent in each location, and the best things to do in the national parks. Therefore I’ll include tips on where to stay and tools to help you book your trip.
Texico National Park Road Trip Itinerary
Start: El Paso
Stop 1: Franklin Mountains State Park
Stop 2: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Stop 3: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Stop 4: Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area
Stop 5: White Sands National Park
End: El Paso
Start Your Texico National Park Road Trip in El Paso
Fly into El Paso, because it’s the closest airport to all the national parks. This is the first stop on your national park road trip so decide if you want to spend anytime in the city. If your flight gets in early, you can get a jump start on the drive over to the Guadalupe Mountains, or you can spend the day in El Paso exploring the Franklin Mountains State Park.
In that case, I recommend staying the night and leaving early the next day. Holiday Inn Express has several locations throughout the city therefore it’s an affordable hotel that won’t break the bank. However, the Stanton House is a beautiful luxury alternative with a spa and restaurant.
Short on time?
Why not take a 1-day trip to White Sands National Park from El Paso? It’s just 1.5 hours away so you can easily make it there and back in a day.
Stop 1: Franklin Mountains State Park- 1 Day
Before you depart El Paso for your Texico national park road trip, I recommend visiting Franklin Mountains State Park– just a 15-minute drive outside the city. We only had time to do one hike so we went with the most popular – The Aztec Cave. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 46 min to one hour to complete. The lower park gate does not open until 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM so make sure you give yourself enough time to get out of the park on time. For more trails in Franklin Mountains State Park check out their website or AllTrails.
Before you leave El Paso make sure you are stocked up on gas, snacks, water, and any camping gear you forgot- because this is the only large city you’ll be in for the remainder of the trip. Then head to stop number two!
Stop 2: Guadalupe Mountains National Park – 2 days
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States so you’ll have the place to yourself. The park offers stunning natural beauty diverse hiking trails, and the opportunity to experience the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. We spent two days in the park hiking through the desert, mountains, and canyons. We didn’t have time to hike to the peak otherwise we would have.
Where to Stay in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
There are VERY limited options on where to stay in Guadalupe Mountains National Park so make sure you familiarize yourself with the area. The closest hotel to the park is Whites City Cavern Inn however you can also make reservations at Cactus Corner, a cute tiny home. But because of the gas debacle + (Apple Maps F’ing us over) – we ended up canceling our reservation and staying at Whites City. There’s also a yurt nearby that you can stay in.
The Devil’s Hall
Popular Hiking Trails:
Devil’s Hall: 3.8 mi / 6.1 km, 3-4 hours. It is generally considered a moderately challenging route.
Guadalupe Peak: 8.1 mi / 11.3 km, 5-8 hours *This is the highest peak in Texas and is classified as a strenuous hike.
The Grotto & Hunter Line Shack 7 mi / 1.9 km, 3-5 hours; moderately challenging route.
Pratt Cabin: 4.9 miles / 7.8 km, 2-4 hours; rated as moderate. Continue along the trail to reach the grotto.
Stop 3: Carlsbad Caverns National Park – 1 day
Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes. Of course, the most famous part of the park is the bats. The large colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats amazes visitors every evening from spring through fall with their brilliant emergence. In all, the park hosts 17 different species of bats that use a variety of different habitats.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The only camping in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is backcountry and requires a permit. Meaning there is no overnight RV parking or camping. However, there are hotels nearby to stay in. The closest hotel to the park is Whites City Cavern Inn. There are more hotels and food options 30 minutes north in Carlsbad.
Popular Hiking Trails:
Natural Entrance Trail
The 1.25 mile (2 km) Natural Entrance Trail is extremely steep- rated moderate, and requires a permit to enter. Depending on if you decide to hike up or down, you gain or lose about 750 feet (229 m)—equivalent to walking up or down a 75-story building. The hike takes about one hour (on average) to complete and you don’t have to hike back up. Rather there is an elevator at the bottom that will take you back up.
Natural Entrance Trail
Big Room Trail
The most popular route, the Big Room, is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. This relatively flat 1.25-mile (2 km) trail will take about 1.5 hours (on average) to walk.
The following desert trail links are sorted by estimated one-way travel times beginning with the shortest. However, it’s important to remember that just because the hike is shorter doesn’t mean it is easier.
Stop 4: Sitting Bull Falls – 1 day
Sitting Bull Falls is a great place to visit since you’re in the area! Firstly, it’s located in Lincoln National Forest making this desert oasis perfect for adventures. Secondly it takes about an hour of back roads to get there, so plan accordingly and make sure you get gas, snacks, and water before you depart. Cell service is spotty at best.
The most popular time to go is in the morning because of the way the sun hits the falls. However on hotter days, the late afternoon sun is shaded, making the pool below a little chilly and great for cooling down. Additionally, there are sheltered picnic sites with tables and grills available, along with fresh water, trash cans, and restrooms.
Where to Stay near Sitting Bull Falls
The Sitting Bull Falls area is a day-use area only. No camping or overnight RV parking. The closest hotel to the park is Whites City Cavern Inn. There are more hotels and food options 30 minutes north in Carlsbad.
Popular Hiking Trail:
Sitting Bull Falls
The 0.7-mile out-and-back trail to the top of the falls is considered a moderately challenging route with steep stairs, no shade, and rocky terrain. You can continue past this desert oasis and follow the Sitting Bull Falls Trail as far as you like. Eventually, it splits into other trails and viewpoints throughout the mountains.
Stop 5: White Sands National Park- 1-2 Days
Depending on what you want to do at White Sands National Park, you will need 1 or 2 days. We spent a day and a half hiking all the main trails, shopping at the visitor center, having a picnic, and playing in the sand.
Popular Hiking Trails:
Playa trail
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail is level and contains outdoor exhibits along the way to teach you about the different characteristics that make this area of the park special.
Dune Life Nature Trail
A short 1.0-mile loop that takes around 45 minutes. This hike is rated as easy but don’t let that fool ya because the trail goes up and down several large sand dunes. It can get your heart racing – especially in the desert heat.
Alkali Flat Trail
A challenging 4.5-mile loop trail marked by red trail markers offers hikers a journey through the heart of the park. Prepare yourself to hike up and down large dunes for the entire 3-4 hour hike, you will need to bring lots of water!
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