The ULTIMATE Texas to New Mexico National Park Road Trip (7 Days)

In search of the perfect Texas to New Mexico road trip? Only have a week to spare? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve designed this 7-day Texas to New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary to take you to some of the best spots in these two states. This road trip squeezes in four national parks—Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands—as well as a few smaller roadside attractions in between each one. Let’s dive in!

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🚗 About This Texas to New Mexico Road Trip

Fly Into: El Paso, Texas (if coming from outside of Texas)
Route: Big Bend → Guadalupe Mountains → Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands
# of Days: 7
Total Driving Distance: 800-900 miles (including the drive to and from El Paso)
Best Time to Do: November to March

If you’re coming from afar, we recommend starting this Texas to New Mexico Road Trip by flying into and out of El Paso International Airport (ELP), the closest airport to Big Bend as well as White Sands. From there, you can rent a car and make your way to Big Bend National Park before heading back up towards New Mexico.

If you’re driving from another major city in Texas, here are the driving times to Big Bend National Park, to help orient you.

San Antonio: 372 miles from Big Bend, 5 hours 44 minutes
Austin: 436 miles from Big Bend, 6 hours 36 minutes
Dallas: 524 miles from Big Bend, 7 hours 37 minutes
Fort Worth: 501 miles from Big Bend, 7 hours and 17 minutes
Houston: 562 miles from Big Bend, 8 hours 31 minutes

This route lasts just 7 days, including flying in and out of Texas, but feel free to linger longer in each park if you have more time. You can also do this itinerary in reverse, starting with White Sands National Park and ending with Big Bend National Park.

We chose the initial order as it gets the big drive from El Paso airport to Big Bend out of the way the first day, but if you prefer it backward, that’s fine too!

National Park Fees

With four parks and individual entry fees at each, we recommend investing $80 in the America the Beautiful Pass if you’re a US citizen. This will save you some money and cover any other parks you want to visit for an entire year. Without this pass, it would cost 2 people in one vehicle $105 to visit all four parks.

For non-residents, this pass is $250, so this would only save you money if you are planning on visiting a few more parks that year. Also, if you’re traveling alone or on a motorcycle, it might cost you less than $80. In that case, we recommend doing your own research to make sure you’d actually be saving money.

🎫 Consider investing in the America the Beautiful pass for $80 like we did if you’re planning on travelling to several parks within the year.

Texas to New Mexico Route Map

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

📰 Texas to New Mexico 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to El Paso & Drive to Big Bend
Day 2: Big Bend National Park
Day 3: Big Bend National Park
Day 4: Drive to Guadalupe Mountains
Day 5: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Day 6: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Day 7: White Sands National Park & Flight from El Paso

Day 1: Fly to El Paso, Drive to Big Bend

Drive: El Paso, Texas → Big Bend National Park
Driving Time: 4 hours 17 minutes
Distance: 286 miles (460 km)
Where to Stay: Big Bend National Park
Full Itinerary: 3-Day Big Bend National Park Itinerary & Ultimate Guide

Unless you’re driving into or out of Texas, we recommend booking a flight to El Paso and renting a car to drive to Big Bend National Park from there. The drive will take about 5 hours, so we recommend arriving in El Paso in the morning to make the most of the day.

If you need a mid-drive break, Marfa, TX, on US Route 90 is about halfway to Big Bend from El Paso. It’s a cute little arts town with the Blackwell School National Historic Site, several museums, and the Prada Marfa Art Installation just outside of town. Although a bit further off-course, you’ve also got Davis Mountains State Park, which would be a great spot to stop for a picnic or to stretch your legs.

If you arrive in Big Bend National Park before 5 pm, start your visit by checking out the Big Bend Visitor Information Center in Marathon, Texas. Here, you can pick up a park map, check out their exhibits, and speak with Park Rangers about any trail conditions you should know about or any special events going on. Then, settle into your lodging for the night!

If you wanted to make your way further into the park, especially if you are camping in Big Bend, you could head towards Panther Junction Visitor Center instead, stopping at Fossil Discovery Exhibit to learn about Big Bend’s prehistoric past along the way.

Day 2: Big Bend National Park

Drive: No drive today
Driving Time: 0 (just within the park)
Distance: 0 (not counting within the park)
Where to Stay: Big Bend National Park

Kick off your first full day in Big Bend National Park by driving along the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Start near Panther Junction Visitor Center, making your way toward Santa Elena Canyon, the last stop on the road.

We recommend making your first stop at Lower Burro Mesa Pour-Off Trail, an easy 30-minute trail down into a narrow canyon. After Lower Burro Mesa, you’ve also got Sotol Vista Overlook and Tuff Canyon Trail, two viewpoints (Tuff Canyon Trail is just an area with three viewpoints) with sweeping desert and canyon views.

Further along, stop at Mule Ears Viewpoint for one of the park’s best photo ops. If you want to get closer to the Mule Ears, there’s the 90-minute Mule Ears Trail. Then, explore the historic area of Castolon, where you can see old adobe buildings and learn about the early farming and military history of Big Bend. Stop into the Castolon Visitor Center to learn even more about the park’s history.

End the drive at Santa Elena Canyon with a 40-minute hike on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail—the 3rd most popular trail in Big Bend! The towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the Rio Grande, creating a stunning canyon that’s a must-see.

Wrap up the day by experiencing Big Bend’s starry skies. As one of the top Dark Sky Parks in the U.S., Big Bend offers unmatched opportunities for stargazing. You can stay at your lodging or head back into the park once it’s completely dark. We went stargazing from our backcountry spot on Old Maverick Road and were able to see the Milky Way!

Day 3: Big Bend National Park

Drive: No drive today
Driving Time: 0 (just within the park)
Distance: 0 (not counting within the park)
Where to Stay: Big Bend National Park

Spend your last full day in Big Bend National Park exploring a longer hiking trail. Previously, there had been construction plans in the Chisos Basin area, which would have closed these trails, but to our knowledge, they have been cancelled. That means these trails are still open for hiking!

Here are our two recommendations:

South Rim Trail (Hard, 6-6.5 hours): Our favorite trail in all of Big Bend! The breathtaking panoramic views from the South Rim were a huge reason why Big Bend got national park status!
Emory Peak Trail (Hard, 4-5 hours): If climbing mountain peaks is more of your jam, this challenging trail takes you all the way up to Emory Peak, the highest point in Big Bend National Park!

If we had to recommend just one, it would definitely be the South Rim Trail, our #1 favorite trail in the park. It will eat up a good chunk of your day, so make sure to set out early, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months.

After a long day of hiking, end your day with a relaxing soak in the Historic Hot Springs District. These 105°F geothermal pools are right next to the river and are a perfect place to unwind. We visited around sunset, and the golden light on the canyon walls, the sound of the river, and the warm water made for a truly unforgettable way to end our day.

Day 4: Big Bend & Drive to Guadalupe Mountains

Afternoon Drive: Big Bend → Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Driving Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Distance: 268 miles (431 km)
Where to Stay: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Unless you want to head straight up to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, spend the morning of Day 4 exploring a shorter hike in Big Bend. Here are three that we recommend:

Lost Mine Trail (Moderate, 2.5 hours): The most popular hike in all of Big Bend, you’ll get amazing views of the Chisos Mountains.
Window Trail (Moderate, 2.5 hours): This trail leads you to a super photogenic natural rock “window” that frames the desert landscape beyond.
Balanced Rock via the Grapevine Hills Trail (Moderate, 1 hour): This route takes you to one of Big Bend’s most iconic photo spots, a massive boulder perfectly perched between two cliffs!

Once you’ve finished, start making your way back north to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you hadn’t yet stopped in Martha, Texas, or the Prada Marfa Art Installation on the way down, feel free to make the same mid-way stops we mentioned in Day 1.

Day 5: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Drive: No drive today
Driving Time: 0 (just within the park)
Distance: 0 (not counting within the park)
Where to Stay: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Guadalupe Peak Trail, a strenuous route that usually takes 6 to 8 hours round trip. Plan to start early (before sunrise if possible) and come prepared with layers, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks.

If you still have energy on the way down, consider adding the Devil’s Hall Trail as we did. This hike follows a rocky wash to a natural stone staircase that leads into the narrow Devil’s Hall. Pairing it with Guadalupe Peak will add roughly 2 more hours to your hike.

In the afternoon, we recommend you take it easy and visit the Frijole Ranch History Museum to learn about the park’s past. You can then stop by the nearby Pine Springs Visitor Center to explore exhibits, grab your national park stamp, and see if any afternoon special programs are happening.

End the day watching the sunset from El Capitan Viewpoint or Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint, both just off of Highway 62. Then head back to your accommodations for a good night’s rest. Tomorrow’s drive is short, as Carlsbad Caverns is just over 30 minutes away!

Sometime today, book your Carlsbad Caverns tickets for tomorrow as you’ll need to pay for a specific time to enter!

🥾 Want an easier hike? If you want an easier hiking option, head over to this related hiking article where we list our top 7 favorite trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Day 6: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Morning & Afternoon Drives: Guadalupe Mountains → Carlsbad Caverns → White Sands
Driving Time: 34 minutes → 3 hours
Distance: 35 miles (56 km) → 181 miles (291 km)
Where to Stay: Carlsbad Caverns National Park or White Sands National Park
Full Itinerary: 1 Day in Carlsbad Caverns: Itinerary & Ultimate Guide

Once you wake up and have breakfast, make the quick 30-minute drive over to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Home to one of the most jaw-dropping cave systems in the world, we recommend starting your visit to this spectacular park by hiking 1.5 miles down into the caverns via the Natural Entrance Trail.

There is also an elevator from the Visitor Center that can be taken both up and down if you prefer. Either way, you’ll need to book a timed entry for $1/person either at that link or in person at the Visitor Center. This ensures that there aren’t too many people in the caverns at once.

Once you hike or take the elevator down into the caverns, you’ll immediately transition to the Big Room Loop, 1.25 more miles of paved trail that takes you through stalactites, stalagmites, and rock curtains. This is the largest single cave chamber in North America! We recommend spending the majority of your morning down here in the caves, as it’s the best thing to see in the park.

We recommend using the afternoon to make the 3-hour drive to White Sands National Park. If you make it here in time for sunset on a Friday through Sunday, you might be able to catch the Sunset Stroll, a ranger-led 1-hour sunset walk in the park.

You can also enjoy the sunset on your own. Either way, don’t miss the sunset here—it’s one of the most breathtaking we’ve seen in the US! Unless your flight out is tomorrow, you could also make the sunset tomorrow evening.

🦇 Prefer watching bats? If you’re visiting from May to October, you may be able to witness the daily flight of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats out of the caves. Just head to Carlsbad Cavern’s amphitheater just before sunset and have your camera ready!

Day 7: White Sands National Park & Flight Home

Afternoon Drive: White Sands National Park → El Paso Airport
Driving Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Where to Stay: White Sands National Park or Flight Home (No Overnight)
Full Itinerary: 1 Day in White Sands National Park: Itinerary & Ultimate Guide

End your trip at White Sands National Park, home to the largest gypsum dune field on Earth. With its bright white sands stretching for miles, this park easily offers some of the most distinctive landscapes on the trip. Sun protection is especially important here, so make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats!

Start right when the park opens at 7 am to tackle the 3-hour Alkali Flat Trail. This is the park’s most immersive hike and best done in the cooler morning hours before the heat sets in. You can do this hike barefoot if the sand is cool enough!

After your hike, stop by the Visitor Center to check out the exhibits and watch the 17-minute film, which does a great job explaining the park’s geology. If you plan to go sledding, this is also the time to grab a $15-20 sled rental (you can also buy sleds at the nearby Walmart for a bit less).

Next up is sledding down the dunes! With the right wax, the gypsum sand makes for a surprisingly fast and fun ride. Plan to spend about an hour here, and remember to return rentals by 4:00 p.m. if you rented.

Afterward, take a break at one of the park’s shaded picnic areas—Roadrunner Picnic Area, Primrose Picnic Area, or Yucca Picnic Area. If it’s too hot, you can also have lunch at the Visitor Center.

In the afternoon, fit in a couple of quick walks if you have time. The Dune Life Nature Trail is one of the best spots for wildlife spotting, while the short Playa Trail takes you to a constantly changing dry lake bed. If you prefer a drive, you’ve also got the 8-mile Dunes Scenic Drive, which weaves its way through the park, starting from the Visitor Center.

Once you’ve finished this trail, it’s time to head back to the airport! Hopefully, you’ve been able to book an evening flight from El Paso Airport, which is a 1.5-hour drive away. Make sure to leave enough time to return your rental car and arrive with a few hours to spare, just in case.

⛺ Where to Stay Each Night

Below, we’ve brought together all the campgrounds, hotels, and glamping spots near all 4 of the national parks in this guide. Keep in mind that Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains are just 30 minutes apart, so you don’t have to change your lodging that night if you don’t want to.

🏠 Stay in a home with VRBO! One of our favorite pages to book homestays is VRBO. This could be a great option for your time in Big Bend, as you’re there for several nights.

Big Bend National Park

Within the Park: Chisos Basin Campground (Temporarily Closed), Rio Grande Village Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and Backcountry Camping. We stayed in our van along Old Maverick Road (the backcountry) with a $10 permit. Reservations here for all.
Private Camping: Maverick Ranch RV Park (20 minutes) and Stillwells Store & RV Park (8 minutes) are two great spots with both tent and RV camping.
Hotels & Glamping: Terlingua Ranch Lodge (45 minutes), Desert Pearl (10 minutes), and Stardust Luxury Cottage (7 minutes).
Free Stays: If you’re travelling in a van, there are tons of free spots around Big Bend listed on iOverlander.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Within the Park: Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground are the two campgrounds in Guadalupe Mountains National Park for tents and RVs. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. There are also backcountry sites, which only cost $6/night with a permit.
Private Camping: Good Guad Land Co. is the closest private campground we found, just outside the park, with views of Guadalupe Peak!
Hotels & Glamping: Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area, Karbani Inn, and Hyatt House Carlsbad are all located in Carlsbad, 40 minutes from the park entrance, closer to Carlsbad Caverns.
Free Stays: If you’re traveling in a van, check for any free spots around the Guadalupe Mountains listed on iOverlander, such as Chosa Campground (20 minutes), El Capitan View Point (10 minutes), and Pine Spring Safety Rest Stop (7 minutes).

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Within the Park: There are no campgrounds within Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but there are in Guadalupe Mountains, just 30 minutes away (see above).
Private Camping: Carlsbad KOA Holiday (40 minutes) and White’s City RV Park (5 minutes) are two private camping options.
Hotels & Glamping: Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area, Karbani Inn, and Hyatt House Carlsbad are all located in Carlsbad, 15 minutes from the park entrance.
Free Stays: These same spots from the Guadalupe Mountains, with updated distances from Carlsbad Caverns, are Chosa Campground (20 minutes), El Capitan View Point (45 minutes), and Pine Spring Safety Rest Stop (24 minutes).

White Sands National Park

Within the Park: There are no longer any campgrounds within the bounds of White Sands.
Private Camping: Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey has RV, tent camping, and individual lodging just 20 minutes away from the park.
Hotels & Glamping: The Classic Desert Aire Hotel, Suburban Studios, and Home2 Suites by Hilton are all 20 minutes away from White Sands. Suburban Studios is the most budget-friendly option.
Free Stays: If you’re traveling in a van or RV, there are tons of free spots around White Sands listed on iOverlander. We stayed at Holloman Lake (Public Access), just 5 minutes from the park, and there’s also Lincoln National Forest 23 minutes away, with free camping for up to 2 weeks.

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