New Mexico has so much to see and do. There’s a ton of natural beauty, which you’ll find in its National Parks, but there’s also some fun and interesting cities. So far, I’ve only visited southern New Mexico (on a mini national park road trip), but there’s so much more to explore in this state.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
A Guide to the Self Guided Tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to the country’s deepest cave. It’s also famous for its bats. You can tour the cave with a ranger or head down by yourself on a self-guided tour of these stunning caves.
White Sands National Park
Things to Do With One Day at White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune fields. Whether your stick to the scenic drive or you hike out on the dunes (which I highly recommend), you’ll feel like you’ve entered another planet.
Itineraries
Five Days in New Mexico and Texas National Parks
From El Paso, TX, travel north into New Mexico, visiting White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. Venture back to Texas for Guadalupe Mountains National Park before returning to El Paso.
When to Visit
New Mexico can be visited all year round, but some times are better than others. High season is the summer months, ranging from May to September. Expect the highest prices and the most tourists. The winter, December through February, sees colder temperatures and lower visitor numbers. Spring and fall are shoulder season and can make a great option.
I visited New Mexico in November. Mornings started off very cold (to the point where I had to add on extra layers) but warmed up in the afternoon. If I were to do the same trip again, I’d aim more for mid October.
Nearby
New Mexico is in the United States’ southwest, which has so much to offer. You can’t go wrong with adding Arizona, Utah, or Colorado to your itinerary. Or you could be like me and add in a little bit of Texas.