31 Best Stops Between Las Cruces and Carlsbad (2024)

I've lived in Garcia, Cervantes, and I'm currently in family housing. You can't beat the convenience but I've been consistently underwhelmed with their response times to work orders (multiple roof leaks, swamp cooler not working) and family housing units are like ovens in the summer. At least the community is quiet and there are nice parks for kids or walking your dog close by. Plus there are decent sized back yards.

I lived in Garcia for all of 3 months at the most & then got out as quickly as I could. My stay at campus housing was doomed from the start, there is no roommate matching service-they just pair you with whoever. I had a dirty, disrespectful roommate who made no attempt to connect with me whatsoever, & then stopped talking to me alltogether after drunk screaming at me at around 4 AM. I approached my resident assistant with complaints but no action was taken, & I was told to “show my roommate a little Jesus”, which is not really a valid solution for uncleanliness. After moving back home, I realized NMSU was not the college for me, & I believe this housing issue plays a large part of me leaving, which is unfortunate. Terminating my contract was the most difficult thing as the staff was unhelpful & rude at times; I probably went back & forth to the Housing office about 7 times before finally terminating the contract, which is ridiculous & unnecessary. Something needs to change here since they added the rule that all first year students coming out of district must live on campus, this left a terrible impression of New Mexico State for me.

The people that work here are rude, non-punctual, and don't care about the students. They make the housing contracts year long so that they can trap you in residential charges. The employees all the way from department to individual dorm offices don't communicate with each other. They claim to always be busy, but the offices are ghost town. The amount they charge for dorms are unrealistic a room/closet SHARED with one other person and a bathroom SHARED with three other people is roughly $480 a month. And these are some of the cheapest dorms. It is so much cheaper to just live off campus, you could save hundreds. But you could save thousands, not even enrolling. Go to UTEP instead.

Dan Foley, the Chamisa Village Resident Director, is possibly one of the worst employees I've ever had the displeasure of working with. There has been constant electrical issues in my apartment (forcing me to spend several weeks in winter with my room getting into the 50s some nights) because he refused to listen to complaints or act until I brought in a third party. The bug issue with my apartment wasn't even dealt with until I got hives because he told us several times that the housing department does not deal with pest control (They do in fact gas). Even then they only paid for the doctor's appointment and pest control showed up TWO MONTHS later. He is full of attitude, often leaves without leaving adequate instructions for the RAs, will constantly redirect a resident to another department despite the issue being HIS department. He should not work there, and I no longer want to live on campus because I know now with certainty that he does not care about this housing or anyone else.

Seems beneficial until you realize that you and your roommate are spending somewhere in the ballpark of 1000$ a month to share one small room and a bathroom with two others. Breaks their own "quiet hour" rules by holding school-sponsored parties with loud music that go nearly all night on normal weekdays. Laundry is unreasonably expensive.

I live here currently, it's super close to the university I save tons of money just from not using gas haha and I skip the traffic!

It is very comfortable living in this area because it is easy to get to school by bus or walking 🙃

3.5

(21)

4.5

(124)

1600 International Mall, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA

16 lists

Super cute little farm to visit to see the animals and experience the history! Reasonably priced as well for the entry! I went for the gem show they had and it was a lot of fun!

Totally awesome! Before you can walk in the door there's two beautiful horned owls in the rafters and then it just gets better after that. It far exceeded my expectations. Totally recommend a place to go to.

Beautiful campus and museum. The facility was clean and quiet—no wait time at all. They offer discounted entry for Active Military. Exhibits are interactive and offer descriptions and timelines. There’s an activity corner for kids, includes books and a small but fun play structure…my boys loved driving the tractor and handling the chicken eggs! The animals were not visibly out and about during our visit, but it was hot outside. Instead we watched the blacksmith show how to make an iron hook, and he let my middle son keep the hook as a souvenir for being very vocal during his presentation. Blacksmith was very friendly and informative during the presentation, we highly recommend giving him ten minutes of your time.

Lovely (free w/ admission) open air tour on a comfortable 8 passenger electric cart. Bob is SO knowledgeable and was full of anecdotes and jokes.Exhibits change all the time and once back inside, we strolled through the "Ranches to Rockets" exhibit which was in it's last week. And then admired the display of hummingbird photography in the hall near the meeting rooms.Great gift shop, welcoming staff!

Wonderful place. Lots to learn and see. Great for kids!

Took the kids and grandma. Everyone had such a great time. The staff is super attentive. What a great place. Can’t believe after living in LC three decades, it was my first visit. Highly recommend!

Very impressive musuem with lots to see and do. For only 7 dollars i felt like they could charge more for the experiences and sights you get to see. Friendly staff and super clean facilities inside and outside. Loved it here and you wont be disapointed if you come .

It was a quaint museum. There was no one there. I’d expected to see something interesting for kids, but the whole place was devoid of people and workers. There were no hands on exhibits except for checkers and the farm equipment was mostly a parking lot. The indoor play area was interesting.I expected a lot more about how life was lived on a ranch, but it was more about biographies and items recent enough to be seen outside a museum if you have family which are country. What you see in the photos is really all there is to see.

Amazing museum …. Dan provided a great tour of the property … immaculately designed, set up and cared for space … very interesting animals, history and look into NM ranch life. Highly recommend Thanks!

We loved it! So affordable and such a darling place! We loved seeing all the animals, walking around the museum areas, the dairy area, shopping at the mercantile and playing on the kids areas. Really family friendly here and we would come back. We spent 5 hours and my kids could have stayed longer but we stayed till closing time 🤣. We would recommend! My twins are 4 years old for reference.

Impeccable exhibitions. Family friendly. Very affordable. Recommended!

Stopped by the museum on a road trip with the family and we absolutely loved it. It’s very well curated and you get way more than what you pay for. I recommend going early to see everything this museum has to offer.

My husband and I go every chance we can just to walk the grounds and see the new events and things at the museum. Great place to take the family. Haven't met a person we didn't like yet! Most times we don't have to pay to walk around and look at things. We visit the farm animals, look at the antique farm equipment and pay a visit to the blacksmith. Other times we pay $5 to enter a special event. Not bad at all! The last event we attended there was $5 a carload. It was the 2018 Home Grown a New Mexico Food Show & Gift Market. LOVED it!

An interesting place to visit. It seems to concentrate mostly on the immediate areas farm and ranch land history. I was surprised and intrigued to see a lot of information regarding the white sands missile range and it’s influence on the local area. There were also displays showing early Native American farming and building practices. Apparently there are a lot of outside displays also, but we felt the middle of the day was not a good time to explore those.It was sometimes a little difficult to find information regarding some of the displays, so if you’re interested, keep looking, information is there, just not always right by the display.

Simply amazing a must see needs more marketingBUTThe staff was less than friendly. The two people behind the counter to pay in the lobby seemed to ignore as both delt with someone together while others waited without acknowledgement.The lady in the gift section was on the phone with clearly a friend talking about recent event and never spoke.

4.6

(936)

4.5

(389)

4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA

The staff was super friendly, they explained everything to us and had a game for visitors, there was a hidden knom in the museum and if you find it and take a pic you get a price. My kids loved it. The best part is the planes outside and they have an active airport, you can see planes take off and land there.

This museum was much larger than I expected. I planned to stay for a could hours, but could have spent twice as long here. There are some neat planes, and if you are into vehicles or military stuff, you'd probably love this place. The old commercial airliner whose interior is open was fascinating. A little pricey and out of the way, but cool experience.

My family and I went this past weekend and it was such a fun and interesting museum. My dad was a recreational pilot growing up and I always remember hanging out around Santa Teresa as a kid. Back then the museum was not as nice and I am glad to see it alive again! The staff was super friendly and it was a great spot to have something to do when we visit El Paso! Highly recommend!

Love this place , we attended the LowClass car show here . It was awesome! 400 cars attended and 4000 spectators showed up for the show. They had a lovely gift shop, they had food trucks and they had a lot of vendors which was awesome so follow her page on Facebook and Instagram for events that are coming soon and more car shows if you like to see a car show the museum there’s so many airplanes of different kinds there. We had an awesome time!

Had a great visit there with my Wife and 5 year old son. Highly recommended.The only thing that was a bit shocking was the price!I have a brochure for their that looks fairly current and it stated 11 dollars for Adults and children were free.Well it cost us nearly 50 dollars!I didn't complain because I don't mind seeing it as a donation, but needless to say when you expect to pay 22 dollars and pay 50 it was quite shocking!Also their website shows no admission price.

This is a big museum. It has many planes an aviation thing you get to see. They also have a lot of old gas pumps so you could see how they were back in the day. They have a gift shop so you can buy things for yourself or others. They have a timeline for important events throughout the US history and wars. They also have a dedicated wall for important women in those times.

If you love aircraft and old cars you will love this museum. Gus was my unofficial tour guide and his knowledge is awesome.

The museum is great with plenty of planes, cars, and history. The staff is wonderful. My son and I explored the museum during a Flights and Sights event.

Incredible museum with amazing aircraft such as a Fieseler Storch and many other airplanes. The side displays are also amazing. Nice gift shop also.

This museum is filled to the max with historically significant artifacts. It's an awesome experience to see these planes, vehicles, and accessories up close. Many of them have safety stairs that allow an inside look at the co*ckpit and its instruments - an amazing experience. The museum itself is impressive in its size and cleanliness. The hangar is bright and open, although a bit warm. There's no dirt nor dust on the floor nor on any of the equipment. Cleanest museum I've ever been in. As good or better than the Smithsonian air and space on the mall or at Dulles. It's only missing a spaceship, lol.

Very cool Air Museum, surprised by how many planes, cars, and helicopters fit into the space. Love runway attached to the museum to watch private planes take off.

I arrived at noon on a Sunday. The location is easy to find, with a Love's nearby for lunch, a snack, or fuel. I received a military discount when entering. Staff is very friendly and informative, and I was given a map. The hangar provides space for a military band to practice, so there was some music on the far side of the hangar. The hangar is not air conditioned, but there are ceiling fans moving the air, so it was cooler than outside. Consider the weather/temperature forecast when planning a visit.You may encounter a volunteer, so feel free to ask questions if you have any. They are very knowledgeable and have plenty of flight experience outside of the museum. We were invited to tour a passenger aircraft simply for showing interest in it. There are some aircraft outdoors along with related military equipment and vehicles. Overall, it was a great experience worth repeating the next time I am in town.

I never expected so much quality and quantity of beautifully restored aircraft in this out of the way place. I restored antique planes for a good portion of my life (generally much older than WWII warbirds) and can appreciate the dedication and fine work done here as well as the rarity of some of these planes. I personally wanted to drool all over the beautiful black P-38. If I wasn't retired it would be an amazing place to work. They also have an excellent gift shop. Go there. You won't regret it.

4.8

(740)

5.0

(65)

8012 Airport Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008, USA

Our favorite Wine spot... Great place to get away every weekend. A bit pricey but worth it. Compared to the the other wineries further down the road... this place makes us feel welcomed. The live music is Great and the ambiance is fantastic, just hope nobody else knows about this hidden gem... I know... but certain type of people that tend to frequent the other wineries down the road (drunks) always ruin it for everyone.So if you are looking for a great place to get away and truly have a Nice time with friends or a date, this is the spot, just don't tell anyone else...

We stayed here in our camper van for a few nights and had the pleasure of experiencing this amazing family run winery. The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing. The wine was really good. We had the montepulciano after tasting all of the reds. I would recommend this place to anyone looking to relax and enjoy some good wine.

Great place to catch-up with friends and family. They have food and non-alcoholic drinks. Tastings help you decide what you really want… but there are SO many options!

A good place to spend a Sunday with your better half. The wine is average. Check out their website for live music entertainment. The ambiance is good. I recommend this place.

I’m in awe, I can’t believe how much the cost of a bottle of wine has gone up. $29 for a bottle that used to be $17 last year.I normally like to recommend this place because it has a great atmosphere, live music and it’s lots of fun. We normally have about 2-3 bottles when we go. That’s gonna cost over $100 with the tip. I’m going to have to think twice before going again.

Sombra Antigua is such a lovely place. The staff is amazing, the winery is great, the wine is amazing and such a pleasant atmosphere. There was live singing by Mrs Flores and she was absolutely amazing, she had everyone on the dancefloor getting down. We had such a wonderful time. I will definitely return and will be accompanied by more friends.

All the wines are spectacular! The service is unmatched. The scenery is magical. The environment is always so welcoming, with chill vibes. They have live music too. Their employee Joshua always provides wonderful service and is so knowledgeable about the wines.This place is all that and a bag of grapes 🍇

Had a wonderful time at the winery! We Hipcamped behind the tasting room and next to the vineyard. Beautiful scenery, good wines, especially the dry reds, and great service. Sally spent 30-40 minutes talking through the tasting with us. Brought some wine home!

The most beautiful vineyard we have been to in quite some time. The wine was delicious, and Sally's wonderful hospitality made our trip to New Mexico one we will never forget. We will most definitely be back. Stephanie and Mike

Had a wonderful time at Sombra Antigua winery. Beautiful scenery, good wine, and a fun music group made for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. RetroZ played a variety of music genres...kept us dancing for quite a while. Very enjoyable, highly recommend.

4.6

(175)

4.5

(20)

430 La Vina Rd, Anthony, NM 88021, USA

Excellent deals on wine flights! Nice vibes, friendly staff! A must visit when in the El Paso/Las Cruces area.

The atmosphere was nice, service fairly efficient and personable and the wine was pretty good. They were sold out of nearly half their wines, but the tasting was only $10 for 3 generous portions. Would liked it better if there was music on the patio...but we'll be back to try some of their other wines, when they're in stock.

Thank you La Viña Winery for providing a mesmerizing and truly spectacular wedding venue where romance flourishes and beautiful memories are created!Grateful Beyond Measure, Elisa & Jesus

The following is for the wine festival: It was fun going out with the family. As much money the place makes during the wine festival, you would think that they would not charge for the kids' jumping balloon. The music was good, and it's just a relaxing atmosphere overall.

We love that we can take our food. They allow kids so we bring our soccer ball and stay for hours!

The wine is excellent! Every time we're in town we stop and order some to be shipped. Very nice people. Absolutely love it.

Great spot to stop into if you are in the area. Very friendly staff and some great red wines if you like dry reds. Since we do, we enjoyed. Great outdoor space to sit/cute courtyard. Really enjoyed.

Nice winery with beautiful outdoor space. We stayed for one night as a harvest host guest. Great setup for RVers. 9 spots, 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups. Great views. Nice to walk through vineyards.

OMG, we enjoyed so much learning about the wine making industry. Lou showed us the vinyards and equipment and taught us so much. Then we tasted delicious wine along with cheese and crackers. I highly recommend taking a tour including wine tasting.

They have the best wine and cheese in the El Paso, Las Cruces area. If they would have better entertainment and atmosphere on the weekends they would kill it but the wines fests make up. This is my favorite winery in the region.

We visit La Vina every so often for a glass of wine or to attend their festivals. They have a great selection of wine, we have never had a bad tasting experience! It is so peaceful, the area is beautiful and the staff is so welcoming and kind.We love it so much that we chose La Vina Winery for our outdoor wedding ceremony. We only wish we could have had our party there but we chose a historically windy and rainy month that we didn't want to risk the whole event so we compromised on only having the ceremony.The process for setting up the outdoor ceremony or even inquiring about events was easy. We were provided with helpful information and we were able to meet within a reasonable amount of time to sign off on what we wanted. They were knowledgeable about vendors in case we didn't already have a florist or even an event planner. They allowed us to rehearse the day before our wedding. They provided us with a nice wedding arch (see photo--flowers by Angie's Flowers) and the garden chairs with the barrels on the sides of the aisles looked beautiful. I am happy that they have outlets out in the field, next to the base of the trees where we could connect our sound system for the officiant and our music. I want to give a special thanks to Lu who helped us with everything from the beginning!

4.6

(271)

4.5

(22)

4201 NM-28, Anthony, NM 88021, USA

1 list

An amazing state park in which people of any age can have the pleasure of exploring. I recommend hiring a local guide so that it is possible to learn about that area and understand the story behind it. Definitely a must see!

This place is so beautiful! Park rangers were very friendly and helpful. Wildlife is abundant in the mornings. If you're into birdwatching, this is a perfect area. Dripping springs trail is a little difficult especially if you're out of shape like me, but, the views make it worth it.

Beautiful hike with great views, and interesting destinations. The first part of the hike is pretty easy gravel road with a sturdy incline, no shade. Once you get to the end there is plenty of shade and picnic tables, and plenty to explore. Big parking lot, visitor center with maps and very nice ranger ( know the condition on the hike and status of the spring), bathroom and water. Fee is 5 $ or if you have National Park pass free.

Nice drive from El paso. Great for a quick hike too. Beautiful and not too crowded (although I went on a weekday) parking is $5. Visitors center was open and the volunteers were extremely friendly and knowledgeable on other areas to visit *note first 5 pics are from Sept 2021 - last 2 are from Feb 2022*

still a great place to take a hike or run as a trail. The road is gravel and has a light to moderate incline, hiking shoes or tennis shoes with small grips on bottom are good. The trail is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles to the spring. There was a small amount of water coming out as there has not been a lot of rain or snow on the mountain. But some of the most beautiful scenery and relaxing area to go to. There are also small benches along the way to stop and rest. Great history stories along the way as well, they also have a great map that you place a pin into in order to show where you are from. Definitely a place to visit.

Nice hike for a half day trip. The paths are easy to follow and wide. The old buildings are very neat! There are bathrooms off the trail. We got to see a bunch of deer.

Perfect hike for family of four! We drove up from Ft Bliss and took our 2.5 year old and 12 month old. There is an incline on the way up to Dripping Springs but you’re on a gravel trail the entire time until right at the spring/mountain camp area. My husband pushed our double jogging stroller all the way up. Gotta be ready for a workout if you bring the stroller and definitely need’s to be a jogging stroller with the bike wheels. It’s doable but pack would be much easier (assuming your kids like packs…mine don’t so stroller is emotionally easier on me 🤣). Beautiful views and not very busy. No waterfall this time but was told it’s due to a severe drought. Still so worth it.

Park fee is $5 per vehicle but free for Military Gold Star Members. Staff is friendly and welcoming.There is no parking fee if you will not utilize the trail. Just let the staff at visitor center know.Restrooms are very clean and available near the visitor center.Dripping Springs is 1.5 miles uphill. The Cave is 0.9 miles one-way - Easy trail. The cave is nothing special but I would definitely recommend you to explore the other trails.The trails are steep so be careful coming back down. Please bring winter coat or hoodie because the weather can get pretty chilled very soon in later part of the day.You will definitely have good time.

Beautiful area with visitors' center. RV parking for the center. Be aware there is a $5 fee for driving up to that area and stopping (or use your annual pass). Cueva picnic area. This is a great place for photos, especially in rain and snow! Great in sunshine, too. Closed at sunset. I have seen the gate closed on some holidays as well but I don't know the actual policy about closures.

Easy hike, beautiful landscape. Golden grasses with tall looming mountains as the back drop. The dripping springs are just that, if you are expecting a waterfall you will be disappointed. The place where the water drips is still quite nice quiet, secluded and giving a break from the wind. The rest of the experience is truly beautiful. Be sure to check out the cave near the picnic area.

I really love and enjoyed the beauty of nature wen we came in this area. So amazing ,beautiful views of nature. You can do you’re trail in La Cueva for 1 and half miles back &port. Overlooking area you can see the down side of Las Cruces. Do next time we will come again bcoz were running out of time.. i will do another trail again in the side of the mountain. I saw a mule deer near wen we are living the La Cueva. I saw a beautiful barrel cactus with a flowers in both different colors. I saw many birds too…The humming birds is really cute❤️💕🥰

Dripping Springs is a great place for a walk. The trails are wide and the gravel is smooth on the first part of the Cueva Mine Trail and would be good for those who need easier terrain. The visitors center is lovely and there are hummingbird feeders outside where you can sit and watch nature do its thing. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable.Note: if you’re disabled you can get the National Parks All Access Pass at this location.

Great and beautiful hike..Actually many hikes but Dripping Springs is a nice 3 mile round trip hike. Beautiful area with dispersed camping all around. Tried to spot an Oryx..no luck.

The forest service people working went above and beyond to explain the trails that were dog friendly. Huge ups for being able to get me out there hiking! Make sure to bring cash. No cards accepted. Even saw about 4 javelina. They weren't shy.

This was a very fun and scenic trail : ) We saw some gorgeous deer walking parallel to us near the top, and the historic buildings were so cool to look at! There are benches throughout that allow you to slow down and take in the sights and the path itself isn't that hard to walk. It was a very great experience and I'd love to go again someday.

Very interesting. Stop by and support them. There's a lot to learn there. Not to mention a view to gaze upon and enjoy. If hiking, please be prepared and be aware of your surroundings. Snakes and other animals that live out there don't want to be disturbed. Be careful obey all warning ⚠️ signs.

Wow! This place did not disappoint! And only for $5/ vehicle. Staff is friendly.Use the restroom near the visitors' center before because they only have an outhouse farther in the park. The hand dryer was freezing cold, but at least they have soap and running water.Dripping Springs is the most popular trail. The trail to the springs is about 1.5 miles going uphill. There is an outhouse restroom once you get there. When you get to the Boyd Sanatoriom, you can climb keep climbing up to a cliff then you can go even farther past the pool then climb up big boulders and keep climbing til you get up another cliff. That's as far as you can safely go. Be careful coming back down. It can get slippery because of the steepness. We spent about 3 hours exploring. We have children 7 and 10. They were wiped and hungry afterward. Bring snacks and plenty of water. Oh yeah, and bring some coats because it may get hot going up to the springs, but once you climb higher, it gets cold and 7 because you are in the shade.

This is a National Monument. I did not know! Therefore, a visitor center, super helpful volunteers, big parking lot, clean bathroom. Cave trail was super cool. We were there end of! He day, lovely. Do not leave after sunset!! They will Ticket you!! The other trail up into the hills was super cool. Easy gravel path. We saw an oryx, very cool big animal! This trail was perfect weather in December, but I can imagine summer is awful...

Beautiful place, clean, and easy to do. So many beautiful areas to see. The spring is really small and man made.

4.8

(1322)

4.5

(528)

15000 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA

Great campground! Nice hikes and good view of the mountains! Make sure to bring your own water and firewood.My main concern is that the gate closes at 6pm no exceptions. (They even have road spikes to prove it).If all you plan on doing is hiking or a few day things then I totally recommend it.If you plan on being out past dawn or think you might get back after 6 maybe find some place more flexible.

What a beautiful affordable campground!There are more sites then the first loop if you fallow down the road a bit more. Water is down at the park entrance only. Clean pit toilets. Beautiful views! Closest camp ground to white sands.

Nice little campground tucked away in the mountain. Last mile and a half drive to and from campground is one way, paved. Water at the beginning where the camphost is so make sure you fill up before heading up to campground. Covered picnic tables and clean bathrooms. No showers. For $7/night you can't beat the views. Half price for military, seniors, etc. Quiet at night and rangers very friendly.

Great little campground. Most sites are small. With our truck and trailer camper total length about 42 feet. No problems navigating around or getting to the campground. It is narrow the last bit,just take your time.

Not for big rigs, trust me. What a lovely little campground on the mountain side. So quiet. Road in is long and curvy and hilly and fun. We hiked the pine tree trail, even found snow at the highest point! In December. Not many peeps there, so that was 🙂

Excellent views. Super nice host. Quiet at night with the gate locked. Very peaceful. Set up more for tent campers but there seemed to be a few level spots. Clean bathrooms & great cell service.

Very well maintained camp with breathtaking views. The fee is $7 a night plus $5 for each vehicle. Picnic tables are included as well. Highly recommended for nature lovers 👌

A beautiful campground and hiking area quite close to the city. Outhouses and group pavillion. The camping spots have fire rings with grills, and upright bbq grills as well. It's very beautiful there, but not quiet due to the campers' behavior. The quiet hours are not really obeyed, which is a shame. It costs $5 to stop in the camping loop area, and the camp hosts or forest service will check up that you've paid. It's a breathtaking area.

Love love LOVED this place!!! What an awesome camping spot! Very well-kept, clean, convenient, quiet, and gorgeous views! All that for only $7! Hands down the best place I have camped at! And the bathrooms were spotless and did not smell at all! If you are in the area and need a place to crash, this is the place!

Such an amazing Campground. Just taking the drive up is beyond words! Highly recommend a visit.

Awesome campground. Make sure to have plenty of water for drinking and washing dishes or yourself. The closest water is by the entrance, which is like about 10 min away with all of the windy road. 30 miles to the great white sand dunes and 25 min to Walmart. Only outhouse - No showers. Campsites are very well maintained, and few have shades for tent camping. Wind was blowing hard in early April. Beautiful scenery!

I mean what can I say... you have to experience it yourself. Vault toilets, no electric or water (water upon arrival at camphost). This campground was silent, beautiful and just one of a kind. It is a long, winding road in and a long winding road out. Gates close at 8 pm in the summer but I think this is a good thing, you want this place to stay protected. Spot 14 was sooo private, with your own little private hiking trails and rocks. The wind can be very intense so becareful and secure your items 😃. Las Cruces is about 25 mins away and then White Sands NP is about 30 miles in the opposite direction. This place was amazing and I couldn't recommend enough.

Love this campground! We stayed in our 22' airstream for about a week.Dec. 23- Jan. 1, no hookups, but there is water at the hosts' home at the entrance (at least 4 miles from any campsite), make sure to fill up as you come in and have a lengthy hose, as your vehicle won't be able to get super close to the spigot.The road to the campsites is windy and long, but we had zero issues with our camper and even saw a 30' pull in (unfortunately they couldn't find a big enough spot in the end). Gorgeous views from beginning to end!We got in just as the sun was going down the first night, found the first spot that would fit us and woke up the next morning to scout out a better spot. I highly suggest taking just a car and doing a round to see all the spots, it is a one-way the whole time through the campsites so if you see one you like, remember the number! You'll see quite a few spots closer to bathrooms and trails at first, but if you keep going you'll find more (I think they go up to 55 or something) that offer much more solitude, just not the best spots for anything larger than 15', but hey! You never know, check 'em out yourself :)We camped around the holidays and it got pretty busy, however everyone seems to be very curtious and keep to themselves for the most part. Also, lots of people wearing masks which is great, even having them on them on hikes in the area! Which, make sure to check out some of the trails, there should be a good variety.Almost all of the campsites have a covered picnic table, trash cans near by, and bathrooms near the first part of the campsite, so there really is no excuse for not picking up after yourself, in fact, if you can, leave it better than you found it!

4.7

(549)

4.5

(70)

Aguirre Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA

+16 other lists

Nice scenery and very quiet. Visitor center is very modern and has lots of nice outdoor space. One of the beginner trails we visited wasn't in great shape due to being partially washed out. We weren't there long enough to do any extensive hiking or anything but it seems there are plenty of long trails and campgrounds. Entrance fee was modest.

Beautiful state park, great camp sites and trails. We really enjoyed our hike at the Upper Sunset Trail, it's a moderate hike. There are some DRY RV spots available. The bathrooms we saw did not have showers, I'm sure there are some on site, but you'll need to call and check. The roads are Nottoway so if you have a huge RV, I would call ahead.

Great hiking spot, different hiking trails u can choose from. Feel free to ask for map at the visitor center, a min 1$ visitor fee is required. I did the Aztec Cave Trail, it is a mix of beginner and moderate level as few distance are full of rocks, it required a bit strength to go uphill and downhill when u came back down. Trails are easy to follow, you won't get lost, just beware of rocks.

I stayed overnight here as part of a trip to visit Guadalupe Mountain National Park, White Sands National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This state park was one of my favorite stops in my journey. Quiet, peaceful, well-maintained, courteous rangers, clean facilities. I felt like I had the park to myself even though there were 4 or 5 other groups camping in the park as well. The hike to the caves is a little intense but worth it.

Attended a talk on water conservation at the Tom Mays park visitor center by the Franklin Mtns State Park. It was given by the El Paso Master Gardeners. They give talks once a month at various locations around the city. The visitor center is very nice and has a store with various camping and other items. I didn't go into the park itself as there is an entrance fee. But there are numerous hiking trails.

Unexpectedly awesome. I didn’t have any expectations after visiting other State Parks. Usually state parks are smaller and do not offer long hikes. We did Summit trail in morning and Aztec Cave trail in afternoon. Summit Trail had awesome 360 views of the whole town but the hike was somewhat Hard. It was hot but we started early morning so we got heat on the way back. After doing this trail our energy was low, so we decided on a shorter trail and chose Aztec Cave Trail, call it a mistake or call us lucky we had all trail by ourself, there was no one on the trail but this hike was way steeper though very short. We enjoyed both the trails. The staff at visitor center is awesome and very friendly.

Had a great time here with the family today. Wish we could visit more often! Be sure to take water and decent shoes. Stop to for the small stuff. So dang cool here.

We had a great time participating in this year's First Day Hike to welcome the new year. This time we continued our New Year's Day tradition of going hiking by joining the guided tour of the Upper Sunset trail in the Tom Mays Unit.This was an easy to moderate 3 mile round trip. In this trail you encounter some elevation gains, with some short steep inclines/declines. There are a few rocky/rough sections, but the views are great as you walk along the ridgeline.

Very beautiful challenge! I love hiking/running the nearby trails. This one is definitely a workout compared to the others ones I went to. There are several intensive areas you can challenge yourself on. I did 4 hikes same day within 1 hour 24 minutes to include the aztec cave hike. I'm definitely sold on this area.

My Fiancé and I hiked here a few years ago and did the Aztec Cave trail. It was short in length but it sure made up for it in height. It was a good climb up but nothing too crazy. You could bring your dog and/ or kids. Definitely recommend bringing water for both. The caves were really cool and if you're feeling adventurous you could scramble up the side of the caves to get on top of the ledge and get some great views!

Enjoyed an overnight stay on our RV road trip. Lovely desert mountain. The visitors center is very nice. The Tom Mays nature trail is very nice with the wildflower blooming and the bird blind. Only had time for that short trail. Would love to come back and explore more.There are no hookups for RVs only spots with fire rings and tables which are nice. When approaching the park, it is extremely easy to miss the turn due to not very obvious signage. And if you do, coming from the north, it is several miles til you can turn around. If you’re coming from the south, it’s downhill and difficult to stop and turn with al that weight on that grade. Just watch your map closely.Oh and if you plan to arrive after 5, call by 4 pm Mountain time to get instructions to get past the coded gate. If you have RV reservations the code is buried in your confirmation email.Love Texas State Parks!

Franklin Mountains State Park is an absolute treasure in the heart of the Texan desert. Nestled in the rugged, rocky terrain of El Paso, this park offers a diverse range of activities and breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe.First and foremost, the hiking trails here are spectacular. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a casual stroll, there's something for everyone. The Ron Coleman Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike, offering panoramic views of the city below. If you prefer something more relaxed, the Nature Walk Trail is perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the desert's unique flora.Rock climbers will be in heaven here, with endless opportunities to test their skills on the park's rocky outcrops. The feeling of conquering those ancient mountains is truly exhilarating.What sets Franklin Mountains State Park apart is the tranquility it offers. Despite being close to the city, you can find peace and quiet here. The starry nights are simply mesmerizing, and the park rangers are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, making sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.The visitor center is a fantastic resource, offering information on the park's history, geology, and wildlife. It's a great place to start your journey and learn more about the area.Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing, as the desert heat can be unforgiving. Also, note that some of the trails can be challenging, so proper footwear is essential.In summary, Franklin Mountains State Park is a hidden gem in the desert, offering outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience. It's a must-visit if you're in the El Paso area, and it showcases the natural beauty and rugged charm of Texas.

Only minutes away from the urban sprawl and smog of El Paso you can escape back to nature at Franklin Mountain State park. Good hikes with views, and the mountain biking will challenge you.

I read that this is the largest urban park in the USA, larger than Central Park! We stayed there only one night in an RV dry site. Site was honestly quite challenging since is was positioned on a big slope, so no way we could level for the night. We ended up parked close to lower sunset trail (thanks to the kind ranger) and we got a great view of El Paso and sunset. We have boondocked in many places and done dry camping in other State Parks but there was usually a place to get water and to fill our RV tank on site but not at Franklin Mountains State Park. They have to truck water since there is no well. So fill up RV tank before coming! Otherwise a nice place to stop by and for just $20/night.

We had a fantastic hike on the Aztec Cave Trail with the dog. It's not a technical route at all, but a couple of steps required me to lift him up onto the next step as it was just too steep for him (45 lb. dog). Wide trail, plenty of parking and easy to get in and out of there. But what a great hike. We even got to see a Colorado tarantula! We will be back to explore the other trails very soon!!

We walked along the Nature Walk. 3/4 mile walk, short but very rocky and inclines and down slopes. Nicely marked waling trail and markers for plants.

Great view from the top. I didn't climb to the top top. You'll get a decent workout. Shoes are preferred because the rocks on the trail can get big to walk on.

Great place for some peace and quiet with great views. The best times are sunsets and sunrises. Bring a coat because it's always windy also your water and food for the day. Pack it in, Pack it out.

Embarking on the Ron Coleman trail at Franklin State Park proved to be a rugged and challenging adventure. However, the overall experience was somewhat tempered by the trail's less-than-ideal maintenance. The path was strewn with numerous rocks and pebbles, posing an additional obstacle throughout the journey. Navigating through this uneven terrain demanded extra caution and attention to foot placement, detracting from the otherwise immersive hiking experience. Despite the trail's natural beauty and captivating scenery, the lack of proper maintenance somewhat diminished the enjoyment, as the focus shifted to negotiating the rocky terrain. Hikers should be prepared for a more strenuous trek due to the trail conditions, yet the unique challenges presented by Ron Coleman trail still offer a distinctive and memorable outdoor experience at Franklin State Park.

4.7

(2460)

4.5

(426)

Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79911, USA

+4 other lists

Beautiful church in the middle of downtown Juarez. One side of the church is traditional and humble and the main part of the church is modern inside. Very beautiful exterior.. It is surrounded by shops and vendors. Lots of police around so its safe just be aware of your surroundings.

This is a beautiful Catholic Cathedral with some amazing views and art work.

It looks scary with all the gates but it nice, well keep, but if you're looking for flowers to leave at the altar you might need to look for those before going there, i couldn't find anyone selling flowers, i was told there weren't any flower shops around, they also have a little store with everything you might need for your first communion and all the other religious events, it's to the left of the main entrance, kinda hard to see because of all the gates, everyone was nice and helpful.

The cathedral is a quiet and beautiful place for prayer try to go early they open at 8 am after 9 the markets open up around the cathedral and if you want to find beautiful statues Religious relics or anything authentic Mexican this is the place. Believe go early cause after 12 it is a bustling nightmare of traffic and heat. Afternoon is not advised.

This is a beautiful church to visit. I recommend coming here, saying a prayer, & checking out the stained-glass window inside the cathedral. The window is beautiful!

These South Americans are leaving this beautiful church so dirty. These people from Venezuela, Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia they are leaving The centro of Juarez dirty !!

Wonderful historical site, and a peaceful one as well. The wood there is from the 16th hundreds! My brother got married there and it was a wonderful celebration of their love in the foundations of the city.

Cool place to stop. Its also known as Our Lady Guadalupe Cathederal and is connected directly to the Franciscan Mission that was built in the 1700s. The plaza has lots of life with a flee market and tons of street performers. I thought the posters with old photos of the misdion were cool as well.They even have live music and a clown show there for entertainment. I don't know if its akways like that or if it was just because it was a weekend or Cinco De Mayo when we went.

Interesting church buildings. The old mission is not always open, but the newer church is. There are also often performances in front of the church on week=ends

Beautiful, historic, reminded me of growing up Catholic. Lots of Saint statute. The smaller (older) church as mass at noon on weekdays. Wonderful solemn experience. I loved that I found a statue of St Vincent de Paul there. The carved ceiling is gorgeous — I felt very much in the presence of the Lord.

4.6

(4826)

4.0

(117)

Av Vicente Guerrero 101, Centro, 32000 Juárez, Chih., Mexico

Great place in El Paso Texas... You will love this experience! Once you are taken up the mountain, you have the option of staying and doing some sightseeing...or if you are up to it!... an awesome hike! They have access to a trail way above the desert sky... It's beautiful up here. We went early since it takes about 10-15 mins to load everyone in and take them up in groups of 6-8 depending. You could have a small picnic since the wind up there does not really allow for a full picnic. The trip up is pretty awesome! My daughter was a little scared but once we got up there, she absolutely loved it! Oh and take some money, they have a gift shop at the top. I can't believe that I grew up in El Paso and I never visited this park before. Parking is free but limited. Restrooms are clean. You do have the option to just hike for the day and I believe that it's free. You can see all of El Paso, parts of New Mexico and Juarez!

This is such a fun activity for a weekend adventure. I've been on it twice and both times I was just as impressed with the mechanics of the tramway and enthralled with the views at the top. The ascent is around 900ft with the gondola moving at a speed of, I believe, 9mph so it's nothing extreme. This is definitely a must if you have visitors from out of town. Just, overall, a lot of fun.

The line can be a little but it's worth the wait. Smooth ride on the tram. Beautiful mountain scenery. Very nice view of El Paso, Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), and New Mexico. Will visit again next time I'm in El Paso.

Great and cheap way to get to see all of El Paso and beyond. 360° view at the top with maps that point out all the different landmarks. We went on a Saturday evening and no one was there, but we were told it does get insanely crowded when deployments are about to head out from Fort Bliss and families are visiting.

Hands down an El Paso must. Very special views from this place. It's only open on weekends and I recommend sunrise or sunset to beat the crowds. It's much colder at the top so bring a jacket!

Beautiful! I live in KC and every time I go to El Paso, this place was always closed! It was either due to rain or snow. However, this was a wonderful experience going up the mountain on the tram. The Park Ranger was very informative and made it a pleasant ride. We went on a sunny winter day and it was way colder up on the mountain. There’s hiking trails, awesome scenic views overlooking all of El Paso and Juarez, Mx. Must see if you’re in El Paso!

A must for native El Pasoans or those new to the area. Gives great views of nearly the entire city, Mexico, and New Mexico without the need for hiking (unless you want to). There's plenty of space on the viewing platform; I never had to fight for viewing space. Unfortunately, the gondolas lack any kind of air conditioning, so expect the four-minute ride to be stuffy. There's no running water at the top either (but there is a bathroom) so bring plenty of bottled water unless you want to purchase some at the gift shop.

4.7

(564)

4.5

(600)

1700 McKinley Ave, El Paso, TX 79930, USA

4 lists

Excellent views of El Paso and across the border to Juárez

There are about 3 rest stops on that scenic drive .

Excellent views but the police academy above was shooting the entire time so don't come here for peace and quiet

Great place and view of El Paso, Texas and sister city Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Best view of El Paso, TX and Juarez, Mexico.

Love this place beautiful scene we have in El Paso, TxGoodmorning Happy Labor Day 🌞🇨🇱🇺🇸

No parking during the weekends. El Paso City leaders can do better since they up on our taxes. What a shame this is a city staple for tourist to see our picturesque mountains.

4.7

(163)

4.5

(1070)

2449 Scenic Dr, El Paso, TX 79930, USA

Here at WSMR for work so I stopped in to walk around. Museum and V2 exhibit are closed but the missiles, rockets, planes and launchers are cool to see.

This post relates to the security rather than the museum ( I have been there before and it is great). To get to the museum, you must go through the Security Centre, which had a 25 minute line up; Although the museum stated it was open (through a text conversation minutes earlier, and I also asked a family that was leaving the site) the security office refused us entry due to the museum “being closed”: Conflicting information between the two. The security office had one person that was helpful and apologetic for the conflicting information, while the other was just plain rude. If you have time to deal with such issues, I would recommend, but be prepared to be turned away, seemingly at the whim of the security office. I would like to reiterate that the museum itself is worth the visit and this regards the security aspect only.

Enjoyed seeing all the outside missiles, there was a lot of history to see. The inside museum was closed today at 2, would have enjoyed seeing that. Had a great visit.

Excellent displays in a confusing arrangement. Good historical information a bit on natives and old wars, a lot on nuclear weapons.On arrival we were informed we couldn't drive up, so no vehicle info needed!Don't believe Google directing you to a southern gate. Use only the LA Cruces gate off hwy 70!The museum door said closed but several folks were going in and out.All very disorganized!

If you are not military assigned to base or civilian working on base, you will only get to see the museum and the mountains. You will also have to go through a background check to get a pass to do that. You must have a TSA valid ID. If you have wants and warrants out for your arrest, I wouldn't take the chance. They are serious about security. The museum is awesome. They have all kinds of rockets and rocket launchers. Fun history trip.

Very expansive indoor museum as well as a paved outdoor museum with information at each stop. Must register at the gate, but it is open to the public.

Park just before the gate and present your driver’s license, social security number along with a picture to get approval to go to the missile park. It is located to the left which you must access by a walkway. The museum is closed, but an array of missiles are located just behind. A note of caution: Photos can only be taken at the park and under no circ*mstances can you take pics of the staffers.

Very interesting stop. You must check in with the office, show your drivers license and have a photo taken. Then you are permitted to walk through the gates following the sidewalk to the museum which is indoors. There is also a viewing area outside with all sorts of missiles and planes to look at. The reason for 4 stars is ALL of the bathrooms were out of order!

Very interesting Museum. Lots of historical information. Enjoyed the displays!

Great free museum! The missile park outside was epic and informative. The museum has lots of information and a good variety of displays. Not much hands on for kids, but our six year old was still engaged the entire time we were here. You have to stop and get a quick background check, so bring IDs for all adults.

What a wonderful place to watch for everyoneI strongly recommend all science students must watch thisFor US CITIZENS need your id and SSNIf you need to drive up to the museum take your vehicle registration and insurance with youFor NON CITIZENS take your valid passport and visa the process will take around 10 minutesIn both cases they will print your admission ticket including your photo on itNon citizens needs to walk up to the museum less than five minutesTake water with youOne thing I noticed was lack of parking 🅿️ spaceBut this is a must watch placeIt’s free of cost

4.4

(445)

4.5

(410)

White Sands Missile Range, Wsmr P Rt 1, White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002, USA

16 lists

Carousel is very fun. Got to see cute cats when we went. Nice little park for kids, and ropes coarse as well. Overall, 10/10Took lots of pictures. Met an adorable kitten in the cat adoption center, who slept on my lap. Amazing.

They have frequent "enrichment" shows to highlight the different animals.There is also a wonderful cat interaction house and adoption service on site.It being so hot probably had something to do with it but most of the animals looked sad.There were several exhibits under construction and a lot of the exhibits only had one animal.

Went early midday on a Saturday. We had to get in line to buy tickets but it took 3 minutes to go in. The prices are not bad at all. I was expecting it to be little more expensive.Although, it was somewhat packed, it was comfortable to walk around and take pictures. To walk the whole zoo took us about 2 hours. A considerable amount of exhibits were not active/animals not in. However, we enjoyed our afternoon.When finalizing around 3 PM, the zoo was very crowded and hard to walk by.

My family and I hadn’t been to the zoo in a while. We had membership, but there’s been some changes involving the city’s support so those are on hold for now. Only daily tickets are available for purchase at the gate and nowhere else. Most of the animals were out today but many were not. It would be nice to have an update on which animals will be unavailable on their website to give people the heads up.On a positive note, we finally got to see the new penguin exhibit and the new rhinoceros!!! Seeing both at our zoo was awesome!!! My family enjoyed our time at the zoo, but unfortunately, they were closing earlier than I’m used to (3pm). I wasn’t aware of the hours before since I was a member and went whenever I could. They’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays. If you plan on going, please take note the times of operation and that tickets must be purchased at the entrance.Also, until the negotiations are done with, if you do go, please save your ticket to put towards your membership purchase later one. (It was posted online).

Kids liked it, especially the playground with the slides. Many of the animals were not out for viewing as it was kinda cold. Would be better in warmer weather.The train was a little overpriced for how little you can see from it, but it was fun anyway. There are no paper maps any longer so you need a digital one.

Such a great zoo! Visiting from Tampa, FL and had to stop in with my son. It was great to see so many animals that we don't get to see at our zoo back home.It was a really hot day so I think some of the animals were kept inside and I wish some of the others would have had something to cool them down because the heat seemed to be affecting some of them as well.Loved their cat adoption facility and though this was a great idea that many other zoos should do as well!

This zoo has many animals to see. From zebras to birds and many more. This zoo is big, you can send here easily from 1-3 hours depending the activities you choose. They also have a train that can take you throughout the zoo to see the animals. There is a gift shop available to buy things and souvenirs for yourself as a memory. This is a great place for any age and any person who wants to see animals.

We've always love the zoo! There are so many new things for kids of all ages! For a smaller city zoo, the attention to detail and the engagement activities for visitors is really incredible. Plus, the zoo is part of a conservation program that helps endangered species! And if you buy an annual membership, it's even better because you can bring a friend with every visit! So it's a win win!

Our visit started off nice but because of the attitude of the staff our visit was no fun. They have really let the place go. We have visited many time over the past 10 years and it was always nice even when we went and there wasn’t as many animals we didn’t mind because everyone was friendly but this is no longer the case. There was a employee she was tall, thin black hair with a bob. She had the worst attitude. She yelled at guests. She ruined a video a young couple was trying to make of there daughter because she ran in font of them to yell at someone else. I heard another employee yelling from across the park at another kid. Im not being dramatic either this employee was extremely angry and yelling. The employees need to understand that they will be dealing with a lot of kids and if they don’t have the proper training then maybe this is not the job for them. Having a stranger yell at a little kid is quite terrifying. Especially when they go there to have fun. I understand that kids cannot be climbing and jumping around on certain things but there’s a way to tell them without yelling at them. If anyone had done that to my kids I would’ve definitely had a problem.

Nice size zoo. It’s a little hot in June (what else is new…) but there is plenty of shade. We saw quite a few animals including the Red River Hog which was new to us. Make time for the special activities (including the giraffe feeding which is only $3)Great place to spend a couple of hours.

Great zoo, awesome park inside and splash pad. Was a bit disappointed at price and how many sections had no animals. But otherwise enjoyed the rest and kids had a great time, also note hours are shorter on some days. Was kinda lame to get kicked out, but the weekend is probably a better time to go if you want to stay longer.

This was our second trip to the zoo since moving here. First time was a let down because there was trash in most of the exhibits and over half did not have animals. This time we went for the Bug Extravaganza. That part was cool, but there were even less animals in the exhibits and still trash in many of the exhibits. Sea lions glass were still filthy and hard to see through.

We came to visit our family and decided to try the zoo, since there’s not very many things to do here in El paso with little kids, we thought it was going to be great and memorable for the kids. Before coming saw very many good reviews, but once we got there to our surprise the place was very run down, dirty, some exhibits were empty , you could tell the animals were very neglected, the windows were dirty and some of them foggy you couldn’t see the exhibits, the water in the sea lions’ tank was a nasty green color you could barely see the poor animal there swimming in nasty green water. The very few stations with hand sanitizer were empty, everything costs money, there’s very few concessions places so you might get hungry during the trip, be prepared and better pack your own snacks!The only good thing is that there’s lots of shade and the playground area is very fun for little kids. They need to do something, this place has lots of potential, they just have neglected it so much!

I always hear people complain about how the exhibits are closed. Fortunately, that was not the case for my family and I. We arrived upon opening, and all the animals were out. We enjoyed the new exhibits of the rhino and the penguins. We got to enjoy the baby giraffe and orangutan. We also got to see the new Kamodo Dragon. Although some exhibits were closed, I can see the zoo improving and working hard to entertain the public. Kudos to El Paso Zoo. 👏

I spent over 2 hours here. There was lots of animals, beautiful plants, lots of signage to read. It was a great environment, and lots to see and do. Prices were not bad either. Would definitely go again. I liked the different continent zones and themes going too.

My wife and I had a great time. We have a members pass which allows us to go anytime. Each time we walk around and enjoy looking at all the animals. We can’t wait for the penguins that should be arriving Dec 2023. Highly recommend for all ages.

Nice overall zoo. Small but enjoyed was was available. Was disappointed alot of the areas closed off but remolding will most likely bring great additions.Cafe food was terrible.

We moved to El Paso three years ago and we became members of the zoo immediately. It's very well maintained and so much fun to go. It's really hot in the summer, so springtime and fall are the best times to visit. The place is bigger than it looks too. Highly recommend.👍👍

We had so much fun! We got to visit all our favorite animals. But the best part was seeing the penguins. I hope they bring more new animals in the near future.

4.3

(6969)

4.0

(644)

4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, USA

+15 other lists

I have the biggest respect for the history and current Border Patrol. They work harder than any other LEO agency and deal with policy changes every 4 years . This museum is a wonderful tribute to all the fallen as well as all the history that has come from the criminals entering the US

We enjoyed viewing the history of the US Border Patrol (which will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary this May). Wide variety of items in an historical and functional context.

Stopped here for a geocache. Very friendly people and the museum is filled with facts, you could spend hours here. Very nice

This was way more interesting than I thought it would be! If you have the time it is worth checking out. It's not very big and doesn't take too long to go through... and it's free!

Great little free museum. They have several displays both inside and outside showcasing the history of the United States Border Patrol. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. They have displays showing vehicles, uniforms, equipment and various other pieces of the Border Patrol. This is a sure fire way to learn something new and get out of the heat for a couple of hours. Perfect for all ages!

I stopped in here to see how my tax dollars were being wasted, but i was floored that this is all donation run and it is an AMAZING amount of learning packed into a little building! Not just about the border with Mexico, but also Canada and beyond. A lot of great exhibits and donated items from agents, cars, helicopter, plane! I have recommended this place to many people now! Amazing stop on a cross country trip!

An excellent and unique museum. It is a non profit run by volunteers and takes no tax or government money. The exhibits are unique and tell compelling stories. Our country is special and people without hope at home will try almost anything to make a home in the US. The Border Patrol works hard to keep things in check and as safe as possible.

What a wonderful hidden gem!! We learned so much about the history or the Boarder Patrol. Grateful to the men and women who protect our borders and look out for America. Learn about the animals that serve as well. This museum is free to tour, but donations are appreciated! The attendants are always willing to answer any questions and are very informative.A must add on your visit to El Paso!!

Always wanted to go here and finally went a few years ago when i moved close to the area.It was a great experience for me and the missus! Decent sized museum- takes 1-2 hours to walkthrough.My favorites were the photo books of agents (saw some familiar people), class flags, and the shooting trophies donated by the pistoleros.Great gift store.I want to go back.

Visited from Vancouver, Canada. Great tour of the museum.

This free museum tells the history of the Border Patrol and exhibits vehicles used by both BP and smugglers. Although the exhibits could stand some updates and professionalization, I always enjoy taking friends who come to visit. It's an important part of the picture of the border community.

4.6

(654)

4.5

(231)

4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr, El Paso, TX 79924, USA

1 list

I had the privilege of visiting the Fort Bliss Museum, and I was truly impressed with the experience. The museum is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating journey into the rich history of Fort Bliss and the military.The collection of artifacts and exhibits here is remarkable. From the well-preserved uniforms and weaponry to the detailed accounts of historical events, the museum provides a comprehensive insight into the military heritage of Fort Bliss. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the area's past, there's something for everyone to appreciate.The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering guided tours and answering questions with enthusiasm. Their passion for the subject matter is evident, which enhanced the overall experience.The museum's layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the various exhibits. It's a perfect place for both individuals and families, as it educates and entertains in equal measure.If you're in the Fort Bliss area, don't miss the opportunity to visit this museum. It's a great way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and learn more about the history of this remarkable military installation.Overall, the Fort Bliss Museum is a must-visit attraction, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in military history or those wanting to gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces.

Decent sized building with a lot of indoor displays. Unfortunately, it needs a major overhaul as it is WELL worn in areas with a distracting and very cluttered front office right when you walk in. The outdoor displays are basic with the common attractions there. Nothing really stands out and only a few vehicles to see. Not horrible, but I've seen incredibly better representation at other military bases. I recommend whoever is in charge of the museum travel to other base museums and request input from a working group to improve the museum.

A great place to visit for military history covering a wide number of eras and years. It has some amazing replicas and artifacts if you're into anything to do with the military.

Throughly enjoyed the museum. I thought it was going to be a lot smaller, however there was a lot of exhibits inside from a ton of different eras. Very cool and a great was to spend a rainy afternoon. Free admission for anyone is a great bonus as well.

Good museum. I'm a bit of a history nerd and always love visiting the base and unit museums wherever the Army stations me. The museum is really open but has a good amount of exhibits. The only thing I would say that keeps it from being great is that it feels like there's still a lot of space to fill up and wish there was something interactive in it. The airborne museum at Bragg has a movie theater with seats that move along with the airborne and special forces missions being shown on screen. The Mighty 8th Air Force Museum near Fort Stewart has a B-17 fuselage you can stand in and operate a .50cal as a side gunner to shoot down attacking aircraft. It would be a great addition if 1AD could get a tank or bradley gunner simulator setup in the museum.

Visiting the museum was an incredible experience. We didn't have to wait in line to get inside and were able to explore the history on display. I highly recommend paying a visit to this museum - it's definitely worth it!

What a great museum! BUT, 18+ months for a redesign??? What was so terrible that the museum needs/ed an 18+ month facelift? The Empire State Building was completed in 12 months! Are you leveling the building and starting over, using prehistoric construction techniques?

Great museum that traces the history of the 1st Armored Division to the 1800s. Very well maintained. Open during weekdays from 0900-345pm.

This is a brand new museum being put together by the 1AD. It is very informative as well as interesting. They are doing a fantastic job. This is a must see if you are in the area.

Much to see and experience for those interested in 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss history. This museum has room to grow as there is much available space to add new displays...expect to spend an hour here.

I could only see the tanks, which were great, with one exception: the plaque for the M4 Sherman. The museum mentioned two engines but left off the first (my favorite, so American “make do” in a pinch) Chrysler Multibank gasoline engine. That engine was installed in the early model M4 hustled off to war, the Grant was a dismal failure and had to be replaced quickly. That engine should not be left off. Also, the V2 Rocket is gone, please bring it back!

Wonderful museum with a lot of great history of the 1st Armor Division "Old Ironsides" from the war of 1812 and forward. Love the exhibits, love the tanks and howitzers!

4.3

(328)

4.5

(184)

1735 Marshall Rd, Fort Bliss, TX 79906, USA

2 lists

Licons dairy is one of the coolest petting zoos you can visit. You get to see ostriches goats you also get to see long horns. And they get pretty close to you which is super cool. They have a cool playground for the kids to play and I’m not sure if they do it every day, but they do offer horse and pony rides for a fee. You can feed all of the animals by far a super cool place to visit. We definitely had a great time and the little one really enjoyed it all.

We love this place. So cute and the food at the restaurant is amazing. We had our daughter’s first birthday here and they went above and beyond to help us and let us use the patio. Also the cheese is worth the trip alone. The feed is $1, so we usually grab a few bags. These pics are from our last few trips but we just went in feb 2024 and they had baby goats!

Had an awesome time! My family loved it! Especially my 3yr old nephew he loved feeding the animals and the pony ride. Took home some of their yummy asadero jalapeño cheese, homemade butter and two types of their homemade salsa. This place does not disappoint. Had a very enjoyable experience and will definitely return. Thank you!❤

My little family and I have been wanting to check this place out for a while now, and we finally made it out last Saturday. We went into the little store to get a bag of feed ($1) before heading out to the petting zoo/animals. My 3 year old enjoyed feeding the donkeys, goats, sheep, and deer. They also have cows, peaco*cks, ducks, doves, parrots, and a llama ( or alpaca?). Mini ponies showed up later in the afternoon, and I did see kids being walked around on them. I timed our visit so that we can have lunch at the Outlaw Saloon on the side of the store. Burgers were very tasty (I tried the chile relleno burger)! We didn't buy any cheese this time, but will definitely come back to get some!

We went this past Friday…. I forgot to take pictures of the goats and sheep and they also have a pig . It was such an amazing experience to be able to feed the animals and spend time with them. You can buy the food for the animals at the store where they sell the cheese snacks and salsas . We took some cheese home and it’s delicious! If you’re in town you have to stop by . It’s well maintained The animals look healthy and the place is clean . They have clean restrooms and a place outside to wash your hands . I also saw that they have like a restaurant. Next time we’ll have to try. It smelled good! Thank you for sharing your farm with my family and I! We love and enjoy all of the animals !

Had so fun here with the kiddos. Feeding the animals and riding the horses was so much fun. Next time we definitely want to buy food and cheese to take home. This is a good place for the small kiddos who love animals and wants to see them up close.

They have a nice small petting zoo, you are allowed to feed goats, lambs, turtles, cattle, ostriches and if you never seen Texas Longhorn cattle they are amazing. They also have a Mexican restaurant and a small grocery store were you buy the best cheese you will ever eat (azaderos). The corn to feed the animals is available inside the store. There are pony rides and a small playground with a small duck pond.

Lincoln's Dairy is a must for Asadero Cheese. It's great in sandwiches, burritos, or just by it self. I highly recommend this Shop. Go on I dare you talk a nice drive to San Elizario, Tx...and enjoy the historical Missions of Old El Paso until you hit Lincon Dairy.

Such a cute fun place to spend time with the kids. I use to go here as a kid and was happy to hear they are still open and I’m able to bring my kids here now. The gentleman helping with the ponies and horse rides was very kind and my kids even wanted to go again. The kids and I had a lot of fun! Will be coming back and telling my friends.

The simplicity of this place is what makes it amazing!! Seeing them make the cheeses they sell, great hospitality and the animals!! Restaurant has great food but a little pricey. Still, it's an awesome place to visit. Drive by and give a try!!

enjoyed seeing all the animals and being able to stay overnight with harvest host. Had a beer and some queso at the restaurant which was good!

Awesome Farm. The kids have fun as well as the adults. Riding ponies and horse, feeding donkeys, feeding goats and more.Nice playground. Delicious ice cream 🍦 😋Will go back for ice cream. Very friendly people. Cute talking bird

Asadero's are my opinion the best! The bar and grill is very inexpensive and delicious! Don't mis out on the petting zoo!!! Highly recommended to go visit!!!

It was amazing! They really take good care of the animals! I had so much fun feeding the ostrich,donkey,shep,calf and OMG I feed Texas Longhorn! The place extremely clean.

4.6

(1790)

4.5

(25)

11951 Glorietta Rd, San Elizario, TX 79849, USA

1 list

Free and fullOf information. It was awesome to see first hand what jail cells looked like. There was a person there answering questions. Guestbook so you can sign in.

A very interesting place for learn a little bit more about culture and history

Kids loved visiting the jail. It was very cool that they were allowed to go inside the cells. The volunteer shared some interesting facts. Made me appreciate living in current times.The adobe building felt so cool on the inside that I'm considering looking into building an adobe house.

Nice historical museum featuring local history

It was closed at the time but an awesome statue of billy the Kid outside

This is a wonderful place to visit in San elizario! I was impressed by the jail! You Need to call for them to opened the Joel for you and you can visit how was the first jail Im Texas! Pretty and when you go inside you feel to traveling back on time! This is an amazing place to visit yo have some historic knowledge. Is a small place but pretty!

Awesome trip! Took a field trip with my class, even got to be inside one of the cells! Man up front is super nice.Edit: Ah, I remember that field trip! It was indeed pretty fun.

Sad that it was supposed to be open but was closed when we showed up 😔

Very cool little historical town. The jail is neat to look at and imagine the history but you can't go in. You just see it from outside so it's a bit of a let-down. Still worth visiting though.Note: I stand corrected (by the owner) that you can, in fact, see the inside of the jail. I was unaware of the appropriate times. By all means, if you visit, be sure to ask at the Museum for a guide to open it for you! I'll be sure to do this next time I visit.

Only a 3 because it was closed until further notice. Disappointed but so cool and the town was awesome, the bar had a live band and the historic walk was so interesting.

Without knowing, I was treated to a reenactment of the famous Billy the Kid jail break. We were unable to visit the Mission, but the festival made it worthwhile.

4.5

(102)

4.0

(25)

1551 Main St, San Elizario, TX 79849, USA

1 list

Drive was about 45 minutes from downtown El Paso to the ranger station. Beautiful drive about 15 minutes before entering the actual park. If you enjoy looking at rocks/boulders, this is the place to go. Everywhere you look, there's amazing views. If this is your first time, you'll need to watch a video about the history and preservation, this is valid for one year. It is 7$ per person. Rangers are all very friendly and knowledgeable. Went in the early morning, make sure to pack water, hikes are short, but there is not much shade. A great place to learn and explore, a section is only available for self guided tours, there are guided tours available that let you explore more of the park. Definitely recommend going to this hidden gem. Encountered a few folks that were bouldering. A very family friendly place. Really appreciate all the that has been done to make sure this area is preserved and well maintained for many, many more generations to enjoy. There were lots and lots of wildflowers throughout the trails. Also, beware of the rattle snakes, saw two in the early morning, be alert, give them their space.

Probably one of the best hikes I’ve been on. We did the self guided trail. I enjoyed the caves and how nice and cool it was when we were able to get in the shade. This hole is great for beginners. We did the chain trail which was challenging but not too crazy. The trail we did does not allow dogs; I believe the flatter trails allow dogs. This was a great family experience . I though it was cool that I saw some rock climbers; there are plenty of spots to do that! The man who walked us through the map was amazing! He gave us a very informative (but not overly informative) lecture which we were able to retain. The only reason I rated it a four star is because the female at the front desk wasn’t as friendly and was obviously easily annoyed by people which is funny being that she is the first person of contact for all hikers/campers.

My family really enjoys every time we have the opportunity to actually get on to the park. I'll start with the not so positives. As other reviewers have mentioned, if you don't get there early enough, more often than not, you will need to wait. Unfortunately, there is no way to check space availability. It's hit or miss with the staff. We have visited multiple times, and on more than one occasion, the ranger in charge of the check-in process tends to be in a not so happy mood. If you dont let that very short encounter ruin your visit, here are the positives! This park is so beautiful. The self guided area is perfect for beginner hickers. This park holds so much history. You might encounter some wildlife. Between the cave paintings and caves, this is a great fun experience! One thing I can say with certainty is that the views are beautiful! You will enjoy yourself!

The Wild West is a place of many great secrets! My husband and I enjoy every turn and every surprise we find waiting. It is always a great day when you see and learn something new about our great country! Hueco Tanks has a nice cave within a close walk with decades of pictographs. They ensure you get the full experience and history lesson of course, totally worth seeing!

Great short hikes and lots of wildlife. Great birding spot and very beautiful rock formations.Staff was very helpful —-only hope that as others continue to enjoy this place it can stay preserved as much as possible. Really disturbing to see how much graffiti is on some of the rocks.

This is an incredible park, as well as a breathtaking campground. Most of the spots back up to the mts.and have a view of the valley in the distance. Check in was easy. Anyone who wishes to hike in the park hast to take a 30 minute class. Phil explain to us how to stay on trails and to protect the pictographs that are throughout the park. nice bathhouse helpful staff. Can’t wait to return.

Amazing hikes with guided tours for the southern mountains. The north mountain can be explored with just an orientation video. Come explore this sacred site that has been preserved for future generations. Be nice, pack it in, pack it out.

Hueco Tanks is an amazing stop, but it's important that you understand its history and why it's so protected. If your not there early, you will probally wait in line outside the park gates. I talked to one guy that was in line starting at 10:30 am and was let in about 4:20 pm. The park closes at 6.pm sharp. Don't be that guy the ranger has to hunt down in the park after hours, because they will. There are limited slots available for daily use. I've been 3x and waited in line all three times.Get there early, respect the land, enjoy this amazing park.

I had the pleasure of discovering this beautiful gem through a local Facebook hiking group. After seeing the many beautiful pictures, I decided to take my family there for a day trip. What an amazing experience! I will definitely go back and I recommend anyone to go there, even if you have young children. Compliments to those involved in maintaining this State Park clean and safe.

Excellent park. If you want to learn more about the history of the area and the ancient people take an interpretive tour. It’s five dollars a person and they limit the groups to 10 people. Book early as park sells out of rv spaces.

Although I have only visited the North Mountain, there is plenty to see. Don't take the word "plenty" lightly. My first visit was well over 20 years ago, so I didn't remember much. Since June of '23 I have been to the park 3 times, exploring a bit further each time, and finally reaching some amazing spots. If you want to get to the peak of the North Mountain, be prepared for a bit of technical bouldering, as there are lots and lots of crevices, hand/foot holds, and smooth rock.

Hueco Tanks State Park was on of the most intriguing experiences I’ve had. This powerful energetic land speaks to you as you free-range boulder and hike through staggering formations and geological structures. With 1000’s of years of history, the park is riddled with 100’s and 100’s of ancient pictographs. Once you get a knack for where they typically are, certain over-hangs and crawl spaces, you begin to figure out where to look for them. As I spotted likely areas I would crawl, scoot, slide on back and belly to get through spaces in search and half the time I’d find some. Simply amazing. One of my new top favorite parks in the world.

Very unique state park that has a past like no other with petroglyphs from indigenous tribes mixed with those from early settlers. Be prepared to follow the rules of the park to preserve it's history. Also be prepared for Boulder Climbing visitors, and one very grumpy older male staff member who will not enhance your visit. Thankfully he is outnumbered by a lot of great female staffers especially the park superintendent.

I’ve been multiple times over the years and it’s always a place worth coming back to each time. Great hiking, and climbing. A giant natural playground for people of all ages and fitness to bounce around from rock to rock. For popular holidays/weekends be sure to reserve passes for north mountain months in advanced as the limited 70 passes per day can be claimed quickly.

Went on a guided tour and did the orientation (not required for the tour, 11 minute video) in case we wanted to explore afterwards.Got rained on, but was otherwise a great tour. It took about 3 hours and we walked about 3 miles (not strenuous, lots of stops). Also got to see some wildlife!They take really good care of this park and I always enjoy visiting.

We almost skipped this state Park because it is out of the way. Totally worth the detour. Actually want to go back and take a tour. Also one of three top places for bouldering in the US.

Great place to visit right outside of El Paso, it has easy to moderate trails up the rocks or on the desert ground. On our last trip we even came across a family of wild goats 🐐.

4.7

(1109)

4.5

(306)

6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, USA

Much easier hike than expected. Get there before 7am unless you want to walk a few miles along a busy 75mph highway to the trailhead. Insanely beautiful.

Visited April, 2021. Rugged hike just over 4 miles to summit. Great views from the top. Stayed overnight at campground about a mile below summit. Highly recommend. Drop your heavy pack at camp on the way up and only take a day pack to summit.Your looking at a tough 9 mile out and back to do it in one day. Being lots of water, gallon+. None on trail.Amazing views and star gazing from camp. I had the whole site to myself the night I was there.

It was fulfilled hike completed in 7 hours, don't forget to bring enough water (1 gallon) and quick snacks with you. For most bring warm cloths as up peak you will definitely feel chil. Also hiking boots with toe protection is strongly recommended due to trail filled with pointed stones.

Gota love this trail for some of the best views in Texas. This is a very difficult trail for a number of reasons, the wind, the dry hot/cold air and of corse the 3000 ft gain. If ur a big boy like me, it ain’t gana be easy. Took me about 4.5 hours to summit the top, just over 2 hours down. I’m a bit out of shape so this was really hard for me would only recommend this trail to capable hikers, if ur a more elite hiker this is a great trail too, it will test you at a good pace. Recommend starting this hike pretty early in the day, it’s long n gets dark early. I went in late January, and it was cold n windy, the whole area is known for high winds btw the camp park all of it, but it increases with elevation. Bring some food n lots of water the environment is dry n it will dry you out. I drank like 3 bottles of water in the dead of winter, prob need 2-3X that in summer. Shade is limited on the trail. Plan accordingly and you will be rewarded with stunning views from the top. Great sights along the way too several changes in scenery.

My road trip through New Mexico included the Carlsbad Cavern NP but the 4x4 trails and hiking trails were closed so I had some extra time. I decided to visit the Guadalupe National Park. Best. Idea. Ever. The area is gorgeous. Hiking up took an hour and fifty minutes (4.25 miles) and about an hour and a half to come back down. I reached the summit slightly after sunset on Dec 2nd, 2022. I definitely recommend this hike (there are others) if you're in the area. It's the top of Texas!

If you're in decent shape this will be a challenging hike. If you're out of shape it will be brutal. Up. Up. And up. Beautiful hike but beware of the wind. I made it over half way and had to turn back due gusts which had to be in excess of 50-60mph. Will give it another go sometime when there's hopefully less wind. Still a great hike regardless.

In my opinion the first and last mile were the hardest parts to complete. I work outside and am used to the weather. I took 6 bottles of water, and had some of one left when I got back. I also do a lot of hiking in mountainous terrain for work. This hike seemed pretty challenging to me. I'm not sure if it's because I wasn't at work, and was just having leisure time or what. None the less I would highly recommend good hiking footwear. The terrain is rugged. Lots of little pointy rocks along with larger rocks that require high steps. I took several breaks on the way up, like 15+. The trip down I made in one go. The scenery was magnificent. I've traveled the country, and haven't seen to many other sights that compare. It was an amazing goal to accomplish, but I think it might be a once in a lifetime hike for me. Unless some family or friends want to go, or I get to go for work.

It was 5.5 hours hike for me including about a dozen short breath catchers and about 15 min at the top.The view from the top is superb, especially the El Capitan side.A wind jacket is an absolute must here if the wind is any cold at the trailhead. If you don't take it, the wind here will teach you a hard lesson.The whole trail is loose rocks so sturdy shoes are recommended. Water and sunscreen too.

Very challenging hike! However, a coworker and I hiked it up and down in under four hours to the dismay of our knees. Afterwards, we agreed the pain and fatigue were worth the views and experience.My personal notes:-parking cost money (15 or 20 USD)-use sunscreen-pack a light jacket or windbreaker (it gets cold up there)-have a trail map (phone, GPS, or physical)-pack snacks/food/drinks (including as much water as you feel comfortable carrying)-use some sort of knee/joint support (braces, hiking poles, etc.)-Start your ascent no later than 5ish hours before sunset or else you'll descend in the dark (dangerous with this hike imo)

One of the more difficult hikes I've completed due to rising 3021 feet from the trailhead in just 4.2 miles. Took me 9 hours round trip(5.5 hours up, 3.5 hours back down), but I'm 54 years old. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and light jacket. Hiked this March 27th and it was in the 40s with 30mph winds at the top.

Hiked this with my wife Aug 6th, 2023. We have 103 years between the two of us 54m / 49f. Neither of us work outside, exercise regularly, go to the gym or hike regularly. I won't lie... it was strenuos - but we made it! We started up at 6:15am just before sunrise, took 6 bottles of fluid each (16-20 ounces) and used it all. We averaged 54 minutes a mile first 3 miles. Last 1.4 miles was the hardest. First mile is hard but last 350 feet of elevation was brutal. It was 76 degrees when we left the trailhead - 80-ish on mountain top. We got up in 4:40 hours total. Going down at midday in full sun the temps soared and by the time we got back to trailhead (taking several breaks) 3 hours later it was 103 degrees.Some suggestions if you are not "in shape" and decide to make the climb: Hydrate a few days before you go. Take more water than you think you'll need - we took 6 gatorades and 6 water and could have used 8 each. We used tennis shoes but hiking boots would have been better (we're amateurs). You'll get some shade on the way up if you're early but practically none at mid-day going down. Cell service is spotty but we did have moderately good signal on the peak (Verizon). Take frequent breaks - don't "attack" the climb the first mile or you'll wear yourself out - save some energy for the last mile. The view from the top is phenomenal. We hiked Flattop Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park (highest marked trail - 12,324 feet) last year, exactly a year ago - our anniversary :) with a 2,850 elevation gain and 8.9 mile round trip. This hike was definitely harder at 3,000 feet elevation gain and 8.8 mile round trip, and I think the view was better here at Guadalupe Peak. One final note, if you use a smartwatch to track your progress don't be disappointed if when you get to 4.4 miles you're not there yet - I believe taking smaller steps than you normally would throws off the distance tracking so our watches said the trip was 5.11 miles instead of 4.4 miles.

A fun hike. More long than difficult. There's a campground partway up but I don't know why you'd want to overnight here. There are some cool views, and the little alien pyramid up top is kinda funny. Glad we did this hike, but honestly it's not something I'd do for fun again. There's not much to make it worth it besides touching the highest point in Texas.

First 1.5 miles are the hardest, then the trail gets a little easier. Takes some time- seemed like it would never end, but it was fun the whole time! Great views.

I've done many hikes and this is definitely one of the top 10. It's 8.4 miles round trip. Took me 2 hours and 30 minutes to go up at a fast pace walk with limited stopping to take beautiful pictures. I took a 10 pound backpack full of snacks and 3 bottles of water which was plenty for me. the average person should take more water though. I rested one hour, ate and took in the views. Also half way up it got 20 degrees cooler and very windy. It was 70 at the bottom and the top was 50 degrees. Keep a jacket in your backpack. Walked and Jogged Guadalupe back down which took me 1 hour and a half. Keep in mind I'm athletic and it was somewhat challenging. What gets you is the distance, not how steep it is. I passed so many people that were gassed and regretting the hike that were not even half way. Rest plenty, stay hydrated, and go at your own pace. That's the key to making it up easily. Difficulty level would be 6 out of 10 mostly because you think it's never going to end. Loved it! Highly recommend. If you're out of shape I don't recommend it. They also have other easier traits in this park so don't be discouraged if you're not up for this one. I can imagine It could be up to 4 hours plus just to go up. Highest peak in Texas. EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS!

It’s a semi-challenging hike. About an 8.5 mile round trip from the parking lot. I went in January and it was a bit cold and very windy at the peak. So make sure to bring a jacket, gloves and a hat. The views at the peak and along the way were spectacular. I highly recommend this hike.

Excellent hike. A little over 9 mi from the visitor center. We were in a bit of a hurry, so we did it in about 3 hours. But that includes quite a bit of trail jogging.Views were great. The trail is a bit rough in several areas, but clearly marked. Highly recommend this hike if you're in the area.

Strenuous hike with amazing views. There are so many lovely people on the way up and on the way down. The park rangers are always watching the parking lot so don’t try to sneak around or stay the night. We got parked at 6am and the rangers were checking tags. Very beautiful trip and great people. There is also a little camping spot about halfway up that would be incredible to see the stars. Definitely would recommend hiking up here with a buddy. Unbelievable experience

A great hike! The trail is well maintained without being too hand holdy. Great views all day!

4.9

(350)

5.0

(272)

Texas 79847, USA

Hiked the Guadalupe peak trail with my 14 year old on Monday December 27th. Was cool and very windy turning cold and extremely windy as we approached the summit. Over all a very nice hike with an easy to follow trail. Trail is steep but not difficult made the round trip from the visitor center parking lot in under 4 hours. We stoped to check out the backpacking camp site, it is very primitive with just a few flat places to set up a tent. Beautiful views, hope to do it again with better weather.

Beautiful hike up to the peak but very challenging!

I loved that the trails were right up the mountain . You really felt this climb .

Apologies to hiking buffs : nothing to write home about.Yes, the Stetson like El Capitan dominates the landscape,as you approach it from TX-54 N, and its an interesting "elevation"on otherwise flat Texas.You are in the Mountain Time now.The park, however, is nothing comparable to the nearby Caverns orBig Bend (see our reviews, if interested).There is no drive through / around.However, it has a miniature "white sands" area - a long and bumpydrive from the peak, called Salt Basin Dunes (see the review).Those heading towards White Sands (3 hours drive along 82 West)might want to stop by for a preview and assess whether it matchesthe aspirations ( though White Sands are on a very different scale).This one is Quieter for sure.It is also observable from the Salt Flats overlook.Images are to come @ some later date.

Beautiful Mountain Range, enjoyed it through Big Bend National Park. Driving to the park made me feel as If I was in Colorado or California!

Loved every second of my visit. I will most definitely be coming back here again in the near future.

A peak is a peak, nothing more, nothing less.

4.8

(25)

4.5

(109)

Texas 79847, USA

Great visitor’s center, the perfect place to orient yourself and get prepared for your Guadalupe Mountains adventure. The center is open from 8 am to 430 pm MOUNTAIN TIME. Rangers are on hand to offer maps and advice. Fully stocked bookstore with many maps and books on the trails, flora, fauna, geology, and history of the area. A exhibit displays many of the animals and rocks found in the park, great way to orient yourself to the most common sights before heading out. The store has some hiking essentials like hydration bladders, trekking poles, and first aid equipment. They also sell some limited snacks like Powerade and granola bars. The rangers are extremely helpful and ready to help make the most of your time. This is predominantly a wilderness park so it is wise to check with them on conditions and considerations before starting a big hike, especially into the high country. Campers must register here. Toilets at the center accessed from the outside. Water filling stations available.

Wonderful visitor center. Helpful staff. Hiking trail is short and sweet. Easy to hike with lots of wonderful desert plants. Some were even flowering. Great views of mountains from this short walk.

Visitor center was really neat! Not very big but there is some taxidermy animals to look at. They have a small gift shop with all your typical national park memorabilia. Bathrooms were nice and clean! Unfortunately we went there on a day where they weren't expecting a cold front with fog to come through. Everything was ice! So because of this with the little ones we didn't do any hiking. But it was very beautiful! We did do the junior ranger program with the kids which they love to do! I would say if you're serious hiker/backpacker this part is for you! Definitely recommend staying in the area for a few days if you want to experience the trails. You definitely want to plan accordingly. At the elevation of this park it gets cold fast! The staff didn't even know that the cold front and fog was coming through. It was a surprise. So everything froze over. People were in the gift shop buying gloves and hats because they weren't prepared.

Really friendly staff! Exhibits are very educational, however some of the writing is worn on the informational .exhibits,So that you cannot read them. Clean bathrooms, lots of parking, and a nice trail to walk at the visitors center.

Got there 30 minutes before closing today. Staff was very helpful. Amazing place! Did the Piney and Smith Springs trails.

Beautiful area. It’s very serene and peaceful here.It’s an unexpected oasis in the southwest.It’s definitely worth your time to make the trip.

Cool place with friendly Rangers. Little exhibit is helpful to understand wildlife and vegetation. It was super windy (which is normal I am told) so it was tough to do a hike but kids did their junior ranger booklet and got a nice badge!Better fuel at Whites City (even if expensive) because there is a stretch of close to 100 miles to get gas and diesel at Van Horne on road 54.

This ranger station is one of the most engaging and informative. They have many displays of local wildlife and historical events. This National Park is not the best to visit with your doggo. Very restrictive on where they can go. The park itself and hiking are amazing.

We car camped in one of the RV spots the night before our hike to Guadalupe Peak. Had great views and was about 40 yards from the trail head. The park rangers and volunteers were all awesome. The restroom facilities were very close (walkable) and super clean. Highly recommend!

Excellent place for a short walk and a little history with some amazing views! We entered using a National Park pass and enjoyed the visit as well as the chat with the park staff member who graciously filled us in on some history as well as providing some tips on some amazing views.

This was a really cool stop on my way to Carlsbad Caverns. If you enjoy hiking, this is your place. The wind is always blowing and the sun is always hot during the day.

Great information and hiking trails are marked. BUT who the heck hired the USFS people who are blatantly rude, unpersonable and act like they hate their jobs. Went a few times into the Visitors center over different days and others were stating the same - How grumpy these workers are.

Nice visitor center. The staff was friendly and helpful on recommending some trails. They also have a nice display of local plants and animal taxidermy. Stop in if out at Guadalupe mountains National park.

Water fill station, clean bathrooms, free WiFi, gift shop - no movie playing here, though.Staff were very friendly and helpful..!If you have a National Parks Pass - you will need to hang that from your car mirror here rather than show it at entrance gates like other national parks. If you need one, you can get a free pass display here to hang on your mirror.

A beautiful and very informative visitor center. You can get tickets here this is the major visitor of this National park. You can show your annual pass here and get the map for the park to see the trials.The staff here is very friendly and very informative explaining clearly about the trials available in accordance with our time and schedule.

Pine Springs is one of the visitor centers for the Guadeloupe National park. It had plenty of parking and excellent information about the available hikes in the area. The ranger on duty was helpful and got us pointed in the right direction for a lovely 6mile hike on the Mckittrick trail which is about 10 miles from this visitor center. It was Dec, but there was water on site, and the weather was perfect for hiking.

THE CLOCK ON YOUR PHONE WILL BE WRONGVery nice ranger station. Informative like always, and this one is in English and Spanish.8-4 daily all year round/ main visitor center

4.6

(944)

4.0

(86)

400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA

I had a great time here for a day hike. If you plan to hike to Pratt cabin, you have to stick in to see the (another 1.5 miles or so) grotto and the hunter line shack (circa 1924). It's a moderate hike and I took my time soaking in the scenery. At that pace I'd say it was about 5hrs for a 7.5 mile round trip. Cell signal was non-existent (verizon), and GPS was iffy . . It was the off-season, windy, and cold (January), but it was great! Got to see a pretty mule deer doe . .

Guadalupe National Park steals my heart yet again! This trail was a beauty to hike. Peaceful,serene. Gorgeous fall colors (went in early November). It was a little chilly and windy to start but warmed up as the day went on. I hiked to Pratt Cabin then went as far as the Grotto. I wanted to keep going but had to get back to El Paso so time was limited. It was a fairly easy hike. Most challenging was approaching the Grotto (I use the term "challenging" loosely). It is all very doable. I saw kids along the trail. I loved how quiet it was but was nice to see others on the trail once in a while. Found some surprises along the way....aka had to actually cross through water! Most of the creeks we're dry. One was not. It was shallow but still got my boots wet. Honestly the scenery was so beautiful i was not even upset. It was a perfect day. I definitely plan to go back. So much beautify to explore in this place!

Doing the Texas high point trail to Guadalupe peak is fine, but in my opinion this is where the best hiking in the park is at. The views and stops along the main trail in mckittrick canyon are excellent, and though the hiking starts out really boring, it picks up as it goes along. To this day, it's one of my favorite hikes ever, not just in national parks. My only qualm is the closing time. The penalty for not making it out in time is pretty hefty. So don't push your luck without an overnight pass.

McKittrick Canyon is a gorgeous trail to hike especially in Autumn! There are several trails in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park, but this one is my favorite so far.I highly recommend checking in at the visitor's center nearby where they have information about the trails including their fascinating history. They also have a gift shop, restrooms, and a small museum about the plants and wildlife in the area.This trail is not very strenuous and should be accessible to most hikers regardless of experience level. A couple bits of advice. First, make sure you bring plenty of water. Too many people fail to realize how much fluid they're sweating out due to the arid climate in this area of the U.S. Second, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to make it back to the parking lot before the posted closing time. The rangers lock the gates regardless of whether or not vehicles are still in the parking lot. The cellphone reception here is limited at best so you could find yourself unexpectedly spending the night if you don't exit before the gates are locked.There's an unexpected variety of trees and other plants asking the trail. I was pleasantly surprised at the fall foliage when I hiked McKittrick Canyon. Judging by the surrounding desert landscape, you would never guess the lush beauty nestled inside McKittrick Canyon until you see it for yourself!

Beautiful hike and scenery. The diversity of the flora during this hike is outstanding. It starts with dessert plants and ends with deciduous trees. The canyon views are spectacular. The trail is wide and family flat in the beginning.

McKittrick Canyon is a fairly easy hike. The hardest part is at the beginning of the hike and that isn’t very hard. You will cross many creeks, some that are dry and some that have water. The ones with water are pretty easy to traverse they only have a few inches of water. The terrain changes from desert like to very bushy with all kinds of trees, some deciduous and some evergreens. The canyon during autumn is beautiful because you will see the leaves changing colors. About 2 1/2 miles into the hike you will come across an abandoned cabin that was built in the late 1800s. Makes you wonder how they were able to take supplies to build it, especially way back then. If you peek into the window you can see how it’s furnished, and it gives you that nostalgic feeling.We usually have a little picnic when we get to the cabin and then we decide if we are going to keep going to the grotto or will we turn back.I highly recommend this hike for the whole family as it is very easy and fun. Just remember that they close early and no pets allowed.

We were short on time and could only spend about an hour and a half here but I'm glad we stopped. This is such a beautiful area!We weren't able to make it to the cabin in time but we hope to visit again sometime in the future.

We used to go to McKittrick Canyon once or twice a year when I lived in Odesa.The fall is my favorite time to go there! It is gorgeous!

4.9

(36)

4.5

(119)

Texas 79847, USA

1 list

The price per car is fenomenal & you can bring your dogs...the experience was a fun & exciting one. Watch out for the leeches though & make sure you wear appropriate shoes...it's slippery.

Totally worth the drive! Amazing oasis, it’s gorgeous and well kept. The water is freezing so swimming isn’t for the faint of heart but it’s totally worth it.

Beautiful place. The picnic areas are super nice. Short walk to the falls with steps down if you want to walk around on the rocks. There’s a hike to the top if you want to take it. Park was super clean

SummaryIt's a great place to relax and view the falls. Go for a swim, explore or if you want more than a simple walk there is a 6.6, 4.6,1.1, and a .4 hike.The fallsThe overlook for the falls is all paved sidewalk. You can take a few steps to get to the pools fun to play and swim. Less than .1 MilesTop of the fallsMuch more difficult. Would likely be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. Otherwise it is .4 miles of straight up. Toward the top of the falls the path fades away and it becomes more of a make your own path.PicnicPlenty of tables and covered areas to eat a bag lunch or grill. Short walk from parking.Travel timeLong windy roads for about 30 minutes to get there. Easily worth it.BathroomsThey are accessible. The sink is annoying no way to have water on and scrub at the same time.

If you like hiking this is a great hike. We took the 3 mile hike behind the falls then the short .7 mile hike to the falls. The 3 mile hike (one way) is moderate with a 1500ft gain in altitude but worth the trek. The .7 mile is on paved concrete with hand rails. Don't forget to take a dip in the water below the falls. We did it! Water was about 66 degrees...a heart stopper but worth it to say, "yes, I did that!" Entry to area is $5 per car up to 9 people. $10 for car loads over 10 people. There is parking for trailers and/or motor homes but the road to the parking lot is a little narrow!! Have fun!

Our second visit didn't have as much water as the first, but there was still plenty for my 2 year old to get in. This is definitely a hidden gem.

Be sure and take the 0.7 mile hike up to the top of the falls. Well worth it. Counted at least 5 pools from the top of the waterfall before the big pool at the bottom of the fall.

Beautiful location,plenty of parking. Pets are allowed on leashes. There are covered picnic areas with grills, also bathrooms and fill up stations for your water bottles and pets.

Truly an amazing place. The peace and serenity of the place can be felt making the hike around the area. It clear to see why ancient people groups would have chose this as an oasis get away. Super dog friendly and since it a smaller park there is normally plenty of room for the pawers to run and play.

Perfect for a day trip destination!The falls are beautiful clear cold water, great area to cool off from the desert heat!

If your a tourist passing through to see the caverns or an oil field hands here working, I suggest, if you like all things nature.... come to see the falls. The drive, the walk [hike], the small effort to witness Nature in its full glory and spectacular scenery... creation at its finest... sit and listen to the sound of the water the shreak of the hawks gliding on thermals above the canyon... this place has a magical ability to lower your blood pressure and revitalize your spirit and soul. A temporary escape to an oasis for the spirt... here the hustle and bustle of a 12 hour hitch or the cramped confines of a vehicle are forgotten and the travel becomes a destination.

The water was smaller then I had hoped but still plenty of room for many people. We had room to play with a RC boat and about 15 people in the water. There are leaches in the water my daughter had one on her toe. It's my understanding that they are harmless but she was bleeding for a little while with no pain. It's not enough to stop us from swimming. There are many other smaller pools you can hike to. The hiking is fun without to much challenge for us that aren't in shape. But I wouldn't try the hike to the top of the falls in the summer middle of the day because of the heat. It gets pretty crowded at the main pool so I would get there early. There is a parking fee around $5. I was unclear on how they figure the charges but it's cheap enough anyway.

This place is awesome. The drive up to the falls was gorgeous. When you get there there are several parking lots. Travel up to the top. It is closest to the falls. It is $5 a car load. My kids enjoyed taking the trail to the falls. They loved all of the small swimming ponds and all of the exploring you could do in the area. There are many places for you to eat a picnic lunch. We also took the trail to the top of the falls. It was a little underwhelming. Though it was good exercise. Overall we were very pleased with the area and taken back by its beauty.

Always love this place and take all visitors there. However, today the gate was closed. Nothing about restricted hours on the website! Road signs en-route gave some warnings, but they start a long way from town! Quite disappointing, but not-unexpected for a USG facility. Probably takes an act of Congress to change the website!

4.7

(358)

4.5

(324)

New Mexico 88220, USA

7 lists

Wonderful! Absolutely amazing. I took so many pictures because all of it was worth being able to see over and over again. The walk down through the natural entrance is definitely worth the extra 1.25miles. You see so many interesting creations in the caverns and learn a lot about how the caverns formed. We went back that night and watched millions of bats leave the caves!

Absolutely amazing place to visit. I hiked the whole trail, and it was magical. I suggest wearing a good pair of hiking boots or sports shoes. It was nice and cool, I'd say around 56 degrees. Some sections of the trail aren't wheelchair friendly. However, you can choose to take the elevator, which leads you to the big room. I got there at 8:30 in the morning (they open at 8 and not much people there), and it was amazing because when I came back to the main lobby after the hike, it was PACKED with people. There aren't restrooms along the trail except at the beginning (before you enter the cavern), and at the end (located by the elevators) of the trail. A couple of employees had left a bad taste in my mouth as they were kind of rude. However, that did not ruin my time there, and the other employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I highly recommend visiting! It took me about 2hrs to complete, but I did stop a lot to take pictures. So you can walk the trail in 1-3hrs depending on how fast you want to complete.

This park never disappoints if you want incredible sights and scenery. We made our reservation in advance and were able to purchase tickets on site quickly and easily with very little wait. If you want a challenge, try the hike down to the caverns. It's dark and can be slippery in spots due to the water so come prepared. If you have small children you may want to stick to the elevators due to the obvious risks. Definitely a place worth visiting at least once.

The caverns are absolutely gorgeous, from top to bottom. If you're exploring the natural entrance, go *down*, not up - it's quite the trek!We did both the self-guided tour, and the ranger-guided tour, and enjoyed them both. The ranger was knowledgeable and entertaining, and the slower pace of the self guided tour let us take copious pictures. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'd love to go back!

What a great national park. We’ve been to several caves in the US including mammoth cave national park but this may be my favorite. The sheer size within the cave is incredible. They do a great job at lighting significant features and there are signs all over with history or facts. If your health permits make sure to do the climb down into the cave and then take the elevator out but don’t take the elevator to get down in the cave or you’ll miss out on some great scenery and the entrance. Highly recommend visiting. Really enjoyed this one.

We have visited beautiful cave systems in the US as well as in other countries and I was amazed at this remarkable treasure. A MUST see! Allow yourself plenty of time and if at all possible walk down into the cave. I was in awe at every turn. Kudos to the Park Service and rangers for keeping it all in such good condition and managing the many visitors with patience and professionalism. I was super impressed to see that there are clean, regular public restrooms at the bottom of the cave - better and cleaner than what is available in some cities or on the side of some interstate highways! The gift shop and food service were what you may expect. Despite going during the week and off season, it was busy! Be sure to book your times entry on the park service site ahead of time, and check in (you still have to wait in line) within the one hour window. Parking fills quickly. This is a MUST see!

Pictures and videos don't do justice. The experience was amazing! You have to visit to get what I mean. We did our own tour and did the natural entrance trail. Visit their website because we have to reserve a time spot for when we can go in. It's a must to visit this national park¡

Absolutely stunning! And well run. I appreciate the timed entry program. We presented our reservation and were immediately sent over to the elevator for our self guided tour. Expectations were set appropriately. There were rangers available for questions, the gift shop and restaurant were not crowded, and everyone was pleasant.Later that day, I came back for a drive along the 9.5 mile loop road and was treated to lovely scenery, plants, and wildlife.This was a great experience!

The caverns were phenomenal! The paved path made it easy to navigate your way through, but the ups and downs did give the walk-through some challenge. With 3 kids, it took us about 1.5 hours to do the entire cave. This of course includes the multiple stops we made to take in the views.While the cave is nice and cool, I was happy that we could take our water bottles in to stay hydrated.

Absolutely amazing!!!! If you are physically able take the natural cave opening down into the cavern. Words nor pictures can describe the awesomeness of this place. It is a must see if you are at all interested in caverns. The elevator ride is an experience in itself but the caverns, just wow! It is cool literally and figuratively, be prepared.

You need to book reservations here even if you have a park pass. Reservation are $1 per person. We had to wait in a super long line to get tickets to enter the caverns. Thankfully a ranger going through the line asking everyone to make reservations online. We showed her our park pass and she gave us a handwritten ticket. We bypassed that whole line and took the elevator down to the caverns. It was truly a beautiful place. Whole hike had handrails and pavement compared to other caverns. Pretty safe for young kids. We walked through the whole area and decided to leave through the natural cave entrance. Beware that whole trail was uphill. Both my husband and I were both in our mid 30s and decently active but that uphill trek is considered pretty stenous. We were out of breath that whole mile back up.

It a little bit of a drive to get here, but well worth it. There was plenty of parking (off season, weekday, 1st week of November.) I got here at 2:15pm and pick up one of the last tickets for the day. I chose to walk down and take the elevator back up. It took me almost an hour to walk down because I kept stopping to take pictures (took over 150 (way too many.)) It took me another hours to walk around once I made it down there. There are bathrooms at the bottom just us case you need them :) It was darker than I was expecting but I had no problem walking. I did use the handle railing a few times on the way down as it was quite steep (20% grade.) I did not see any bats while I was here, oh well. This was an amazing national park and would recommend it for families of all ages. If you are able, bring a meal and sit outside and enjoy the view over the valley.

Fantastic cave with two viewing options: fast elevator down or you can walk in, which takes an hour. We were short on time and took the elevator 700 feet down. The walkway through the cave was fairly easy. The lighting was designed for maximum enjoyment. There is even a pathway designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Absolutely loved walking the full cave tour on our own. So much downhill walking that the elevator ride up at the end was welcoming. We went in late January and there were a few other groups, but nothing that made it feel crowded. Restrooms at the top and restrooms at the bottom, in the cave, are available. It appeared they had outside kennels for your pets as you can’t leave them in your car, per the signage.

One of the best places I’ve visited in US. This place is sort of a wonder. Words would not be enough to describe the beauty of this place. What’s more intriguing is thinking about the first ever traveller who would have embarked upon journey into this cave when there weren’t paved and well lighted paths.I would highly recommend hiking down the cave and using elevator to come back, though elevator is available for travel both the ways in case someone couldn’t hike steep 800ft into the cave.

Buy your reservation time slot tickets up to 30 days in advance. They only sell tickets in person vs online, which is strange since you reserve a time slot online. Their process overall sucked, stand in line 30 mins to buy tickets, 2 employees working. Then head down to the checkpoint and get the behavior lecture and ticket check. Not sure why they don't have self service kiosks and or advanced ticket purchases. They bunch everyone up with this process. You have endless bunches of traffic vs spread out. A very steep walk down and kids under 10 unless hikers will complain. The bat smell is stronger every time I visit. 40 years of visiting Still amazing each time that this is all under our feet and we get to enjoy such a great trail. The concession at the bottoms are all gone. They have very little seating options compared to years ago. About a 15 minute wait to take the elevator out. With all that it is truly amazing and a must see. The big room has many formations making the elevator down and big room and back up the best bang for your buck.

Wow, wow, wow the caverns are amazing. We walked down to the caves and did the full loop which was a bit of a hike but worth it. Took the elevator up which it seems like almost everyone does. A really impressive visit. Make sure to reserve a time in advance on reservation.gov

Great place to visit with the kids and a must see for everyone! We have three boys and they were utterly fascinated with the wonders of the tunnels and caves, nooks and crannies of this underground marvel. We took the elevator down 754 feet vs the 1hr hike down the natural trail, and enjoyed comfortable 56° temps. We weren't able to have a guided tour but that would have been helpful. The self guided tour has handrails, rest areas, and a paved path with numbered markers (not certain what they were for). There were also spotlights and some signage along the route explaining the different formations and sights. A shortcut is available before going to the infamous "Big room" if the trail gets too much or need a detour to the bathroom. But highly recommend using the bathroom ahead of time! Reservations are necessary! Plan ahead and sign up for the ranger guided tour....take as many pictures as you want.... There's no time limit so take your time and enjoy the quiet breathtaking and awesome views of what WE consider to be one of God's miraculous creations (both before and after the worldwide flood)! Happy exploring!

Absolutely gorgeous. The park rangers were very helpful. They advised that if hiking, we do the descent to the big room, then take a break (there were bathrooms, a snack stand, and gift shop down there where you can rest) then do the loop. It was helpful advice.

We went on a Monday so it was nice and calm. Very little crowds. They stop letting people in at 2:30pm. It’s a large cave to hike; get ready to feel the burn on your thighs! It was such an experience and I can’t wait to come back. ParkRangers were friendly. Front desk and restaurant staff not so friendly. But didn’t let that bother me. Definitely recommend for a quick family trip if everyone doesn’t get tired fast and willing to put it some good cardio. Bring alight jacket if you’re sensitive to the cold. What’s nice, is there is an elevator if needed and can’t walk all the way down to the cavern. I would like to see the bats sunrise and do the tours next!

We loved it! I loved it. It is a long walk but totally worth it. The bat flight was amazing! It's beautiful inside. Really, we're in awe at the amazing creations of God and the way man has been able to find ways to share it

Oh my god what a gem of a place. I surely want to rate this as one of the best places I have visited in my life no pictures or videos can do any justice to this place one should visit and experience the magnificence of this place.You can spend about 3-4 hours in the natural trail which takes you to big room if you want you can hike back or take an elevator. You can take elevator if you don’t want to walk down which will directly take you to big room.Make sure you schedule appointment, no appointment no entry. Check the online website $2 for appointment for each person. The last entry is 02:30 later no entry.You will have an hour time after your appointment time is passed. So try to be on time because of the limited appointments, if you are late might not be able to make it.The closest city with good restaurants and hotels is Carlsbad.

Stunning and highly recommended to visit..! Make sure you reserve a self guided tour slot online before you visit - even if you have a national park pass. You need this if you plan on hiking in through the Natural Entrance or taking the elevator down.If you plan on doing the King's Palace Tour - you will need a reservation for that AND the self guided tour, too.The Natural Entrance hike into the caverns is HIGHLY recommended but the descent is steep - 75 stories or so. You can take the elevator up or down from the Visitor Center if mobility challenged.There are bathrooms and water fountains inside the cavern once you complete the Natural Entrance hike or exit the elevators.

For "just a cave," it is really a great and well managed national park. There is a huge visitor center with a ton of exhibits on the wildlife and history of the cave that is great for all ages. Huge gift shop and even a cafe and grab-and-go, which is great since there's not much else to eat in the area.Recommend taking the natural entrance down the 1.25 miles (1 hour) into the cave to see where the bats live and the cave formations along the way. It's much easier to take the elevator ride back up.The Big Room self guided tour is amazing, I didn't see a need to pay extra and take the guided Kings Palace tour. The Big Room is 1.3 miles and has the best formations and spaces in the arcade. It's well described by the information boards along the way, and you can go at your own pace.

First impression, they need to do something different about the lines for ticket purchasing. Not sure if every weekend is as busy as it was on Mar 30, 2024, but it got to the point that if you didn’t have a reservation, you were removed from line since walk up tickets were all sold out. There has to be a way to manage ticketing online.Now to the real thing of Caverns. Breathtaking experience that needs to be encountered in person. Definitely the best experience is through natural entrance. It’s a magical wonderland. You get a feeling that you are in totally different world. How is it not one of the wonders of the world? Super surprised it’s only $15 for ticket. I imaged it would be much more for such an experience.

Amazing, breathtaking, incredible. Not sure how else to describe it. A top 5 life experience/core memory.Walk down the caverns & take the elevator up. You have to make a reservation ahead of time. Long lines first thing in the morning, but they moved us through quickly.Views from up top are amazing!The gift shops were really nice. Lots of different options. The one to the right of the entrance has the passport stamps. The one to the left has a penny machine. Both have very different options available for purchase.Restaurant was a little pricey, but the food was good!

This is such a beautiful place to visit with family. These caves were not in our plan. We were driving for Guadalupe mountains. When on the way we saw sign board for Carlsbad caves, we decided to have a quick stop. It was worth the reroute.If planned well there is place to camp and bat watching which is one of the main thing for these caves. Always watch the video in welcome center for how the caves are formed gives very good insight about the caves.

Truly breathtaking - a jewel of New Mexico. Came here with my friend on a weekend and we made reservations to go down online in advance ($1 each). Once you’ve parked, you must go to the line to obtain a green receipt to allow you to go down either the elevator (just the big room) or the natural entrance (a steep 1.5 mile walk down). It’s $15 per person for a self guided tour. Follow the sign for the natural entrance, which is located next to the bat amphitheater. Restrooms available at the visitor center, right before the natural cavern entrance, and at the bottom. The cafe in the Big Room wasn’t operating that day when we went. There are lights but if you’re afraid of the dark and/or claustrophobic, you may want to stay away. Once you go down the path, you can take your time exploring the caverns. If you have more time, you can make a reservation for a guided tour of other portions of the caverns.

The last time I visited the cavern was in the late 70's. I still remember the wooden stairs and wood platforms we had to walk down to get into the caverns. None of that now. There is a nice walking path all the way down (or up). As an adult, it's not as awe inspiring as when I was a kid, but it is still beautiful. Now I am seeing it through my kid's eyes and he really enjoyed it. The water level in the ponds and reflecting pools have gone down a couple of feet. I do not know if it is down all year long, or maybe it was due to the drought this past year. Its kept dark in the caverns so we brought our own flashlights to see more. Since we had an entrance time, it was a very short wait. Maybe 3-4 minutes to get our ticket, then we walked straight to the cave opening. Even thought there was only a single elevator working, the wait time to go up was no more than 10 minutes. My only complaints are the lights. They light highlight the special areas. But the bulbs cast a soft yellow hue which washes out the true color of the formations. We brought clear white light / daylight flashlights for better color. Highly recommend a trip if you are traveling nearby. But it not a spur of the moment destination... you need to buy an entry time before, or you might not be able to get in.

4.9

(14231)

5.0

(64)

Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA

1 list

Cool spot to relax and eat either after you've come down the natural entrance or right before you leave. Sadly food selection is really lacking. They have ham or turkey sandwiches or salads for main meals. For snacks candy bars, some baked goods, small bags of chips, bottled soda and a few other small things. (At this time of posting 2023 sandwich costed $8.75, chips $1, brownie $4, soda $2.87, candy bar $2.19)

The caverns were amazing! Once in a lifetime experience. Food wasn't great and over priced and the bottom of the cavern, but we were famished and shared a sandwich. There are places to pull over on the road up to the caverns, we packed a cooler and pulled off for lunch with a view. Such an incredible experience! Highly recommend walking in!

Get here at 3pm from CA they have a limmited amount of tickets. Just drove 4 hours out my my way to come here. Smh they should post that info online.

Great place to visit, very large cavern. Highly recommend.

The restaurant closes at 2 and they don’t sirve food at all, the cavern tickets stop selling at 2:30 and Google maps says at 5 so we made a long trip for nothing.Also, the bar fly. Bars not coming out, park ranger suggest to stay all night because u may see them go in and out during the nigh. No sell pol home allowed like if there was something u could take pictures of. Not worth it to make the trip so disappointed 😔

2 stars on the inconsideration alone. One thing that you hear about Carlsbad Caverns is that there is a lunchroom at the bottom leading you to believe that you can make the hour and a half trek and get something to eat before spending an hour touring the big room. If you take medicine, have blood sugar issues, or some other reason you can't wait to eat, you better eat before hand. It would be nice if they or the National Parks Service would let you know ahead of time.

Absolutely beautiful. The area we stopped had bathrooms(not in the best condition). Kids got to run around and dogs are allowed!

This is no longer in service. Food and gift shops are in the visitor center now.

They will stamp and mail your postcards from deep underground. Pretty dope.

Back in 1996 the lunch room at the bottom of the cavern had some really good food. But they have since shut it down. The fried chicken and other food being cooked at the bottom attracted wildlife into the cave so now they only serve refrigerated sandwiches, fruit cups and a few other items. I understand why but its just not the same anymore. We skiped the lunch down below and opted for a picnic at the tables near the parking lot. It has the best views.

3.8

(42)

5.0

(1019)

727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA

2 lists

This park is a little different from othersIt's almost on the Mexican border and gets very hot and dry in the summer months.The park itself is pretty much the cave, that is what you pay for. The trails etc are free to use without payment, but they are kinda barren and dry.Cave tours seemed to end at 1:30pm so kinda early, online bookings didn't let us book the morning of even though there are spaces available.There is an elevator for the cave which goes to The Big Room (creative!), But the walk down is the best way. To walk it all, it's maybe 2 miles or so. It's a good hike. Hiking back up, a little further, maybe 3 miles. You can take elevator either direction.If the booking system was better, then it's worth 5 stars.

I was excited to come here AND was completely blow away about how much cooler it was in person! The cavern was absolutely massive! I wasn’t expecting it to be so big! Solid place to come hiking during the hot summer months. A nice cool 56ish degrees in the cavern. Would definitely visit again.

It was an ok experience. Biggest cave I have seen, but I have seen better formations in other caverns. (For great formations go to Sonora Caverns in Texas!)The park staff at the ticket counter seemed almost put out that we were visiting. No map or info given when we checked in for our tickets. Definitely a lack of signage in various places, including the general cavern entrance.We were here in November, can't imagine being here when it's crowded. Even with physical limitations it was doable, but slow. We were there for about two hours. The cafe at the cave bottom was closed, they didn't bother to explain that. People with flashlights definitely ruin the experience.The cafe at the visitor center was pretty sparse. So we headed down the hill to Whites City, but the cafe was closed.

If you like caves, this is amazing. The cave is huge! You have a choice of taking the elevator or the natural entrance, which is 1.25 miles. You can go back out either way, walking or taking the elevator. Do make reservations, they sell out for the day on many occasions. Allow at least 3 hours to see the cave, there are restrooms outside the cave and inside the cave.

This place is huge! Definitely worth the 2.5hour detour for us. Get there well before 2:15. Nice that they have $10 dog kennel. Nice rangers, nice view from top. Remember to reserve your time online. We spent a good 2 hours in the cave.

Great park. Definitely something everyone should see. Pretty indescribable. Don’t miss the above ground stuff too. Old guano trail is really nice. And try and go when the bats are there. Almost cooler than the cave. Try and get tickets for the ranger guided tours, super worthwhile and gets you to different rooms.

Second time visiting Carlsbad caverns. My wife and I were able to visit and experience caverns with few to no people. Was so easy to explore and really nice to have place to almost no one around. Visited during the week (Thursday). Saw some new things I missed the first time. Got to see bats out of the cave in the evening hours as well. Very cool experience. A must visit if your in the area. Planning another visit with some family members that are more intrigued about them.

Was a great experience! I was impressed by how deep, the size of the stalagmites and stalactites. Temperature was nice, around 55°. We completed the whole cavern in 1hr 20min without a guide. Be prepared to walk. You are allowed to bring only water.

It's located in a very secluded location. It's worth a drive no doubt. The cave was huge and took more than an hour to finish the whole thing. Bring a good quality camera or smartphone as it's worth keeping it as remembrance.Highly recommend it to anyone and the scenery creates so many images and cool imaginations.

Very organized visitor center. As soon as you enter in the entrance you see the desk service onto the right to buy tickets or appointments online check in options where they will find out your appointment and issue a ticket. Explore sometime about the history of the Park and walk straight for the natural trial or you can take an elevator directly to the big room in the cavern. I highly recommend to take the trial while coming back you can take the elevator.Make sure to book the appointment online, no appointment means less chance of getting in. $2 for the online appointment it’s a separate fee excluding the entrance fee per person.

Beautiful winding road leading up to the visitor center. Definitely recommend getting tickets in advance as most sell out days before. If you have to do a guided tour that's the way to go otherwise I recommend walking in through the natural entrance and riding the elevators back up. Have lunch at the picnic tables with a beautiful overlook of the valley below. The cavern itself is something you won't believe until you see it. Guadalupe mountain national Park is in the same mountain range and definitely worth a visit as well.

What an amazing experience!!! The caverns feel like some place from another world. These are grand and it takes about 90 minutes to tour. It also has a self guided hike trail if you don't get enough of the guided tour. Would definitely recommend!!!

This is such a unique and interesting place I cannot imagine being Jim White and going down do the different rooms 🤯Yesterday they fully closed the cavern and no one could go down due to weather and today they didn't open until 10:00 and we still were not allowed to walk down the natural entrance. Even with that it was still really nice to go I haven't been to Carlsbad cavern in 10 years and it was really nice to go back and I hope to go back in the future too. They have a very nice gift shop as well. I love the information on placards all around the park I definitely recommend adding Carlsbad caverns to your travel list.

Worth the 8-hr drive! Amazing and fascinating and beautiful! We did have to wait one hour in line for tickets, even though we had a "reservation" at 11:30am. (Just be warned.) We walked down, spent more than 2 leisurely hours inside, and took the elevator up.

Grab a national park pass and go! Reserve online before going to make sure you don’t miss out, or go when all the kids are back in school. It will take about 3 hours if you take your time. Walk down. Elevator up. There is a cafe in the cave. Restrooms too.

Clean, comfortable place. Lots of history and information to take in about the caves and the area in general. You need to reserve you tickets in advance and buy them at the door... kind of an odd way to do it that made plans a little more difficult because we were traveling through at the time.

Absolutely a must see in New Mexico. Guided ticket sales almost instantly sell out. Self guided tour is a great backup, especially when your traveling to other sites. Very courteous Rangers and staff.

Without a doubt one of my favorites. What an experience to walk through these caves - the scale alone is breath-taking. I walked the entire route in the Big Room in about 1 1/2 hour. Not difficult. The lighting design is stunning! Highly recommended. Bring something warm!

We were here 25 years ago. Wanted to come back. Did the self tour again. Make sure you stop in the gift shop to get your audio tour hand set. Cost $5 per handset. Well worth it. We spent 3 1/2 hours in the cave

The coolest cave experience we have had! We have been to a lot of caves including Mammoth! For us, this was our favorite! The beauty and features of this case system are absolutely amazing! The Big difference with this cave system for us was that you could do a self-guided tour! Most cave systems were only guided tours. There is options to have a guided tour buy a ranger that bring you into additional cave systems. This is of course more money. It is $15 per adult unless you have park passes. The national park pass gets you into this cave system for free. We did not know about the audio guided devices you can rent from the bookstore. So we did this in about 2 hours. The kids really enjoyed! We definitely recommend taking the natural entrance down into the cave and then taking the elevator up. 😅. We learned our lesson.. It is very steep and a pretty strenuous walk down if you take that entrance. So be mindful. We did see a few people struggling and one needed rescuing. But the staff are always roaming and very helpful! The elevator takes you straight down 75 stories into the cave where you walk right into an area where you can have lunch down in the cave! They sell sandwiches chips and drinks. They also have a little gift shop where you can buy a postcards and send them in a blue box right from the cave! We thought that was cool! 10 out of 10 for experience!

What an experience! Don't take the elevator down, walk. Be sure to take a flashlight to use while your eyes become accustomed to the dark. Wear good shoes as you are walking downhill all the time. Wear what you wear for 55 degrees and out walking. Not really for little children as you use a handrail quite a bit of the time. No strollers or wheelchairs, too dangerous. If you have the opportunity, go!

I book time entry earlier from recreation app. Have my national park yearly pass, help me to save 30 min on line. Tours are already booked, can't find in app. Thinking might be available on that day. But not successful. Still I will say, caverns are beautiful and lot to explore. I walk till the end and take elevator for coming up. I walk near about 5miles.

Carlsbad Caverns National park was such a beautiful and unique experience. The visitor center has lot of interesting exhibits, gift shop and a theater. It also has a restaurant.It is very kid friendly and the rangers an are super nice and helpful. Kids can get the junior ranger batch and get their national park passport stamped.This is the third noteworthy cave we visited this year after Mammoth Cave National park, Kentucky and Craters of the Moon National Monument, IdahoThis one definitely is the most magnificent of all !The descent was 700 feet (size of a 75 storied building) which takes you to a huge underground chamber - Big roomWe saw the Stalactites and stalagmites in all its glory.Some looked like popcorns, some looked like drapes, some like fairyland , some looked like a temple and what not…The hike was about 3.5 miles through the dark steep slope but we did good and was totally worth it.Also hats off the National Parks Service, USA for maintaining a place like this 👏👏

Beautiful Visitor Center.. Long wait today due to a holiday week- end. You do need reservations before arriving. Rangers and Volunteers are all very pleasant and informative. Gift shops are fun. The drive into the park is awesome. Thank you for a great visit.

Had a great time here. It's about 800 feet below the ground.We were the first ones down at 8:30 am. About 1.5 mile walk around down there. You could take the hike down instead of the elevator it's about another mile hike down.If you have a wheelchair you wont be able to go the whole distance... They have a no wheelchair access part. It's not that chilly down there but maybe a light sweater would be handy if you get cold easily.

4.9

(6884)

5.0

(1214)

727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA

Camped here to visit Carlsbad Caverns, unrelated to the campground review itself be prepared to drive an hour to get to the Caverns & Don’t miss a visit to Guadalupe Mountain Brewery in town.Bathroom’s & playground were the only real shining stars of this park. Must be why our reservation was shortened, canceled on the front end because of a park closure. They must’ve been redoing them.Arrived at 5:02 PM on a Friday, flags were down & Ranger Station was unoccupied, there were no instructions for “after hours” arrival. You would think on a Friday they would staff it a little later or at least leave registration information out for reserved campers, like proceed to site?!The sites themselves are in a bit of disrepair and very rough, most unlevel. Our water spigot has so much lime caked on it we couldn’t even screw our hose on without first deliming it. Site 16 had great water views & was mostly level.Tons of prickers so if you have dogs be aware & have tweezers handy. Trails were all in rough shape as well. It’s fine to park to sleep with electric & water for sightseeing but I would want to cozy up in the campsite for a getaway.

Nice wheelchair accessible site, did have to use leveling blocks. Great accessible showers, there was plenty of hot water. The faucet needs to be tightened up a little. Wonderful pavilion and picnic tables. Not much accessibility outside of the RV area.

It was quiet, and the big covered picnic tables were nice. However, the bathrooms had not been cleaned in our five night stay. And, getting to the lake for fishing was not an easy task, so we didn't bother.

The best thing about the park is the restrooms. The wind blew incessantly, goat’s head stickers all over, and the smell from the oil field was awful. It was a convenient stay to see Carlsbad caverns, but would not return. People who say this place is beautiful must have been living under a rock.

Great picnic areas for day use. Lots of space to walk around and play for the kids. The visitor center is not staffed so you have to pay via envelope in a drop box. Day use fee is $5.

Very nice state park in lower NM. Gorgeous sunsets and beautiful view of the lake. Very clean and well kept. As far as those posting about hwy noise, remember this is not an isolated boondocking spot it is a state park and the hwy noise is barely noticeable. The camp host Ramon is very helpful and friendly

Nice hike to the lake and very clean flushing bathrooms. The showers were great and almost every camping spot had a veiw to the Lake.

Nice clean campground! The camp hosts and Park Rangers are helpful and friendly.

Beautiful place lake so big nice. They have bathrooms and shower place pretty clean. IWe will camp again.

Best state park we stayed at in all of NM on our road trip. Site was large, lake was fun to wade in on a 107 day, bathrooms are well maintained. We were a bit spoiled with these pristine, air conditioned bathrooms when we went to Bottomless Lakes, which was trashed.

4.2

(42)

4.0

(96)

New Mexico 88220, USA

I wanted to love this place but it was honestly more of a sad experience than a positive one. Everything felt abandoned and like it hadn’t been given any TLC in 20 years. The plants and outdoor portion was peaceful and interesting, but the “zoo” part was much more sad than any zoo I’ve ever witnessed. Few animals, extremely tight quarters, unwelcoming exhibits. With some love this could be a cool place, it probably was in its prime.The Succulents of the World greenhouse was awesome though!! Like walking into a sauna full of cacti. Really pretty!

Great learning experience, so glad I went here before going out hiking. I learned so much about the plants and animals in the area. Plenty of parking, and easy to get to. The people working there are so friendly. Spent about 90 minutes there and I'll definitely go back.

This state park is definitely worth a visit. We loved the easy walk on all paved paths. Last entry is allowed at 3:30 and we got there just before that. The staff was super friendly! We didn't get to see the prairie dogs or the bear, I'm assuming because it was later and they were put away or sleeping. Most of the animals are rehabilitated but unable to live in the wild so it was nice to see them here.This was a great stop the day before our caverns trip. I would highly recommend it if you like desert plants and unique animals!

Very nice place for a visit! The scenery was gorgeous and well maintained. The walking paths blended in great with the environment and the animal exhibits were well thought out and fun to look at. Definitely a stop worth making if you're in the area for the caverns or anything else!

Came to Carlsbad/Roswell for a quick family vacation. Took a late afternoon stroll through the zoo & gardens as a last minute decision as it was close to our hotel. So happy we did! Loved seeing the animals and plant species native to the area.

This place was fun and educational! My kids loved the hands on learning in the visitor's center. We loved learning about all the native plants and animals. There were new babies in prairie dog town, I think those were my favorite. My kids loved the reptile house, the javalina, and the roadrunner.

Two Words...Under Funded.You can tell this place has the potential to be a great outdoor museum/zoo. It reminded me of the Desert Museum in Tuscan, Arizona...but without the funding.I'll say this, we did enjoy our visit here, but it's got some things about it that really should be improved for it to be truly wonderful.For starters, it is quite run down. Pictured below is a drinking fountain station full of leaves that seems hasn't been tended to in some time.Also pictured below is the wolf enclosure. It's so overrun with trees and bushes you can hardly see anything.Most of the signs explaining the science/animals are heavily weathered, many are unreadable.Another thing I would mention is there is this random room that you can tell was built for a movie amphitheater, but there is no movie playing (See the below picture)Our favorite parts were the Reptile Hut (pictured below with a snake on the wall), and the Bobcat/Cougar enclosures. Very fun to see those animals.I hope that I will come back in 10 years and this place is vastly improved, because it has all the potential in the world

Our families enjoyed this walking zoo. It's on the smaller side but our family appreciated that the animals here were saved from their natural habitats. We spent around 2-3 hours walking and exploring. Some of the exhibits need renovating but the animals don't seem to mind. I do have to mention the prairie dog exhibit as I've never seen one before and our kids loved it. Kids also loved the javelinas. It did get hot walking but luckily they had some cold drinks to buy at the gift shop at the end. We also loved the plants for sale and spent $ buying a few. I suggest this place to other families if they want a zoo experience but keep in mind that this place needs renovations.

Awesome! It's a little rundown but is still a fantastic experience. We saw a lot of wildlife. My kids loved all the animals. I loved the lilly pond, it was beautiful and serene. The staff and volunteers are also amazing and worth a mention. Great place to explore when visiting the area. If you get a chance to visit, you should go!

I love the idea of this zoo! It's interactive and we enjoyed learning about the desert plants and animals. I do agree with some commenters that it does need a little love and care in some areas, mostly in the beginning of the trail. Some areas look newer. Restrooms were clean. Staff was really nice! Gift shop had reasonable prices!

$5 admission and a nice easy walking path through the park.Bathrooms available in the visitor center and x2 in the park itself.FYI - last entry is at 330p as of January, 2024.

This was a great place to stop with the family! They have wheel chairs available as well since the walking path is at least a mile outside. They had free books for all ages while we were there as well which was an added bonus.

Really enjoyed our visit here. Found the variety of desert plants fascinating in a lovely setting with excellent explanations. We particularly appreciated the information about the various nutritional and medicinal properties which previous inhabitants were aware of.The birds and animals provide an extra attraction. Good that park takes in injured and orphaned creatures. Some enclosures so good the animals can't be seen.

This place was amazing! I love this place well worth the money! They definitely need and deserve more funding. My only notes are the trail was a bit difficult to follow, we almost missed the mountain lion and bobcat exhibit, and it was hard to see the wolves for the tree growth at the front of the enclosure.When you go make sure to head there early. We came in about 10am and saw most of the animals. We had to wait for the feeding to see the bear and the hooves animals were bedded down on the shade, but still awesome to see. Keep in mind most of these animals are orphans, unreleasable or rescued from captivity. 10/10 recommend going. I will be back!!

This place was awesome. It was clean and walkable. The animals looked well kept. We were here in March of 2023 as a stop on our way to California. Loved it.

Nice mountain top location. It’s a good mile walk throughout the zoo.

Very interesting place, couple of Animals suffered from stagefright but the flora is equally interesting and entry is only 5 bucks.

4.5

(1350)

4.0

(564)

1504 Skyline Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA

I fell in love with Carlsbad Cavers when I came here with my family when I was seven. I brought each of my daughters here to experience the majesty of our incredible planet with me. While the unguided walking route is reduced now compared to my initial visit forty-five years ago. I still love the wonder if this incredible place as much today as I did the first time I visited.

Jewel Cave National Monument was impressive but Carlsbad Caverns National Park was even more impressive. Big difference is you can walk all the way down at Carlsbad, like 750 feet down and it takes about 60-90 mins to trek down and the path down feels like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth novel!You can climb back by walk or using the elevator like we did. We saw amazing rock formation and at the end there is the Bottomless Pit. We did the Big Room tour and takes about an hour. It is just fantastic and a bit intimidating.Save yourself trouble and buy entry tickets on-line, just a 1$/per (plus general entrance fees) b/c it is qui busy and walk-in tickets were not avail when we got there. We saw folks turned back and access to the Caverns end at 2:30pm.Our boys truly enjoyed it and got their junior ranger badge.

I loved it! A wonderful family experience!!! It was a good hike. If you think you can't hike back up. No worries, they have an elevator 👍 It was amazing 👏 😍! So far, one of my favorite places. If you stay late enough. You get to see all the bats, fly out.

Surprisingly awe inspiring. I’ve been to a number of caves and wasn’t expecting the immensity of just how big this Cavern was. Definitely a must stop.

There is a discrepancy as far as Sunday being open or closed. Sundays they are open but I would advise that you call before you travel to Carlsbad. We made our way to Carlsbad and found out they are booked a week in advance.

Amazing! Buy your tickets ahead of time for sure.

If you are at the caverns during the day you have to return for the ranger program. Swarms of bats leave the cave at night. It is an amazing sight!

One of Natures great wonders. Thoroughly enjoyed my day there. Wear good non slip shoes if walking in from the cavern entrance . I would highly recommend this as great National Park destination . Also remember to make your reservations ahead so you dont get turned away at the check in line . Remember Carlsbad is in the desert so if you dont like cactus , rocks and Huge expanses make sure you have more destinations on your agenda.

We were totally blown away. This place was amazing. The cave didn't feel as cool as expected, so just a light jacket was sufficient (plus, you are walking a lot).I would recommend taking the 1 mile hike down into the cave rather than taking the elevator--it is worth the walk and fun to imagine how the cave was discovered and explored from that entrance.It is good to have some water, even though the cool temperatures keep the thirst at bay.

It's the greatest cave that I've ever seen. You should come once in life. It will take at least 3 hours to see all of the cave. It's really huge. I will come back because today it was raining all day that I couldn't see the bat. The ticket is $15 per adult and free for children of all ages.

Visited a few National Parks and can tell you: this is one of the best.The amount of work the Park Service put into allowing public access tothese wonders - is the wonder in its own right.Logistics: you can stay @ Carlsbad, if you need extra cushy comfortORyou can park @ the Whites City, White's City Cavern Inn.Do advanced reservation: saves you the spot, as this particular datemight be packed.Dress lightly: leave bulky stuff in the car.Pick the right "neighbors" : some might ruin your experience.No flash, no loud talk: whisper your excitements into your friend's ear.Worth every mile of your trip!

We all had a wonderful time.4 young adults and us.Be ready to walk in moist areas at an angle, and a longer distance than anticipated. JsBeautifully Amazing &Worth the adventure.

Just an amazing experience. For sure do the walk through the natural entrance. We went in November and fewer people so was really nice. You must be there before 3 PM if you want to go down in the caverns. Last trip down is at 3:15. Park will close at 5. Enjoy

A jewel in the heart of America. As you walk down 78 stories, your mind will have a hard time grasping how big the caves are. I have been twice and loved it, and saw something new each time. I plan to return. Wear tennis shoes with good traction and just a Tshirt or you’ll be carrying your jacket by the end. Well maintained and friendly knowledgeable park rangers. Would be fun for the whole family. Don’t worry, there are elevators to take you back to the surface at the end ;)

4.7

(150)

5.0

(1551)

3225 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA

I fell in love with Carlsbad Cavers when I came here with my family when I was seven. I brought each of my daughters here to experience the majesty of our incredible planet with me. While the unguided walking route is reduced now compared to my initial visit forty-five years ago. I still love the wonder if this incredible place as much today as I did the first time I visited.

Jewel Cave National Monument was impressive but Carlsbad Caverns National Park was even more impressive. Big difference is you can walk all the way down at Carlsbad, like 750 feet down and it takes about 60-90 mins to trek down and the path down feels like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth novel!You can climb back by walk or using the elevator like we did. We saw amazing rock formation and at the end there is the Bottomless Pit. We did the Big Room tour and takes about an hour. It is just fantastic and a bit intimidating.Save yourself trouble and buy entry tickets on-line, just a 1$/per (plus general entrance fees) b/c it is qui busy and walk-in tickets were not avail when we got there. We saw folks turned back and access to the Caverns end at 2:30pm.Our boys truly enjoyed it and got their junior ranger badge.

I loved it! A wonderful family experience!!! It was a good hike. If you think you can't hike back up. No worries, they have an elevator 👍 It was amazing 👏 😍! So far, one of my favorite places. If you stay late enough. You get to see all the bats, fly out.

Surprisingly awe inspiring. I’ve been to a number of caves and wasn’t expecting the immensity of just how big this Cavern was. Definitely a must stop.

There is a discrepancy as far as Sunday being open or closed. Sundays they are open but I would advise that you call before you travel to Carlsbad. We made our way to Carlsbad and found out they are booked a week in advance.

Amazing! Buy your tickets ahead of time for sure.

If you are at the caverns during the day you have to return for the ranger program. Swarms of bats leave the cave at night. It is an amazing sight!

One of Natures great wonders. Thoroughly enjoyed my day there. Wear good non slip shoes if walking in from the cavern entrance . I would highly recommend this as great National Park destination . Also remember to make your reservations ahead so you dont get turned away at the check in line . Remember Carlsbad is in the desert so if you dont like cactus , rocks and Huge expanses make sure you have more destinations on your agenda.

We were totally blown away. This place was amazing. The cave didn't feel as cool as expected, so just a light jacket was sufficient (plus, you are walking a lot).I would recommend taking the 1 mile hike down into the cave rather than taking the elevator--it is worth the walk and fun to imagine how the cave was discovered and explored from that entrance.It is good to have some water, even though the cool temperatures keep the thirst at bay.

It's the greatest cave that I've ever seen. You should come once in life. It will take at least 3 hours to see all of the cave. It's really huge. I will come back because today it was raining all day that I couldn't see the bat. The ticket is $15 per adult and free for children of all ages.

Visited a few National Parks and can tell you: this is one of the best.The amount of work the Park Service put into allowing public access tothese wonders - is the wonder in its own right.Logistics: you can stay @ Carlsbad, if you need extra cushy comfortORyou can park @ the Whites City, White's City Cavern Inn.Do advanced reservation: saves you the spot, as this particular datemight be packed.Dress lightly: leave bulky stuff in the car.Pick the right "neighbors" : some might ruin your experience.No flash, no loud talk: whisper your excitements into your friend's ear.Worth every mile of your trip!

We all had a wonderful time.4 young adults and us.Be ready to walk in moist areas at an angle, and a longer distance than anticipated. JsBeautifully Amazing &Worth the adventure.

Just an amazing experience. For sure do the walk through the natural entrance. We went in November and fewer people so was really nice. You must be there before 3 PM if you want to go down in the caverns. Last trip down is at 3:15. Park will close at 5. Enjoy

A jewel in the heart of America. As you walk down 78 stories, your mind will have a hard time grasping how big the caves are. I have been twice and loved it, and saw something new each time. I plan to return. Wear tennis shoes with good traction and just a Tshirt or you’ll be carrying your jacket by the end. Well maintained and friendly knowledgeable park rangers. Would be fun for the whole family. Don’t worry, there are elevators to take you back to the surface at the end ;)

4.7

(150)

5.0

(1551)

3225 National Parks Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA