San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns | A Scenic Trip
Every year, my family and I snowbird in our camper, and one of our favorite routes is the road trip from San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns.
It’s a great way to explore Texas and New Mexico. This route takes you through scenic landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders. Being originally from New England, this is a huge change of scenery for us and we soak it in.
Whether you love hiking, swimming, or exploring caves, this trip has something for you. Here’s a guide to the best stops along the way.
Start in San Antonio, Texas
Begin your journey in San Antonio, a city full of history and culture. Before hitting the road, take time to visit the Alamo and walk along the River Walk.
If you have time, check out the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to learn more about the area’s past.
Stop 1: Hill Country State Natural Area
Drive about an hour and a half west to Hill Country State Natural Area. This is a great spot for hiking and horseback riding. The park offers scenic trails, open fields, and rocky hills. It’s a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors before heading farther west.
Stop 2: Caverns of Sonora
About two hours from Hill Country, you’ll find the Caverns of Sonora. This is one of the most stunning cave systems in Texas. Take a guided tour to see the beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear pools.
Inside the caverns, you’ll find delicate formations like helictites, which twist in different directions, and flowstones that look like frozen waterfalls. The caves are also home to soda straws, stalactites, and stalagmites, creating a breathtaking underground landscape. The caves stay cool year-round, making them a perfect stop to beat the heat.
About two hours from Hill Country, you’ll find the Caverns of Sonora. This is one of the most stunning cave systems in Texas. Take a guided tour to see the beautiful rock formations and crystal-clear pools. The caves stay cool year-round, making them a perfect stop to beat the heat.
Stop 3: Balmorhea State Park
Next, drive about three hours west to Balmorhea State Park. This park is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. The water is clear and stays at a refreshing temperature year-round. Bring a swimsuit and take a dip in the pool, or relax by the water and enjoy the scenery.
Stop 4: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
From Balmorhea, head two hours northwest to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This park is home to the highest peak in Texas and has some of the best hiking in the state. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is a great choice, offering stunning mountain views and unique plant life. If you love the outdoors, this is a must-visit stop on your trip.
There are several great places to camp near or in the park. Pine Springs Campground, located near the visitor center, offers tent and RV sites with easy access to hiking trails. Dog Canyon Campground, on the northern side of the park, is a quieter option with shaded sites. For those who prefer backcountry camping, the park has several designated areas along hiking routes.
Outside the park, there are also private campgrounds and RV parks nearby for those needing more amenities. From Balmorhea, head two hours northwest to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This park is home to the highest peak in Texas and has some of the best hiking in the state. The McKittrick Canyon Trail is a great choice, offering stunning mountain views and unique plant life. If you love the outdoors, this is a must-visit stop on your trip.
Stop 5: BLM Land Camping
If you’re looking for a free place to camp, there are several spots on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in New Mexico near Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
These areas offer open spaces, quiet surroundings, and great views of the night sky. Just be sure to check regulations and leave no trace behind. If you’re looking for a free place to camp, there are several spots on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Guadalupe Mountains National Park. These areas offer open spaces, quiet surroundings, and great views of the night sky. Just be sure to check regulations and leave no trace behind.
I personally use the free iOverlander app to find great places to camp on the side of the road that other people have reviewed. I always feel safe and assured that I am staying in the right area.
Stop 6: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Finally, reach your destination at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This park is famous for its massive underground cave system. The Big Room is a must-see, featuring huge chambers filled with amazing rock formations. You can take a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour for a deeper look into the caves.
Finally, reach your destination at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This park is famous for its massive underground cave system. The Big Room is a must-see, featuring huge chambers filled with amazing rock formations. You can take a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour for a deeper look into the caves.
One of the most exciting experiences at Carlsbad Caverns is the bat flight program. Every evening from late spring to early fall, thousands of bats fly out of the cave entrance at sunset. Visitors can watch this event from the amphitheater near the cave entrance. The park offers ranger-led talks before the flight, providing interesting facts about the bats and their behavior. It’s a unique and unforgettable sight to see so many bats taking to the sky at once.
Bonus Stop: Sitting Bull Falls
If you have extra time, take a short drive from Carlsbad Caverns to Sitting Bull Falls. This hidden gem features a beautiful waterfall and a cool swimming area. It’s a perfect place to relax after exploring the caves.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns is full of adventure. My family and I loved making this drive in our camper, stopping to hike, swim, and explore along the way.
From hiking in the mountains to swimming in clear springs, this route has plenty to offer. Pack your bags, plan your stops, and enjoy the journey!
A road trip from San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns is full of adventure. From hiking in the mountains to swimming in clear springs, this route has plenty to offer. Pack your bags, plan your stops, and enjoy the journey!
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