White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Every year, my family and I snowbird in our camper, and one of our favorite trips was the journey from White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns.

A road trip from White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns is full of adventure. This journey takes you through deserts, mountains, and historic towns.

Whether you love hiking, history, or unique landscapes, there’s something for everyone along the way.

Start at White Sands National Park

Begin your trip at White Sands National Park. This park is home to miles of bright white gypsum dunes. You can hike, sled down the dunes, or take the scenic drive through the park.

If you visit in the evening, the sunset over the dunes is incredible. Be sure to bring water, as it gets hot during the day.

Stop 1: Alamogordo

Just outside White Sands, Alamogordo is a great place to explore. Stop by the New Mexico Museum of Space History to learn about rockets and space travel.

If you like pistachios, visit one of the local farms and try some fresh nuts. The world’s largest pistachio statue is here too, making for a fun photo stop.

Stop 2: Lincoln National Forest

From Alamogordo, drive east toward Lincoln National Forest. This forest is a nice change from the desert, with tall trees and cooler weather.

There are hiking trails, picnic spots, and chances to see wildlife. The drive through the mountains offers great views.

Stop 3: Ruidoso

Ruidoso is a small mountain town with lots to do. If you like outdoor activities, check out the hiking and biking trails. In winter, there’s skiing at Ski Apache.

The town also has great restaurants and shops. If you have time, stop by the Hubbard Museum of the American West to learn about cowboy history.

Stop 4: Roswell

Next, head to Roswell, known for its UFO history. The International UFO Museum and Research Center is a fun stop where you can learn about the famous 1947 UFO incident.

Walk around downtown to see alien-themed shops and street art. Even if you’re not into UFOs, Roswell has good places to eat and a few local museums worth checking out.

Stop 5: Bottomless Lakes State Park

Just outside Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is a great place to relax. The park has several small lakes, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing.

The water has a deep blue-green color, and the cliffs around the lakes make for great scenery. It’s a good spot for a picnic or a short hike before continuing your trip.

Stop 6: Sitting Bull Falls

Before reaching Carlsbad, take a detour to Sitting Bull Falls. This hidden gem features a waterfall and a natural swimming area.

It’s a peaceful spot to cool off, especially in the summer. There are picnic tables and shaded areas if you want to take a break from driving.

Stop 7: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Finally, arrive at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This park is famous for its huge underground caves. The Big Room is a must-see, filled with giant rock formations and winding paths. You can take a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led tour to explore deeper sections of the caverns.

One of the best experiences here is the bat flight program. 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 entrance. Rangers give talks before the bats take off, explaining their habits and migration patterns.

It’s an unforgettable sight.

Bonus: Best Campgrounds Along the Way

If you’re traveling in a camper like we did, there are plenty of great camping spots along this route. Here are a few options:

• Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (Near Alamogordo) – A scenic spot at the base of the Sacramento Mountains with hiking trails and fantastic views. A great White Sands camping spot.
• Lincoln National Forest Campgrounds – Several campgrounds offer peaceful forest settings, cooler temperatures, and hiking access.
• Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground – A great place to camp near Roswell with lake views and outdoor activities.
• BLM Land in New Mexico – Free camping spots are available on BLM land near Carlsbad. These sites are usually dry camping (no hookups), but they offer beautiful desert views and quiet surroundings, not to mention amazing star gazing.
• Carlsbad RV Parks – If you prefer full hookups, there are several RV parks near Carlsbad Caverns with amenities like showers and electricity.

How much time do you need at White Sands National Park?

Plan for two to four hours to explore White Sands National Park. Drive the scenic loop, hike the dunes, or bring a sled for some fun sand sledding.

How much time do you need to see Carlsbad Caverns?

Plan for at least three to four hours to explore Carlsbad Caverns. A self-guided tour of the Big Room takes about 1.5 hours, while ranger-led tours and hikes take longer.

Final Thoughts

The trip from White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns is packed with unique stops. From white sand dunes to deep caves, this route offers incredible scenery and fun experiences. Whether you’re hiking, exploring history, or just enjoying the drive, this road trip is one to remember.

Each stop along the way offers something special. White Sands dazzles with its bright dunes, while Lincoln National Forest provides a refreshing break with its tall trees and shaded trails.

The quirky history of Roswell adds a bit of mystery, and Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a peaceful place to unwind. Carlsbad Caverns, with its vast underground wonder, is the perfect grand finale.

If you’re traveling in a camper like we did, there are plenty of great camping spots along the way, from national forest campgrounds to state parks.

The journey is just as enjoyable as the destinations, with scenic drives and hidden gems around every corner. No matter how you travel, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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More Resources:

San Antonio to Carlsbad Caverns | A Scenic Trip

Dallas vs San Antonio: Which Texas City Is Right for You?

White Sands Camping: Best Spots Near the Park

Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park: Why Late Winter Is Ideal