Guadalupe Mountains and nearby Carlsbad Caverns made a perfect desert double feature. One park kept us above ground, surrounded by rugged peaks, dry washes, and wide-open views. The other sent us deep underground into a completely different world of massive chambers, strange formations, and cool darkness.
Pick a stop to see its story and photos.
Pine Springs was the home base and the wildlife show all on its own, with mule deer moving through camp and turning the water spigot into a full drama scene.
McKittrick Canyon brought the greener, more sheltered side of Guadalupe Mountains and felt very different from the harsher desert outside it.
Smith Spring and Frijole Ranch rounded out the stop with history, shade, and an easier foothills walk.
Pine Springs was the home base and the wildlife show all on its own, with mule deer moving through camp and turning the water spigot into a full drama scene.
McKittrick Canyon brought the greener, more sheltered side of Guadalupe Mountains and felt very different from the harsher desert outside it.
Smith Spring and Frijole Ranch rounded out the stop with history, shade, and an easier foothills walk.
As we pulled out of Rio Grande Village, we said goodbye to our cow neighbors. We would definitely miss their…
For our first day in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, we hiked the McKittrick Canyon Trail to the Grotto,…
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is only about a forty-five minute drive from our campground in Guadalupe…
Our final hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park was the Smith Spring Trail, a short loop that begins at…
