Plan the Perfect New Mexico National Parks Road Trip

Blaze a historic path during your next road trip to New Mexico’s National Parks. From the cool caves of Carlsbad to the rolling sand dunes of White Sands National Park, a trip to these beautiful Parks will leave you with a sense of amazement. New Mexico’s dynamic terrain has so much to offer its visitors. Discover a few of our favorite National Park Service sites today with our comprehensive guide!

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4 Must-See National Parks to Visit on Your Next New Mexico Road Trip

Pack your bags and set your sights west. Planning your road trip to New Mexico’s national parks has never been easier. We have everything you need to know about some of the best parks in the state. What are you waiting for? Buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime!

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in northwestern New Mexico about 2.5 hours from Albuquerque. It was home to a thriving culture of Chacoan People from 850-1250 A.D. The park is host to a large concentration of pueblos, an array of pre-Columbian artifacts, and thousands of petroglyphs. Fajada Butte is one of the most notable formations within the park and features several small cliff dwellings.

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument is a 33,000-acre monument preserving the homes of 

New Mexico’s Ancestral Puebloans. About 2 hours from Albuquerque, the 50-mile area encompasses the Pajarito Plateau into the mountainous region of Jemez volcanic field. Discover ancient petroglyphs, small cliff dwellings carved into the rock walls, and beautiful pottery that pays homage to a rich culture formed thousands of years ago that remains active in surrounding communities.

History buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike will enjoy Bandelier’s diverse ecosystem, rich history, and over 70 miles of hiking trails.   

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is one of the many reasons our region has been designated “The Land of Enchantment.” Located along Route 70 in Southern New Mexico, the snow-like sand dunes roll throughout 275 miles of the Tularosa Basin creating an otherworldly landscape like you’ve never seen before. It’s ideal for adventure enthusiasts with mountain bike trails, dune buggy excursions, and even “sledding” down the sugary slopes. As one of our nation’s newest national parks, this unique site is one you won’t want to miss.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico in the Guadalupe Mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert. Below the desert surface lies a landscape of a different kind. Over 4 million years ago sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone earth leaving behind over 119 unique caves. Carlsbad, the 4,000-foot limestone main cave serves as the third-largest in America and the seventh-largest in the world. Explore the park’s many rocky crevasses, hiking trails, cacti, and wildlife. Be sure to book your tour ahead of time, this park is definitely one you’ll want to mark off your bucket list.

Local Tip: Be sure to plan a night visit to Chaco Culture Park as it is deemed one of only 80 International Dark Sky Parks.        

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