New Mexico’s National Parks

The Southwestern United States is known for its arid deserts, rugged mountains, and distinctive culture- which continues to grow and evolve to this day.

The American Southwest is made up of the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

In February of 2022, I had the opportunity to take a road trip through these states while visiting a friend of mine who lives in New Mexico.

New Mexico is full of beautiful wide-open spaces, awe-inspiring landscapes, and mysteries waiting to be unfolded. This is a place where spending time outdoors is a way of life and where it’s easy to find inspiration in the natural world around you.

During our stay, we adventured through both of New Mexico’s national parks – Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands.

I have to say that these parks are some of the most unique that I have ever been to.

If you came here in search of trail recommendations or photo inspiration from my trip, you’re in the right place!

Read on to learn more about the natural beauty of New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment.

Carlsbad Caverns

Have you ever gone spelunking?

During my time in New Mexico, I had the opportunity to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of Southern New Mexico, this National Park features more than 100 caves, many of which will blow you away with their gigantic rooms covered in spectacular rock formations.

Trail recommendation: We took the Natural Entrance Trail down to the Big Room Trail (2.5 miles/ 4 km).

We descended 750 feet into the Big Room- the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America.

Carlsbad Caverns is a breathtaking place, and likely somewhere you will talk about for many years.

What You Need To Know:

• Proper cave etiquette is crucial in this fragile environment. Don’t touch any of the cave formations as the oil on your hands will ruin them.
• Sounds travels far down here- try to whisper so you don’t disturb the other cave visitors.
• The cave hovers around 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring a sweater!
• There are no hotel options in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, check out Whites City or the town of Carlsbad. Back country camping is available with a permit.

Pro tip: During the right time of year (late April to October), Carlsbad Caverns is home to thousands of migrating Brazilian free-tailed bats. Witness the exhilarating flight of thousands of these bats as they swoop above your head!

White Sands

The largest gypsum dune field in the world is located at White Sands National Park in South-Central New Mexico.

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin, the great glistening wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulf nearly 275 square miles of desert.

Hiking and sledding over this vast white expanse of powder is a singular, otherworldly experience.

Trail recommendation: Take the Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles/ 8km) across large dunes, completely lacking any vegetation, to a dry lake bed (Alkali Flat) at the edge of the sands.

Although the name of the trail is ‘Alkali Flat,’ please note that this trail is not flat!

In the metaphysical community, gypsum is a strong energy conductor that encourages energetic flow, cleansing, and removal of blockages.

What You Need To Know:

• Stay on the trail. It’s very easy to get lost among the sand dunes, so try to always keep a trail marker in sight at all times. Tracking your footprints is not always reliable, as the wind can easily shift the sand and erase foot steps.
• Beware of the heat! If you’re visiting during the summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and the only shade you’re going to find is in some picnic areas. Plus, the light reflecting off of that white sand is powerful.
• Pack smart. Be sure to bring sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, snacks, a towel to wipe the sand off, and a garbage bag to carry out all of your trash.

Fun fact: Gypsum doesn’t absorb heat like regular sand does. It is cool to the touch even on hot days.

New Mexico still feels so wild and untouched. Its rich heritage, rooted in Native American spirit is so alive that you can feel the magic in your bones as you traverse the open roads and stare up at the starry nighttime skies. I can’t wait until I have a chance to return to this beautiful state.