How to plan an epic road trip from El Paso, Texas

There are many exceptional US road trips, but one of the most notable is its breathtaking crossing southwest. Adjacent to Mexico and New Mexico, Sunny El Paso Texas's Sunny El Paso is the ideal gateway to the sights, culture and tastes of this diverse region. Since the 16th century, El Paso has evolved from a Spanish settlement to a frontier town and a prosperous border city. It now reflects the rich fusion of Spanish, Mexican and American influences. This includes missions from centuries ago, vibrant Mariachi music and artisanal cowboy boot makers. Sitting side by side with the Rio Grande, it is close to several states and national parks in El Paso, making it a perfect base for a week-long road trip adventure.

Day 1: Franklin Mountains State Park and El Paso

Start your day on Trans Mountain Road on a scenic drive and watch the sun rise above El Paso, casting creamy orange tints into the sky. Next, follow the path to nearby Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban state park in the continent. Trek through the 1.2 mile-long Aztec cave trail for views of the surrounding mountains and desert. Along the way, pay attention to the peregrine falcon and the red-hawk hawks soaring above. Spend the afternoon and explore the city of El Paso, where shops sell everything from handmade homewares to custom-made cowboy boots. Art lovers will enjoy the free El Paso Museum and more than 100 vibrant murals painted on walls around town. Before you finish off your sunset cocktail break at LaPalla, a charming bar on the rooftop of the historic Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, you can find the historical site of Magoffin Home State for a unique education on the region's rich history. Please stop by.

Day 2: Hueco Tanks State Park & ​​Historic Site

Just a 45-minute drive northeast of El Paso, the Hueco Tank State Park & ​​historic site is a geological wonder. That dramatic rock formation is the result of magma flowing into limestone millions of years ago. The park's Huecos (Hollows) – a natural rock basin that holds rainwater – helped maintain people, animals and migratory birds as they travel through the Chihuahua desert. Today, rocks and rock climbers from all over the world are attractive in the sturdy landscape. Book a guided tour to learn about the history and stories behind emojis, petroglyphs and artifacts, left behind by the area's early residents, Jornada Mogoron. These ranger-led tours include access to park restricted areas such as West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur.

Day 3: White Sands National Park

Another easy day trip, White Sands National Park is located about 95 miles northeast of El Paso. Home to the world's largest plaster dunes, this otherworldly area is an untouched field of snowy white sand that appears to be lifted from scenes from sci-fi movies. Like snow, soft, fine sand is perfect for sleds. Rent “snow” at the park's gift shop or head to the car park by the alkali flat trailhead, which is home to the park's tallest sand dunes. Visitors can also drive a scenic route along the 8-mile dunes to the middle of the dune field. Moonlight hikes take place on some nights from March to November, but from May to October, “Full Moon Night” will be held in the park, with live music and lectures from special guests. It will be done. Back in El Paso, Hotel Indigo was once a 1960s motor inn for a nightly stay at the boutique Stanton House, filled with unique artworks and downtown Hotel Indigo.

Day 4: Carlsbadcavan National Park

A two and a half hour drive east of El Paso, Carlsbad Camberton National Park is one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States. Hiding in Mount Guadalupe under the Chihuahua desert, about 119 caves are located within Carlsbad's caves, with the largest cave chambers, large rooms in the park and North America. A self-guided tour to a large room will take you down the 1.25 miles of natural entrance trail for a glimpse of 62 feet tall Starragmite, 700 feet deep pits and the spectacular “chandelier” (formation of stal litter stones). . A guided tour with a ranger takes visitors deep into the cave, seeing additional rooms and more complex cave formations. Visitors between late May and October can often witness thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats flying out of the cave in the evening to fly out of the cave and hunt for food. Stay in the city of Carlsbad, northeast of the park. The town has several hotels and campsites.

Day 5: Mount Guadalupe National Park

Less than an hour's drive from Carlsbad, the majestic Mount Guadalupe spreads across southeastern New Mexico and western Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features over 80 miles of trails that appeal to both beginner hikers in search of advanced trekkers looking for picturesque nature walks and challenging all-day hikes. One of the most popular routes is not an easy route, but Devil's Hall, a 4.2-mile and back trail with a “corridor” sandwiched between natural rock steps and impressive canyon walls and large rocks It leads to. “The Top of Texas”, reaching Guadalupe Peak is an even more difficult hike. Visitors in the fall months may want to choose McKitrick Canyon trek when maple, oak and walnut trees turn vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow. Choose from one of three campsites per year in Guadalupe Mountains National Park or stay in Van Horn, Texas.

6-7 days: Big Bend National Park

A trip to Texas is not complete without a visit to Big Bend National Park, over two and a half hours by car from Van Horn. Big Bend, the largest protected area in the Chihuahua desert, is a thrill-seeking paradise with activities ranging from horseback riding to hiking, from paddling along the Rio Grande River to mountain biking on dirt roads in the backcountry. there is. After an activity-filled day, relax by soaking in the soothing waters of 40c geothermal hot springs. Camp overnight at one of the four campsites in the park to experience the main highlights of Big Bend. As the sun sets, a black sky, in the sky, provides the perfect canvas for millions of sparkling stars. Get the most out of everything Big Bend has to offer, and then start your journey to El Paso.