judeb

I am planning a road trip that encompasses a visit to Carlsbad and Big Bend National Parks. Does anyone have suggestions on other places to visit between these two locations and/or in the area?

traveller1959

I must say, the southeastern corner of New Mexico is the most desolate region I have ever seen in my life. If you have seen the movie WALL-E, you get an impression how it looks there.

The scenery changes at Balmorhea. The road between Balmorhea and Alpine leads through lovely scenery - mild mountains, running streams, green meadows. Fort Davis makes a nice stop, with frontier town feeling and historic monuments.

We had no time to visit Marfa, which might be another, yet different, worthwile stop.

If you take the route via Marfa, drive down to Presidio. The road between Presidio and Lajitas is extremely scenic, IMO the most beautiful road in the whole region.

Lajitas is a beautiful hotel with a refreshing pool which might be an option if you feel right for a bit of luxury.

The contrast is Terlingua, a ghost town which is inhabitated by the weirdest of all weird Texans. A must-see!

The main attraction is Big Bend Natl. Park. You need at least 2 1/2 days to see the most important attractions. Do not forget a swimsuit and a towel when you come to Hot Springs!

spirobulldog

Guadalope National Park isn't far at all from Carlsbad(not between BB and CB, but just an hour away). Do a Wild Cave Tour if you are the least adventurous. Do not miss the Bat arrival in the morning. It is equally impressive as the departure. Hundreds of people are there at night, but you may be the only person there in the morning. It is totally different, see both. Hall of White Giants would be my first pick for the cave tour, Spider Cave would be my second.

dfr4848

Good ideas above. Include McDonald Observatory when you're near Ft Davis. Some fantastic views in the clear desert air. Marfa is worth a stop. Has become somewhat of an artist colony.

Moai12

It's pretty baren down that way, but as suggested Guadalupe Mountains NP is worth a stop, maybe take a hike. It's pretty close to Carlsbad Caverns, just over in Texas. Otherwise, there are some attractions at Ft. Davis, could be worth an hour or two.

Big Bend is a very big park, with lots of 4 wheel drive roads as well. 2 days should be good to get to the different parts of the park (River and Chisos Mountains).

texasbookworm

You don't say how long you have or when you're going, but definitely put Fort Davis/Davis Mountains State Park/McDonald Observatory on your list. This is a great area--historic fort in Fort Davis, hikes in the state park, all the astronomy stuff at the Observatory. (There are special viewings on the big telescopes at the Observatory but they fill up fast; check that out on their website if you're interested. Even if you don't go to any of the programs, the views from the Observatory area are amazing.) We have camped in the state park--fun! We have camped in a commercial place in Ft. Davis--ok. We just spent an all-too-brief one night in the Indian Lodge hotel/inn inside Davis Mountains State Park--WONDERFUL! But fills up way ahead at many (most?) times of the year. I'd also recommend Balmorhea State Park and Guadalupe Mountains NP as possible additions to your time. We and our 3 teenagers hiked to the top of Guadalupe Peak a few years ago--a hot and long but doable morning trek.

It's a BIG area with LONG spaces between things so plan accordingly (time, water, gas, etc.)

(We just went 5000 miles from Corpus Christi to Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and 3 national parks in Arizona over 15 days and spent our last night in Davis Mountains at the Indian Lodge; upon return to Corpus Christi, when I asked my husband what the best part was, he said Davis Mountains! He loves it there and we will return often.)