8-Day Spring Break National Parks Road Trip!

Our Southwest spring break national parks road trip is the ultimate way to explore the diverse landscapes and unforgettable adventures of the American Southwest. In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re guiding you through five must-visit parks: Saguaro, Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands.

From towering cacti and deep desert canyons to underground caves and rolling white dunes, this road trip has it all. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenic drives, epic hiking trails, or stunning geological wonders, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we break down the best stops, activities, and tips for the ultimate Southwest road trip!

Podcast Episode Overview

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re mapping out the ultimate Spring Break road trip!

Get ready for a journey through five of the most stunning national parks in the West—all packed into one eight-day adventure. This road trip is filled with amazing sights to see and things to do. Join us as we share how to make it happen this spring break!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Where to kick off your road trip for maximum adventure
The must-see highlights of Saguaro National Park
Perfect pit stops to make the drive even more memorable
What makes Big Bend National Park a can’t-miss destination
An almost endless list of activities to enjoy on this trip
What to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The location of our favorite cave in the world (it’s a must-visit!)
How to make the most of your time at White Sands National Park

We hope you get the chance to take this road trip this spring! It will take you through five national parks in just eight days and is the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather.

Don’t forget your homework for today! Tell us, which one of these five national parks is your favorite? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Day 1 – Arrive in Tucson & Sunset at Saguaro National Park

After arriving in Tucson, Arizona, pick up your rental car and head straight for Saguaro National Park to experience the towering cacti that define the Sonoran Desert. This is one of the best places to start your U.S. national parks road trip. The park is divided into two districts—Saguaro West and Saguaro East—separated by the city itself.

Sunset at Saguaro West is a great place to start the adventure, with golden light casting long shadows across the desert landscape. The towering saguaros, silhouetted against the colorful sky, make for the perfect introduction to the region. Spend your first night in Tucson before heading out on the road in the morning.

Day 2 – Saguaro East & Old West Legends in Tombstone

Get an early start and catch the sunrise in Saguaro East, where the scenic drive winds through stunning cactus forests framed by distant mountains. This is a great option for anyone looking for an easy hike or a short drive with spectacular views.

Next, make your way to Tombstone, Arizona, a small town steeped in Wild West history. Walk the dusty streets once roamed by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, watch the famous gunfight reenactment at the O.K. Corral, and grab lunch at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. With its old Western movie aesthetic and historical reenactments, Tombstone is a must-visit on your way to Las Cruces or El Paso for the night.

Day 3 – A Long Drive to Big Bend National Park

Start the day with a long drive—about six hours—from Las Cruces or El Paso to Big Bend National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most remote areas in Texas, with spectacular views of the Rio Grande. Along the way, stop by Marfa, known for its art scene and mysterious lights.

Big Bend is one of the best national parks in the Southwest for those who love strenuous hikes and dramatic canyon walls. Arriving in the late afternoon, settle in and take a short hike near your lodging. The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is one of the best places to watch the sun dip below the canyon walls, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

Day 4 – Exploring Big Bend’s Desert, Mountains, and River

With a full day in Big Bend on your spring break national parks road trip, take advantage of the diverse landscapes the park has to offer. Hike Santa Elena Canyon, where towering rock formations rise above the river. Explore the Chisos Mountains, where cooler temperatures and lush forests provide a refreshing contrast to the desert below.

If you have extra time, consider crossing into Mexico at the Boquillas border crossing for an authentic meal before heading back for another spectacular sunset.

Day 5 – Morning in Big Bend & Drive to Guadalupe Mountains

After one last morning exploring Big Bend, it’s time to embark on a five-hour drive to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to Texas’ tallest peak.

Once at Guadalupe Mountains, take a late afternoon hike on the Devil’s Hall Trail, where towering canyon walls and unique rock formations make for an unforgettable trek. If you’re up for a strenuous hike, Guadalupe Peak offers some of the best views in the region. Spend the night in Carlsbad or near the park for an early morning visit to the caverns.

Day 6 – Underground Wonders at Carlsbad Caverns

Wake up early and drive a short distance to Carlsbad Caverns, one of the best places in the U.S. for cave exploration. The massive Big Room, filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, feels otherworldly. If you have extra time, take a ranger-led tour to explore deeper into the cave system. After a full day underground, relax in Carlsbad before heading to White Sands the next morning.

Day 7 – White Sands National Park & Sunset on the Dunes

Depart Carlsbad early for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to White Sands National Park, one of the most unique landscapes in North America. The rolling gypsum dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, glowing white under the desert sun. Go sand sledding, take a scenic drive, or embark on a short hike to truly immerse yourself in this surreal landscape!

Be sure to stay for sunset—it’s one of the best times to visit White Sands, as the sky turns soft hues of pink and purple.

Day 8 – A Final Morning in White Sands & Return to Tucson

Spend the next morning exploring White Sands before making the five-hour drive back to Tucson. If you have some extra time, consider detouring to Chiricahua National Monument, Bisbee, or Kartchner Caverns. Arrive in Tucson in time for your flight home, wrapping up an unforgettable national park road trip.

Wrapping Up Your Ultimate Southwest Road Trip

This Southwest spring break national parks road trip covers over 1,500 miles and five of the best places to visit in the USA, from Big Bend and White Sands to Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns, and Saguaro National Park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced adventurer, this trip offers spectacular views, incredible hiking trails, and unforgettable moments.

This adventure through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona is the ultimate way to experience the American Southwest! Let us know which park you’re most excited to see on your journey!

Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

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