Guadulape Mountains & Carlsbad Caverns: A Healthy Travelers Guide

The beauty of exploring national parks lies in the adventure that comes with it. Not only do these protected areas offer a glimpse into the natural world but also provide a chance to challenge oneself by testing physical limitations and taking on new experiences. Last November, I embarked on a remarkable journey by visiting two pretty cool national parks – Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In this article, I’ll share some of my experiences and provide you with some helpful tips on how to make the most of your visit if you ever find yourself on the border of New Mexico and Texas.

Both Parks at a Glance

Located in West Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its breathtaking beauty and diverse landscapes. The park comprises a range of rocky mountains, canyons, and deserts that provide an incredible experience for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, on the other hand, is located in Southeastern New Mexico and is home to one of the most famous natural limestone caves in the world, The Carlsbad Cavern. The cavern is known for its stunning formations and extensive underground chambers. Visiting both of these places on the same day was quite the adventure – climbing thousands of feet to the top of Guadalupe Peak to start the day and plummeting hundreds of feet below the earth to end the day.

Guadalupe National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are separated by a distance of approximately 35 miles. During my visit, I decided to stay in Carlsbad, NM, as it was the only place within driving distance of each park. It’s a small town with not a whole lot going on. You’re kind of in the middle of nowhere in this part of the country. 

What to Pack & the Gear You’ll Need

When visiting these parks, packing the right gear is essential, so I brought some of my favorite hiking essentials with me. For comfortable and durable shoes, I would recommend Timberlands Mt. Maddsen Hiking Boots or The North Face Vectiv trail runners. For a daypack, check out LL Bean’s Bigelow Day Pack – it’s spacious and has multiple compartments for my essentials. I also brought a few Quest Protein bars as it’s an excellent snack to have on hikes. They’re macro-friendly and low-calorie. I also like Core Power Elite Protein Shakes. They’re an easy way to get a quick 42 grams of protein. I usually take a couple anytime I go out on longer hikes.

Hiking GMNP & CCNP

One of the best things about these two national parks is that they offer hiking trails for all skill levels. In Guadalupe, there are plenty of trails, but my favorite is Guadalupe Peak Trail. This trail is a challenging, 8.1-mile hike that offers an incredible view of the park’s rugged mountains and the El Capitan peak. The trail has an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, so be prepared to be climbing for a while. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in the state of Texas. When I was on my up the trail, I was asked if I was a “high-pointer.” I had no idea what that meant. The person who asked explained that it’s common for folks to travel to each state and conquer the highest peak. Some other trails that you should consider are:

• The Devil’s Hall Trail: This is a moderate 3.8-mile round-trip hike. The trail has an elevation gain of about 600 feet, making it a relatively easier trail compared to Guadalupe Peak. The highlight of the hike is the natural rock staircase and the scenic hall formed by steep canyon walls.
• McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin: A round-trip is about 4.8 miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet. This trail is rated as moderate. It is known for its abundance of flora and fauna, especially during the autumn season when the Bigtooth Maples turn a fiery red.
• Smith Spring & Manzanita Spring Loop: This is an easy 2.5-mile round-trip trail with an elevation gain of 220 feet. The trail features a beautiful oasis with a spring-fed pool in the middle of the desert.
• The Bowl Trail: This trail is a strenuous 9.1-mile loop with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet, leading hikers to a forested canyon rim called ‘The Bowl’. This trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• El Capitan Peak Trail: This is a challenging 9.1-mile round-trip trail that offers an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet. Though not as high as Guadalupe Peak, the distinctive El Capitan is a landmark feature of the park and a favorite among experienced hikers. Be prepared for a steep, rocky trek.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a very different experience than Guadalupe. There are hiking trails outside and above the caverns, but the main attraction of this park is underground. There are more than 119 known caves in the park, but the main one is Carlsbad Cavern itself. The cave is over 4,000 feet long and 750 feet deep. You can explore it on your own or take a tour with a ranger. It’s truly an awe-inspiring experience to walk through the cave and see all the unique formations like the stalactites and stalagmites. The Big Room is where you’ll see most of these stunning sights. 

Carlsbad, NM

Carlsbad, NM, is a small little town about 20 miles from Carlsbad Caverns and about 55 miles from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. There are a few restaurants and shops here. Some of my favorite food spots were Danny’s Place which is a pretty solid barbecue joint, and El Jimador, an awesome Tex-Mex place. If you’re looking for a beer in Carlsbad, check out Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company or Milton’s Brewing Company. 

In terms of finding a gym, the town has a few small private studios, including American Muscle and Anytime Fitness. I remember American Muscle have some weird weekend hours like 8 am-12 pm on Saturday and they were closed on Sunday. So if either gym doesn’t work out for you, if you’ve got a solid set of resistance bands, those might get some use. If you’re looking for a solid set, VEICK has an inexpensive, yet super durable one. Whenever I’m on the road I have these on hand.

Guadalupe National Park’s mountainous terrain, Carlsbad Caverns’ captivating underground formations, and the quaint little town of Carlsbad, NM, with its hearty eateries and breweries, together present an unforgettable experience. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information about these two national parks and inspired you to plan your adventure. Don’t forget to follow me on social media @wandering.weights for more adventures and recommendations. Happy traveling and stay fit!