11 days in Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Park & Alamogordo Itinerary

Big Bend National Park is known for nature, trails, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in breathtaking views at Santa Elena Canyon, trek along The Window Trail, contemplate the long history of Hot Springs Historic District, and stroll through Lost Mine Trail.

To find where to stay, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Big Bend National Park vacation planner.

Newark to Big Bend National Park is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. Traveling from Newark to Big Bend National Park, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Newark in April, plan for warmer days in Big Bend National Park, with highs around 87°F, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 59°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for nature, wildlife, and scenic drive. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get outside with Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour, take in the dramatic natural features at Hall of The White Giant, explore the fascinating underground world of King's Palace, and explore the activities along Green Lake.

To see more things to do, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read our Carlsbad Caverns National Park trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Big Bend National Park to Carlsbad Caverns National Park takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Big Bend National Park to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Traveling from Big Bend National Park in April, things will get little chillier in Carlsbad Caverns National Park: highs are around 80°F and lows about 48°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) so you can go by car to Alamogordo.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Sun): do a tasting at McGinn's PistachioLand, then see the interesting displays at New Mexico Museum of Space History, then get curious at International Space Hall of Fame, and finally do a tasting at Heart of the Desert. Keep things going the next day: take in the dramatic natural features at White Sands National Monument, learn about all things military at White Sands Missle Range Museum, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Joseph Apache Mission Church.

For other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Alamogordo itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Carlsbad Caverns National Park to Alamogordo takes 4.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 76°F in April, and nighttime lows around 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.