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  • Writer's pictureMick McMurray

5 Southern Border National Parks Road Trip

Updated: Jul 15

Saguaro National Park, Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Parks, Guadalupe Mts National Parks, and White Sands National Parks


This was a 14-day, 2,000-mile road trip along the southern border of the US from San Diego CA to Big Bend National Park in TX. You can adjust this itinerary as to starting point or length of stay in the park to suit time or family.




The Rio Grande river with red cliffs, and a cloudy blue sky
Big Bend National Park

5 Southern Border National Parks Road Trips

Saguaro National Park, Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns National Parks, Guadalupe Mts National Parks, and White Sands National Parks



Saguaro, cactus at sunrise
Saguaro National Park

2 Days in Saguaro National Park

Visiting Saguaro National Park is a unique and captivating experience that immerses you in the beauty and mystery of the Sonoran Desert. The park's most iconic feature is its towering saguaro cacti, which can reach heights of up to 40 feet and live for over 200 years.




Cliffs with dramatic clouds
Big Bend National Park

4 Days in Big Bend National Park

Visiting Big Bend National Park for four days offered us ample time to explore this vast and beautiful area. We got to hike some of the park's most iconic trails, including the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, and Boquillas Canyon Trail which offered breathtaking views and challenging terrain.



El Capitán formation with yucca and boulders in the foreground
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

2 Days Exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park

We hiked the Smith Spring Trail and McKittrick Canyon to the Pratt Cabin







The entrance to the cavern with the switch back path descending
Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a truly mesmerizing experience. The park is home to one of the world's largest cave systems, with over 119 caves to explore. The most popular attraction is the Carlsbad Cavern, which features massive chambers and stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and columns



Sculpted, sad with mountains and cloudy sky at sunset
White Sands National Park

2 Days in White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is a unique and beautiful destination in southern New Mexico. The park features miles of striking white gypsum sand dunes that are unlike anything else in the world.




Saguaro cactus on a hillside with a cloudy blue sky
Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon, The Local Jewel in Tucson

When we were in Tucson on our way east some locals told us about a hike called Sabino Canyon. I found it after some research. It is called Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.











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