Driving from Las Cruces to San Antonio: A Stop at Carlsbad Caverns
If there’s one thing I love about road-tripping, it’s making pit stops in some incredible places. I left Las Cruces early Saturday morning to head to my next stop, San Antonio. But first let’s check another National Park off the list, Carlsbad Caverns! Throughout 2020, the caverns were highly regulated because of COVID and were even shut down for a period of time before opening up with limited tickets sales each day. Keep an eye on the National Park’s website for updates on the park and any new policies that have been put into place.
Important tip: You need a timed ticket to enter the caverns. Before heading down, there’s a short intro session with a park ranger covering safety and what to expect. Trust me, if you're feeling a little nervous about going into a massive underground cave, this talk helps ease your mind. It’s not nearly as scary as it sounds—no, you’re not going to get trapped in darkness forever. The paths are well-lit, there are railings, and the experience is completely worth it.
Exploring the Depths of Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns is one of those parks that focuses on one truly spectacular feature—the caves. Unlike parks like Yosemite, where there's an overwhelming number of things to do, Carlsbad Caverns is all about going underground and immersing yourself in an alien-like world of stalactites, stalagmites, and otherworldly rock formations.
A little history: It has a fascinating history, dating back millions of years when it was once a reef in an ancient sea. Over time, water carved out the extensive cave system, leaving behind the stunning formations we see today. The caves were rediscovered in the early 1900s and today, the park sees around 440,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular cave systems in the United States.
Once inside, I spent two and half hours wandering through the caverns, absolutely mesmerized. The size of these underground chambers is mind-blowing. At times, it felt like I had stepped into a sci-fi movie set, with formations that looked too intricate and bizarre to be real. If you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic, don’t be—most areas are incredibly spacious, and the main cavern, the Big Room, is huge. I mean, it’s literally the size of six football fields!
The scale of Carlsbad Caverns is truly hard to grasp until you’re inside. While the Big Room alone is the largest single cave chamber in North America, it’s even bigger than it sounds—roughly the size of six football fields or large enough to fit the U.S. Capitol building! Walking through its vast spaces feels like stepping into another world, with cathedral-sized chambers, towering rock formations, and eerie silence that makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere entirely surreal.
Onward to San Antonio (and Just Missing the Great Texas Freeze)
After emerging from my underground adventure, I hit the road again, heading toward San Antonio. I knew the Great Texas Freeze was happening, but I had no idea just how intense it was until I arrived in Texas. Called the “Great Texas Freeze” Texas was covered in ice and snow. By sheer luck, I had dodged the worst of it, arriving in Texas just as things were starting to thaw out. (Seriously, can you imagine getting stranded on a road trip because of a freak winter storm in the South? No thank you.)
Still Unsure?
If you’re road-tripping through New Mexico and Texas, Carlsbad Caverns is a must-see. The experience of walking through an underground wonderland is unforgettable, and I promise—it’s way less intimidating than you might think. Just grab your timed ticket, take a deep breath, and prepare to be amazed.
Next stop: San Antonio, Texas! Stay tuned for more adventures. 🚗✨
