Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands: Planning the Perfect Road Trip in 2024
PLANNING A TRIP FROM CARLSBAD CAVERNS TO WHITE SANDS?
We can help! We made the drive from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands on our journey through New Mexico and had a great time. We’ll share our insights into all the different ways to enjoy this trip. We will fill you in on everything you need to know about the different route options, as well as recommend some of our favorite Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands highlights.
Transportation Between Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands
Car
White Sands National Park to Carlsbad Caverns (and vice versa) is a 189-mile journey via US 82 or 234 miles via US-54. Whichever route you decide to take, we recommend renting a car for this 3-and-a-half-hour road trip. There are several rental car companies in Carlsbad, NM, so securing a vehicle for your road trip shouldn’t be a problem.
RV
If you’re planning to take your time making your way from White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns, RV traveling could make all the difference for your trip. RVs can be a very comfortable place to stay while exploring on the open road. And believe it or not, it can be a more affordable means of travel.
If you think an RV might be the best fit for your family, but you’ve never booked one before, don’t worry! RVs can be rented through a variety of companies and platforms, kind of like Airbnb for RVs.
Outdoorsy is our preferred platform. It has over 40,000 vehicles listed. RVShare is also a peer-to-peer RV rental site. Both of these sites allow users to browse the details (like the overall size, features, and price) of each RV, so you can make sure you find the vehicle that best suits your needs.
We love the convenience of having our food and beds with us when we travel in our RV!
Bus
Greyhound has a route that transports passengers from Carlsbad, NM, to Alamogordo, NM. This bus from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands, NM, requires passengers to transfer buses once and clocks a travel time of nearly 7 hours.
Once travelers reach the Alamogordo Bus Station, they would need to hire a car to drive them the 19 miles to White Sands National Park. Bus tickets for this route can range from $76 – $108.
Picking a Route Between White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns
When planning a drive from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands, there are two routes you can take. Both journeys account for about 3 hours and 30 minutes of road time. That said, the overall mile count and the road experiences are significantly different, depending on what path you choose.
Driving Through Artesia and Carlsbad
If you take the US-82, the distance is 189 miles. This road is very scenic. It leads you through Carlsbad, Artesia, Lincoln National Forest, and Cloudcroft. It’s such a pretty drive. This is the route we chose when making this drive and loved all of the mountain roads.
The important thing to note about this route is that the path includes a mountainous stretch. This beautiful pass brings about an elevation gain of approximately 4,000+ feet in about 16 miles.
This may not be of much concern depending on your vehicle and level of mountain driving experience. It’s definitely something to be aware of when determining which road trip to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands route is right for you.
The timing of your visit will also determine whether or not this mountainous route could affect your travel, as it’s typically more of an issue in snowy winters versus sunny summers.
We took this route on our trip from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands National Park. We drove in a large toy hauler at a total length of 57 feet, and we didn’t think it was too bad. That said, keep in mind that It is a winding road with some switchbacks, so it’s not the easiest drive.
Driving Through Fort Bliss and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
If you’d rather bypass the mountain route, you can also get from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands on US-54. One of our favorite highlights on this route is the stretch from Carlsbad Caverns to Guadalupe National Park.
This road eventually leads travelers almost all the way to El Paso, Texas, which allows you to avoid the mountains. Then you’ll reach Fort Bliss before finally arriving in White Sands. This route is 234 miles but has the same drive time as the shorter route because it’s freeway driving.
Albuquerque to White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns
If you’re starting your road trip in northern New Mexico, a route through Albuquerque to White Sands and then on to Carlsbad Caverns would make for an epic trip.
This I-25 S route is just shy of 450 miles and is nearly a 7-hour drive. The first leg of the trip from Albuquerque to White Sands is almost exactly half of the trip, with a drive time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. So, it’s a reasonable drive.
Once you’re ready to move on from White Sands, you can continue on to Carlsbad Caverns on I-25, or you can take a different route. The distance from White Sands Missile Range to Carlsbad Caverns is 250 miles via US-180 E and US-62 E. This alternative route would also take you from Las Cruces to Carlsbad Caverns on the final stretch.
Things to Do in White Sands National Park
Scenic Drive
There are so many fun things to do in White Sands National Park, the world’s largest gypsum dune field. We really enjoyed the scenic drive through this park. It’s a great way to get a feel of the size of the park and to check out the different dunes.
Your kids might notice that the sand dunes get bigger the farther you go into the park, with the biggest dunes being at the back towards the loop section of the drive.
Sledding
We love sand sledding, and there’s no better place to do it than at White Sands National Monument, especially the Alkali Flat Trail! This area is one of the best places because it has the largest dunes to sled down. You can purchase sleds at the visitors center, but many area hotels offer them complimentary to their guests. So be sure to check with your hotel.
Tours and Ranger-Guided Hikes
If you want to explore the park with an expert, take one of the guided tours or hikes. The Full Moon Tour is one of the best tours. It’s held once a month (April-December only), the day before the full moon.
It’s a short walk, but such a memorable, good time to hike beneath the moon and stars.
Where to Stay Near White Sands National Park
Hollomon Lake – Camping
White Sands visitors have to drive a distance outside the park to find hotel accommodations. That said, if you want to stay close to the park, camping is your best option.
There are portions of the park that allow backcountry camping as well as boondock locations just down the road.
We love boondocking at Holloman Lake. It’s so close to the park. You can fit any RV here. The sand is hard-packed, so it can be easily driven through in most vehicles. Keep in mind that the entry gate is tight here, so use caution.
If you don’t end up camping at this location, some of our other favorite camping spots near White Sands National Park include Hollomon AFB FamCamp, White Sands RV Park, Alamogordo White Sands KOA, Boothill RV Resort, and Edgington RV Park.
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30-Day Free TrialWhite Sands Motel – Budget
White Sands Motel is a comfortable but basic motel 15 minutes from White Sands National Park. The staying rooms are clean but simple, nothing over the top. Depending on the size of your party, you can choose from a standard room, a standard double room, or a suite that is suited for up to 6 guests.
Each room is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator and features either a garden or mountain range view. There is free wifi throughout the motel area and a continental breakfast each morning.
This property does not have a swimming pool, which may dissuade family travelers. On the flip side, they do offer complimentary sleds for extra fun when visiting White Sands down the road. The sleds must be returned after using them.
➡️ Check Rates & Book: White Sands Motel
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamogordo Hwy 54/70 – Mid-Range
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamogordo Hwy 54/70 is a clean and convenient place to stay when looking for a hotel near White Sands National Park. Only 17 minutes away from the park, your kids will love going from sledding down the gypsum dunes to splashing in the pool and relaxing in the hot tub.
Standard rooms feature either king or queen-size beds. Suites consist of a king or queen-sized bed and sofa bed. All rooms include a microwave and refrigerator as well as a flat-screen TV and coffee maker.
Unfortunately, this hotel does not have a convenience store for snacks or last-minute needs, but they do have vending machines. They also have an impressive fitness center and laundry facilities.
You’re sure to have a great time when staying at this place. The property is clean and comfortable, the staff is friendly, and you have everything you need within reach.
▶️ Check Rates & Book: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Alamogordo Hwy 54/70
Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns is a true highlight of New Mexico. The grounds are beautiful, with flowering cacti and winding canyons. But underground, it’s a whole other world. Check out all the amazing things to do in Carlsbad Caverns!
Explore The Cavern
The best way to explore the cavern is through the Natural Entrance, which is the extremely steep staircase down to The Big Room. The descent down the Natural Entrance is 1.25 miles and takes about an hour. Comparable to a strenuous hike, this isn’t recommended for visitors with heart or respiratory issues.
Once you reach The Big Room, you can enjoy the wonders of the caverns, complete with spires reaching down toward you from the ceiling.
Ranger Guided Tours
A ranger-guided cave tour is one of the most fun experiences at Carlsbad Caverns. The park offers many guided cave tours into areas like Kings Palace, Queen’s Palace, Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave, and Hall of the White Giant.
They also have a fun Bat Flight Program during the summer and early fall. This is an evening program where the ranger educates participants about the bats that live in the cavern and then leads the group to the best vantage point to watch them fly out for the evening.
Where to Stay Near Carlsbad Caverns
Backcountry Camping
The only camping option at Carlsbad Caverns is backcountry camping. This is considered primitive camping and is only allowed in specific backcountry camping trail areas of the park. A permit is required to spend the night in the park. You can pick up the free permit at the visitor center.
If you’re ok not staying inside the park, you can also pitch your tent or set up your RV in the Bureau of Land Management land that surrounds the park.
White’s City Cavern Inn – Budget
White’s City Cavern Inn is a nice place to stay while visiting Whites City and the surrounding area. This Carlsbad Caverns hotel is comfortable, but it isn’t anything to write home about. This Inn survives because it’s the most convenient place to stay when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Located just outside the park, this is the place to stay if you don’t want to drive 15-20 minutes into the city. The budget price is also a great plus to this property.
The rooms here are pretty standard, equipped with king or queen-size beds, a microwave, refrigerator, and flat-screen TV. If you’re traveling with little ones and in need of a crib or toddler bed, you’re out of luck at this location. They do not offer rollaway beds either.
You can fuel up in the morning before you begin your park adventure with a continental breakfast or something else at the inn’s restaurant, Cactus Cafe.
Your family’s favorite part of this hotel is likely to be the fun outdoor pool and water park. It’s amazing! Keep in mind since the pool is outdoors, it is seasonal. This means it may or may not be open, depending on the timing of your visit. When we visited in early March, the pool and surrounding water areas were closed.
We also love the picnic areas here, complete with a barbecue grill for guests who would like to cook during their visit. It really is a fun place to stay while exploring New Mexico!
▶️ Check Rates & Book: White’s City Cavern Inn
Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area – Mid-Range
Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area is a great place for families to stay when visiting Carlsbad Caverns. One of the best things about this hotel is that it offers free RV parking for those traveling in larger recreational vehicles.
Both standard rooms and suites are available at this hotel. Rooms include typical features like free wifi and cable channels, as well as a microwave and refrigerator for guest convenience. This location does have rollaway beds on hand that can be requested for an extra fee.
The 24-hour fitness center and outdoor areas are great spaces to hang out and enjoy the property. There are picnic tables near the outdoor pool as well as a garden and terrace to enjoy the space.
▶️ Check Rates & Book: Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
Visiting Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands in One Day
It’s possible to visit Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands in one day, but your itinerary will be full! We recommend being at Carlsbad Caverns when it opens at 8 am. Then spend a couple of hours taking in the sights of the Natural Entrance and The Big Room.
After checking out the highlights at Carlsbad Caverns, you can jump in the car and head toward White Sands. After the 3 hours and 30 minutes of driving, you will be able to spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening sledding down gypsum dunes, driving through the park, or taking a park ranger-guided tour.
Added Stop: Carlsbad Caverns to Guadalupe National Park
If you want to add even more adventure to your busy day, consider stopping by Guadalupe National Park. This park is only 35 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns, so it could be your first stop on your way to White Sands.
Guadalupe National Park is known to be a very underrated national park, so you shouldn’t have to worry about crowds cramping your style here. Guadalupe Peak is an amazing highlight of this park, but the hike typically takes 6-8 hours. We all know you won’t have that much time to spare during this jam-packed day.
Instead, we recommend taking the scenic drive to the Guadalupe Peak Viewpoint. This vantage point provides an incredible view of the highest point, the top of Guadalupe Peak. We also recommend the El Capitan Viewpoint as you make a quick journey through Guadalupe National Park.
FAQ: Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands
How Far Is Carlsbad Caverns From Albuquerque?
Carlsbad Caverns is around 300 miles from Albuquerque. There are different routes to take between the two spots, so depending on which road you take, your trip could take 4 hours and 47 minutes or up to 5 hours and 28 minutes.
How Close Are Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands?
Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands are roughly a 3-hour and 30-minute drive apart. Depending on which route you take, you could travel 189 miles or 234 miles.
The amount of time you spend walking through Carlsbad Caverns will depend on your personal preferences. Most people take somewhere between 2-4 hours to explore the full national park.
That said, a condensed version of the Natural Entrance Trail and The Big Room could be done within 2 hours.
How Long Does it Take to Explore White Sands?
How much time you spend at White Sands will depend on the level of interest you have in the park and its associated activities. We recommend the better part of a day to explore this park.
Is One Day Enough for Carlsbad Caverns?
Yes, one day is enough time to explore the best of what Carlsbad Caverns has to offer. Most visitors spend somewhere between 2 to 4 hours in the park.
Conclusion: Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands
The United States is full of hidden treasures like those you will come across on your journey from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands. We’re so glad you’re on the road to adventure and hope you enjoy both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park!
