How to plan an epic road trip from El Paso, Texas

There are many extraordinary US road trips, but one of the most notable is traversing the breathtaking Southwest. Bordering Mexico and the state of New Mexico, the sun-drenched Texan city of El Paso is the ideal gateway to the sights, culture and flavours of this diverse region. Since the 16th century, El Paso has evolved from a Spanish settlement to a frontier town to a thriving border city. It now reflects a rich fusion of Spanish, Mexican and American influences, which include centuries-old missions, lively mariachi music and artisanal cowboy bootmakers. Sitting alongside the Rio Grande, El Paso’s proximity to several state and national parks makes the city a great base for an adventure-packed week-long road trip.

Day 1: Franklin Mountains State Park and El Paso

Start the day with a scenic drive up Transmountain Road and watch the sun rise over El Paso, casting a creamy orange hue across the sky. Then, follow the road to the nearby Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban state park in the continental US. Trek up the 1.2-mile-long Aztec Cave Trail for sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and desert. Along the way, keep an eye out for a peregrine falcon or a red-tailed hawk soaring above. Spend the afternoon exploring the city of El Paso, where the streets are lined with shops selling everything from hand-crafted homewares to custom-made cowboy boots. Art-lovers will enjoy the free El Paso Museum of Art, as well as the more than 100 vibrant murals painted on walls throughout the city. Stop by the Magoffin Home State Historic Site for a unique education on the area’s rich history, before finishing the day off with a sunset cocktail at La Perla, a glamorous bar on the rooftop of the historic Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park.

Day 2: Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Just a 45-minute drive northeast of El Paso, the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site is a geological marvel. Its dramatic rock formations are the result of magma flowing into limestone millions of years ago. The park’s huecos (hollows) — natural rock basins that hold rainwater — helped sustain people travelling through the Chihuahuan Desert, as well as animals and migrating birds. Today, the rugged landscape attracts boulderers and rock climbers from all over the world. Book a guided tour to learn about the history and stories behind the pictographs, petroglyphs and artefacts left behind by the area’s early residents, the Jornada Mogollon. These ranger-led tours include access to the park’s restricted areas: West Mountain, East Mountain and East Spur.

Day 3: White Sands National Park

Another easy day trip, White Sands National Park sits roughly 95 miles northeast of El Paso. Home to the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes, this otherworldly area seems lifted from a scene in a sci-fi movie, with pristine fields of snowy-white sand. Like snow, the soft, fine sand is perfect for sledding — rent or purchase a ‘snow saucer’ at the park’s gift shop and head to the parking area by the Alkali Flat trailhead, which has some of the tallest dunes at the park. Visitors can also drive along the eight-mile Dunes Drive scenic route to the middle of a dune field. Moonlit hikes are held on select nights from March to November, while from May to October, the park hosts ‘Full Moon Nights’, with live music and talks from special guests. Return to El Paso for an overnight stay at boutique hotel Stanton House, which is full of unique art pieces, or Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown, which was once a 1960s-era motor inn.

Day 4: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Around a two-and-a-half-hour drive east of El Paso, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Site in the US. Tucked in the Guadalupe Mountains, beneath the Chihuahuan Desert, around 119 caves can be found within Carlsbad Caverns, with the largest cave chamber — at the park and in North America — being the Big Room. Descend the 1.25-mile Natural Entrance Trail on a self-guided tour to the Big Room, and glimpse a 62ft-tall stalagmite, a 700ft-deep pit and a grand ‘chandelier’ (a formation of stalactites) along the way. Ranger-guided tours take visitors deeper into the caves to see additional chambers and more intricate cave formations. Those visiting between late May and October can often witness thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats flying out of the caves to hunt for food in the evening. Stay in the city of Carlsbad, just northeast of the park, which has several hotels and campgrounds.

Day 5: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Less than an hour’s drive from Carlsbad, the majestic Guadalupe Mountains span southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park has more than 80 miles of trails that will appeal to both beginner hikers in search of picturesque nature walks and advanced trekkers looking for challenging all-day hikes. One of the most popular routes, although not an easy one, is Devil’s Hall, a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a natural rock staircase and a ‘hallway’ flanked by impressive canyon walls and large boulders. It’s an even more arduous hike to reach the ‘Top of Texas’, Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in the state — but the unparalleled views make the winding climb worth it. Those visiting in the autumn months might want to opt for a trek through the McKittrick Canyon, when the maple, oak and walnut trees turn vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow. Choose from one of the three year-round campgrounds at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, or stay in Van Horn, Texas, about an hour’s drive south.

Day 6-7: Big Bend National Park

A trip to Texas isn’t complete without a visit to Big Bend National Park, just over a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Van Horn. The largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, with activities ranging from horseback riding to hiking, and from paddling along the Rio Grande River to mountain biking on backcountry dirt roads. After an activity-filled day, relax with a soak in the healing waters of the 40C geothermal hot springs. To experience the main highlight of Big Bend, camp overnight at one of the park’s four campgrounds — when the sun sets, the inky black skies provide the perfect canvas for millions of shining stars. After making the most of everything Big Bend has to offer, begin your journey back to El Paso.