When visiting this place, take into account weather conditions for that day. I would suggest hiking shoes that are waterproof and with good soles, laced properly. Long pants and comfortable fitting as well as shirt, long sleeve. Maybe small backpack with extra water, snacks, etc. Consult website for other suggestions. This is a really neat place and experience. Check lodging prices in Carlsbad and Roswell depending on your schedule. Lodging in Roswell may be a bit less expensive but would require a drive of about 2hrs. I say again, approximately 2hrs. Have fun!

Great experience for the whole family. It's amazing how caves can go down as far as a mile and a half. It's wonderful to see the stalagmites and stalactites. We didn't get to see the amount of bats that we would have liked to but they were hibernating.

Jewel Cave National Monument was impressive but Carlsbad Caverns National Park was even more impressive. Big difference is you can walk all the way down at Carlsbad, like 750 feet down and it takes about 60-90 mins to trek down and the path down feels like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth novel! You can climb back by walk or using the elevator like we did. We saw amazing rock formation and at the end there is the Bottomless Pit. We did the Big Room tour and takes about an hour. It is just fantastic and a bit intimidating. Save yourself trouble and buy entry tickets on-line, just a 1$/per (plus general entrance fees) b/c it is qui busy and walk-in tickets were not avail when we got there. We saw folks turned back and access to the Caverns end at 2:30pm. Our boys truly enjoyed it and got their junior ranger badge.

Surprisingly awe inspiring. I’ve been to a number of caves and wasn’t expecting the immensity of just how big this Cavern was. Definitely a must stop.

Just an amazing experience. For sure do the walk through the natural entrance. We went in November and fewer people so was really nice. You must be there before 3 PM if you want to go down in the caverns. Last trip down is at 3:15. Park will close at 5. Enjoy

We all had a wonderful time. 4 young adults and us. Be ready to walk in moist areas at an angle, and a longer distance than anticipated. Js Beautifully Amazing & Worth the adventure.

Visited a few National Parks and can tell you: this is one of the best. The amount of work the Park Service put into allowing public access to these wonders - is the wonder in its own right. Logistics: you can stay @ Carlsbad, if you need extra cushy comfort OR you can park @ the Whites City, White's City Cavern Inn. Do advanced reservation: saves you the spot, as this particular date might be packed. Dress lightly: leave bulky stuff in the car. Pick the right "neighbors" : some might ruin your experience. No flash, no loud talk: whisper your excitements into your friend's ear. Worth every mile of your trip!

When visiting this place, take into account weather conditions for that day. I would suggest hiking shoes that are waterproof and with good soles, laced properly. Long pants and comfortable fitting as well as shirt, long sleeve. Maybe small backpack with extra water, snacks, etc. Consult website for other suggestions. This is a really neat place and experience. Check lodging prices in Carlsbad and Roswell depending on your schedule. Lodging in Roswell may be a bit less expensive but would require a drive of about 2hrs. I say again, approximately 2hrs. Have fun!

Great experience for the whole family. It's amazing how caves can go down as far as a mile and a half. It's wonderful to see the stalagmites and stalactites. We didn't get to see the amount of bats that we would have liked to but they were hibernating.

Jewel Cave National Monument was impressive but Carlsbad Caverns National Park was even more impressive. Big difference is you can walk all the way down at Carlsbad, like 750 feet down and it takes about 60-90 mins to trek down and the path down feels like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth novel! You can climb back by walk or using the elevator like we did. We saw amazing rock formation and at the end there is the Bottomless Pit. We did the Big Room tour and takes about an hour. It is just fantastic and a bit intimidating. Save yourself trouble and buy entry tickets on-line, just a 1$/per (plus general entrance fees) b/c it is qui busy and walk-in tickets were not avail when we got there. We saw folks turned back and access to the Caverns end at 2:30pm. Our boys truly enjoyed it and got their junior ranger badge.

Surprisingly awe inspiring. I’ve been to a number of caves and wasn’t expecting the immensity of just how big this Cavern was. Definitely a must stop.

Just an amazing experience. For sure do the walk through the natural entrance. We went in November and fewer people so was really nice. You must be there before 3 PM if you want to go down in the caverns. Last trip down is at 3:15. Park will close at 5. Enjoy

We all had a wonderful time. 4 young adults and us. Be ready to walk in moist areas at an angle, and a longer distance than anticipated. Js Beautifully Amazing & Worth the adventure.

Visited a few National Parks and can tell you: this is one of the best. The amount of work the Park Service put into allowing public access to these wonders - is the wonder in its own right. Logistics: you can stay @ Carlsbad, if you need extra cushy comfort OR you can park @ the Whites City, White's City Cavern Inn. Do advanced reservation: saves you the spot, as this particular date might be packed. Dress lightly: leave bulky stuff in the car. Pick the right "neighbors" : some might ruin your experience. No flash, no loud talk: whisper your excitements into your friend's ear. Worth every mile of your trip!

Fun zoo with paths to guide you through, so you don't miss anything. Able to see creatures up close. Beautiful gardens and pond. Nice visitor center with lots of information about local flora and fauna. Also, it is very close to Ocotillo trail for walking or hiking.

We arrived at the Living Desert Zoo around noon. The temperature was 95-100, so we had sunscreen and water. We wore short sleeves, shorts/capris, hats, and hiking boots/shoes. There are paved roads, so as long as you're comfortable, you should be okay. Once inside, we were greeted and paid $10 for an adult and $5 for a child. The gentleman was polite and extremely helpful. He gave us a map, explained the trail, and a shortcut in case the heat became unbearable. We took our time and enjoyed every bit of it. The main building has restrooms, a touch table for the kids to explore, and other educational exhibits. Outside are some restrooms. We used the highly recommended ones next to the reptile exhibits. The women’s facility was easily accessible and clean. There's a picnic area, so once we were done, we retrieved our food from the car and enjoyed a relaxing outdoor picnic. Before leaving, we got a few things from the gift store. If you're an active duty service member or a retiree, you can receive a veteran 10% discount. Overall, this is a nice place to enjoy nature and the animals of the desert. It was not crowded and a great break away from busy attractions. We spent about three hours there since we were not in a rush. We loved it and were happy we got in the car before a thunderstorm hit.

Our family loves this local zoo! We've been a few times in different seasons & it's always a fun, active mini adventure to take with the kids. The gift shop has some pretty cool stuff too!

Visited the Living Desert State Park in New Mexico, and while it’s still a very nice place to spend a couple of hours, there are a few things to know ahead of time. First off, the new visitor center is absolutely amazing—beautifully updated, interactive, and packed with good info. Honestly, it's a highlight all on its own. It has a great gift shop too, where you can even buy local plants. It does have a little something for everybody. That said, the rest of the park is showing its age a bit. Some areas are looking a little run down, and there weren’t as many animals as I remember from past visits. A few enclosures were empty or looked like they were in the process of being fixed up. The Cactarium was especially sad. Still, there's a lot to see and do, especially if you're into desert plants and beautiful views. The walking paths are peaceful and scenic, and it’s a nice way to get a feel for the local landscape. Definitely worth a visit—just go in with the right expectations. It is still a very good deal for $10.

My husband and I loved strolling thru the grounds. Saw some great animals. They are slowly working on improving the site. Nice area for a picnic

This is an absolute hidden Gem in Carlsbad. It's a nice stroll through some natural desert habitat and a number of critters. The small museum is a nice little touch too.

We had a wonderful time here. Enjoyed the walk around the grounds and learning about native plants and animals. We were sad that the cat enclosures were empty, but did enjoy seeing the other animals like the Mexican Wolves, Pronghorn, and Elk. In addition to the usual fare, the gift shop also had plants available for purchase.

Very helpful person at the entrance gate Sites are nicely spaced and fairly level. It's a very pleasant campground to stay in for visiting Carlsbad Caverns, Sitting Bull Falls, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Want to say a couple of things about Brantley State Park: if you have ever camped in the desert in the summer, you know two things: lots of bugs and it's very hot. Brantley State Park staff take incredible time and care to clean the campsites and showers. The showers are free and clean. The bathrooms have a working AC running, giving you a cool place to shower and cool down. The toilets are clean and the stalls have no bugs in them. Very few crawl around. The bathrooms have plugins where we could charge our fans (which I highly recommend having in the summer months). There are tarantulas and snakes nearby but we never had any close calls near our tent. It's been wonderful camping here even if the desert makes it difficult. Thank you to the staff who take care of this park.

Quiet park bench areas. Clean! Spectacular views of Dam and the lake. All Seasons photos

Great park. Lake view. Large , level sites. Beautiful. Not close to Carlsbad but doable. I’d definitely go there again.

Stunning, quiet and nice place. Highly recommend. Close to carlsbad caverns.

The best state park campground that we’ve been to. Affordable. Picnic tables are covered. Great views of the lake. Bathrooms have been recently renovated. Good running and mountain biking trails (short paths for mountain biking). Convenient distance to Carlsbad Caverns.

Very nice New Mexico State Park. We stayed at the Limestone Campground and visited the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

One of the most amazing places to experience the wonders of nature. I enjoyed sharing the experience with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter. After exploring the caves, we ended the evening watching the bats as they departed the cave for the night. The sounds of nature and star lit sky is worth the trip to Carlsbad Caverns. The Rangers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Even though I use a cane for long walks, the self guided "Great Room" trek was AMAZING! There are sturdy, stainless steel handrails the entire way, so I probably would have been okay even without the cane. The areas where wheelchairs are prohibited are clearly marked. There are quite a few pull through parking spots for RVs, although it's a bit of a longer walk to the information center. This was also about the cleanest national park I have ever visited. There is an area next to the information desk that has a lot of exhibits and a movie theater that runs a very good 17 min video. I wish I would have done that first, as I found it answered many questions on my "self guided" tour.

I had been here 30 years ago, but this was my husband's first time. He is a disabled Vet that uses a Rollator walker. We rode the elevator down and up. There is only part of the cave accessible with a wheelchair or walker. What we were able to see this time was amazing. He took quite few pics and kept exclaiming......Wow, Oh My, Look at THAT!! I recommend to take your time and look around, rent the audio tour devices from the Bookstore. A lot of people on the paths were almost speed walking thru. They missed a lot. I have a pretty good imagination and "I saw" formations that looked like gnomes, like a rock man (almost like Fantastic Four character), the back of a woman with a fringed jacket and skirt climbing in a hole high up a wall. Again take your time....we entered at 9:30 and didn't come out til 2ish. We ate in the cafe part of the gift shop. Browsed the gift shop and bookstore (bookstore is a run by the Park and all profits go back into park) and made purchases in both.

The visitor center is very well organized and helpful. There are two rangers at the information desk who guide you through everything you need to know before entering the caverns. The ticket counter is easy to find and the entry fee is fifteen dollars per person for the self-guided tour. The exhibits inside are interesting, especially the large cave model and displays about the formations. There is also a good selection of souvenirs. A great place to start your visit and get all the details before heading into the caverns

My second time here. You must watch the evening Bat Flight! It’s a MUST! The cavern is amazing. If you’ve never been, but perhaps you’ve been in some big cathedrals, I want you to imagine the biggest cathedral you’ve ever been in, and multiply by 20 to 30 times that size. That’s the great room in Carlsbad! But even that doesn’t really begin to describe it. Is something you simply have to see in person. It’s jaw dropping!

Such a nice place, the Rangers were very nice and the gift store was plentiful. The cave it self is just beyond description. They have made it very safe and 75% is accessable by wheel chair. The Bat fight was fun and interesting.

Put this in your bucket list! Amazing park and caverns. The biggest cavern room in North America. If you’re fit and like to walk take the natural entrance and then you can use the elevator to get out. Gift shop is a must see! Buy a reservation online to speed up check in

Cool spot to relax and eat either after you've come down the natural entrance or right before you leave. Sadly food selection is really lacking. They have ham or turkey sandwiches or salads for main meals. For snacks candy bars, some baked goods, small bags of chips, bottled soda and a few other small things. (At this time of posting 2023 sandwich costed $8.75, chips $1, brownie $4, soda $2.87, candy bar $2.19)

The caverns were amazing! Once in a lifetime experience. Food wasn't great and over priced and the bottom of the cavern, but we were famished and shared a sandwich. There are places to pull over on the road up to the caverns, we packed a cooler and pulled off for lunch with a view. Such an incredible experience! Highly recommend walking in!

Great place to visit, very large cavern. Highly recommend.

Absolutely beautiful. The area we stopped had bathrooms(not in the best condition). Kids got to run around and dogs are allowed!

The restaurant closes at 2 and they don’t sirve food at all, the cavern tickets stop selling at 2:30 and Google maps says at 5 so we made a long trip for nothing. Also, the bar fly. Bars not coming out, park ranger suggest to stay all night because u may see them go in and out during the nigh. No sell pol home allowed like if there was something u could take pictures of. Not worth it to make the trip so disappointed 😔

2 stars on the inconsideration alone. One thing that you hear about Carlsbad Caverns is that there is a lunchroom at the bottom leading you to believe that you can make the hour and a half trek and get something to eat before spending an hour touring the big room. If you take medicine, have blood sugar issues, or some other reason you can't wait to eat, you better eat before hand. It would be nice if they or the National Parks Service would let you know ahead of time.

Back in 1996 the lunch room at the bottom of the cavern had some really good food. But they have since shut it down. The fried chicken and other food being cooked at the bottom attracted wildlife into the cave so now they only serve refrigerated sandwiches, fruit cups and a few other items. I understand why but its just not the same anymore. We skiped the lunch down below and opted for a picnic at the tables near the parking lot. It has the best views.

Cool spot to relax and eat either after you've come down the natural entrance or right before you leave. Sadly food selection is really lacking. They have ham or turkey sandwiches or salads for main meals. For snacks candy bars, some baked goods, small bags of chips, bottled soda and a few other small things. (At this time of posting 2023 sandwich costed $8.75, chips $1, brownie $4, soda $2.87, candy bar $2.19)

The caverns were amazing! Once in a lifetime experience. Food wasn't great and over priced and the bottom of the cavern, but we were famished and shared a sandwich. There are places to pull over on the road up to the caverns, we packed a cooler and pulled off for lunch with a view. Such an incredible experience! Highly recommend walking in!

Great place to visit, very large cavern. Highly recommend.

Absolutely beautiful. The area we stopped had bathrooms(not in the best condition). Kids got to run around and dogs are allowed!

The restaurant closes at 2 and they don’t sirve food at all, the cavern tickets stop selling at 2:30 and Google maps says at 5 so we made a long trip for nothing. Also, the bar fly. Bars not coming out, park ranger suggest to stay all night because u may see them go in and out during the nigh. No sell pol home allowed like if there was something u could take pictures of. Not worth it to make the trip so disappointed 😔

2 stars on the inconsideration alone. One thing that you hear about Carlsbad Caverns is that there is a lunchroom at the bottom leading you to believe that you can make the hour and a half trek and get something to eat before spending an hour touring the big room. If you take medicine, have blood sugar issues, or some other reason you can't wait to eat, you better eat before hand. It would be nice if they or the National Parks Service would let you know ahead of time.

Back in 1996 the lunch room at the bottom of the cavern had some really good food. But they have since shut it down. The fried chicken and other food being cooked at the bottom attracted wildlife into the cave so now they only serve refrigerated sandwiches, fruit cups and a few other items. I understand why but its just not the same anymore. We skiped the lunch down below and opted for a picnic at the tables near the parking lot. It has the best views.

Such a fantastic visit. Fresh off of our Texas Cave Tours this was an amazing adventure. So many cool features to see. We truly enjoyed the self guided tour as you can take your time and enjoy the sites. I encourage you to take the natural entrance down as this is part of the whole adventure...its a little steep, and chilly once in the Cavern but a very cool experience....the elevator back to the top is a must.

I was amazed at the awesomeness of this self guided tour. I chose the elevator both ways to save time. Apparently I’d really does take about an hour to walk the mile down with grades reaching 20%. I speed walked through the actual caves in about 45 minutes, but rangers said on crowded days it can take 2 hours as the well maintained path is narrow. Must buy in advance. Lastly, I liked the shirts at the concession store in the cave more than those in the visitor center.

Underground marvels! Exploring the cavern system is always enjoyable for my spouse and me. During the Thanksgiving break last year, we had the chance to go to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Walking the natural entrance trail is a unique experience to us. Different formations of speleothems include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws, draperies, helictites, and popcorn can be found along this trail and within the caverns. It also features the immense Big Room, a massive limestone chamber. We spent around 4 hours to explore this natural landmark. Our favorites are the Fairyland, popcorn covered stalagmite and Lions tail which is formed by stalactite and popcorn. Despite its steep grade this self-guided path via the natural entryway is a must-do activity to observe the complex geological structures. There are places to sit and take rest and also have emergency phone to connect with the ranger. Wearing hiking boots or shoes with good traction is recommended. We used the elevator to return back to the top. The park is well-managed and preserved. The park rangers are very helpful. The visitor center provides a lovely selection of souvenirs and is quite informative. Once our under-ground tour ended, we spent a few more hours to see the above-ground beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. We would probably return here for the bat flight viewing. I would advise making a trip to Carlsbad Caverns a top priority.

Visited today and the park is fully open and operating for visitors as of November 14. There was some confusion online about closures, but everything was running normally. We did the Big Room Trail and it took us about two hours to walk through. The rock formations were unbelievable and it truly felt like stepping into another world. A ranger at the entrance gave clear instructions before we started, which was helpful. We took the elevator back up at the end and it made the return very easy. A memorable experience and absolutely worth the visit

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Photos do not communicate the pure size of the cavern. However, some things to keep in mind or that I would have done differently: I brought a jacket, and it ended up just getting in the way as it wasn’t very cold. I went just after it rained, and it still wasn’t slippery, so shoes with traction are recommended, but not necessary. You could probably go down there with sandals and be fine. The rangers try to scare you into taking the elevator (probably not on purpose) but do not take the elevator. The walk down is probably cooler than the actual attraction at the bottom. Bring water, as you could be down there for a while and get thirsty. Only about a bottle per person is fine. At the end, I walked back up the path instead of taking the elevator, and it was definitely strenuous but really cool to see how far you climbed. Please be quiet and point your flashlights at the ground, people basically yelling and shining their lights in your eyes and at the rocks sucked. All in all, amazing place with millions of years of history. Will stop by again for sure.

One of the few national parks I highly recommend! Try to go off season. We had sections all to our selves. Skip the elevator, the walk up and down is amazing.

Me the wife and our two children stopped by here yesterday and today since we all enjoyed the first visit since we are going to Roswell for the weekend and the family wanted to see the Caverns. It is very historical and very cool. Our autistic son really enjoyed it with all of the different views and cave forms.

An oasis in the middle of nowhere! Gorgeous area, bathrooms. Picnic area

This place is beautiful. Only an hour and 15 minutes from Carlsbad and it feels like a different world. Beautiful drive and scenery. I swam at the base of the waterfall and although brisk, very refreshing, worth it, and rewarding. Highly recommend a visit! Bring your bathing suit, towel, and a change of clothes. The rocks are slippery so enter in the middle section. It closes at 4pm daily. The walk to the falls is only about 10 min max from the parking area. Bring $10 with you in cash for the entrance fee. There is no gate or attendant, you put your money in an envelope and drop it in a box.

Absolutely stunning view of a waterfall surrounded by foliage into an ice cold spring. You can swim. It’s about 6.5 feet in the absolute deepest part, and less than a foot in the shallowest. There’s large rocks and small pebbles on the bottom of the spring bed. The water is so cold it’s shocking to get into, but it feels so nice to dry off in the sun when you’re done swimming. Truly a stunning oasis in the midst of the desert. Absolutely worth the long and windy drive to the spot. It closes at 4 pm, so be sure to get there before 4. As long as you’re there before 4 you can stay later.

With myself and my family being part native American Indian it was very important to show them this beautiful and very peaceful peace of our heritage.

Easy .25 mile from the parking lot. For the less traveled pools of water that are deep enough to dive into, take T68 trail up from the parking lot for .4 miles up above the falls. This was my kids favorite part.

Truly an amazing place. The peace and serenity of the place can be felt making the hike around the area. It clear to see why ancient people groups would have chose this as an oasis get away. Super dog friendly and since it a smaller park there is normally plenty of room for the pawers to run and play.

Great place. Relax 😌 Water fall is small but still a great place.

Great hikes and history in this section of the park. You could spend a week doing all the trails, but with just a half day here, we did the mile McKottrock Cs yon Nature Trail loop, and it was great, hot, but great. Bring plenty of water since there's no shade.

Guadalupe National Park steals my heart yet again! This trail was a beauty to hike. Peaceful,serene. Gorgeous fall colors (went in early November). It was a little chilly and windy to start but warmed up as the day went on. I hiked to Pratt Cabin then went as far as the Grotto. I wanted to keep going but had to get back to El Paso so time was limited. It was a fairly easy hike. Most challenging was approaching the Grotto (I use the term "challenging" loosely). It is all very doable. I saw kids along the trail. I loved how quiet it was but was nice to see others on the trail once in a while. Found some surprises along the way....aka had to actually cross through water! Most of the creeks we're dry. One was not. It was shallow but still got my boots wet. Honestly the scenery was so beautiful i was not even upset. It was a perfect day. I definitely plan to go back. So much beautify to explore in this place!

McKittrick Canyon is a gorgeous trail to hike especially in Autumn! There are several trails in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park, but this one is my favorite so far. I highly recommend checking in at the visitor's center nearby where they have information about the trails including their fascinating history. They also have a gift shop, restrooms, and a small museum about the plants and wildlife in the area. This trail is not very strenuous and should be accessible to most hikers regardless of experience level. A couple bits of advice. First, make sure you bring plenty of water. Too many people fail to realize how much fluid they're sweating out due to the arid climate in this area of the U.S. Second, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to make it back to the parking lot before the posted closing time. The rangers lock the gates regardless of whether or not vehicles are still in the parking lot. The cellphone reception here is limited at best so you could find yourself unexpectedly spending the night if you don't exit before the gates are locked. There's an unexpected variety of trees and other plants asking the trail. I was pleasantly surprised at the fall foliage when I hiked McKittrick Canyon. Judging by the surrounding desert landscape, you would never guess the lush beauty nestled inside McKittrick Canyon until you see it for yourself!

Doing the Texas high point trail to Guadalupe peak is fine, but in my opinion this is where the best hiking in the park is at. The views and stops along the main trail in mckittrick canyon are excellent, and though the hiking starts out really boring, it picks up as it goes along. To this day, it's one of my favorite hikes ever, not just in national parks. My only qualm is the closing time. The penalty for not making it out in time is pretty hefty. So don't push your luck without an overnight pass.

Awesome. Took 4hrs back and forth to The Grotto. Leafs were in the process of changing to those beautiful fall colors. It's a moderate hike, comfortable shoes recommended, lots of water, cap and sunscreen(summer). Best part, coming across the deer. 5dll fee, but if military free. Restrooms were impeccable. Snacks are definitely a must if going the whole way. Enjoy, have fun...

McKittrick Canyon is a fairly easy hike. The hardest part is at the beginning of the hike and that isn’t very hard. You will cross many creeks, some that are dry and some that have water. The ones with water are pretty easy to traverse they only have a few inches of water. The terrain changes from desert like to very bushy with all kinds of trees, some deciduous and some evergreens. The canyon during autumn is beautiful because you will see the leaves changing colors. About 2 1/2 miles into the hike you will come across an abandoned cabin that was built in the late 1800s. Makes you wonder how they were able to take supplies to build it, especially way back then. If you peek into the window you can see how it’s furnished, and it gives you that nostalgic feeling. We usually have a little picnic when we get to the cabin and then we decide if we are going to keep going to the grotto or will we turn back. I highly recommend this hike for the whole family as it is very easy and fun. Just remember that they close early and no pets allowed.

Beautiful hike and scenery. The diversity of the flora during this hike is outstanding. It starts with dessert plants and ends with deciduous trees. The canyon views are spectacular. The trail is wide and family flat in the beginning.

Go to More Travel Less Talk Campground. Less than 30 minutes to the peak. That's only if you want an amazing yurt, cabin, or dome experience. If you want to camp in a parking lot then stay at Pine Springs. More Travel Less Talk has a hot shower as well.

Pine Springs Visitor Center The main visitor center at Guadalupe Mountains is small but well-maintained. The bathrooms were clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful, ready to answer questions and provide maps or suggestions for hikes. It’s a good place to stop before starting your exploration—whether you’re looking for trail info, park updates, or just a quick restroom break. Definitely a useful first stop in the park.

Employees were friendly and gave great information and advice for hike, despite the government shutdown. Clean restrooms and nice gift shop.

I expected a little more but it was still cool. The rangers were very knowledgeable and we hiked the closest trail, the pinery trail. It was good for kids. We wanted to do more hikes but didn’t get a chance to when it started pouring.

Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, they provided hikes that were perfect for our family. The view from the campground was pretty great too, tho using night sight with the full moon made it look like day.

Nice, clean visitor center with a water fill-up, information, and the souvenirs you might want from Guadalupe. We got here in the afternoon after climbing Guadalupe Peak and there was zero parking. Cars were overflowing everywhere. It was kind of a mess.

Visitor Center in TX is operating on NM/El Paso time and at this time closes at 4. Guadalupe Peak takes all day and is best climbed as early as possible in the summer. Best to reserve a campsite, and then climb to the highest point early the next morning.

The hike up is pretty much uphill the entire way up. The last mile is absolutely the hardest, not the first two. Hiked this peak in the snow and ice and highly recommend micro-spikes and trekking poles. Come prepared with water and the proper clothing. It took us a little less than 6 hours total to hike up and back with around 20 minutes at the top and frequent picture stops.

This hike was a very difficult yet very rewarding hike! This will definitely be one of the biggest physical accomplishments in my recent memory. I highly recommend this hike!!!

Great hike and views. I'm over 60 and round tripped the hike in under 6 hours including time at the summit. Completed on a warm, sunny February day without much wind.

Awesome! Really cool trail. Czech republic guys did it 2:15 up to the hill. 1:50 back down to the car. Yeah - we are used to walk 😉 But - a lot of water! And respect the weatherforecast. When we finished a huge thunderstorm came.

Pretty well kept I would say, great views and some challenging spots for a little test. Two spots that are like blocked off can go unnoticed and it takes you off the trail and can get you in a tough spot but if you use your phone to check and make sure you are on the trail, you should be fine. Some loose rocks can get tricky coming down so take your time and enjoy the views.

Very awesome hike for the moderate and advanced hiker. Met a lot of cool people from far and near. Went there when there was the arctic freeze so trauma bonded with a few people on how cold it was. Overall had a blast! Would recommend this place to any hiker.

The Guadalupe Peak Trail is an unforgettable experience, especially in winter. We hiked it when the trees and bushes were covered in ice and snow, turning the trail into a magical wonderland. It took us 7.5 hours round trip, including 30 minutes at the peak to take in the breathtaking views and pure awe of standing on the highest point in Texas. The icy conditions did make parts of the trail slippery on the way down, so be prepared with good footwear and take it slow. Despite the challenges, it was worth every single step. The beauty of the trail and the sense of accomplishment at the summit made this an adventure we’ll never forget. Highly recommend for those up for the challenge!

Hiked the Guadalupe peak trail with my 14 year old on Monday December 27th. Was cool and very windy turning cold and extremely windy as we approached the summit. Over all a very nice hike with an easy to follow trail. Trail is steep but not difficult made the round trip from the visitor center parking lot in under 4 hours. We stoped to check out the backpacking camp site, it is very primitive with just a few flat places to set up a tent. Beautiful views, hope to do it again with better weather.

I loved that the trails were right up the mountain . You really felt this climb .

Was not impressed. No scenic drives, just hiking trails.

Apologies to hiking buffs : nothing to write home about. Yes, the Stetson like El Capitan dominates the landscape, as you approach it from TX-54 N, and its an interesting "elevation" on otherwise flat Texas. You are in the Mountain Time now. The park, however, is nothing comparable to the nearby Caverns or Big Bend (see our reviews, if interested). There is no drive through / around. However, it has a miniature "white sands" area - a long and bumpy drive from the peak, called Salt Basin Dunes (see the review). Those heading towards White Sands (3 hours drive along 82 West) might want to stop by for a preview and assess whether it matches the aspirations ( though White Sands are on a very different scale). This one is Quieter for sure. It is also observable from the Salt Flats overlook. Images are to come @ some later date.

Beautiful hike up to the peak but very challenging!

Beautiful Mountain Range, enjoyed it through Big Bend National Park. Driving to the park made me feel as If I was in Colorado or California!

Loved every second of my visit. I will most definitely be coming back here again in the near future.

This is a unique park that has a limit to the number of people who can enter daily. It’s known for its petroglyphs and Hueco tanks, which translate to hollows that hold water, some of which can be seen easily and others that are only accessible by Ranger guided tours. We stopped by on the way to New Mexico and there was no one available for tours at the time. It’s really hot during the summer and therefore not very crowded. You’ll need to plan ahead in cooler weather. They don’t take online reservations - you have to call in.

Hueco Tanks has been on my elderly father-in-law's bucket list since reading about the tanks in his Western novels. We had permits for Sunday, but it was supposed to rain, so we decided to try Saturday morning. The two young ladies at the check in were absolutely precious and made sure he got his wish. The gentleman in the video area was very patient and explained the trails carefully so we would know what we should attempt and what we shouldn't. He also arranged for Carlos to show us around. Carlos was extremely knowledgeable and incredibly patient. The area is beautiful and definitely fulfilled a wish for my father-in -law. The people who work there are just as beautiful and special as is the state park.

Great way to spend a day! Wear good hiking shoes and enjoy some beautiful scenery! My only complaint is that our peaceful adventure was constantly interrupted by gun fire from a nearby shooting range.

Great park. Limited for 3 night only. Only 20 spots.but don't go if you are not planning to visit the historical site.which need permit. And book a tour.if to, there no reason to come her.

This was one of the best state park experiences we’ve ever had! We did the Pictograph guided hike #1 and it was fabulous. Park Ranger Nicole did an outstanding job and her knowledge of the flora and fauna, park and pictograph history made it a meaningful experience. Highly recommend! This park has limited access so reserve early.

Went on a guided tour with a friend! The ranger was great! She didn’t pressure anyone to do any activity that they were not comfortable doing. We even saw a group of javelinas in the park before our tour started. Be sure to stop at the headquarters office to pay when entering the park, and stop in to let them know when you leave the park. I don’t recommend hiking here when it is too hot outside.

I recently visited for some day hiking, and tried exploration of a true oasis in the rough deserts of West Texas... this was nothing less than spectacular. This was my first trip to Hueco Tanks, this is part of the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo ancestral lands, and as a descendant of the Ysleta/Tigua I truly appreciate the care taken of this land, and the respect shown to the archeological significance of this site. A wonderful place to visit, I look forward to returning and taking a guided tour. Thank you to the caretakers of this land.

Ehhhhh, thats about it. If you are in the area and have 20 minutes to kill, definitely stop by. It is very lacking though and could be better. The right side is all info and pictures of how the states/border came about. The left side houses the 2 cells (which are cool because they are original) and a couple of exhibits....thats it. No real history behind the jail OR who was jailed there, etc. The real claim to fame (may not be true) was that according to legend, Billy the Kid broke into there to break out a friend.

Free and full Of information. It was awesome to see first hand what jail cells looked like. There was a person there answering questions. Guestbook so you can sign in.

Kids loved visiting the jail. It was very cool that they were allowed to go inside the cells. The volunteer shared some interesting facts. Made me appreciate living in current times. The adobe building felt so cool on the inside that I'm considering looking into building an adobe house.

This is a really nice historic place. It's very very small You can see the entire area than about 20 minutes

Awesome trip! Took a field trip with my class, even got to be inside one of the cells! Man up front is super nice. Edit: Ah, I remember that field trip! It was indeed pretty fun.

Such an interesting place! It would make a cute, overnight experience!

Interesting history of how the United States grew. A few artifacts, but a small place and it won’t take long to see.

Absolutely loved this place, the animals were so exciting & fun, we loved our walk. The food was so amazing & delicious & the waitress was so pleasant, friendly & beautiful. She made me feel really special, especially being pregnant & with my 2 babies, she made me feel something I havent felt in a long time & that meant so much to me. Im so glad I made the trip out, for a 40 min drive I absolutely loved every part of it! I cannot wait to visit again!!

Fun experience to take my toddlers ! They enjoyed looking at the animals and feeding them. We really enjoyed the playground and yard games for the kids. Swings were sketchy looking. The restaurant food was good, loved the queso! Only wish the paths around the animals and lake were a little more upkept. There was an area near the lake that seemed dangerous due to uneven path, toddlers walking near it tripped on the rocks / concrete and there is no rail around the water or barrier. Plus the water was dark and greenish so would not want anyone to fall in there. Great amount of food for the animals for just 1$ . We ate at the restaurant and enjoyed good service even when they were crowded.

What a great time with the kids! Yummy cheese/snacks and the free petting zoo made it well-worth our time. They had reasonably priced bags of feed for the animals, which was fun. Great variety of animals!

Super cool place. Restaurant has great food, the burgers were very good. Store has great dairy, and fun items. We went for the petting zoo. The animals were friendly, you could tell they were taken care of, and everyone else around was having a great time. There are animals I had never seen, and it would be cool if there were signs, but this is a donation only petting zoo with cheap, massive feed bags to feed the animals. I'd give a sixth star if there were signs.

Love this place for the kids ! They also have a store and restaurant! Would love to get some fundraising events here the farm needs help financially and ask for a kind donation , we must come together as a community to keep these local businesses running ❤️

We love this place. So cute and the food at the restaurant is amazing. We had our daughter’s first birthday here and they went above and beyond to help us and let us use the patio. Also the cheese is worth the trip alone. The feed is $1, so we usually grab a few bags. These pics are from our last few trips but we just went in feb 2024 and they had baby goats!

Fresh eggs, asadero cheese and a tour of the farm animals all in one?! Yes please! Small but really pleasant to see and get interactive with the goats, donkeys , peacocks, ducks, cows, ostriches, llama, and distinct birds! Here are some pics :)

I had the privilege of visiting the Fort Bliss Museum, and I was truly impressed with the experience. The museum is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating journey into the rich history of Fort Bliss and the military. The collection of artifacts and exhibits here is remarkable. From the well-preserved uniforms and weaponry to the detailed accounts of historical events, the museum provides a comprehensive insight into the military heritage of Fort Bliss. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the area's past, there's something for everyone to appreciate. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, offering guided tours and answering questions with enthusiasm. Their passion for the subject matter is evident, which enhanced the overall experience. The museum's layout is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the various exhibits. It's a perfect place for both individuals and families, as it educates and entertains in equal measure. If you're in the Fort Bliss area, don't miss the opportunity to visit this museum. It's a great way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and learn more about the history of this remarkable military installation. Overall, the Fort Bliss Museum is a must-visit attraction, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in military history or those wanting to gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by our armed forces.

Located on Ft Bliss, this very large building holds a number of tanks, artillery, and other vehicles used over he years by the US and other Armies. There is not a lot other than these various military vehicles in the building, in fact it is probably more than half empty space, so lots of room for growth. Still, it provides a great opportunity to get up close and personal with every major tank iteration the Army ever used. All are hands off, but each has a nice poster with the very basic information about the vehicle. Didn’t take long to wander through but enjoyable experience as an Air Force veteran from the Desert Storm era. Kids will love this too.

Visitors must get a pass at the Chaffee Gate - so tell Google to take you to the Chaffee Gate instead of the museum. I was unable to enter the museum due to a government shutdown, but the tank displays outdoors are nice

Great for kids. We went at 9:00 and had the place to ourselves. Lots of information, take your time and enjoy.

Much to see and experience for those interested in 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss history. This museum has room to grow as there is much available space to add new displays...expect to spend an hour here.

Great museum filled with military history.

One of my favorite museums! I really enjoyed coming here. I hope it gets some upgrades and more people come here. It’s really something to look at. We shall revisit.

I am so glad we took the time to visit the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso. It's a truly unique and educational experience, providing a deep dive into the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, from its founding in 1924 to its modern-day operations. As the only museum of its kind in the United States, it offers a fascinating and informative look at the evolution of their duties, technology, and vehicles. The exhibits are incredibly well-done, featuring a wide variety of historical artifacts, including decommissioned aircraft, vehicles used for smuggling, and uniforms. I was particularly moved by the memorial to the officers who have died in the line of duty, which gave me a new respect for the dangers and sacrifices faced by Border Patrol agents every day. It's a fantastic, free attraction that is well worth a few hours of your time. I came away with a much greater understanding of the vital and dangerous job that the Border Patrol performs. It's a must-see for anyone interested in American history."

Despite the recent turmoil surrounding ICE, border patrol agents enforce the law of the USA. The individuals have made countless sacrifices to protect our borders, including the ultimate sacrifice. All of us are grateful of their service! A must-visit if you are in the area.

How many years have we lived here and not stopped in? Friendly staff and all laid out in an easy to navigate museum. The history and photos are pretty amazing. The ingenuity of some items here is awesome. Very kid friendly, the vehicles were of particular interest to the younger ones with me.

Free to the public! Donations encouraged. No Lines, great place to visit with family, by yourself or in small groups. Staff was super friendly the gift shop has tons of merchandise.

If you haven’t been yet I highly encourage it. I was a local photographer for the past 4 years and one of my favorite locations have been the museums location. It’s beautiful, but the museum itself is very cool. I always encourage my clients to go, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it when we went. So glad we had the time before our next move!!

Decent museum. Free entry, no waiting. Air conditioned. In a classic boring government building. Lots of artifacts from attempted illegal crossings. Some interesting vehicles and other items on display.

Great place. Free museum. We went on a Saturday late afternoon. No rush. Very informative. Our teenagers were very happy to climb inside and experience many border patrol vehicles including the helicopter. Need to spend about 1 hour to have a decent tour inside. Everyone is expected to leave the premises before 4:45 pm, so plan accordingly.

It's a zoo, surprise, honestly it's a decent zoo I've been to better also to worse. You can never predict if the animals are going to be active or not. I was sad to hear about the loss of a giraffe I was told there were still 3 there but we never saw them. When we went to the zoo had a few sections down for maintenance and repair but it didn't dampen the experience much. I liked how people in the park were passing along info to fellow guests about closures and better spots to see an animal very friendly. Bonus info You can purchase a ticket to get a face-to-face with a few of the animals for $40.00. We opted for the penguins encounter and it was great! They gave us instructions on how and where we could pet the penguins amazing experience I would highly recommend it if you want to do something a little more memorable. The staff was friendly and helpful.

I really want to support our local zoo, but every time I visit, I leave disappointed. Too many of the animal enclosures are consistently closed, which takes away from the overall experience — especially when you’ve paid full admission. I find myself trying to justify bringing the family, only to remember why it ends up feeling like a waste of time and money. A zoo should be more than just a walk through pathways. If most of the animal exhibits are inaccessible or hidden, it makes more sense to just visit a local park. For the price, guests deserve to see what the zoo promotes — not empty habitats. At this point, I’d rather make the 2-hour trip to the Albuquerque Zoo, where the experience is consistently more complete and worth the drive. El Paso Zoo has potential, but it really needs to step up — either improve accessibility to exhibits or adjust pricing to reflect what’s actually available.

The wife and I took our now six year old autistic son and his friend with us here last month to do a little something to do with different wildlife for his birthday week . We were really impressed with our trip and how the boys enjoyed their time here. The people are absolutely awesome and the atmosphere was great.

Visited the zoo for Halloween with my daughter, bought the tickets previously online. I was scared it would be too packed but found parking quick and got in the zoo in no time, every year the zoo gets better, ive been attending boo at the zoo for several years now and it never disappoints my daughter loves it every time. Thank you!

The setup is great the only thing was that the lion seals windows for out of water viewing were incredibly dirty, but all else the Zoo is a nice setup.

I liked this experience because the concert was one hour, and the pieces were short, a few minutes long. Often when I go to the symphony, it's a two or three hour event with the music pieces lasting a long time. It was good for my hyperactive self. Parking was easy at the zoo. It was casual experience, but elegant. This is my first time at such a event. #candlelight

My daughter's and I always have a great time. It's beautiful and peaceful with plenty of activities and educational sessions as well

We visited after closing and so missed the inside of the White Sands Missile Range Museum. However, the outside is open to the public after hours. We spent about an hour walking the path and looking at the missiles, rockets, and equipment on display. The museum has a great collection on view. My husband will definitely come back during operating hours to visit the museum building. A fair number of the signs were so degraded by the weather that we couldn't read them (April 2025). The museum staff responded to another reviewer that replacement signs had been ordered. Once the new signs are installed, the quality and value of the exhibit will be greatly improved.

An amazing history lesson. Great museum to visit. I first visit the museum in 2005. The museum in 2005 no longer exists. Originally, the 2005 museum displayed a lot of unique and interesting rocketry items. All of those items are now in storage and not open for display. The outside Rockets are very unique and fun to visit. Also, they have another display that’s just as cool, but it is a single room with a rocket.

Active missile base. You will need your id and they will issue you a pass to be able to go to the museum. Most of it is outside but there's history of the area in the building. It is free

The White Sands Missile Museum was a fascinating and educational stop for our family! It’s free, easy to explore, and packed with history. The outdoor missile park is super impressive—our kids loved walking among the rockets and asking a million questions. Inside, the exhibits are well-done and tell the story of space exploration, military testing, and the science behind it all in a way that’s accessible for all ages. It’s a great blend of history, science, and wow-factor. Definitely worth a stop if you’re anywhere near White Sands!

This museum is located inside the base. Must have access to enter. It is free. There’s a lot of information and some great displays. Theres 2 indoor buildings and the outside displays.

White Sands Missile Base has all original pieces. This is truly a site to see in the desert.

The museum is larger than I expected. Good displays and signage. It covers. The Bataan Death March info was particularly well done, I didn't know the NM connection. The outside displays are extensive. Many of the signs need to be replaced.

Got into El Paso late and took a ride up the scenic drive. Amazing voew of the El Paso/juarez area

Great views if you look out across the city. Disgusting view if you look down the hill at all the trash and empty beer bottles thrown from this pull off. Sad that the people who live here don’t care enough to take care of this place.

Senic View Overlook in El Paso, TX Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Senic View Overlook in El Paso, TX, is a stunning spot that offers breathtaking views of both the city of El Paso and Juarez, Mexico. The overlook is steeped in history, having been built back in 1920, and remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Top 3 Lesser-Known Facts: 1. Historical Significance: Sonic View Overlook was originally constructed as part of a larger project to create scenic routes and public spaces in El Paso. It was intended to be a place where people could enjoy the natural beauty of the area while also appreciating the engineering feats of the time. 2. Architectural Style: The overlook features early 20th-century design elements, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Its construction used locally sourced materials, making it a unique example of regional architecture from that era. 3. Cultural Landmark: During the 1920s and 1930s, Sonic View Overlook was a popular spot for community gatherings and events. It has witnessed countless sunsets and has been a silent observer of the growth and changes in the cities it overlooks. Interesting Story: One intriguing story about Sonic View Overlook involves a local legend from the 1930s. It is said that a young couple, deeply in love, would meet at the overlook every week to watch the sunset together. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, their love blossomed, and they eventually got married right at the spot where they had shared so many sunsets. Their story became well-known in the community, symbolising hope and enduring love during difficult times. One of the Plaques also mentioned that in the 1920 there was a belief that Explosions or dynamite would cause rain. During a drought the city of El Paso requested for this testing to be tested here but no luck in bringing needed rain. Appeal for Preservation: While Sonic View Overlook is undeniably beautiful, it is disheartening to see that not everyone respects this historic site. Littering is a significant problem, with trash often being thrown over the edge despite the availability of trash cans. It is crucial for visitors to take responsibility for preserving this area by properly disposing of their waste and respecting the environment. Keeping Sonic View Overlook clean will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its beauty and historical significance. In summary, Sonic View Overlook is a remarkable place with stunning views and rich history. It deserves to be treated with care and respect to maintain its charm and significance for years to come.

Beautiful sight, great place to chill and relax

Beautiful views. You can see Mexico on the other side. Its was something new for us we were excited. We did need to go all the way to the top. It was cold and windy. If you look at the pictures where you see the X in red. Thats a placita in Mexico.

Beautiful scenery . ❤️EP

A must go and check it out Beautiful

First time doing anything aerial and my husband and I loved it. The park rangers were very informative and knowledge. Great view of the mountain ranges and cities. On the website it suggested that you call before arriving due to weather conditions, please call ahead. A must do if you're in the area.

This is such a fun activity for a weekend adventure. I've been on it twice and both times I was just as impressed with the mechanics of the tramway and enthralled with the views at the top. The ascent is around 900ft with the gondola moving at a speed of, I believe, 9mph so it's nothing extreme. This is definitely a must if you have visitors from out of town. Just, overall, a lot of fun.

Great and cheap way to get to see all of El Paso and beyond. 360° view at the top with maps that point out all the different landmarks. We went on a Saturday evening and no one was there, but we were told it does get insanely crowded when deployments are about to head out from Fort Bliss and families are visiting.

Beautiful! I live in KC and every time I go to El Paso, this place was always closed! It was either due to rain or snow. However, this was a wonderful experience going up the mountain on the tram. The Park Ranger was very informative and made it a pleasant ride. We went on a sunny winter day and it was way colder up on the mountain. There’s hiking trails, awesome scenic views overlooking all of El Paso and Juarez, Mx. Must see if you’re in El Paso!

The line can be a little but it's worth the wait. Smooth ride on the tram. Beautiful mountain scenery. Very nice view of El Paso, Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), and New Mexico. Will visit again next time I'm in El Paso.

A must for native El Pasoans or those new to the area. Gives great views of nearly the entire city, Mexico, and New Mexico without the need for hiking (unless you want to). There's plenty of space on the viewing platform; I never had to fight for viewing space. Unfortunately, the gondolas lack any kind of air conditioning, so expect the four-minute ride to be stuffy. There's no running water at the top either (but there is a bathroom) so bring plenty of bottled water unless you want to purchase some at the gift shop.

Hands down an El Paso must. Very special views from this place. It's only open on weekends and I recommend sunrise or sunset to beat the crowds. It's much colder at the top so bring a jacket!

Great place to visit if you are in the area!

Beautiful church in the middle of downtown Juarez. One side of the church is traditional and humble and the main part of the church is modern inside. Very beautiful exterior.. It is surrounded by shops and vendors. Lots of police around so its safe just be aware of your surroundings.

The Cathedral is relatively new and so far, more modern styled. Worth to see as one of the very less tourists spots in CDJ. I personally more liked the smaller old Chappell left from the Cathedral.

It looks scary with all the gates but it nice, well keep, but if you're looking for flowers to leave at the altar you might need to look for those before going there, i couldn't find anyone selling flowers, i was told there weren't any flower shops around, they also have a little store with everything you might need for your first communion and all the other religious events, it's to the left of the main entrance, kinda hard to see because of all the gates, everyone was nice and helpful.

Really nice historical place

I've been to Mass a few times and have enjoyed the experience: good music, full church. I buy religious books and materials at their adjacent shop.

Cool place to stop. Its also known as Our Lady Guadalupe Cathederal and is connected directly to the Franciscan Mission that was built in the 1700s. The plaza has lots of life with a flee market and tons of street performers. I thought the posters with old photos of the misdion were cool as well. They even have live music and a clown show there for entertainment. I don't know if its akways like that or if it was just because it was a weekend or Cinco De Mayo when we went.

We had a memorable time camping in the Franklin Mountains State Park this weekend. The scenery is unmatched if you're looking to reconnect with nature, and even though there are other campers nearby, it still feels pretty isolated compared to other places we have camped, which is awesome. The trails are never-ending and it is such a peaceful overall camping experience. Watch for rattlesnakes, and enjoy other wildlife sightings as well. There are trails for all levels of hiking experience. Just make sure to bring plenty of water. We chose to hike early morning and early evening to avoid the scorching sun and it made all the difference in the world. We camped with our little Casita, a generator, and our two dogs though there were plenty of people roughing it in tents around us. The campsites are pretty nomadic (no hookups, no street lights at night, etc) but there is an outhouse for doing your business. If you are looking for a phenomenal camping experience that truly puts you in the center of nature's majesty, this is the place you have been searching for. If you're looking to be lined up beside other campers in neat little rows, have no privacy, but have slightly more amenities, this is not it. The only suggestion I would notation for the park to improve upon is the gate for after hours coming/going. We were given a code for gate access if we needed to go anywhere outside of the parks normal operating hours of 8-5. The code is for an actual padlock and you have to manually swing open the gate, drive through, and then get out and close it behind you. While this is a pretty straightforward process and we are not lazy individuals, the issue arose when we were bombarded by other patrons trying to gain access to the park at 6:30 AM on a Saturday morning. People showing us receipts where they had paid for access online, people trying to follow our vehicle through the gate, etc. This put us in a very uncomfortable position since we are not supposed to let anyone in. With an automatic gate that requires keypad code entry and operates on a timer to only let 1 vehicle through at a time, this issue could be remedied. The office/facilities seem new/updated so my only suggestion for improvement would be to update the gate/ how campers and patrons are able to enter the park. Overall, best camping experience we have ever had, even with the gate issues.

So we had some family in town recently who had never seen the Franklin Mountains State Park. We took everyone on a weekend adventure trip here. Everyone loved it even the children! Great place for a family outing and to get away from technology and things like that for those who are connected with technology.

This park is a great hiking destination. The perfect place to go and clear your head. It has the most breathtaking, relaxing views and the hike paths are clearly marked and clean. Well worth the trip and the 5 bux to get in!

We had so much fun. When you get in there, you have to stop at the main building. They were super nice, they gave us a map, gave us directions, and answered questions we had. We set up a National Parks account. We had to use the bathrooms there, they were so clean, I was impressed. We took our 3 year old on the trail to the Aztec Caves, a little less than 2 miles. So beautiful. The trail gets a little narrow and steep. Very steep at the cave entrance. And there's loose rocks, so definitely wear shoes that have grip on the bottom. But my three year old completed the hike. It was awesome, so beautiful. We will be back.

Pretty place to connect with the nature. I love it, it's a huge place with different areas, if you go to the park offices the place it's more " kid friendly" more easy for newbies on hike like us Also have picnic areas, to rest and eat, restroom, you must have bring your own food and water. Great experience just for $5 dollars per person older than 12

Went hiking and had alot of fun trekking up jusy one of the trails (Aztec Caves Trail) at the Franklin Mountains State Park near El Paso, TX. Good trail for most, wear good shoes, and have fun!

Beautiful park. Definitely take the trail to the Aztec Caves. It's challenging but I saw kids make it up to the caves. Be sure to go around to the left of the first cave to see the second one. There may be more but I was hot, tired and a little more than sunburned after spending the previous day at Hueco Tanks. Bring a lot of water and sunscreen if you go in the summer.

I usually stay in dispersed campsites but decided to give this a try. The trial was nice, and the bathrooms were clean. Most of the campsites were level and have covered tables. The road to the campsite is very curvy and very long and though it is not recommended for vehicles over a certain length.. large rigs try to make it there. I'm sure my experience isn't a typical one, but during the two days I was there I got to listen to 4 couples arguing and screaming as they tried to maneuver large rigs into tiny campsites, two major dog fights due to the guy on the corner having dogs that barked all night and attacked any other dogs people were walking, people yelling off and on all night for the dogs to shut up.. and one guy who was either drunk or on something screaming at the sky for 2 hours in the middle of the night. There is no spring and no running water in the campground, but there is a place to get water at the host campsite at the bottom of the hill before the entrance gate. There was no answer when calling the host site multiple times. This place quickly reminded me why I avoid campgrounds. It is a beautiful place .. but some of the people camping there totally ruined it for me.

Nice campground with pit toilets. Many different sites ( I think about 50) for different types of activities and vehicles. No hookups. Trash cans on site. Good T-Mobile cell service. Excellent for kids and pets. Close to Las Cruces. Easy access even for larger rigs. Can get busy on the weekends and holidays. Probably too hot during the summer but from September till March it's perfect. Good hiking trails...

This place is nature incarnate. Back side of the Organ Mountains. When you first turn down the road, you don't realize the beautiful drive you're embarking on. Extremely nice facilities.

Nice campsites with grills and fire pits. Bring your own supplies and pack out your trash too. It's quite during the week and loud on the weekend. Great hikes to enjoy. Get to the top early in the morning.

Large RVs, ADVENTURE awaits!! Twisting and turning up miles of 3/4-1.5 wide nicely paved road will make you a better driver for sure. Grab sight 1-the best or 2 on the way IN as you don’t get a second chance. They are only a handful of navigable sites. Doable but not large RV friendly. Views and quiet, priceless!!

Beautiful place to spend a couple nights. Pass the first loop and use one of those campgrounds. First loop is busy and people come to party all night. Still good times though. I saw at least 3 pay stations so its OK if you pass the first one.

Stayed twice. First-time at the end of October at the first loop. At sunset a herd of 20 year-olds moved in next door and conversed until after 2 an like they were on opposite ends of Las Cruses, not across a picnic table. Second time in November, we went further down to the second loop (sites 39-49) and it was quiet. Also perfect for the Pine Tree Loop trail. This might be best in the off season.

This morning’s chilly walk to Dripping Springs Natural Area was exactly what my soul needed. The trail is easy and accessible, making it perfect for a slow, mindful pace. I took some time to meditate along the way, and the quiet surroundings made it feel like the entire space was holding that stillness for me. The air was crisp, the landscape serene, and the energy incredibly grounding. Whether you’re looking to clear your head, connect with nature, or just enjoy a peaceful stroll, this spot is a gem. Grateful for places like this that make it so easy to breathe and be.

This trail is amazing. I loved everything about it. It’s not an easy climb because of the 500+ feet of elevation gain in 1.5 miles, but it’s not a technical trail and doesn’t present any danger as long as you can hike or run on gravel. Just wear good shoes and sunscreen and bring water. The BLM volunteers at the center are very helpful. Be sure to pay your $5 parking fee!

Really enjoyed this hike! It was amazing, so beautiful and a few tarantulas were out to see. Weather was perfect!!

I walked through the Dripping Springs Natural Area and it was truly a fantastic experience. The trails are incredibly well-maintained, offering a smooth and enjoyable walk through the stunning desert landscape. One of the highlights for me was the hike to the old stone ruins and the Dripping Springs itself. It's about a 1.5-mile round trip to reach the ruins, a perfect distance to feel like you've accomplished something without being overly strenuous. The ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, and the spring, even when just a trickle, provides a sense of peace and tranquility. I particularly appreciated the abundant shade along portions of the trail, which was a welcome relief on a warm afternoon. The interpretive signs were also very informative, adding to my understanding and appreciation of the local flora, fauna, and history. I'd highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a beautiful and accessible outdoor adventure in the Las Cruces area.

Gateway to multiple trails ranging from half-hour, easy/ beginner up to 9hr expert/ very hard. Check your All Trails, Strava, Caltopo or other trails maps for details on how much is out here.

Impressive views of the Organ mountains. Water spigot near the la cueva trailhead and picnic area. Also available at the visitor center. It's a fee area covered by America the beautiful parks pass. It was raining most days I was there but when the suns out there's little shade. Be prepared

Had a great hike with our toddler. The trail to dripping spring was pretty easy. Unfortunately, there was no dripping water in the location. The staff told us that it has had a lot less water than it used to back in 2013.

Wicked Wine Run took place today. Wine tasting as well. Nothing like sweet red wine.

Had some great wine on a beautiful day with smooth sounds coming from the good doctor and his guitar. We were in from out of state visiting our son back from deployment and decided to stop in. Glad we did. Highly recommend La Vina. Atmosphere is great. The staff that was on May 26 was very helpful and didn’t even hold it against us that we were from the east coast. Thanks for that 😁! We’ll visit again when we’re back in the area. Best to you all until then, Jersey.

Nice ambiance and good range of wines representing the region - from dry to sweet. Great red wines, interesting white and rose. Highly recommend.

Our family had a wonderful time here enjoying the weekend. The place is beautiful, peaceful, and a perfect spot to get some fresh air while sipping amazing wines. The wines were fantastic and paired perfectly with the relaxing atmosphere. The lady who helped us was extremely friendly and knowledgeable when introducing the wines. We especially loved that kids are welcome here — everyone was so kind and accommodating. We will definitely be back!

Wonderful Harvest Host offered us wide choice of parking spots in their level, gravel lot. The wine tasting was excellent, our hostess shared about the local agricultural diversity, pecans (round ones), cotton, jalapeño and grapes. Favorite wines were the Rojo Loco and Late Harvest Viognol. Will return when we're traveling through the area.

They have some of the best white wines I've ever tasted. Great friendly staff. This was my first time here and went to their 4th July festival today, it was super fun!! Love the energy and atmosphere here. It's great to be somewhere in southern new Mexico with grass lol. Beautiful venue for sure.

We loved this winery! It’s huge with a good selection of wines. Good prices and a great vibe overall. They offer crackers and some cheese and jelly options and we had some live music when we went on Sunday! Definitely will be back

Stellar experience. I used to build WWII model airplanes in the 70s with my Dad. This was a chance to see the real deal up close and full size. Great collection, and beautiful display. Many thanks! Just wish I knew what the “War Eagle” was a reference to. Surely not a nod to Auburn football?

This air museum is a hidden gem, all the exhibits are well organized and displayed, and they have a really nice gift shop..

Being very interested in aviation and having visited many air museums this is one of the best one around. They have amazing display of not only historic aircraft but also a great collection of classic cars! The staff is always top notch and friendly they also have a great gift shop!

The staff was super friendly, they explained everything to us and had a game for visitors, there was a hidden knom in the museum and if you find it and take a pic you get a price. My kids loved it. The best part is the planes outside and they have an active airport, you can see planes take off and land there.

Love this place , we attended the LowClass car show here . It was awesome! 400 cars attended and 4000 spectators showed up for the show. They had a lovely gift shop, they had food trucks and they had a lot of vendors which was awesome so follow her page on Facebook and Instagram for events that are coming soon and more car shows if you like to see a car show the museum there’s so many airplanes of different kinds there. We had an awesome time!

Great place to visit! Even if you're not a history buff, there's so much to see and appreciate. There's historians roaming around if you have any questions. There's A LOT of cool cars too! Highly recommend. It's about $15 per adult. Took just over an hour to experience the museum, however, we did not go outside as it was too cold. I regret not going sooner.

This museum is filled to the max with historically significant artifacts. It's an awesome experience to see these planes, vehicles, and accessories up close. Many of them have safety stairs that allow an inside look at the cockpit and its instruments - an amazing experience. The museum itself is impressive in its size and cleanliness. The hangar is bright and open, although a bit warm. There's no dirt nor dust on the floor nor on any of the equipment. Cleanest museum I've ever been in. As good or better than the Smithsonian air and space on the mall or at Dulles. It's only missing a spaceship, lol.

Such a fun place, 7 bucks a person is so cheap for like 7 museums, animals everywhere, art, history, biology, and culture lessons, tons of interactive areas for kids and videos for teens and adults to understand and just so much here, very great time, we planned on visiting for an hour but it took all day to see everywhere

Nice museum but missed the children activities. Seeing the cows, longhorn, and other animals was great. Like Heart of The Desert wines have a store there. Got my pistachios 💜

This museum is a great and wonderful place to take your family and kids. It's always nicely maintained and tons of exhibits. The see:)

We started out on the farm and saw cows, sheep, and horses. There was a lot of old farm equipment with descriptions of what they were used for. The museum had history on Billy the Kid and replicas of old houses and a mercantile store.

This was a super fun place to visit. A large number of live farm animals make it an adventure to see. A lot of significant history on display to enjoy. Great indoor museum as well. Highly recommended.

Really well done and interesting museum…worth a visit. The section on Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War was fascinating. Added bonus…the awesome gift shop has wine tasting!

Stopped by the museum on a road trip with the family and we absolutely loved it. It’s very well curated and you get way more than what you pay for. I recommend going early to see everything this museum has to offer.

I've lived in Garcia, Cervantes, and I'm currently in family housing. You can't beat the convenience but I've been consistently underwhelmed with their response times to work orders (multiple roof leaks, swamp cooler not working) and family housing units are like ovens in the summer. At least the community is quiet and there are nice parks for kids or walking your dog close by. Plus there are decent sized back yards.

I lived in Garcia for all of 3 months at the most & then got out as quickly as I could. My stay at campus housing was doomed from the start, there is no roommate matching service-they just pair you with whoever. I had a dirty, disrespectful roommate who made no attempt to connect with me whatsoever, & then stopped talking to me all together after drunk screaming at me at around 4 AM. I approached my resident assistant with complaints but no action was taken, & I was told to “show my roommate a little Jesus”, which is not really a valid solution for uncleanliness. After moving back home, I realized NMSU was not the college for me, & I believe this housing issue plays a large part of me leaving, which is unfortunate. Terminating my contract was the most difficult thing as the staff was unhelpful & rude at times; I probably went back & forth to the Housing office about 7 times before finally terminating the contract, which is ridiculous & unnecessary. Something needs to change here since they added the rule that all first year students coming out of district must live on campus, this left a terrible impression of New Mexico State for me.

The people that work here are rude, non-punctual, and don't care about the students. They make the housing contracts year long so that they can trap you in residential charges. The employees all the way from department to individual dorm offices don't communicate with each other. They claim to always be busy, but the offices are ghost town. The amount they charge for dorms are unrealistic a room/closet SHARED with one other person and a bathroom SHARED with three other people is roughly $480 a month. And these are some of the cheapest dorms. It is so much cheaper to just live off campus, you could save hundreds. But you could save thousands, not even enrolling. Go to UTEP instead.

Dan Foley, the Chamisa Village Resident Director, is possibly one of the worst employees I've ever had the displeasure of working with. There has been constant electrical issues in my apartment (forcing me to spend several weeks in winter with my room getting into the 50s some nights) because he refused to listen to complaints or act until I brought in a third party. The bug issue with my apartment wasn't even dealt with until I got hives because he told us several times that the housing department does not deal with pest control (They do in fact gas). Even then they only paid for the doctor's appointment and pest control showed up TWO MONTHS later. He is full of attitude, often leaves without leaving adequate instructions for the RAs, will constantly redirect a resident to another department despite the issue being HIS department. He should not work there, and I no longer want to live on campus because I know now with certainty that he does not care about this housing or anyone else.

Seems beneficial until you realize that you and your roommate are spending somewhere in the ballpark of 1000$ a month to share one small room and a bathroom with two others. Breaks their own "quiet hour" rules by holding school-sponsored parties with loud music that go nearly all night on normal weekdays. Laundry is unreasonably expensive.

I live here currently, it's super close to the university I save tons of money just from not using gas haha and I skip the traffic!

It is very comfortable living in this area because it is easy to get to school by bus or walking 🙃