TX, NM, AR National Parks

Ken & Peggy

Ken & Peggy

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We're heading out for a few weeks starting Sunday - talk about a last minute trip. I snagged 4 days in Big Bend in the first week of April by watching recreation dot gov, so we will see about putting together a lollipop route - through Hot Springs, to Big Bend, then Guadalupe Mtns, White Sands and finally Carlsbad Caverns.
I'm open to any suggestions or recommendations from anyone who's been on what's hot and what's not!
 
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That's my neck of the woods, at least the New Mexico and the Texas part.

Any specific plans for those area's yet ?
 
Well, the only for sure dates are in Big Bend so far. We know we'll be hitting the NP'S, but have no real plan for what to do in each - other than some hiking. Any recommendations?
 
Ken & Peggy said:
Well, the only for sure dates are in Big Bend so far. We know we'll be hitting the NP'S, but have no real plan for what to do in each - other than some hiking. Any recommendations?
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Not for specific places, but more for timing. Either way, lot of beautiful places both in Texas and New Mexico.

I've been to Big Bend twice, and both time, way to far past spring and into summer. Depending on how any typical year plays out in Texas, we can have 6 months + of triple digit temperature. Not so bad in the forest, but brutal in the open desert.

Best of luck with your trip. Hope you can keep us in the loop on all the neat places you visit!
 
We were in Hot Springs on our 2016 trip to the Southwest for one night. Stopped there on the way home.Did one of the Bath Houses which felt good after camping for 3 weeks. Had to stay in of the commercial campgrounds but it was the summer & last minute decision to go there. Ate at McClard’s BBQ while we were there. If you have time to get up to Petit Jean State Park there is a nice hike to a waterfall.
 
Not sure if the border from Big Bend to Mexico is open due to covid. We really enjoyed going to lunch in Boquillos, from Big Bend NP. Row boat ride across the Rio Grande and a short hike/mule/horse ride to town. Excellent food. Cost for 2 about $60. Take small bills as no one will have change. Expect to pay for the boat, the mule/horse, a tip for the mule/horse guide, and lunch. When we went in 2019, the Mexico customs office was closed but they said we were still welcome in Mexico. Coming back to US we inserted our passport in a kiosk, stood where the kiosk camera could see us, and spoke on the phone to a customs agent, who I think was in El Paso.
 
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We took 2 days to get to Hot Springs, missed a site in the park by thatmuch. But we found a very nice private campground, for $18. Got a nice hike in at the NP. Today rained, forecast calls for rain tonight and tomorrow. So we had breakfast at the Pancake Shop and headed toward Big Bend via Dallas-Austin. Staying in Cedar Hills SP outside of Dallas tonight, might stay another day - it's very nice... So far so good
 
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