Great hikes near Big Bend (in West Texas and Southern New Mexico)

A couple of days into our Big Bend trip, we actually looked at a map and realized we were pretty close to a state park and two more national parks. So, we added some adventures including several great hikes near Big Bend:

Davis Mountains State Park

This park is 2+ hours' drive north of Big Bend (and less than 20 miles north of Marfa, TX). I drove up one morning and tackled the Skyline Trail and the Montezuma Quail trail. The high desert offered a bit more plant life than Big Bend. If in Marfa, it's worth the quick trip to work in a few hikes.

Rounding the bend on skyline drive trail

Lightning struck tree at Davis Mountains State Park

Looking out at Davis Mountains

Blooming cactus, Davis Mountains State Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Since we were so close, we added the Guadalupe Mountains to our itinerary. On this early March Day, there was a Texas-sized windstorm brewing above the Guadalupe Mountains. Guadalupe Peak trail was closed this day due to wind gusts at the summit upwards of 100 miles per hour. I still did a hike by making a loop of Frijoles Trail and Foothills Trail. The views were "haunted" by large wind and dust storms, but it was still great to see another national park.

Headed north to the Guadalupe Mountains - note the storm ahead!

A lightning split tree

El Capitan from a distance in the dust storm

A stormy day

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

On the final Saturday, we made our way to this park in the morning to enjoy the scenery and take in a very different kind of hike. This morning, we had a much clearer view of the Guadalupe mountains from New Mexico.

Clearer view of Guadalupe mountains from a vista in Carlsbad Caverns NP

Sandstone layers against the New Mexico sky

We had been to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN, and Luray Caverns near Shenandoah before. Carlsbad Caverns was larger, and the array of formations in the caverns was incredible.

Reflections in Carlsbad Caverns

"The Bell" formation

Calcite crystals on the walls

Early exploring ladder

An elegant gallery in Carlsbad Caverns

Stalactites for miles

This time with a mighty stalagmite

If you are headed to Big Bend as the centerpiece of your trip, it's well worth adding Davis Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns if you have the time (stay tuned for a post about those hikes). Much simpler to keep these on one trip to the West Texas region because it is a journey to get there. If you're into hiking, it's very worth it!