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We seem to be getting into a groove with the set up and tear down of our rig, and we made record time in our departure in heading out towards Carlsbad, New Mexico. We were nervous about getting tickets to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park, as the park service is currently limited visitors to about 10% of the normal capacity each day. On the park website, we learned that tickets to enter have been selling out by about 9:00 am, so when we pulled into the parking lot at 8:33 am I basically tucked + rolled out the door and raced into the visitor center to get in line! Luckily, we made it in time, and were thrilled to be headed down into the gigantic mouth of the cavern before 9:30.

When I’d visited Carlsbad Caverns about 15 years ago, it was packed with people. It was still incredible to see the speleothems (that’s the fancy word for cave features like stalactites and stalagmites!) and the grand scale of one of the world’s largest caves, even thought it was crowded. But donning our masks and visiting the caverns during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed a unique and wonderful experience of exploring the caves nearly by ourselves. It was magical!

Della tested the acoustics of the caverns a couple times (sorry to the handful of other visitors!!!!) and did a great job riding in the backpack. She is still wakes up sometimes in the night afraid of the dark, so I didn’t know how she’d handle the hike… but she loved it! Cougan’s favorite part was the Bottomless Pit, and Brynlee loved the tiny mini-caves around every corner. 

If you’re traveling during a pandemic, plan to arrive at the park EARLY to ensure you can enter. The pricing is per person, but if you have a Fourth Grader Pass or any Federal Parks Pass, everyone in your vehicle can get in for free. The cave is COLD, so even if you’re visiting in the heat of summer, wear pants for the hike and take sweaters or jackets. There is a small cafe 750 feet under the ground where you can purchase water and snacks… which is just a bizarre experience in and of itself! The hike is about 1.25 miles down, then the tour of the ‘Big Room” is about another 1.25 mile loop. It’s steep going down, but don’t worry about the hike out: you can take the elevator up! 

Somewhat spontaneously, we took a slight detour out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, to visit White Sands National Park. The glistening white sand here comprises the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, and made us feel like we were on another planet! Because we hadn’t planned for it, we pulled into the visitor center right at the hottest part of the day, but that didn’t discourage us from purchasing some sleds to hit the slopes.

We made sure everyone was hydrated (especially our pups that don’t like the heat!) and headed out into the park in search of the best hills. We waxed up the saucers, and after a Clark W. Griswold-like announcement (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, anyone??) we were soon flying down the hills. It was a blast! I definitely think it’d be more enjoyable in the evening or in cooler seasons, but we still had a great time. I was also extremely thankful for our little outdoor shower… it was the first time we’ve used it and I’m sure that won’t be the last! Della enjoyed just sliding & rolling down the hills, so as you can imagine, there was SAND. EVERYWHERE. 

The park is located on Highway 70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo, New Mexico. You can bring your own sleds, or purchase them at the gift shop and return them for a partial refund. (When we visited, there were a few used sleds available for $10 a piece, and we returned them for $3 back.) You’ll need to wax the sleds in between every 3-4 runs to make sure you go FAST! You can purchase wax at the gift shop for a couple bucks, too. Take TONS of water and sunscreen, and if you don’t have an outdoor shower, you can try the baby powder trick! Or just be ready to vacuum fine gypsum sand out of your vehicle for the nest 3 weeks. Ha!

Random note: the park is closed a few times per month because of it’s proximity to White Sands Missile Range. The road can be closed for up to 3 hours during missile testing, so check the Park Closures page before your trip.

This morning we woke early and disconnected the truck from the trailer for the short drive to Catwalk Recreation Area. I’d never even heard of this cool place until a friend visited there last month! The kids were thrilled to see some tiny fawns across from our camp, and the drive through the small town of Glenwood was pretty charming. We arrived and parked in the small lot, where it’s $3 for the day or free if you have a parks pass.

The hike is just over a mile up through the gorgeous canyon, where Whitewater Creek runs year-round. We had the kids take turns reading each of the interpretive signs along the trail, and figured that made up for them missing a google meet or two for their classes!! There was a big gold and silver boom in the late 1800s, enough to facilitate the construction of a pipeline in the canyon, which fed water to the nearby mill. Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the actual trail, and more recently it was repaired and upgraded to allow wheelchair access. The kids and the dogs had a blast in the water as the sun rose over the canyon walls. This place was just a smidge out of the way, and totally worth it!

We got the trailer wrapped up in decent time, and I know that we’ll get into a groove with set up and tear down. The kids were able to get logged into their classes in the truck while we hooked up the hitch, and we’re back on the road!!

With the updated trailwork, this hike is great for kids, dogs, and wheelchairs. Anxious dogs may be a little squeamish with the metalwork of the catwalk, but our pups did great! Keep them leashed, and watch little kiddos carefully on the elevated trails. We’d recommend a sport sandal (Chacos, Tevas, Keens, etc) so you can play in the water! Trailhead parking is $3 (or free with any of the federal passes) and there are restrooms/trash/water stations available. There are also tons of picnic tables shaded by gorgeous sycamore, oak, and cottonwood trees, so pack a luck to enjoy!