// Southwest · 6–8 days
New Mexico High Desert
Santa Fe adobes, Bandelier ladders, White Sands sunsets, and Carlsbad's underworld.
Parks
3
Days
5
States
1
Region
Southwest
/ the route
Stop 01Santa Fe & BandelierNew Mexico · 3 days · best april–june & september–novemberAdobe city above 7,000 ft with cliff-dwelling ruins and the Rio Grande gorge nearby.
Canyon Road galleriesBandelier cliff dwellingsRio Grande Gorge bridge
Stop 02White SandsNew Mexico · 1 day · best october–april275 square miles of gypsum dunes that stay cool to the touch.
Alkali Flat trailSled the dunesSunset stroll
Stop 03Carlsbad CavernsNew Mexico · 1 day · best year-roundAn underworld of cathedral-sized chambers and twilight bat flights.
Big RoomNatural EntranceBat flight program
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