We started our journey from Austin to Carlsbad Caverns with a sense of adventure and curiosity. Along the way, we encountered fascinating historical sites, natural wonders, and incredible night skies. Here’s we go!
Map of Sites Visited in this Post
We drove from Austin Texas to overnight at Balmorhea State Park in West Texas. From there, we drove to Washington Ranch where we stayed for two nights exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Lyndon B. Johnson Boyhood Home National Historical Site
On our way to Balmorhea, we made a stop at the Lyndon B. Johnson boyhood home. LBJ, as his cattle brand signifies, rose to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He was a staunch advocate for the poor and a strong ally of Franklin Roosevelt. LBJ famously secured $1.4 million from FDR to fulfill a campaign promise to bring electricity to his hometown of Johnson City.
The Long Drive Through West Texas
Driving from Austin through West Texas on Highway 10 was an experience in itself. The landscape was vast and empty, with no food, stops, or gas stations in sight. The intense heat made the journey even more challenging. We ran so low on gas that we had to use the generator gas tank we fortunately had on board. Getting stranded here would have been quite an ordeal!
Pecos and the Permian Basin
The drive from Balmorhea to our campsite near Carlsbad Caverns took us through Pecos and the Permian Basin oil fields. The Permian Basin, the richest oil field in the U.S., showcases the roaring industry of modern oilmen. Despite its environmental impact, the oil industry remains essential to the economy here, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to clean energy because of fossil fuels detrimental impacts to climate change.
Balmorhea State Park
A Natural Oasis – Swimming in the Desert
We stayed one night at Balmorhea State Park, a desert oasis featuring a 3.5-acre natural spring-fed pool. The water, seeping from the surrounding mountains and reemerging along a fault line, was a cool 72 degrees year-round. The pool, resembling a large pond filled with fish, turtles, and green plants, provided a refreshing and unique swimming experience.
Stargazing at Balmorhea
Located in the middle of the desert, Balmorhea is an ideal spot for night sky viewing. With no moon in the sky, the entire Milky Way opened up before us. Lincoln spotted a supernova, and I saw a large shooting star. It was a magical experience under the vast, dark sky.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
We stopped at Guadalupe Mountains National Park and took the Pinery Trail, a short 1/3 mile hike near the visitor center. Lincoln and Dad explored the remains of a transfer station built in 1858 for stagecoaches delivering mail along the Butterfield Mail Trail. These stations were built every 20 miles to provide fresh horses for the journey between St. Louis and San Francisco.
Hiking the Guadalupe Peak Trail
With some extra energy, we took another hike up the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Though the entire hike to the peak is 11 miles, crossing through desert, riparian, and mountain environments, we managed about a mile to savor the breathtaking views.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Camping at Washington Ranch
Washington Ranch is conveniently situated between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountain National Park. The ranch is operated by a non-profit that provides housing to disabled adults. Some of these adults also work as Park Rangers at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is located near Rattlesnake Springs, a natural spring in the desert, so there is surface water and landscaping at this small oasis in the middle of an arid desert. In fact, Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center located 10 miles away pumps their water from the same spring as this campground.
Lower Cave Tour
Our adventure at Carlsbad Caverns began with the Lower Cave Tour, a 3-hour exploration for ages 16 and up. Dad went solo on this adventure, crawling through narrow crevices and experiencing complete darkness when the lights were turned off. Famous visitors like Amelia Earhart and Brad Pitt have also explored these caves. Even President Obama witnessed the pitch-black darkness during his visit. (The secret service didn’t like when the park service turned off the lights).
Exploring the Natural Entrance
After Dad’s solo adventure, we joined as a family to explore the natural entrance of Carlsbad Caverns. This hour-long walk down to the Big Room was a fascinating journey through the cave’s history. Cassy opted for the quick elevator ride instead.
Origins of Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Caverns were formed 265 million years ago, carved out by sulfuric acid due to the surrounding petroleum deposits. The cave was discovered in 1898 by Jim White, who always wanted to be a cowboy. His advocacy was instrumental in the cave becoming a national monument in 1926.
The Big Room
At a cool 56 degrees year-round, the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns was a refreshing escape from the outside heat. Lincoln’s favorite formation, the Rock of Ages, looked like a bearded villager from Minecraft.
The Bat Show
The bat show at Carlsbad Caverns was an incredible experience. Over a million Brazilian free-tailed bats swirled out of the cave in a mesmerizing display. The show, lasting up to an hour, was a silent, awe-inspiring event as the bats exited the cave, creating a unique and unforgettable spectacle.
Our trip from Austin to Carlsbad Caverns was filled with historical insights, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences. From the serene swimming at Balmorhea to the awe-inspiring bat show at Carlsbad Caverns, every moment was a testament to the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving these incredible sites for future generations.
Now off to White Sands National Park!
Have you ever been to Carlsbad Caverns? What was your experience like? Leave a comment below!
