The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

Can I get every guide instead?

Yes. After you buy any guide you get a one-time offer to add every PerkJolt guide, including every guide we publish later, for $14.99.

Explore White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns

Explore White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns: free sample chapter

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Disclosure: Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. We opened the official pages below on October 10, 2026. Several returned only partial information or would not open at all; wherever that happened we say so and name the page to check. Park hours, closures and reservation windows shift without notice, and White Sands can close its entrance road and Highway 70 for missile testing. Re-check the day before each park day.

Cover block

Promise: Three national parks, sand dunes and caverns, on one road loop with no wasted miles on guesswork.
Trip length: 6 days (4 if you skip Guadalupe Mountains and the add-on).
Best months: April-May and October-November for comfortable hiking temperatures (general guidance); October for maple color at Guadalupe Mountains.
Budget band: Park fees are low (see Chapter 3); your costs are the rental car, lodging and fuel. Fill in the blanks in Chapter 8.
Best for: Photographers, geology fans, families with school-age kids, and anyone who likes big empty landscapes.

At a glance

White Sands: $25 per private vehicle, 7-day pass (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Carlsbad Caverns: $15 per person (16+), plus $1.00 timed-entry reservation (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Guadalupe Mountains: $10 per person (16+) (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Cavern entry hours 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; last ticket sold 2:15 pm (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park: adults $10, ages 7-12 $5, six and under free (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Fly-in: El Paso International (ELP), with rental cars on site.
Safety: carry water, check closures, and read Chapter 4 before any hike.