Las Cruces, NM to Carlsbad Caverns

We've always taken 375. For Carlsbad we've stayed at Brantley Lake State Park. It's probably going to be cold in the area. Have fun!

Hello,

Due to work, I have been commuting between El Paso and the Carlsbad area every weekend for the past few weeks. This route is fine and I see many motor homes and trailers going both ways. There are climbing lanes on most of the grades to make things easier for larger vehicles.

The climb up near Guadalupe Mountains NP is long but just back down and take your time - the semi's do it all the time and I have seen some significant oversize loads doing it. Just be aware that there can be some strong crosswinds along this climb if the weather is changing. Again, just be aware.

If you have time, I would strongly suggest stopping at the Guadalupe Mtns visitor center to have a look. There is good easy access from the highway and a large parking lot with room for your MH.

No personal experience with the RV parks in the Carlsbad area but most say that the KOA on the North side of the town of Carlsbad is the best choice. There is a park at Whites City which is just outside the caverns NP but many say it is not too good.

It is interesting to watch the scenery change as you climb up from El Paso and then crossing the salt flats below the Guadalupes. Enjoy the drive and have fun.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Terry

Back in 2009 we drove our Class C from Carlsbad to El Paso to meet DS at the airport, then drove back to Carlsbad. There is one climb going toward Carlsbad at the southern end of Guadalupe National Park, but not a steep grade. You should have no problems.

Shouldn't have any concerns using US 180 from El Paso to the Caverns. I would suggest using TX 375 off I-10. This the Transmountain Road & Loop 375. Loop 375 will cross US 180 & will keep you out of El Paso traffic closer to downtown area.

Or one could use the War Road Route to bypass the Trans Mountain pass. Use Exit 162 in New Mexico (just short of the NM/TX state line) NM-404/Ohara Rd East, turn right on NM 213 S (War Road), this turns into Martin Luther Kings Jr. Blvd (FM 3255) once entering TX. Take the ramp onto Gateway S Blvd/Patriot Fwy (US 54 S) to TX 375 Turn left onto Woodrow Bean Trans Mountain Rd (Texas Loop 375). Follow Loop 375 to the US-62/US-180/Montana Ave exit (about 12 miles). The US-62/US-180 takes you to Carlsbad Caverns. No mountains to cross on this bypass. If you take a right on 375, then it'll take you up & over the pass.

We drove Transmountain & the 375 Loop in Oct. Not a bad route at all. Just use lower gears going down, don't let your speed get away from you. Should be a hard drive.

We have been that way several times and noticed several motor homes traveling that way without issues..So I don't see why not.