Weekend getaways – Road Trip Queen

Winter is one of the best-kept secrets for road tripping in Texas. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and wide-open trails make this season perfect for exploring some of the most epic landscapes in the state — all without hopping on a plane.

If you’re looking for winter road trips from Dallas, these three destinations are ideal for weekend getaways, outdoor lovers, and families who want adventure without the heat.

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Texas Road Trips

Texas summers are brutal — but winter? That’s when the magic happens.

Here’s why winter road trips just make sense:

Cooler temps = more enjoyable hiking
Fewer crowds at popular parks
Easier planning for weekends or school breaks
Big scenery without peak-season chaos

Now let’s get into the road trips.

1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

📍 Approx. 6 hours from Dallas

Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is a must-see — and winter is hands-down the best time to explore it.

Why Palo Duro Is Perfect in Winter:

Mild daytime temperatures for hiking
Wide trails with fewer visitors
Massive canyon views that feel unreal for Texas

Don’t miss:

Lighthouse Trail (iconic and family-friendly)
Scenic overlooks along the park road
Sunrise or sunset for incredible lighting

👉 Great for: families, first-time Texas hikers, weekend trips

2. Caprock Canyons State Park

📍 Approx. 5.5 hours from Dallas

Caprock Canyons is quieter, more rugged, and feels like a hidden gem compared to Palo Duro — which is exactly why it’s so special.

Why Caprock Shines in Winter:

Cool temps make longer hikes doable
Peaceful trails with very few crowds
Home to the official Texas State Bison Herd

What makes it unique:

Wide-open red rock landscapes
Bison sightings along trails and roads
A remote, unplugged feel that’s perfect for slowing down

👉 Great for: adventurous families, photography lovers, quieter escapes

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

📍 Approx. 7.5 hours from Dallas

If you’re looking for epic hiking, Guadalupe Mountains National Park delivers. Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, this park is best tackled during cooler months.

Why Winter Is Ideal Here:

Cooler temps for strenuous hikes
Clear skies and incredible visibility
Less foot traffic on popular trails

Top experiences:

Devil’s Hall Trail (dramatic canyon hike)
Guadalupe Peak for experienced hikers
Scenic desert-mountain landscapes

👉 Great for: experienced hikers, national park lovers, winter adventure trips

Which Texas Winter Road Trip Is Right for You?

Go to Palo Duro if you want iconic views and family-friendly trails
Choose Caprock if you want solitude, wildlife, and quiet beauty
Pick Guadalupe Mountains if you’re craving a true hiking challenge

You truly can’t go wrong — it just depends on the kind of adventure you want.

Tips for Planning a Winter Road Trip from Dallas

Check weather forecasts (temps can vary by region)
Pack layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly
Start hikes earlier for daylight
Bring plenty of water (even in winter!)

Final Thoughts

Texas has some incredible landscapes, and winter is the perfect time to experience them. These road trips prove you don’t need a flight — just a good playlist, a packed cooler, and a sense of adventure.

If you’re planning a winter getaway or even looking ahead to spring break, add these destinations to your list.

Looking for more family-friendly road trips and hiking ideas?
Follow along here or on IG @Road.Trip.Queen for weekend itineraries, Texas adventures, and seasonal travel inspiration.

If you’re craving a weekend trip that delivers jaw-dropping scenery, epic hikes, and minimal crowds, this Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Park itinerary belongs at the top of your list.

In just one weekend, we explored the deepest cave in the U.S., hiked desert trails with dramatic canyon views, and stood on the highest point in Texas — all without needing a full week off work.

Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect weekend road trip to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks.

Why Pair These Two National Parks?

Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains are only 35 miles apart, making them one of the best national park pairings in the Southwest.

🕳️ Carlsbad Caverns NP = underground wonder, minimal hiking
⛰️ Guadalupe Mountains NP = rugged hikes, wide-open views, fewer crowds
🚗 Short drive time = more exploring, less logistics

This combo is ideal for active couples, adventurous families, and road trippers who want variety without rushing.

Our Weekend at a Glance

National Parks: 2
Hikes: 3
Miles Hiked: 18.6
Base Town: Carlsbad, New Mexico
Best For: Moderately active travelers who love scenery over crowds

Day 1: Carlsbad Caverns (Morning) + Devil’s Hall Trail (Afternoon)

Morning: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Start your weekend underground.

Carlsbad Caverns is best first thing in the morning — fewer people, cooler desert temps outside, and plenty of time to explore without rushing.

Don’t Miss:

Natural Entrance Trail (highly recommended)
Walking into the cavern from the natural entrance is unforgettable. You literally descend into the earth.
Big Room Loop
An easy, mostly flat walk that showcases the park’s most famous formations.

⏱️ Time Needed: 3–4 hours
👟 Footwear Tip: Sneakers or hiking shoes with grip — the cave floors can be slick.

Helpful Tips

Reserve your timed entry ticket in advance.
Bring layers — it’s cool inside year-round.
Kids who can walk independently usually do great here.

After finishing the caverns, grab lunch in Carlsbad before heading west. We ate at the Visitor Center and had the green chili pork stew and it was delicious!

Afternoon: Devil’s Hall Trail (Guadalupe Mountains NP)

After lunch, drive about 45 minutes to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for your first hike.

Devil’s Hall Trail

Distance: ~4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Canyon walls, desert scenery, and a fun rock scramble at the end

This hike is a perfect afternoon option — adventurous but not exhausting, with plenty of payoff for the effort.

💡 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and take your time on the rock scramble.

Return to Carlsbad, NM for dinner and a well-earned early night.

Day 2: Guadalupe Peak Trail (Highest Point in Texas)

Today is all about Guadalupe Peak — the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.

Guadalupe Peak Trail

Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Why It’s Worth It: Endless desert views and serious bragging rights

Start early to avoid heat and wind near the summit. The trail is steady uphill the entire way, and the descent can be just as challenging as the climb.

Helpful Tips

Wind at the top can be intense — pack layers even in warm months.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need
Electrolytes and peanut butter saved the day for us

Plan for 6–8 hours total, including breaks and time at the summit. It took us about 6 hours total, 3.5 to hike up to the peak, and then 2.5 hours to hike back down to the trailhead.

Why This Order Works So Well

✔️ Caverns when energy is high
✔️ Devil’s Hall as a “warm-up” hike
✔️ Peak hike gets its own day
✔️ No rushed mornings or dangerous fatigue

This pacing makes the weekend challenging but totally doable — even if you’re not a hardcore hiker.

Where to Eat in Carlsbad

After long hike days, these spots hit the spot:

YellowBrix Restaurant – Great for dinner and cocktails
El Diamante Restaurant– Delicious Mexican food
Blue House Bakery – Perfect for breakfast before heading out

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Start Guadalupe Peak earlier (sunrise if possible)
Bring trekking poles for the descent

Is This Weekend Trip Worth It?

Absolutely — if you:
✔️ Want fewer crowds
✔️ Love unique landscapes
✔️ Don’t mind earning your views
✔️ Want a national park trip that feels different

This is one of those weekends that sticks with you long after the sore legs fade.

Planning This Trip?

I’m putting together easy, realistic road trip itineraries (with honest hiking info, kid-friendly notes, and where-to-stay tips) — no fluff, just practical planning.

👉 Subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss future trips like this one.

Already dreaming about your next adventure? Same.

Tag: Weekend getaways

3 Epic Winter Road Trips from Dallas (Perfect for Hiking + Cooler Temps)

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Texas Road Trips