Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Our Review & Ratings

We visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park on October 31, 2026, as part of our trip to the Carlsbad area. This was one of the stops we were particularly looking forward to, and the caverns definitely delivered. The weather outside was another story. Fog was so heavy that the scenic drive was closed, which limited what we could see above ground. Fortunately, the main attraction is underground, where the weather was much less of a concern.

Our Visit

We started with a little time outside the caverns. There are exhibits and a short walking area where you can learn about the plants and the historic shelters built into the rock walls. We enjoyed wandering through and seeing some of the history, although the fog made it difficult to appreciate much of the surrounding scenery.

Then it was time to head underground. We chose to walk down through the Natural Entrance rather than take the elevator. It's a paved, well-lit path, but don't let those two things fool you. It's a long way down. Evan calculated it at roughly 74 floors of ramps, and I can confirm that your legs will eventually have an opinion about that.

The first view looking down into the cavern is one of those moments when you stop and take it all in. And then it keeps happening. As we continued down, the cavern opened up in different ways, with new formations and views around practically every turn. There are benches along the route, which I appreciated. The path is wet in places and can be slippery, so paying attention to your footing is important.

Inside, the formations are the real show. There are stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, columns where the two have joined, curtains, pools, and all sorts of shapes that are difficult to describe without sounding like we're making them up. The lighting is used to highlight different areas, and it really helps show off the size and variety of the cavern.

One of the things I found interesting was learning how much the cave has been affected by people over the years. The construction of access routes and elevators made it possible for more people to experience the caverns, but those changes also affected the cave environment. Evan was particularly interested in the history of the development and the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He appreciates a good CCC project, and this one was certainly ambitious.

The Big Room was Evan's favorite part of the visit, and it's easy to understand why. The scale is hard to appreciate in photographs. It's enormous, with a huge variety of formations spread throughout the chamber. We spent time just looking around, taking in the size of the room and all the details.

I particularly enjoyed sitting and looking at the caves rather than feeling like we had to rush through. There is so much to see, and even after walking quite a distance, I kept finding something else to look at. The ropes hanging from the ceilings also caught my attention, especially after learning a little about the history of exploration in the cavern.

We eventually took the elevator back up. I was very happy to let the elevator handle that part of the trip. Walking down was worth doing, but I wasn't particularly interested in proving I could walk all the way back up.

Favorite Things

Evan's favorite was the Big Room. The size of the chamber and the formations throughout it made the biggest impression. He also enjoyed seeing the work that went into making the cavern accessible, especially the CCC history.

My favorite part was simply sitting and looking at the caves. The formations, lighting, and sheer size of everything made the experience feel different from other parks we've visited. It's hard to pick one specific formation because there was always something new to notice.

We both agreed that walking down through the Natural Entrance added to the experience. You can take the elevator and still see the major attractions, but the gradual descent gives you time to appreciate how the cavern changes as you go deeper.

Things to Know Before Visiting

The walk down is no joke. The Natural Entrance Trail is about 1.25 miles and descends roughly 750 feet. It's paved and well lit, but it is a long downhill walk. Evan estimated it at about 74 floors, which sounds about right. Your legs may remind you of it the next day.

The elevator is a perfectly reasonable option. You can take it down, up, or both directions. You won't miss the Big Room by taking the elevator. If you want the full experience and are comfortable with the walk, I'd recommend walking down and taking the elevator back up.

Wear supportive shoes that fit properly. Evan made a point of mentioning this. Walking downhill for that long can push your feet forward in your shoes, and you don't want your toes taking the brunt of the trip. The paths can also be wet and slippery in places.

Allow more time than you think. We spent about three hours at the park. The National Park Service recommends allowing around 2.5 hours for the cavern experience, and I'd add time for the visitor center and museum. The Big Room itself has plenty to explore.

The Big Room has some limitations. Parts of the route include inclines and declines, and not all of it is wheelchair accessible. There is a shorter route through the Big Room, and the elevator makes the cavern accessible without having to walk the Natural Entrance Trail.

Make a reservation. Timed-entry reservations are required to enter the cavern. Check the official park website before your visit for current hours, reservations, and any closures.

Don't forget the surface attractions. We weren't able to enjoy the scenic drive because of the fog and limited visibility. Judy would like to return on a clearer day to see more of the landscape above ground.

Our Ratings

We use a five-point scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent. The averages below reflect both of our submitted ratings.

Category	Judy	Evan	Average
Scenery and cave experience	4.5	5.0	4.8
Hiking and walking	4.5	4.5	4.5
Views and wildlife	2.5	4.0	3.3
History	2.5	5.0	3.8

Overall: Judy: Worth visiting | Evan: Worth visiting

A few differences are worth explaining. I rated wildlife lower because we saw very little beyond a handful of birds, and the cavern itself doesn't have much visible plant or animal life. Evan was a little more generous, although his review did include a request for a raccoon. We didn't see one.

We also differed on the history. I enjoyed the museum and learning about the cave's discovery, but Evan was much more interested in the CCC construction and the engineering involved in making the cavern accessible.

Neither of us tried any water activities, and we couldn't fairly rate the scenic drive because it was closed due to the weather.

Official Park Information

Carlsbad Caverns National Park official website

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico, in the Chihuahuan Desert. The park protects more than 119 caves, formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone beneath the surface. Carlsbad Cavern is best known for its enormous Big Room, which is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America, along with its many formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies. Visitors can explore the cavern using the Natural Entrance Trail or the elevator, with additional ranger-guided tours available. Above ground, the park also protects desert landscapes, canyons, plants, and wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Carlsbad Caverns is absolutely worth visiting. Even if you aren't particularly interested in geology, the scale of the cavern and the variety of formations make it an impressive experience. The walk down is a workout, but the elevator gives visitors another way to see the main attraction without tackling all those ramps.

We would have liked better weather so we could explore more of the park above ground, but that didn't take much away from the cavern itself. It's one of those places where photographs help you remember what you saw, but they really don't communicate the scale of it.

And yes, Evan's legs did have something to say about those 74 floors the next day.

Lincoln National Forest: Our Review & Ratings

We visited Lincoln National Forest on October 31, 2026, while exploring southern New Mexico and making our way toward Dog Canyon in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. We were hoping for mountain views and a scenic drive, and the forest delivered on the driving part. The views were another matter.

The weather was cloudy, misty, and wet, with fog that sometimes swallowed the landscape entirely. It wasn't exactly ideal sightseeing weather, but we still had some good moments, including a wildlife sighting that made the trip worthwhile.

Our Visit

A Drive Through the Mountains

Lincoln National Forest covers a huge area of southern New Mexico, with mountain roads, forest roads, and plenty of places to explore. We spent a couple of hours driving through the area rather than tackling any hikes.

The paved roads made it easy to see quite a bit from the car, and there were plenty of back roads that looked interesting. Unfortunately, the fog kept us from seeing as much of the surrounding mountains as we would have liked. Every so often, the clouds cleared enough to give us a good look at the trees and mountains, but we didn't get the wide-open views we'd hoped for.

The wet conditions also affected our plans to explore some of the Forest Roads. Several were muddy, and with limited time and poor visibility, we decided not to venture too far down them. We didn't need to turn a sightseeing trip into a recovery operation.

Wildlife in the Fog

The wildlife turned out to be one of the best parts of our visit. We saw birds and cows, including some cows standing right on the foggy road. They seemed perfectly comfortable with the conditions. We were the ones trying to see where we were going.

The real highlight, though, was a bobcat. We watched it stalking a bird, which was much more interesting than simply spotting an animal crossing the road. It was a brief glimpse into what the local wildlife was up to, and it became my favorite part of the visit.

We also enjoyed the drive down toward Dog Canyon. Evan particularly liked the descent into the canyon, and the route through the forest was a worthwhile part of getting there.

Favorite Things

My favorite was seeing the bobcat stalking a bird. We didn't have to hike miles to find it, and watching its behavior made the sighting more memorable than a quick glimpse of an animal disappearing into the trees.

Evan's favorite was the drive down into Dog Canyon. He also liked the general variety of roads through the forest and the possibilities for exploring them.

We both appreciated that Lincoln National Forest offered more than just a route from one destination to another. There were paved scenic drives, rougher Forest Roads, and opportunities to explore on foot or by vehicle. We just didn't get to experience as much of that variety as we might have with better weather.

Things to Know Before Visiting

• Don't count on seeing everything from the car. We enjoyed the scenic drives, but many areas are better explored on foot or by taking appropriate forest roads.

• Check the weather before heading out. Our October visit was cold, wet, and foggy enough to obscure much of the scenery. Some of those views would have been much better on a clear day.

• Be prepared for rural conditions. Evan recommends getting gas whenever you have the opportunity. Cell coverage can be nonexistent in some areas, so bring water and a spare tire, and plan your route ahead of time.

• Know your vehicle and the road conditions. Forest Roads can be muddy or rocky. Check current road conditions and make sure your vehicle is appropriate for the route before heading down an unfamiliar road.

• Allow time for exploring. You can enjoy a drive through the forest in a few hours, but the network of roads and trails offers plenty of possibilities for a longer visit.

We spent about two hours driving through the forest. That was enough to get a feel for the area, but it wasn't enough to explore the many roads and recreation areas available.

Our Ratings

We use a five-point scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent.

Category	Judy	Evan	Average
Scenery and scenic drives	4	4	4.0
Wildlife	4	4	4.0
Off-roading and Forest Roads	4	5	4.5

Judy's overall rating: One visit was enough.

Evan's overall rating: Good for a specific interest.

Our ratings reflect what we actually experienced, not everything the forest has to offer. The scenery and wildlife were worthwhile, but the weather limited our views, and we didn't spend enough time exploring the roads to get a full picture of the off-road opportunities.

I would like to return when the weather is better, although she wasn't convinced that the visit alone justified another trip. Evan was more interested in the possibilities for exploring additional forest roads.

Official Park Information

The Lincoln National Forest official website is the place to start when planning a visit.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest encompasses extensive mountain landscapes in southern New Mexico, including parts of the Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan mountain ranges. Its terrain ranges from dry desert environments to forested mountain slopes, supporting a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, scenic drives, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor recreation, depending on the area. The forest also includes numerous roads and trails, with motorized access governed by designated routes and local restrictions. Because conditions and closures can vary, check the official website before setting out.

Final Thoughts

Lincoln National Forest was a worthwhile drive, especially as part of a larger trip through southern New Mexico. The bobcat sighting and the drive into Dog Canyon were the highlights, but the fog kept us from appreciating as much of the scenery as we'd hoped.

I'd like to see the area again on a clear day, though I'm not in a hurry to make a special trip just for that. If you're already traveling through the region, it's worth allowing a few hours to explore. If you're specifically interested in hiking or off-roading, there's considerably more here to investigate than we managed to fit into our visit.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Our Review & Ratings

We visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park on October 31, 2026, during our trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico. We planned to explore some of the park, drive Williams Ranch Road, and visit a few historic sites. We ended up spending about four hours on Williams Ranch Road alone, followed by a few shorter stops. Then we drove around the mountains to Dog Canyon, which is a whole adventure of its own.

The weather wasn't exactly cooperative. It was cool, wet, and cloudy, with fog hanging over the mountains. We never got the clear view of El Capitan I'd hoped for, but the weather had its own charm. The desert smelled wonderful after the rain, and we still managed to find plenty to enjoy.

Our Visit

Our first real glimpse of the Guadalupe Mountains came as we crested a hill on the highway outside the park. We both stopped talking and said, "Wow." We pulled over for a picture because even the portion of the mountains we could see through the clouds was impressive.

Later, while driving toward Williams Ranch, we spotted the gypsum dunes in the distance and had another wow moment. Our third came near Dog Canyon, where we finally got a clear view of the mountains without the clouds hiding them.

The terrain reminded me of Big Bend, but the recent rain made everything feel different. The desert had a fresh smell that I absolutely loved. I could have spent quite a while just breathing it in.

Evan thought the fog and rain made the landscape feel more magical. I was a little more conflicted. I enjoyed the atmosphere, but I really wanted to see El Capitan properly. We both agreed the scenery was good, even if the weather kept us from seeing its full potential.

Williams Ranch Road: The Main Event

Williams Ranch Road was the highlight of the park for both of us, although we probably enjoyed different parts of the experience. I loved the muddy conditions and the chance to get out on a backcountry road. Evan especially liked the route itself and the opportunity to explore an area that isn't accessible to ordinary passenger cars.

Getting onto the road takes a little planning. We stopped at the visitor center, spoke with a ranger, and got the key to the gate. The ranger was concerned about the recent rain and wasn't entirely sure we'd make it through. Naturally, that made the prospect a little more interesting.

Once we left the pavement, we had about four hours of driving ahead of us. The road had plenty of dips and curves, with muddy sections from all the recent rain. It wasn't rock crawling, but there were enough uneven spots to keep us paying attention.

I had a great time. Mud usually makes a drive more entertaining for me, and this was no exception. Our Land Cruiser handled it well, and the road was challenging enough to be interesting without feeling beyond our abilities.

Evan rated the off-roading even higher than I did. He liked that the road was maintained just well enough to make the trip possible while still offering a few challenging sections. It's a good example of the kind of four-wheel-drive route we enjoy: not an extreme obstacle course, but definitely more interesting than a paved scenic drive.

The views were excellent whenever the clouds allowed us to see them. The basin and mountains made the long drive worthwhile, and being able to explore a remote part of the park gave us a very different experience from visiting the more accessible roadside stops.

At the end of the road, we reached the Williams Ranch house, built in 1908. It's a small, weathered building beneath the enormous western escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. The contrast between the little ranch house and the mountains behind it makes you wonder what daily life must have been like out here.

We explored around the house and took in the surroundings. We could also hear and see water flowing from a nearby spring, which was particularly interesting in this otherwise dry landscape.

The view from the porch was one of my favorite sights of the day. Even with the clouds and mist, I could appreciate the appeal of the location. The landscape stretches out in front of you, with the mountains rising behind it. Of course, living here would have involved considerably more work than sitting on the porch admiring the view, but it was an impressive setting.

Evan also rated the scenery highly, particularly the views from the ranch porch. The weather had hidden much of the mountain range, but the remote location and the feeling of being out in the middle of the landscape made it worthwhile.

The ranch also gave us a glimpse into the area's history beyond the mountains themselves. People tried to make a living here despite the isolation and difficult conditions. Seeing the house in its actual setting made that history more tangible than simply reading about it.

A Little Stagecoach History

After our drive, we spent time exploring the historic stagecoach route and its remains. The Butterfield Overland Mail route began operating through this region in 1858, carrying mail and passengers across the country before the Pony Express became famous.

We found the remains of the old mail station buildings and followed the interpretive signs. There wasn't a huge amount of structure left to see, but I enjoyed learning about a piece of history I hadn't known much about before visiting.

The park's history is interesting because it isn't limited to the dramatic mountain scenery. There are traces of ranching, travel routes, and the people who tried to make a living in this remote part of Texas. The old buildings are modest, but they tell a story about how people moved through and lived in this region long before it became a national park.

We also walked a short section of the stagecoach path. It was an easy way to see the historic remains without committing to one of the park's longer hikes.

Evan particularly enjoyed the history here. He liked that the route was well signed and that the ruins provided a tangible connection to the old mail service. He would like to spend more time at the Frijole Ranch area museum on a future visit.

I enjoyed the short walk, too. With my stamina still a work in progress and the elevation making things harder, I was happy to find something interesting that didn't require a long hike. There is a lot more hiking in this park than we managed to do, and I know we missed a substantial part of it.

The Small Things

The ocotillo was another reminder that the desert has plenty going on if you take the time to look. I enjoy noticing the plants along the way, especially when the landscape changes as much as it does around these mountains.

We saw deer, ants, and plenty of birds during our visit. We didn't see the larger wildlife the park is known for, but that wasn't surprising given our short visit and the weather. Evan noted that there were quite a few birds despite it not being migration season.

We also drove to Dog Canyon later in the day. This deserves a mention because reaching that part of the park involves a long route around the mountain ranges, through New Mexico, and back into Texas. It isn't a quick detour from the main park entrance.

Evan's favorite part of the park was actually the winding road down into Dog Canyon. He loved the drive, and we got our best unobstructed view of the mountains there. We also spotted four horses in a corral. I'll cover more of that route in my Lincoln National Forest post, since much of the drive passes through the forest.

And finally, there's the photo of me opening the gate to Williams Ranch Road with the park key. It makes the whole outing look a little more official than it felt. We had a key, a muddy road, a capable vehicle, and four hours to explore. That's a pretty good combination for me.

Our Favorite Things

Judy: Williams Ranch Road was easily my favorite part of the visit. I enjoyed the muddy conditions, the winding route, and the chance to explore a more remote part of the park. The ranch house and the view from its porch were also highlights. My biggest disappointment was the weather. I really wanted to see El Capitan clearly, and the clouds refused to cooperate.

Evan: His favorite was the winding road down into Dog Canyon. He also rated Williams Ranch Road highly, appreciating the slightly challenging terrain and the opportunity to get off the pavement. The historic stagecoach route was another highlight, and he'd like to spend more time exploring the history on a future visit.

We both enjoyed the park, but we came away with slightly different favorites. I was especially happy with the off-roading and the chance to get out into the landscape. Evan enjoyed the driving, the views from the more remote locations, and the history.

Things to Know Before Visiting

Williams Ranch Road requires planning. You'll need to check in at the Pine Springs Visitor Center for the required permit and gate key. The road is intended for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, not ordinary passenger cars. Conditions can change dramatically after rain, so check with a ranger before heading out.

Allow several hours for Williams Ranch Road. We spent about four hours on the drive and at the ranch. This isn't a quick stop, and you don't want to rush it. The road itself is part of the experience.

Dog Canyon is not just around the corner. Reaching it from the main park area requires a long drive around the mountains, including travel through New Mexico. Evan loved the drive, but you'll want to account for the extra time and fuel.

Most of the park isn't accessible by car. If you want to explore the mountains and canyons more thoroughly, you'll need to hike. There are trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, but elevation can make even a short walk more demanding. I found that particularly noticeable with my current stamina limitations.

Check the weather and road conditions. We visited in late October, and the rain and low clouds affected our views. The conditions made Williams Ranch Road more interesting for us, but they also hid much of the scenery. Wet conditions can make backcountry roads more difficult or lead to closures.

Get fuel whenever you can. This is a remote part of West Texas, and nearby services are limited. We planned our fuel stops rather than assuming there would be a convenient gas station just around the corner.

Our Ratings

Our rating scale is 1 to 5, with 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent. The averages below are calculated from our individual ratings, with no ratings combined across unrelated activities.

Category	Judy	Evan	Average
Scenery	4/5	4.5/5	4.3/5
Hiking	4/5	5/5	4.5/5
Views and wildlife	4/5	4/5	4.0/5
Off-roading	4.5/5	5/5	4.8/5
History	4/5	4.5/5	4.3/5

We both considered the park worth visiting.

Our hiking ratings deserve a little context. We only did a couple of short walks, including the stagecoach path, so we weren't rating the park's longer or more demanding trails from personal experience. Evan was more enthusiastic about the hiking opportunities and wants to return to explore more trails. I enjoyed the short walk but had to work around my stamina and the elevation.

We also didn't see much wildlife beyond deer, ants, and birds, so our wildlife ratings reflect that limited experience rather than the full range of animals that live in the park.

Our off-roading ratings were higher. Williams Ranch Road was a highlight for both of us, and Evan rated it excellent. We enjoyed the terrain, the mud, and the opportunity to explore somewhere we couldn't have reached in a regular passenger car.

Official Park Information

The official National Park Service website for Guadalupe Mountains National Park has information about hiking, park access, history, and current conditions.

Located in far West Texas near the New Mexico state line, the park protects a dramatic section of the Guadalupe Mountains, which rise more than 3,000 feet above the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. The range includes Guadalupe Peak, the highest natural point in Texas at 8,751 feet, as well as El Capitan, a prominent limestone cliff. The park preserves the remains of historic ranching operations and the route of the Butterfield Overland Mail, which began carrying mail and passengers through the region in 1858. Established in 1972, the park offers hiking, wildlife viewing, backcountry exploration, and opportunities to learn about the area's geology and human history.

Williams Ranch is one of the park's historic sites. The house was built in 1908 and sits beneath the western escarpment of the mountains. Reaching it by road requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, a permit, and a gate key from the visitor center. The National Park Service recommends checking road conditions before attempting the drive, particularly because rain can affect the primitive road.

Final Thoughts

We both enjoyed Guadalupe Mountains National Park, even though the weather kept us from seeing as much of the scenery as we'd hoped. Williams Ranch Road made the day for me, while Evan's favorite was the winding drive down into Dog Canyon. We both appreciated the historic ranch house and stagecoach remains, too.

I'd like to return when the weather is clearer and spend more time hiking. Evan would also like to explore more of the trails and visit the Frijole Ranch area museum. There's a lot of park we didn't see, and I'd like another chance to see El Capitan without a wall of clouds in the way.

If you enjoy hiking, history, or exploring backcountry roads in a capable 4x4, put this park on your list. Just don't expect to see everything from the car, and don't underestimate the time it takes to get around. The mountains may look close on the map, but this is a place where the distances and terrain deserve respect.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area: My Review & Ratings

I visited Chickasaw National Recreation Area in southern Oklahoma on October 25, 2026. I was in the area with a little time to spare before a work event, so I decided to make a quick stop. I only had about an hour, which turned out to be enough to see quite a bit, but not nearly enough to explore the way I wanted.

Fall was just starting to show up in the trees, the weather was pleasant, and the park was quiet. By the time I left, I was already wishing I had planned my day differently.

My Visit

The first thing I noticed was how much variety the park offered in a relatively small area. There were winding roads, wooded hills, creeks, a lake, and overlooks with views of the surrounding landscape. I was expecting a pleasant drive, but I hadn't realized how much there was to see.

The trees were beginning to change color, giving the roads a nice fall feel without everything being completely covered in autumn colors yet. It was also a good temperature for getting out of the car without immediately regretting it.

The roads were one of my favorite parts of the visit. They were freshly paved, well maintained, and full of curves. The speed limit was only 25 mph in places, so this wasn't exactly a driving adventure, but the winding roads were still fun. I was driving Evan's BMW, and I suspect it has never been taken across a little creek causeway with water in it before. It may never happen again, either.

The creek was one of several things that made the park feel different from a typical drive through the woods. Water is a major part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, with springs and streams in one area and larger lakes elsewhere. I didn't have time to explore the creek trails properly, but even the short stops gave me a sense of what the park has to offer.

Wildlife was another highlight. I saw several deer, including a mother with two babies, along with squirrels and birds. There was plenty of bird activity, too. I could hear birds calling from the trees even when I couldn't see them. For such a short visit, I felt like I got a pretty good wildlife show.

I also stopped at an overlook. The path was easy to follow, with a gravel surface, and there was a handrail along the steps leading down toward the viewpoint. The overlook itself was a little less comfortable. The rocks near the edge were loose, and there was a steep drop, so I stayed well back. I'm not particularly interested in testing gravity's commitment to its job.

The view was worth stopping for, and it gave me another perspective on the surrounding trees and landscape. I could also see how close the park is to the neighboring town. Despite being near developed areas, there were plenty of places where the scenery felt peaceful and distinctly outdoorsy.

I finished my quick tour with a look at the lake. I didn't have time for swimming or any of the other water activities, but it was nice to see another side of the park. With a longer visit, I would have liked to explore more trails, find the waterfalls, and spend time around the water.

My Favorite Things

My favorite part was actually driving across the creek crossing in Evan's BMW. It's a small thing, but it was unexpected and entertaining, and I doubt the car's usual errands involve driving through (very shallow) water.

The winding roads were another favorite. They were smooth and easy to navigate, with enough curves to make the drive interesting without requiring anything more adventurous than a regular passenger car.

The deer were a close contender. Seeing the mother with her two babies was particularly nice, and the combination of wildlife, fall colors, and water made the park feel like a good place to slow down for a while.

I also liked how much I could see without having to commit to a long hike. I enjoy hiking, but sometimes it's nice to have a park where a short walk and a scenic drive still give you a worthwhile visit.

Things to Know Before Visiting

Give yourself more time than I did. An hour was enough for a quick look around, but I could easily have spent half a day or longer exploring the park. I would have liked to see the waterfalls, hike more trails, and investigate the swimming areas.

October was a pleasant time to visit. The leaves were beginning to change, temperatures were comfortable, and the park wasn't very crowded. I imagine summer would offer a very different experience, particularly for anyone interested in swimming.

You don't need a high-clearance vehicle for the roads I drove. The paved roads were in excellent condition, and I had no trouble getting around in a regular passenger car. This isn't an off-roading destination based on what I experienced, but it offers plenty of scenic driving.

Wear sensible shoes if you explore the overlooks and trails. My short walk was easy overall, but the rocks at the edge of the overlook were loose. I stayed back from the drop, which seemed like a sensible decision.

Plan around what you want to do. The park has swimming areas, waterfalls, hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife-viewing opportunities. I barely scratched the surface, so it's worth looking at the park map before arriving rather than making up the day as you go along, as I did.

My Ratings

My standard rating scale is 1 to 5, with 1 = Poor, 2 = Below Average, 3 = Average, 4 = Good, and 5 = Excellent.

These ratings reflect my October visit, not a full exploration of everything the park offers.

Category	My Rating
Scenery	4/5, Good
Hiking	4/5, Good
Views and wildlife	4/5, Good
Driving and roads	4/5, Good

I didn't try swimming, boating, or the longer hikes, so I can't give those activities a fair rating.

Overall, I enjoyed the park more than I expected to for a spontaneous one-hour visit. There was enough variety to keep me interested, and I never felt like I was just driving around looking at the same thing. I would have liked to spend more time exploring on foot, but I still came away with a good impression.

Official Park Information

The National Park Service's official Chickasaw National Recreation Area website has information about the park's trails, water activities, wildlife, camping, and visitor facilities.

Located near Sulphur in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area protects a landscape of forests, streams, springs, and lakes. The area was established in 1902 as Sulphur Springs Reservation, later became Platt National Park, and was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area in 1976 to create the recreation area we know today. The park's water resources remain a major attraction, from Travertine Creek and its spring-fed swimming areas to the larger Lake of the Arbuckles, where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and picnic. Visitors can also explore hiking and biking trails, look for wildlife, and visit the Travertine Nature Center to learn more about the area's natural and cultural history.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed Chickasaw National Recreation Area, even though I barely had time to explore it. The combination of winding roads, changing leaves, wildlife, creeks, and lake views made for a very pleasant stop.

My biggest complaint is entirely my own fault: I should have planned better and allowed more time. Next time I'm in the area for work, I'd like to return when I can spend at least half a day exploring. As long as it's not freezing outside, that is.

For anyone passing through southern Oklahoma, this is well worth a stop. Just try not to schedule something else an hour later.

Mid-Texas Roadtrip Geocaching

Evan and I took a road trip and found some geocaches while we were away. The primary goal of the trip was for us to get away before I have another major surgery, but we also wanted to see some cool things and make some new memories. Also, I'm trying to see all the Texas State Parks, so seemed like a good time to combine all my favorite outdoor activities.

One of our first stops was Lake Whitney State Park, where we did some light hiking and found two geocaches. One was just funny, and if you are in the area, you should go for it: Stinky Little Cache. The other was very easy and could be spotted from a distance: Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut.

As there was another park quite nearby, we went to Lake Meridian State Park and Zinny and I joined a family in finding a geocache from the park HQ: There’s a BEAR in the woods!

Our last day of the trip is when we did the most in terms of geocaching. Just outside of Mother Neff State Park, we located D Mother Neff. This one was a little funny because Evan walked right by it but I found it right away. Nice hide.

After leaving Mother Neff State Park and on our way to Fort Parker State Park, I found a cemetery with two geocaches. One of my fave types of caches because I find cemeteries peaceful. This one was rather large and busy, so we unfortunately had to DNF Beautiful Overlook due to muggles right next to it. But we did locate Adventures of Des & a pup named Stella.

After leaving Fort Parker State Park (which has a cemetery in it, so added bonus), we found two really cute caches placed by the same family: J. K. L. E. and R&C+3B's. They had other in the series, so maybe we'd try those if in the area again. These were different than most we find and blend in remarkably well.

Mother Neff State Park: Our Review & Ratings

We visited Mother Neff State Park in October 2026 during a weekend trip to Central Texas. This was a relatively quick stop, but it turned out to be a nice combination of hiking, history, and interesting old stone structures. We had driven through the park before really appreciating how much there was to see, and we could easily have spent more time exploring.

Mother Neff is also a little piece of Texas history. It is known as the first official state park in Texas, and much of what makes it interesting today was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. If you enjoy hiking trails with a little history mixed in, this small park is worth a stop.

A Little Texas State Park History

One of the first things we learned was that Mother Neff State Park has a special place in the history of Texas parks. Isabella Neff donated six acres of land for public use, and her son, Governor Pat Neff, later donated additional land. The park officially opened in 1937, after the CCC helped develop its roads, trails, buildings, and other facilities.

We had not realized just how much of the park's character came from the CCC. There are stone buildings, a tower, a rock tabernacle, and other historic structures scattered around the property. The workmanship is impressive, especially considering that much of the construction was done by hand.

The visitor center and museum are good places to start if you want to understand what you are seeing. There is interpretive signage throughout the park, so you can learn as you explore instead of needing to remember everything from a museum visit.

Hiking and Exploring the Park

The trails were a highlight for both of us. Mother Neff has a variety of short routes, making it possible to see several attractions without committing to a long hike. The trails include some elevation changes, stairs, and uneven terrain, but we found them manageable. There were also places to rest along the way.

We particularly liked how the trails connected the natural scenery with the park's history. You could walk through the trees, explore a historic structure, and then continue along a trail to another point of interest. Parking near the trailheads made it easy to choose a short walk rather than having to hike a long distance just to reach the attractions.

The main park road was enjoyable, too. Trees arch over portions of the road, giving it a shady, almost tunnel-like feel. It is a pleasant drive, even if you are not planning to spend much time hiking.

The CCC Tower

The stone tower was one of our favorite stops. Built by the CCC as a water tower, it has a spiral staircase leading to an observation deck. The structure is impressive from the ground, but climbing to the top gives you a better appreciation of the craftsmanship and the surrounding landscape.

Evan especially enjoyed the hike to the tower and the CCC stone table nearby. The trail offered a good mix of scenery and history without requiring a particularly long outing. The tower is also one of those places where the destination is only half the experience. The stonework itself is worth taking a closer look at.

If you visit, be sure to follow the signs and explore the nearby historic features rather than heading straight back to the car after seeing the tower.

The Cave and Other Historic Features

Another interesting stop was the cave, also known as Tonkawa Cave. This rock shelter was used by the Tonkawa people, and it provides a glimpse into the area's much earlier history, long before the CCC arrived.

The cave was an easy addition to our visit and another reason to take your time along the trails. It is not a huge cavern that requires special equipment or an elaborate adventure. Instead, it is a small but meaningful historical and natural feature that fits nicely into the park's collection of attractions.

We also appreciated the other CCC structures around the park. The old buildings were in good condition, and their stone construction gave the park a distinctive character. One thing to remember is that not every attraction is necessarily reached from the same section of the park. We recommend checking the map and signs before leaving an area.

The Wash Pond

The Wash Pond was another favorite. The water and surrounding greenery made it a peaceful place to stop and take in the scenery. The CCC enlarged the natural basin, and it is now one of the park's notable features.

This was one of those places where it was worth slowing down for a few minutes instead of treating the park like a checklist of attractions. Between the pond, the trees, and the historic structures, Mother Neff offers more variety than you might expect from a relatively small state park.

We also saw birds, flowers, and a few deer during our visit. Wildlife was not the main attraction for us, but there was plenty of nature to enjoy along the way.

A Stop at the Playground

We also made time for the playground, which features a stone armadillo. Naturally, a stone armadillo is a perfectly reasonable place to stop for a photo.

The playground is a fun addition for families, and it gives younger visitors something to enjoy beyond the hiking trails and historical displays. It also provides a little variety if you are visiting with a group that has different interests.

Geocaching at Mother Neff

We did not make geocaching a priority during this visit, which was a missed opportunity. By the time I remembered to look for caches, we had already done as much hiking as we planned and were heading away from the park.

We found one cache near the secondary park entrance, across the road from the entrance rather than inside the park itself. It was a small geocaching stop, but not one that stood out as particularly memorable.

If you are a geocacher, I recommend checking the available caches before your visit and planning them into your route. That is especially useful if you want to combine caching with the short trails and historic attractions. We could have done a better job of that ourselves!

What Could Have Been Better?

Our biggest disappointment was that we did not allow enough time to explore everything. We spent about an hour and a half in the park, which was enough to see several highlights, but another hour or two would have allowed us to take longer hikes and explore more thoroughly.

We also should have brought more water. Even in October, it is important to carry water when hiking in Texas. The trails may be short, but the elevation changes and stairs can still add up.

The mosquitoes were another drawback during our visit. We saw plenty of birds and flowers, but the mosquitoes were persistent enough to make some stops less relaxing than they could have been, even with bug spray.

One other practical note: the park's lower area and some facilities can be affected by flooding. Check the official park website before visiting to confirm which trails and attractions are accessible.

Our Tips for Visiting Mother Neff State Park

• Allow two to four hours. We spent about 90 minutes there, but three or four hours would give you more time to explore the trails and historic structures.

• Bring plenty of water. Do not assume short hikes mean you will not need much.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Some trails have stairs, elevation changes, and uneven surfaces.

• Bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes were a noticeable nuisance during our October visit.

• Explore beyond the main road. The CCC tower, cave, wash pond, and historic buildings are worth seeing.

• Check the park map before you start. Some points of interest are in different areas, and you may need to drive between them.

• Check current trail conditions. Flooding can affect access to the lower portion of the park.

• Plan your geocaching ahead of time. Do not make the same mistake I did and remember the caches only when you are ready to leave.

Official Park Information

Mother Neff State Park is located along the Leon River in Central Texas and is one of the earliest parks in the Texas state park system. Isabella Neff donated the original six acres for public use, and her son, Governor Pat Neff, later contributed additional land. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed many of the park's roads, trails, buildings, and stone structures during the 1930s. Today, visitors can hike nearly 3.5 miles of trails, explore historic CCC features, enjoy nature, camp, picnic, and learn about the park's history at the visitor center.

Official website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mother-neff

Mother Neff State Park: Our Review & Ratings

We rated the park across the activities and attractions we experienced. The shared category ratings below reflect the average of our individual ratings where both of us provided an applicable score. Activities we did not try are not treated as poor experiences.

Rating scale: 1 = Poor, 2 = Fair, 3 = Good, 4 = Very Good, 5 = Excellent.

Category	Our Rating	Notes
Geocaching	3/5	Caches are available, but we did not find a particularly memorable one.
Scenery & Beauty	4.5/5	Shady roads, trees, the pond, and the historic structures made for a pleasant visit.
Hiking & Trails	4.5/5	A good variety of short trails, with some elevation changes and plenty of interesting stops.
Wildlife & Nature	4/5	Birds, flowers, and deer, although mosquitoes were a nuisance.
Water Recreation	Not rated	We did not try water recreation, and swimming and fishing are not permitted in the park.
Off-Roading & Driving	4/5	No off-roading, but the main park road was enjoyable.
History & Points of Interest	5/5	The CCC tower, cave, museum, and historic stone structures were highlights.
Camping & Facilities	Not rated	We did not camp or assess the camping facilities during this visit.
Biking	Not rated	We did not bike; park trails are designated for hiking.

Our Overall Ratings

Judy: Worth Visiting 🖒

I enjoyed the history, the CCC structures, and the hiking. The tower, cave, and Wash Pond were all worth seeing, and I would have liked to spend more time exploring. I also learned something new about the beginnings of the Texas state park system. My main regrets were not planning enough time, not bringing enough water, and forgetting to look for geocaches until we were almost finished.

Evan: Worth Visiting 🖒

I enjoyed the variety of short hikes and the history throughout the park, especially the CCC tower and stone table. The main road was scenic, and the park had plenty of interesting features packed into a relatively small area. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking, history, or a quick outdoor stop. Just be sure to check out the historic buildings beyond the main section of the park.

Final Thoughts

Mother Neff State Park is a good example of why a park does not have to be enormous to be worth visiting. We enjoyed the mix of short hikes, natural scenery, and Texas history, and the CCC structures gave the park a distinctive personality.

It is a particularly good choice if you want an outdoor outing that does not require an entire day of strenuous hiking. You can see several highlights in a couple of hours, or take your time and explore more of the trails.

We would return with a little more time, more water, and a better geocaching plan. Mother Neff may be one of Texas' smaller parks, but it has a lot of history packed into its trails.

Caching After Sunset in Dallas Area

 We met our friend for a little pre-birthday dinner with him, his wife, and his kids. As per usual, I got to chat with the kids, color, and play games while the grown-ups talked (his kids are really fun and respectful and I always enjoy when we hang out).

On the way home, we decided to look for a couple of geocaches. The first we were not able to find (there was nearby construction). But, there is a cute little garden and I'd recommend a stop if you are nearby and need some calming energy: SAINT RITA

Since that was a bust, we made another stop in an area I must have driven by hundreds of times and never known about. A cute lake with a walking path. The promised us ducks, but alas, we didn't see any. We did see little fish in the super clear water, so that was a win. Great stop and very pretty little area: Swimming Ducks

Geocaching in The Colony on a Crazy Sunday

We had a day out with my nephew on Sunday. We grabbed lunch, then headed to Fritz's Adventure in The Colony.

We spent over two hours there climbing, ducking, ziplining, balancing, and generally finding out that I am not quite as graceful as I used to be. It was a lot of fun, though, and I hope we go back in the future.

The slides and I aren't the friends we used to be. When you're sweating, you tend to stick to them instead of sliding down them. We eventually figured it out, but I'm pretty sure the slides won that particular battle.

After Fritz's, Evan took on the important teenage milestone of teaching our nephew how to parallel park.

I was not needed for the hour of parallel parking practice, so I started looking around for something else to do. I noticed there were some walking paths nearby and, even better, there was a geocache.

So I took a little walk and went looking for Story Book Trail.

It wasn't a long or difficult walk, but there were LOTS of spiders and the cache location was pretty messy. I'm pretty sure I found the cache, but it was in rough enough shape that there wasn't really anything to sign.

And, of course, this time I had actually remembered to bring a pen.

Still, it was a nice little break. I got a short walk, some time sitting outside and enjoying nature, and even got a photo of a snail.

Not every cache needs to turn into a big adventure. Sometimes it's just nice to have an hour to wander around while the teenagers learn to parallel park.

Geocaching Before Jet Lag: The Game

Evan and I are SUPER fans of Jet Lag: The Game, so when we got the chance to see the final two episodes of the latest season as a "movie" on the big screen, obviously we had to go.

It was awesome. There is something particularly fun about sitting in a room full of people who are all equally nerdy about the same incredibly specific thing. I loved it.

Before the movie, we stopped for dinner. While we were in the parking lot, I noticed there was a geocache sitting right there.

And since I'm trying to fill in my Finds for Each Day of the Year chart for October, obviously we had to go for it.

Nothing Sick About This Place was a super quick and easy find. The only problem was that I didn't have a pen with me, so after finding it we had to borrow one from a nearby establishment so I could sign the log.

I have since added a pen to the car. Because apparently this is a lesson I needed to learn.

It was rainy, we were on our way to watch Jet Lag, and we managed to squeeze in a quick geocache first. Not a bad way to spend a Friday night.

Surprise Geocaching Day

This was a surprise-ish day trip with my niece Lena. She had no idea what we were doing ahead of time, but she was a good sport and went along with the whole thing.

We started with breakfast at Brothers Cafe, then made an important road trip stop at Gateway Exxon and Pilot Travel Center in Van. This was not your average gas station stop. They had a ridiculous selection of unique snacks and drinks, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the drive. Definitely worth remembering for future road trips when we need to fuel up and want something more interesting than the usual gas station options.

Then we headed to Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area for some off-roading.

We started out on a trail that was harder than Lena was expecting, and she was pretty scared. Once we got ourselves out of that one, though, things got much better. The rest of the afternoon was a lot of fun, with some good trails and plenty of dirt. We even managed to damage the rear wheel well liner, which is about the least important thing you can break while off-roading, so I'll take it.

After Barnwell, we headed over to Martin Creek Lake State Park. The park itself was...meh. Pretty much everywhere we went, there was a coal power plant either visible or audible. There would be a nice bench overlooking the lake, and then there was the power plant. The water level was also pretty low, and while there was a swimming area, it was so full of plant growth that swimming wasn't really an option.

The Island Loop Trail was actually pretty easy, though, and we saw LOTS of armadillos along the way.

Honestly, the armadillos were the real highlight of the state park.

And somewhere along that hike, we found Island Walkabout. It was a nice little addition to the hike and gave us an excuse to stop and do some caching along the way.

The hike also gave me a little personal victory. This was the first time since I was diagnosed with cancer that I managed to get over 10,000 steps in a day. I was pretty proud of that. It felt good to realize that I can still have days where I get out, do things, and actually put some miles on my feet.

After finishing the trail, we drove around the rest of the park to see what else there was to see. We got lucky and saw a deer feeding from its mom, which was probably the best wildlife moment of the day.

Then we headed to The Forge for dinner before starting the drive home.

The sunset on the way home was pretty spectacular.

Not every stop on a road trip needs to be amazing. Sometimes you get a questionable state park, some good off-roading, a ridiculous gas station, a geocache, a bunch of armadillos, and a really nice sunset at the end of the day. And sometimes you get to hit 10,000 steps for the first time in a long time and realize that's worth being proud of, too.

Lena survived the surprise, and I'd call that a successful day.

Not Geocaching in Big Bend But Keeping the Spirit Alive

This was one of those trips that was technically supposed to fit on a geocaching blog, but we somehow managed to go to Big Bend for 11 days without actually finding a geocache.

We had geocaches downloaded. We had plenty of time. We had plenty of opportunities. We just never actually stopped to find one.

Instead, the focus of the trip was night skies and offroading, and honestly, I loved this trip. I would do almost the entire thing again exactly the same way.

We spent a lot of time exploring Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, including quite a few roads that definitely require a vehicle capable of handling them. We did a 4x4 tour, drove Old Ore Road, River Road, Glenn Springs Road, and a bunch of other back roads. Old Ore Road was probably my favorite, although really I loved all of the offroading.

We also crossed the Rio Grande into Mexico at Boquillas, did some rifle shooting, explored Terlingua and Marfa, and spent a ridiculous amount of time looking at the sky. We had several nights of stargazing, including a star party at McDonald Observatory.

We did have to work part of the trip, but even that wasnice. We worked remotely from our dome, with a pretty fantastic view as our office.

The one thing that did not make the favorite-things list was the Chinati Foundation. I didn't get it. At all. We also happened to be in the area at a time when there was a lot of discussion about plans for border barriers through or near Big Bend's public lands. After spending this much time driving through the parks and seeing how beautiful and wild this area is, the idea of putting a huge fence through parts of it is pretty depressing. The plans have changed several times, but the whole thing is worth following if you care about the future of the area. The Texas Tribune has a good overview of the current Big Bend border-barrier plans.

And then there was the tire.

On the way to Marfa, we punctured a tire on Pinto Canyon Road. It wasn't exactly part of the itinerary, but I suppose an offroading trip needs at least one reminder that you're actually offroading. I would make one change if we did the trip again: I wish we'd had the tires I have now back then.

Despite the tire, the questionable art, and the complete lack of actual geocaching, this was one of my favorite trips. The scenery was incredible, the offroading was a blast, crossing into Mexico was a fun experience, and the night skies were exactly what we had gone looking for.

So, no finds to report.

But we had the geocaching spirit. We explored, took the roads less traveled, stopped at interesting places, and spent a lot of time outside wondering what was around the next bend.

I'll take that as a pretty good geocaching-adjacent trip.