re: Guadalupe Mountains/Carlsbad vs. Big Bend

I’ve mapped this out a few times, we are definitely going to go do this in the fall/winter. Flying in to El Paso is cheap on SWA and from there it’s an easy drive to both.

if driving to BB from El Paso everything I’ve read says to take the scenic route along the river/border, and make time for the little towns as you get close to the park. Also, camping is the way to see that park

going the other way to Carlsbad/Guadeloupe both are pretty primitive as far as facilities go, and are suited to day tripping and/or camping

if you choose one I think the consensus will be big bend