National Park Service Announces Free Admission to Parks Near El Paso in Texas and New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad New MexicoPhoto byCarlsbad Caverns National Park Facebook

If you’ve ever wanted to hike to the summit of Guadalupe Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains or explore Carlsbad Caverns than Sunday, August 4, 2024 will be a good time to do it.

The National Parks Service is celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act with free admission to our nearby national parks.

The Great American Outdoors Act guarantees permanent funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands.

Which El Paso-Area National Parks?

Among the El Paso-area parks nature seekers won’t have to pay to get into on Sunday, August 4, are Guadalupe Mountains National Park, White Sands National Monument, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Not All Fees

While entrance fees to the park itself will be waived, fees for things like camping, boat launches, transportation, and special activities and tours are not.

You should also check each park's respective website to see if advance online reservations are needed to enter before piling into the car and making the drive.

Hiking the rugged terrain of Guadalupe Mountains National ParkPhoto byGuadalupe Mountains National Park Facebook

Farther but Free

If you're up for a longer and farther road trip, the parks listed below are also participating in the free day. Most are in the 5 to 7-hour drive-time range, except for Fort Davis which is about 4 hours.

Big Bend National ParkPhoto byBig Bend National Park Facebook

Texas

• Big Bend National Park
• Fort Davis National Historic Site

New Mexico

• Bandelier National Monument
• Capulin Volcano National Monument
• Chaco Culture National Historical Park
• Valles Caldera National Preserve

There are more than 400 National parks. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee.

Sledding down a gypsum sand dune in White Sands National Monument in New MexicoPhoto byWhite Sands National Monument Facebook

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