You Can Visit El Paso-Area National Parks for Free Sept. 23

The U.S. National Parks Service will be waiving entrance fees for everyone on National Public Lands Day.

If you’ve been wanting to hit the road and sled down a stories-high gypsum sand dune, or see one of Texas’ highest peaks in all its glory without the added expense of an entry fee, September 23 will be the day to do it.

The National Parks Service is waiving admission to many national parks on that day in observance of National Public Lands Day.

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Which National Parks in the El Paso-Area?

Among the El Paso-area parks nature seekers won’t have to pay to get into on Saturday, September 23, are Guadalupe Mountains National Park, White Sands National Monument, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Not All Fees

While you won’t be charged to enter the park, 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.

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.

Other than Fort Davis, the national parks listed below are in the 5 to 7-hour drive-time range. Fort Davis is about 4 hours.

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