Majestic National Parks of Southwest US

Hit the road! Travel with photographer Nick Parisse to some of the most awe-inspiring national parks in America's great Southwest, including Big Bend National Park and White Sands National Park.

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Photo By: Nick Parisse

Gem Hunter's Paradise

Covering over 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a paradise for stargazers. The park is so remote that light pollution is among the lowest in the entire US. Here, you can clearly see the Milky Way and a shooting star! Visit photographer Nick Parisse’s website to see more of his photos.

Chisos Mountains

High in the Chisos Mountains, a hiker surveys the land as he decides which trail to take. Big Bend is often referred to as “3 parks in one” because of its size and diverse environments -- mountains, desert and river.

Chihuahuan Desert

The Chihuahuan Desert, one of the wettest in North America, has dense shrubbery that blankets the Chisos Basin. Here, the sun begins to set behind the mountains as a cold front moves in.

Backcountry Critter

A tarantula makes its way across a backcountry trail in Big Bend National Park, TX.

Pinnacles Trail

Cacti cover a meadow along the Pinnacles trail in Big Bend National Park. Fall temperatures are mild, and colorful flora is still blooming in the winter.

Rio Grande

A narrow stretch of the Rio Grande acts as a natural border between the US and Mexico. This view from Santa Elena Canyon, located in the southern region of the park, shows the US on the left and Mexico on the right. The Chisos Mountains are also visible in the distance.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

Even on an overcast day, the sun still finds a way to illuminate the mountains. This photo was taken on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

The Big Room

A cluster of stalactites hang from the ceiling of “The Big Room” in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Cozy Home for Bats

With a little natural light, this is a view from inside Carlsbad Caverns. In the summer months the caverns are home to thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats.

Stunning Stalagmites

Light shines on the cavern floor and ceiling, providing visitors with a view of huge stalagmites that can take thousands of years to form.

Scenic Walkway

Visitors get an amazing view of this scenery along a walkway that turns into the entrance of the deepest part of Carlsbad Caverns -- nearly 750 feet deep.

Mineral Deposits

Massive mineral deposits mushroom up from the floor of the caverns.

Natural Cavern Entrance

The natural entrance to the caverns is a paved switchback trail leading visitors underground to discover numerous geological wonders.

Stargazer's Heaven

Even the light from a full moon and a few passing clouds couldn’t diminish the clarity of the stars in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, in Salt Flat, TX. Stargazers should add this park to their must-see list.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of America’s least-visited parks. It’s hard to understand why with unobstructed views like this.

Tejas Trail

Visible on the left, the sun lights up the switchbacks along the mountainside on Tejas Trail. The strenuous 10-mile, round-trip hike offers visitors some of the most beautiful views in the park.

Devil's Hall Hike

The spectacular hike into “Devil’s Hall” brings visitors around mountains and through a dry river channel. In an effort not to unnecessarily detract from the natural views, rock cairns act as trail markers.

Devil's Hall

Here’s a view from “Devil’s Hall” as the path narrows. “Hiker’s Staircase” is visible in the foreground.

Epic Mountain View

This is one of many mountain views visitors will encounter while on a backcountry hike through Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park offers visitors several recreational activities, including picnicking, hiking, camping, scenic drives and sledding.

Morning at Park

The sun breaks through the clouds on an early morning in White Sands National Park.

Capoeira on a Dune

A well-traversed dune is the perfect place for this traveler to occupy his time and practice the Brazilian martial art of capoeira.

National Park Camping

It’s time to pack up camp and move along as the sun rises. White Sands offers backcountry camping for guests who want to sleep under the stars. Visit Nick Parisse’s website to see more of his photos.

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Majestic National Parks of Southwest US

Related To:

Shop This Look

Gem Hunter's Paradise

Big Bend National Park

Chisos Mountains

Chihuahuan Desert

Backcountry Critter

Pinnacles Trail

Rio Grande

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

The Big Room

Cozy Home for Bats

Stunning Stalagmites

Scenic Walkway

Mineral Deposits

Natural Cavern Entrance

Stargazer's Heaven

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Tejas Trail

Devil's Hall Hike

Devil's Hall

Epic Mountain View

White Sands National Park

Morning at Park

Capoeira on a Dune

National Park Camping