We enjoy spring visits to WS, even if it's getting pretty darned hot by May. Heck, it can be hot in March!
One thing to be aware of in May: Lots of local schools are doing field trips then, so you may encounter busloads of kids during school hours. Locations close to the loop road can be pretty tracked up unless there's an overnight wind. Easily fixed with a bit of a walk, but you have to factor in opening and closing times with your walks.
Depending on the water year, there may still be wildflowers on the flats around Guadalupe, but May is kinda late. Great scenery on the hikes, but I'd only expect flowers in the cooler and wetter areas of the canyons.
While you're in the vicinity, don't overlook Carlsbad Caverns. We had an absolute ball there last April, both inside the caverns and out. Best for us was the walk-in route, but if time is limited you can ride the elevator like most folks. In April we had lots of cactus blossoms and more, but I don't know what you can expect in May. Don't miss the bat fly-out in the evening.
This year will be simply awful for flowers. New Mexico has had next to zero moisture. It will likely be a very hot, very windy, and incredibly dusty spring here. Rumors abound that all National Forests will completely close in the State by April 1st. It's going to be a wicked wildfire season down here (already has for that matter).
That said, I think on a usual year, April would likely be idle because of wildflowers (poppies) in the nearby Organ Mountains. This year, the sooner you get there, the better I expect it to be.
Posted by Les Barstow on March 3, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Thanks. I was afraid of that weather report - the Front Range rain/snowfall has been pretty atrocious this year, too. Just what we need - another nasty wildfire season.
Discussion
3 repliesOne thing to be aware of in May: Lots of local schools are doing field trips then, so you may encounter busloads of kids during school hours. Locations close to the loop road can be pretty tracked up unless there's an overnight wind. Easily fixed with a bit of a walk, but you have to factor in opening and closing times with your walks.
Depending on the water year, there may still be wildflowers on the flats around Guadalupe, but May is kinda late. Great scenery on the hikes, but I'd only expect flowers in the cooler and wetter areas of the canyons.
While you're in the vicinity, don't overlook Carlsbad Caverns. We had an absolute ball there last April, both inside the caverns and out. Best for us was the walk-in route, but if time is limited you can ride the elevator like most folks. In April we had lots of cactus blossoms and more, but I don't know what you can expect in May. Don't miss the bat fly-out in the evening.
That said, I think on a usual year, April would likely be idle because of wildflowers (poppies) in the nearby Organ Mountains. This year, the sooner you get there, the better I expect it to be.