Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Travel Guide
Descending into the darkness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park feels like entering a subterranean cathedral. Giant stalactites and stalagmites rise and drip, forming delicate curtains and towering columns. Above ground, desert wildlife roams among cactus-dotted canyons and ancient sea ledges. In total, over 119 caves were formed here when sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone, creating one of the world's most spectacular cave systems.
Carlsbad Caverns feels like descending into a hidden temple sculpted by sulfuric acid, where stone curtains hang above a silent abyss and desert life thrives on ancient sea ledges.
How to Get There
The park is located 20 miles southwest of the city of Carlsbad. From U.S. Highway 62/180, turn north at White's City onto the park road and drive seven miles to the visitor center. Carlsbad is served by Greyhound bus lines and the local Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM). Major airlines fly into Roswell (ROW), Midland (MAF), El Paso (ELP), and Albuquerque (ABQ); rental cars are available at these airports. There is no public transportation to the caverns, so driving or taking a guided tour is necessary.
Know Before You Go
Entrance tickets ($15 per person) are required to visit the cavern and can be reserved online. Tours often sell out, especially from May through September. A self-guided walk down the Natural Entrance Trail covers 1.25 miles and descends 750 feet; an elevator returns visitors to the surface. Bring a jacket — the caverns remain around 56°F year-round. Outside, desert temperatures soar; carry water and sun protection. Bat flight programs take place at dusk from late spring through October, when hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the cave.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring surface trails and watching bat flights. Summer is the hottest but most popular time for family vacations; arrive early to secure your spot on tours. Winter is quieter, though there may be occasional snow in the desert. Underground, the temperature remains constant throughout the year.
Best Things to Do
Tour the Big Room, a 1.25-mile loop through the park's largest chamber featuring formations like the Hall of Giants. Attend a ranger-led tour of other caverns such as King's Palace or Slaughter Canyon Cave. Above ground, hike the Desert Loop Road to see prickly pear blooms and panoramic canyon views. Stop at the visitor center to learn about Permian reef fossils. Nearby, explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in Carlsbad.
Best Hikes
Natural Entrance Trail (1.25 miles, strenuous): Descend 750 feet along switchbacks into the cave, equivalent to walking down a 75-story building.
Old Guano Trail (3 miles, moderate): Above ground, this loop traces an old mining road along canyon rims with desert vistas.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail (7.1 miles, strenuous): In nearby Lincoln National Forest, this trek leads to hidden rock formations and canyon views.
Walnut Canyon Vista (0.3 mile, easy): A short walk from the visitor center to an overlook.
Places to Stay
There is no lodging inside the park, but Carlsbad (20 miles away) offers hotels like the Trinity Hotel, Blue House Bakery & Café's B&B, and chain motels. A small campground is located in White's City. Primitive backcountry camping is allowed within the park by permit. Cloudcroft and Ruidoso, mountain towns to the west, offer even more incredible retreats during the hot summer months.
Places to Eat
Inside the visitor center, a snack bar sells sandwiches and drinks. In Carlsbad, try local favorites like Happy's Café for New Mexican cuisine or Red Chimney Pit BarBQ for smoked meats. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (an hour away) has limited services, so stock up before embarking on park adventures.