Carlsbad Caverns National Park Guide
When you think of a cave, you probably think of a dark, cramped, and potentially scary (looking at you, Minecraft players) space underground with pointy stalactites hanging from the ceiling. First things first: why are you thinking about caves so much? I’d say think of something better, but it’s your choice, so why not turn those dreams into a reality!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is no simple cave. In fact, there’s 119 total caves within the park, and more are still being discovered. The cave system here is huge, and the scenery is like something straight out of a science fiction movie. You're interested, right? So, where to start?
When to Visit
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Located in the New Mexico desert and within the Guadalupe Mountains, expect hot summers and cool, windy winters while outdoors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While there are some trails to explore on the surface, you're probably here for what is under the ground, right? No matter what time of year, it's a cool, humid 56 degrees fahrenheit in the caverns. Peak season runs from May to October, when the bat flight program generally takes place. If you can handle the heat and more crowds, you won't want to miss it. Otherwise, consider visiting in the offseason with less crowds to get in your way while you're exploring the caves.
When to Visit
​
Located in the New Mexico desert and within the Guadalupe Mountains, expect hot summers and cool, windy winters while outdoors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. While there are some trails to explore on the surface, you're probably here for what is under the ground, right? No matter what time of year, it's a cool, humid 56 degrees fahrenheit in the caverns. Peak season runs from May to October, when the bat flight program generally takes place. If you can handle the heat and more crowds, you won't want to miss it. Otherwise, consider visiting in the offseason with less crowds to get in your way while you're exploring the caves.
Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Bat Flight Program
Time: 1 hour.
Distance: Approximately .25 miles to the amphitheater from the visitor center.
Bats and caves--name a better combination, I’ll wait. Okay, so there’s about a million combinations that are better than that, but if you’re visiting Carlsbad Caverns between the months of May and October, you’re not going to want to miss the Bat Flight Program. Just past the visitor center is the natural entrance to the caverns, with a large amphitheater above it. Once the cave closes and sunset is getting close, you can watch thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the cave, off to hunt insects for the night. Don’t worry—they’re not interested in you and yours at all, unless you’re a tasty bug (which you’re not if you’re reading this).
Over 250,000 bats emerge from Carlsbad Caverns each night in the summer and fall.
Credit: Nick Hristov
Natural Entrance Trail
Time: 1 hour.
Distance: 1.25 miles.
While there are some backcountry caves (which you need permits to explore), the main portion of Carlsbad Caverns are reached from the visitor center. While there is an elevator to take you down and back up, the 1.25 mile long paved trail to the bottom via the Natural Entrance is well-worth it. While steep and full of switchbacks, it’s a surreal experience starting at the top and descending over 750 feet to the bottom, with classic cave formations becoming more and more abundant the further down you get. While most of the cave is well-lit, the natural entrance might be the only place you’d want a flashlight for, as it’s tough for your eyes to adjust to the darker conditions until you’re fully away from the sunlight. While it’s amazing to hike down, it’s not worth it to hike back up—take the elevator, your quads will thank you.
About Me
Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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Venture into the abyss that is the Natural Entrance! No, really, it's amazing.
The Big Room
Time: 1 - 2 hours.
Distance: 1.25 miles.
Whether you arrive via the natural entrance or the elevator, you’re on the cusp of stepping into the Big Room, the park’s main attraction. If you need a bathroom break first, fret not, you’ll find them here, along with a small cafe—you know, 750 feet under the earth. The trail through the Big Room is a 1.25 mile long, mostly paved loop, but plan on 90 minutes or so to walk it—there’s a lot to see! Massive columns, thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, cavern pools, and more line this subterranean landscape, and each is different from the last. With formation names like Temple of the Sun, the Caveman, and the Twin Domes, you’ll want to see it all. It’s relatively well lit, though if you’re planning on pictures, a tripod for long exposures and a flash are allowed.
The Big Room.
The Cave Man.
The Rock of Ages.
The Giant: one of the most iconic pillars in the cave is seen early on the Big Room trail.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Cinematic Video
Venture deep under the Guadalupe Mountains in this cinematic video, exploring the otherworldly chambers of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Ranger Guided Cave Tour
Time: Varies based on tour.
Distance: Varies based on tour.
While the Natural Entrance and Big Room can be toured on your own, to explore any of the other caves within Carlsbad will require purchasing a ranger-guided tour up at the visitor center first—or even better, in advance. These tours range from offshoots from the Big Room on paved trails, to backcountry cave tours that require full gear (headlamp, helmet, pads) and more as you squeeze your way through tight spaces into areas hardly explored. From the King’s Palace tour, to the close-quarters spelunking of Slaughter Canyon Cave, the choice is up to you what level of adventure you’re up for. Find more information on ticket prices and tour descriptions here.
A ranger-guided tour is a great way to explore less-seen parts of Carlsbad Caverns.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Hotels and Lodges
The White City Inn, RV Park, and Campground are located just before the park's entrance and is reasonably priced. While I can't speak from experience, Tripadvisor reviews are less-than-glowing, though the owners claim numerous reservations have been made as of 2020. The city of Carlsbad 30 minutes north from the park has plenty of chain hotels and motels, though most are quite expensive (nearly $200.00 per night) due to the booming oil industry there, with oil companies more than happy to pay the hefty prices to house their employees.
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Airbnb
There are quite a few modestly priced Airbnbs in and around Carlsbad: ours was $95.00 per night after tax and was absolutely fantastic. Others can be found for lower than that, but will likely be private rooms instead of having the entire place to yourself.
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Camping
Backcountry camping with a permit is allowed outside of the caverns in the park. For a more traditional campground, you can try the Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about 30 - 45 minutes south from Carlsbad Caverns. There are 20 first-come-first-serve sites in this campground, at $15.00 per night. Arrive early if you're traveling in peak season, as sites will go quickly.