Explore Carlsbad Caverns and Witness Nature’s Underground Wonders

The United States is filled with some truly remarkable, beautiful areas to visit and explore. When you think of caverns throughout the country, you may think of an area that is dark, damp, and dreary. In fact, a cavern may not be at the top of your bucket list or anywhere on it. Despite this stereotype, a visit to Carlsbad Caverns is the kind of experience that will leave a mark on you for the rest of your life. The featured formations in Carlsbad Caverns National Park are unique, enormous, gorgeous, and inspiring, and truly a destination you do not want to miss.

Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park worth visiting?

Located in southern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is approximately 20 miles outside of the city of Carlsbad and is an area that is educational, fascinating, and photo-worthy.

Carlsbad Caverns is not your average cave. In fact, it's far from average in any way! This natural wonder is a limestone cave that was once part of an underwater reef in an inland sea. This body of water that formed the cavern was on the earth 250 to 280 million years ago.

Today, when visiting, you are welcome to explore Carlsbad Caverns at your own pace — and it's certainly one incredible place to explore. There's something extra special about this destination in the Land of Enchantment.

Hiking at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are two main trails for you to explore: The Big Room and Natural Entrance. Each one is worth putting on your hiking boots and exploring. The Big Room is the largest single cave chamber in the United States. To view this incredible cave chamber, you will tackle the Big Room Trail. This hike is 1.25 miles, easy, and flat. There are even areas on the trail that are wheelchair accessible. You may also choose a shorter 0.6-mile route if you desire less walking.

If you are looking for a challenging hike, the Natural Entrance Trail will be a memorable experience. This is an extremely steep, 1.25-mile hike. Due to the steep decline, you can expect this hike to take approximately one hour or more to complete. This is not an accessible trail, but it's quite stunning if you are willing to challenge yourself physically and mentally.

However, make sure you don’t spend all of your time inside the main cavern. If you love to hike, lace up those hiking boots and tackle one of the surface hikes. A few of these surface hike trails include the Walnut Canyon Overlook (0.4 miles), Old Guano Trail (3.7 miles), and Yucca Canyon (3.9 miles).

Bats at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

When you think of caves, do you think of bats? I do! Well, Carlsbad Caverns offers evening ranger talks where you can learn more about bats before they begin their nightly flights. Then, as the sun sets, you can watch the bats exit Carlsbad Caverns and fly right above your head. These ranger-led programs take place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, are free, and no reservations are required. It is fun to visit and attend this program in late summer when you’ll see the baby bats emerging from the cave as well.

Where to stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

With so much to see and do, I recommend that you turn any day trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park into an overnight adventure. While there are no overnight campgrounds or lodging inside the national park, you are allowed backcountry camping if you receive a free permit at the visitor’s center.

Practical tips for visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Accessibility: A portion of Carlsbad Caverns is wheelchair accessible. The Big Room Trail is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. A portion of the trail is paved, and audio guides are available. Although be aware that portions of the trail are steep and wheelchairs are not allowed in these areas of the trail. The Natural Entrance Trail, King’s Palace, and other caving tours are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible parking, picnic areas, and restrooms are located around the national park. You can read the park’s accessibility guide on the National Park Service website.

Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, although they are not allowed inside the cavern, on trails, or inside the visitor’s center. There is a $15 kennel service where you may board your pet while you tour the cavern, explore the park trails, or while in the visitor center. However, you may only leave your pet for the day, and there are no overnight boarding options. If you bring your family pet inside the park, it must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. You may not leave your pet inside any vehicle, and your animal may not roam off the road.

Parking: You can find parking at the visitor center. There are two main parking lots in the area. If you are driving a large RV or a bus, there are designated parking areas at the visitor center.

Seasonal Access: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open year-round. However, the park is closed on several national holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. To enter the Carlsbad Caverns, you must make a reservation online, on the telephone, or at the visitor’s center. These reservations will tell you the specific time you can enter the cavern.

Cost: There is a $15 entrance fee for each individual over the age of 16. All children 15 years and younger are free. The national park accepts many types of national park passes. There are also fee-free days throughout the year. For a complete list of fee-free days in Carlsbad Caverns, visit the NPS page.

A place worth exploring

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is truly a destination you want to see and experience for yourself. You may feel like you have stepped onto another planet when you visit. For more information about this national park in New Mexico, make sure to stop by the National Park Service website. And if you're looking for more things to do in the area during your visit, head over to our itinerary planner for recommendations!