Overview
About Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Weather
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions. Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!
Entrance Fees
A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.
Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Gallery
Photos of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
6 images
Things to do
Discover Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Bat Flight Program
0-60 MinutesEnjoy an evening ranger talk about the park's population of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats and experience their emergence from Carlsbad Cavern.
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Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
30 MinutesEnjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains and explore Chihuahuan Desert plant life along this short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) loop trail.
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Explore the Cavern at Your Own Pace
1-3 HoursThe Big Room and Natural Entrance trails can be enjoyed at your own pace. The Big Room Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Natural Entrance Trail is strenuous. Enjoy one or both to experience a variety of cave formations.
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Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT)
5-6 DaysThis trail covers 100 miles (161 km) through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Over 20 miles (32 km) of this trail is within Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
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Juniper Ridge Trail
3 HoursEnjoy the Chihuahuan Desert in a serene landscape along this 3.5 mile (5 km) trail.
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King's Palace Tour
90 MinutesThe King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public.
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Lower Cave Tour
3 HoursIn 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers.
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Lower Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
3 HoursFollow down a canyon for 3 miles (4.8 km) and enjoy a variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants.
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Night Sky Programs
1-2 HoursEnjoy the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park during a ranger-led night sky program.
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