Photo of the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail sign with desert plants in the background.
3 Hours

Lower Rattlesnake Canyon Trail

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Follow down a canyon for 3 miles (4.8 km) and enjoy a variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants.

A moderate trail which begins approximately 0.25 mile (0.4 km) past interpretive marker #4 on the beautiful Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. This 3 miles (4.8 km) trail has an elevation change of 600 feet (183 m). Overnight use by permit only. Permits are available for free at the visitor center during business hours.

Tags

HikingAnimalsGeologyMountainsNatural SoundsScenic ViewsTrailsWildernessdeserttrailscenic

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Details

Duration

3 Hours

Duration Details

Estimated hiking time is about 3 hours one-way.

Fees Apply

No

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

Trail is narrow, rocky, and steep.

Pets

No

Reservations

No

Location

Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead

View on NPS.govBack to Carlsbad Caverns

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