Parks / Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
National Park · NM
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
Closures Due to Flood Damage
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed
A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
Footwear in the Cavern
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.
Entrance Fees
An entrance fee is required to enter Carlsbad Cavern and provides access by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Upcoming Events
Bat Flight Program
Aug 31, 2026 · The seating area where you will sit to watch the bats is located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern, about a five minute walk from the visitor center.
Star Viewing
Sep 11, 2026 · Viewing will take place in the east parking lot near the picnic benches
Night Hike
Sep 25, 2026 · All hikes will begin after the Bat Flight Program. Meet the rangers at the park sign in front of the visitor center at the designated program time.
Things to Do
Bat Flight Program
Enjoy an evening ranger talk about the park's population of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats and experience their emergence from Carlsbad Cavern.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Enjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains and explore Chihuahuan Desert plant life along this short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) loop trail.
Explore the Cavern at Your Own Pace
The 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.
Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT)
This 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.
Juniper Ridge Trail
Enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert in a serene landscape along this 3.5 mile (5 km) trail.
King's Palace Tour
The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public.
Lower Cave Tour
In 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.
Lower Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Follow down a canyon for 3 miles (4.8 km) and enjoy a variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants.
Night Sky Programs
Enjoy the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park during a ranger-led night sky program.
Old Guano Trail
This 3.7 miles (6km) trail descends the escarpment, ending at the White's City campground.
Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area
Have a relaxing picnic among tall cottonwood trees and watch for a variety of birds.
Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail
A scenic 0.5 mile (1 km) hike that leads to viewpoints overlooking Slaughter Canyon.
Slaughter Canyon Trail
This 5.3 mile (8.6 km) hike travels up Slaughter Canyon with mountains towering above.
Upper Rattlesnake Canyon Loop Trail
A moderately difficult 6 mile (9.6 km) loop trail in the park's wilderness.
Walnut Canyon Desert Drive
Discover canyon views, desert plants, and wildlife along this unpaved road.
Walnut Canyon Overlook Trail
This short 180 yards (165 m) paved walkway provides great views of Walnut Canyon.
Yucca Canyon Trail
This is a difficult 7.7 mile (12.4 km) trail that climbs quickly up a side canyon to the top of an escarpment.
Visitor Centers
- Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.