Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park protects more than 119 known limestone caves beneath the Chihuahuan Desert of southeastern New Mexico. Unlike caves formed mainly by surface water, many caverns here developed when sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone from below. Aboveground landscapes include desert canyons, cactus, grasslands, rocky ridges, and wildlife habitat, making the park both an underground and surface destination.

Carlsbad Cavern is the park’s primary public cave and can be explored using the self-guided Big Room and Natural Entrance trails. The Natural Entrance route descends steeply through the cavern’s original opening, while the Big Room route passes an extensive collection of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and other formations. Elevators connect the visitor center and main cavern area, allowing visitors to choose an experience appropriate for their mobility and available time.

Ranger-guided tours provide access to areas not included on the standard self-guided routes. Depending on staffing, season, age restrictions, and availability, these experiences may involve narrow passages, steep descents, ladders, crawling, or periods of complete darkness. Tour capacity is limited, and reservations should be made early whenever advance booking is offered.

From spring through fall, visitors may be able to watch Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the cavern near sunset. The ranger-led Bat Flight Program explains bat behavior and the importance of protecting the colony before visitors watch the evening flight from the amphitheater. Electronic devices, including cameras and phones, are prohibited in the bat-flight viewing area to protect the bats and preserve the experience.

Aboveground activities include desert hiking, backcountry travel, birdwatching, night-sky programs, wildlife viewing, and exploring exhibits at the visitor center. A timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Carlsbad Cavern, in addition to the applicable cavern entrance fee or pass. Because cavern hours, tour availability, bat activity, and surface weather vary throughout the year, visitors should confirm current requirements before arriving.