×

Exploring the A Natural Wonder Carlsbad Caverns National Park

American national park Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeast New Mexico's Guadalupe Mountains. The park's show cave, Carlsbad Cavern, is its primary attraction. The cave's natural entrance can be reached on walk by visitors, or they can take an elevator from the visitor center.

Over 119 caverns may be found in the park, which was founded in 1923 and is location to Carlsbad Cavern, one of the largest and most complex caves in the world. Over millions of years, sulfuric acid destroyed limestone, creating the caves. The following chambers and formations below ground are quite amazing. Many unique formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies, can be found inside the Carlsbad Cavern.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Along with a wide range of wildlife, the park is also home to bats, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. The park is a popular location for cave exploration and exploring.

The Carlsbad Cavern, one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in the world, is one of the many limestone caves that make up the park.

A variety of guided tours are available for park visitors to take to explore the caves. The Natural Entrance Tour, which leads tourists on a winding journey into the caves, is the most appreciated tour. Many of the popular structures, such as the Big Room, a huge chamber that is more than 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high at its highest point, may be seen by tourists along the route.

The park provides several more difficult trips, such as the Spider Cave Tour and the Hall of the White Giant Tour, for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Visitors to these trips are taken to more remote parts of the caves where they can view even more amazing formations.

The park has a variety of paths for hiking and other outdoor activities in addition to the caverns. Wildlife of the park's desert environment include roadrunners, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.

A wonderfully special location, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has something to offer everyone. This park is worth visiting whether you want to explore the caverns or just take in the beauty of the desert scenery.

Here are some of the things you can do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

  • Take a tour of Carlsbad Cavern.
  • Hike the park's many trails.
  • Visit the park's visitor center.
  • See the bat flight program.
  • Go stargazing at night.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a beautiful and unique place to visit. It is a great place to learn about geology, wildlife, and the history of the American Southwest.

Here Are Some Additional Details About the Park:

  • Location: Southeastern New Mexico
  • Size: 177,535 acres
  • Established: 1923
  • Main attractions: Carlsbad Cavern, Lechuguilla Cave, Bat Flight Program
  • Activities: Hiking, cave exploration, stargazing, ranger-led programs
  • Annual visitors: 600,000

If You Are Planning a Visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Here Are Some Things to Keep in Mind:

  • While the park can be visited all year round, the mild spring and fall months are the greatest times to go.
  • To enter the cave, reservations are required.
  • There are many lodging options in the park.
  • Since there are no restaurants or shops inside the park, bring plenty of water and food.
  • Because of the park's isolated location, make sure to plan your journey carefully.

Camping in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are no campgrounds at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Additionally, overnight RV parking is not permitted in the park. There are, however, a few campgrounds close to the park.

The town of Carlsbad is also the location to a few campgrounds. In addition to hookups, showers, and laundry facilities, these campgrounds provide a range of amenities.

Making reservations in advance is advised if you intend to camp close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, especially in the spring and fall when demand is at its highest.

Here Are Some of the Campgrounds Located Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

  • Pine Springs Campground
  • Carlsbad KOA Holiday
  • Whites City RV Park
  • Stevens Inn RV Park
  • Carlsbad Caverns Lodge RV Park
  • Camp Washington Ranch
  • Rattlesnake Canyon
  • Chosa Campground

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Tickets for the Carlsbad Caverns National Park

You must buy a park entrance ticket in order to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Depending on the type of ticket and the visitor's age, the price varies.

Here Are the Current Entrance Fees for Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

  • Individual entrance fee (valid for 7 days): $15 per person (16 years and older)
  • Annual park pass: $35
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park Annual Pass: $45
  • Interagency Annual Pass: $80

In addition, there are certain discounts available for seniors, members of the military, and other groups. Children under the age of 15 are also free.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the park's entrance or in advance online through the National Park Service website. Remember that in addition to paying for park entrance, some of the park's tours, like the King's Palace Tour and the Lower Cave Tour, require extra tickets. These tickets can be ordered online in advance or in person at the visitor center.

Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park provides a few hotels. You may find a hotel that suits your requirements and price range among the range of amenities offered by these hotels.

The Following Are the Hotels Located Within Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

  • Carlsbad Caverns Lodge
  • Seven Rivers Lodge
  • Carlsbad Caverns Inn

The Following Are the Hotels Located Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

  • Stevens Inn
  • White's City Cavern Inn
  • Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Carlsbad
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Carlsbad, New Mexico
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Carlsbad
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad
  • Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
  • Comfort Suites Carlsbad
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad


How To Reach Carlsbad Caverns National Park

By Car

Off of U.S. Highway 62/180 is where the park is located. Take U.S. Highway 62/180 southwest for 20 miles from Carlsbad. Take U.S. Highway 62/180 east for 145 miles from El Paso.

By Bus

Carlsbad is accessible by the Greyhound and TNM&O bus lines. It takes a 15-minute a taxi trip to get to the park's entrance from the bus terminal.

By Plane

El Paso International Airport is the closest international airport. The travel to the park takes two hours from the airport.

A free shuttle service connect the visitor center with the cavern entrance once you've entered the park.

Top Places to Visit Around Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Carlsbad-Guadalupe Mountains International Dark Sky Park
  • Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
  • Brantley Lake State Park
  • Roswell
  • White Sands National Park
  • Carlsbad Museum and Art Center
  • Lincoln National Forest