Est. 1930 | New Mexico | 46,766 acres

Carlsbad Caverns

Deep within the heart of New Mexico lies Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a hidden oasis of geologic wonders sure to shock the senses. Journey from the bright arid Chihuahuan Desert to the black damp caverns in search of spires and domes, pools and pits, each formation exceeding the last in wonder and awe. Then cap it all off with the legendary bat flight, one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles of animal behavior unique to Carlsbad Caverns.

The park sits up on an elevated mesa above the surrounding desert. The 7 mile scenic Carlsbad Cavern Highway is the predominant entrance to the park winding up the eastern slope to the visitor center above where visitors access the cave system and a few short front country trails. However, another road (Route 418) in the southwest leads to an unpaved entrance for backcountry access to the park. This area is most notably known for Slaughter Canyon Cave, an additional ranger-led tour, but also holds longer backcountry trails for experienced desert hikers.

Down underground, the caverns are mostly self-guided with walkways and handrails, but the park does offer additional guided tours (King’s Palace Tour and Lower Cave Tour) to restricted sections of the cave. Most people enter through the Natural Entrance down steep switchbacks and 1.25 miles back to the main junction of the various cave routes where they find a rest area and subterranean cafeteria. From here, the self-guided tour loops an additional 1.25 miles around iconic cave formations and sights. To return, an elevator shaft rises 750 feet up to the lobby of the visitor center.

Must-see highlights in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Big Room Trail—This self-guided trail is easily the best part of Carlsbad Caverns, taking visitors past notable formations such as Rock of Ages, Painted Grotto, Mirror Lake, and Bottomless Pit. Though self-guided, timed entry reservations are required and offered between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The last timed entry to enter the cavern is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. every day.

Slaughter Canyon Cave—In the western half of the park by another entrance, lies Slaughter Canyon Cave. This 5.5 hour ranger-led tour offers a more adventurous peek into the underground wilderness of Carlsbad Caverns featuring the crystal-studded Christmas Tree column or the 89-foot Monarch column. With no electricity, paved walkways, or modern amenities, tour members must attend safety briefings and come prepared with proper attire to view some of these most remote and beautiful cave formations.

*Bonus: Bat Flight Program—In the summer between April and October, close to half a million Brazilian free-tailed bats nest in the caves. At dusk following sunset, they pour out of Natural Entrance in droves searching for food and water. Visitors are encouraged to congregate in the Bat Flight Amphitheater for this free, first come first served seating event. This phenomenon is one of the best spectacles of the national park system.

*Bonus: Rock of Ages Event—During select days in December, singers will perform the hymn, Rock of Ages, in honor of renowned baritone Cameron McClean who upon visiting the cave in 1928 and overwhelmed by its beauty burst out singing Rock of Ages, thus giving the giant column its name.

Best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park sits in the Chihuahuan Desert, which means hot summers, mild winters, and low humidity. But as a refreshing contrast, the cave system holds a steady humid climate and temperature of 56ºF year-round.

Spring (March to May): Spring offers mild temperatures and windy conditions as seasons change from cool to hot. Average highs range from 65ºF in March to 85ºF in May.
Summer (June to August): The summer brings heat. With roughly 275 days of sun annually, temperatures often soar into the 90sºF and occasionally reach above 100ºF. If planning to hike during this season, aim to be off the trails by 10 a.m. or start after 6 p.m. Remember to pack extra water and food regardless how far the trail distance appears.
Fall (September to November): As temperatures cool back down to mimic springtime, the parks sees most of its rainfall in August and September. Though located in a desert, heavy rainstorms can and do create flash floods in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A recent flash flood in August 2022 severely damaged roadways and trails. Be extra mindful of weather alerts.
Winter (December to February): As the coolest and least busy season, winter drops down in temperature with highs in the 50sºF. Snow and ice are rare but still possible. When it does snow it is often light and melts quickly the following day.

How long should I visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Two days may be necessary if a trip to Slaughter Canyon Cave is in order, but the highlights of Carlsbad Caverns National Park can best be seen in one full day. With attractions primarily underground, sunrise is not especially important so arrive anytime after the cave opens at 9:30 a.m. A short guided tour and the self-guided tour can both be completed in half a day while the cave is open. After a quick bite in town, consider returning to the amphitheater for the nightly Bat Flight Program between April and October.

Getting to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns lies west of Highway 62, twenty miles south of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and twenty miles north of Pine Springs, Texas. Only 103 miles away, Roswell Air Center (ROW) is the nearest commercial airport that services the park, but as prices can be high, El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, Texas, is often a more convenient option only 145 miles west of the park on Highway 62.

Where to stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Lodging—Carlsbad Caverns does not offer any hotel-style lodging in the park. Nearby towns of White City and Carlsbad offer decent availability and rates.

Campgrounds—There are also no campgrounds in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, however Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park lies just 40 miles south of Carlsbad Caverns, making a convenient base camp to explore both national parks in one trip.

When should I book?

Carlsbad Caverns is a great park to visit last minute. Timed entry tickets to the self-guided cave tour rarely sell out and can easily be purchased a day in advance. And because they are located offsite overnight accommodations tend to also be reasonably available and fairly priced. If planning to visit during summer weekends and holidays, consider booking a week in advance to secure your ideal itinerary. If flying in to the region, airline prices and car rentals might be the most limiting factor. Prices are usually cheapest booked 2–3 months in advance.

How much should I budget?

A 1 day trip to Carlsbad Caverns booked 2 months in advance can cost roughly $500 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to El Paso	$150–$350
Car Rental	$65–$100/day (not including taxes/fees)
Nearby Hotel	$100–$250/night (not including taxes/fees)
Pine Springs Campground	$20/night
Meals	$10–$20/meal
Cave Timed Entry Fee	$15/person
Park Entrance Fee	Free

Packing list for Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without close-toed shoes, extra water/food, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket and a wide-brimmed hat.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Carlsbad Caverns.

For more detailed information on Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visit the official park website.