The United States is filled with some truly remarkable, beautiful areas to visit and explore. When you think of caverns throughout the country, you may think of an area that is dark, damp, and dreary. In fact, a cavern may not be at the top of your bucket list or anywhere on it. Despite this stereotype, a visit to Carlsbad Cavern is the kind of experience that will leave a mark on you for the rest of your life. The featured formations in Carlsbad Cavern National Park are unique, enormous, gorgeous, and inspiring. It truly is one destination you do not want to miss.
Located in southern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert.
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This national park is approximately 20 miles outside of the city of Carlsbad and it is an area that is educational, fascinating, and photo-worthy.
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Carlsbad Cavern is not your average cave. In fact, it’s far from average in any way!
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This natural wonder is a limestone cave that was once part of an underwater reef in an inland sea. This body of water that formed the cavern was on the earth 250 to 280 million years ago.
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Indigenous people spent time in the caves and the nearby area as they made their lives in this region.
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When visiting, you are welcome to explore Carlsbad Cavern at your own pace.
Westend61 Via Getty Images There are two main trails for you to explore: The Big Room and Natural Entrance.
The Big Room is the largest single cave chamber in the United States.
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The Big Room Trail is 1.25 miles and is an easy trail. The trail is flat and areas on the trail are wheelchair accessible. You may also choose a shorter 0.6-mile route if you desire less walking.
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As you explore the Big Room Trail, you will see many incredible formations.
Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images In this image, just to the left of the walkway, is the amazing Sword of Damocles.
Some of these formations will take your breath away. Have your camera ready at all times as you hike.
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Don’t rush through this trail too quickly so you can enjoy the incredible scenery.
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If you are looking for a challenging hike, Natural Entrance Trail will be a memorable experience.
dszc/iStock Via Getty Images Plus The Natural Entrance trail is an extremely steep, 1.25-mile hike. However, due to the steep decline, you can expect this hike to take approximately one hour or more to complete.
To learn even more about this fascinating national park, schedule a ranger-guided tour.
Kimberly Ruggeri/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Most of these breathtaking tours are not in the main cavern and are in other areas of the park.
When visiting from May to October, make sure you spend the evening with bats.
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty Images This image is of a bat cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
The Bat Flight Program takes place at the outdoor Bat Flight Amphitheater.
scgerding/ iStock Via Getty Images Plus This ranger-led program allows you to view the bats as they exit the cavern each night. This is a truly fascinating sight to see.
Make sure you don’t spend all of your time inside the main cavern.
Sean Pavone/iStock Via Getty Images Plus There are many surface hikes that take you to incredible views and stunning landscapes. A few of these surface hike trails include the Walnut Canyon Overlook (180 yards), Old Guano Trail (3.7 miles), Lower Rattlesnake Canyon (3 miles one way), and Yucca Canyon (7.7 miles).
Don’t be afraid to truly get out and explore all that Carlsbad Caverns National Park has to offer.
zrfphoto/iStock Via Getty Images Plus There are no overnight campgrounds or lodging inside the national park. You are allowed backcountry camping if you receive a free permit at the visitor’s center.
Stop by the visitor’s center to learn all you can about this beautiful, unique, and educational national park in the Land of Enchantment.
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There are two main trails for you to explore: The Big Room and Natural Entrance.
Elisabeth Bender/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
In this image, just to the left of the walkway, is the amazing Sword of Damocles.
Adam Jones/Stone Via Getty Images
zeesstof/Moment Via Getty Images
dszc/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The Natural Entrance trail is an extremely steep, 1.25-mile hike. However, due to the steep decline, you can expect this hike to take approximately one hour or more to complete.
Kimberly Ruggeri/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Most of these breathtaking tours are not in the main cavern and are in other areas of the park.
Peter Unger/Stone Via Getty Images
This image is of a bat cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
scgerding/ iStock Via Getty Images Plus
This ranger-led program allows you to view the bats as they exit the cavern each night. This is a truly fascinating sight to see.
Sean Pavone/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
There are many surface hikes that take you to incredible views and stunning landscapes. A few of these surface hike trails include the Walnut Canyon Overlook (180 yards), Old Guano Trail (3.7 miles), Lower Rattlesnake Canyon (3 miles one way), and Yucca Canyon (7.7 miles).
zrfphoto/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
There are no overnight campgrounds or lodging inside the national park. You are allowed backcountry camping if you receive a free permit at the visitor’s center.
SWInsider/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Carlsbad Cavern National park is truly a destination you want to see and experience for yourself. Have you ever been to this national park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience!
General Information:
Accessibility: A portion of Carlsbad Cavern is wheelchair accessible. The Big Room Trail is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. A portion of the trail is paved and audio guides are available. Although, be aware that portions of the trail are steep and wheelchairs are not allowed on these areas of the trail. The Natural Entrance Trail, King’s Palace, and other caving tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair-accessible parking, picnic areas, and restrooms are located around the national park. You can read the park’s accessibility guide here.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, although, they are not allowed inside the cavern, on trails, or inside the visitor’s center. There is a kennel service where you may board your pet while you tour the cavern, explore the park trails, or while in the visitor center. However, you may only leave your pet for the day and there are no overnight boarding options.
If you bring your family pet inside the park, it must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. You may not leave your pet inside any vehicle and your animal may not roam off the road. Read here to learn more about all pet guidelines and information on boarding your pet for the day.
Parking: You can find parking at the visitor center. There are two main parking lots in the area. If you are driving a large RV or a bus, there are designated parking areas at the visitor center.
Seasonal Access: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open year-round. However, the park is closed on several national holidays such as Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To enter the Carlsbad Cavern, you must make a reservation online, on the telephone, or in the visitor’s center. These reservations will tell you the specific time you can enter the cavern.
Cost: There is a $15 entrance fee for each individual over the age of 16. All children 15 years and younger are free. The national park accepts many types of national park passes. There are also fee-free days throughout the year. For a complete list of the fee-free days in the park, read here.
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Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
