Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is known for the remarkable caverns that you can explore. You can enter the Big Room Trail, the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America, and feel like you are entering a new world. However, there is much more to do in this national park in New Mexico than capture views of remarkable cave formations.
The Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the Land of Enchantment.
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Sit down and watch dozens of bats emerge from the Carlsbad Cavern and fly right over your head as they search for food.
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The Bat Flight Program begins around sunset. It takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern and near the park’s visitor center.
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The program will begin with a park ranger teaching all attendees about bats and some of their unique characteristics and qualities.
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Around sunset, bats will begin to emerge from the cave in search of their food. They fly directly over the amphitheater so you will get an up-close and unforgettable view.
National Park Service/Nick Hristov Don’t worry about the bats coming too close as you admire their flight. It is a rare occasion the bats come in contact and bother humans in this area. However, be aware that electronic devices of any kind, such as a smartphone or camera, are not allowed during the program. Research shows these devices can disrupt the bats and may cause changes in their behavior.
August and September are the best months to see the bats. In September, baby bats are typically old enough to take flight and search for food on their own. This results in even more bats emerging from the cavern and filling up the sky.
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is certainly filled with many extraordinary sights and the Bat Flight Program is at the top of that list.
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Have you ever had the bats fly over your head at this national park in New Mexico? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments.
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Management/TripAdvisor
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National Park Service/Nick Hristov
Don’t worry about the bats coming too close as you admire their flight. It is a rare occasion the bats come in contact and bother humans in this area. However, be aware that electronic devices of any kind, such as a smartphone or camera, are not allowed during the program. Research shows these devices can disrupt the bats and may cause changes in their behavior.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook
Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Via Getty Images
To learn more about the program, current guidelines, and other information, click here.
If you are planning a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, make sure you add this tiny oasis to your itinerary.
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Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
