Carlsbad Cavern combines an exceptionally large cave chamber with different ways to explore the cave. The Big Room and Natural Entrance can be explored independently. By volume, the Big Room is the largest single cave chamber in North America. The Natural Entrance Trail is very steep, descending about 750 feet (229 m). Visitors who choose this route should take the elevation change into account when planning.

Reservations and ranger-led experiences

Timed reservations are required for entry to Carlsbad Cavern. Ranger-led tours have limited availability; booking early is recommended. Tickets for these tours must be picked up at the visitor center at least 30 minutes before the start. Check current park information before setting your visit dates, as reservation and ticket procedures may be updated.

Ranger-led programs also offer an opportunity to observe the southwestern U.S. night sky. Another ranger program lets visitors witness thousands of bats emerging from the cave. Both offerings are subject to the park schedule.

Geology and desert habitats

Carlsbad Caverns National Park preserves part of the exposed Permian-age Capitan Reef. Sulfuric acid is an unusual factor in the formation and dissolution of the caves in the Guadalupe Mountains. Carlsbad Cave National Monument was established in 1923. Its establishing proclamation assigned it to Eddy County, New Mexico, and described the cave chambers as containing stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations of unusual number, size, variety of shapes, and beauty.

Rattlesnake Springs is a rare wooded desert riparian area. The National Audubon Society has designated it an Important Bird Area. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park features more than 40 animal species and hundreds of plant species of the Chihuahuan Desert. Seasonal interpretive programs are designed for the whole family; availability depends on the park calendar.

Trail lengths also vary: the loop through Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is 1.3 miles long, with an elevation change of 70 feet. The Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail borders the park and is 0.9 miles long. Views from the Living Desert ridge stretch across the Pecos River Valley to Carlsbad.

Trails for different abilities

The Guadalupe Ridge Trail is a 100-mile (161 km) route through two states, two national parks, and one national forest. More than 20 miles of it run through Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Conditions and closures may change. For a shorter but steep and rugged route, there is the Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail: it is 0.5 miles (1 km) long and climbs 500 feet (152 m). The cave along the trail can only be visited as part of a ranger-led tour; tour availability may change.

The strenuous Yucca Canyon Trail is 7.7 miles (12.4 km) long. It leads to an overlook with a view into Big Canyon; the trail also offers views of the basin. A high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the gravel road to Yucca Canyon. Check road conditions and closures in advance. A free permit is required for every overnight stay in the Carlsbad Caverns backcountry. It is available during visitor center hours; check current procedures before planning.

Museums and experiences along the Pecos River

Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center is housed in the historic Moore-Ward cobblestone building and features exhibits on local and regional history. The Art Annex hosts rotating exhibits of local art, traveling exhibitions, and temporary displays. The museum offers special programs by appointment.

Carlsbad Museum and Art Center features ceramics, textiles, and artifacts from Indigenous American cultures, as well as paintings by New Mexico artists from the early 20th century. The Pecos River Flume tells a different kind of story: the aqueduct carries irrigation water across the Pecos River and was built from 1889 to 1890.

In downtown Carlsbad, the Pecos River Recreation Area offers boating, water skiing, and fishing on Lake Carlsbad. It also offers kayak and pedal boat rentals, as well as boat tours; availability may change. Carlsbad Water Park is also located on the banks of the Pecos River. It features two high-speed slides, the 50-foot Big Blue slide, a lazy river, and a ground-level children's play area. Seasonal details about the facility may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Artesia, Carlsbad, McKinley County, Rice County, Curry, Hidalgo County, Sandoval, Lincoln.

Go to the main travel overview: New Mexico.