Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Established in 1930, Carlsbad Caverns National Park protects 46,766 acres of caves and Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Located in southeastern New Mexico, the park's primary feature is the Carlsbad Cavern, one of over 119 known caves in the park.

These remarkable caves were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone, creating some of the largest and most spectacular cave formations in North America. The park is also famous for its evening bat flights, where thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the Natural Entrance.

Quick Facts

Location

New Mexico

Established

1930

Size

46,766 acres

Annual Visitors

~400,000

Best Time to Visit

Year-round

Cave Temperature

56°F (13°C)

Park Highlights

Natural Entrance

A dramatic 750-foot descent into the cave system via a 1.25-mile trail with stunning views.

The Big Room

The largest single cave chamber in North America, featuring spectacular formations and features.

King's Palace

A guided tour through one of the most scenic areas of the cavern, showcasing beautiful formations and chambers.

Bat Flight Program

Evening programs at the amphitheater to watch thousands of bats emerge from the cave (seasonal).

Rattlesnake Springs

A desert oasis providing critical habitat for wildlife and migrating birds.

Walnut Canyon

A scenic desert drive offering views of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape.

Popular Activities

Cave tours
Surface hiking
Photography
Bat viewing
Bird watching
Ranger programs
Backcountry camping
Night sky viewing

Essential Information

Cave Conditions

Constant 56°F (13°C) temperature and 90% humidity. Check current conditions. Bring a light jacket.

Lodging & Dining

No lodging within the park. Underground lunch room available. Nearby towns offer accommodations.

Wildlife & Nature

Home to Brazilian free-tailed bats, desert wildlife, and unique cave-dwelling species. Learn about the park's ecosystems.

Safety & Preparation

Wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Follow cave safety guidelines. Surface trails require desert safety precautions.

Accessibility

The visitor center and cave are accessible via elevator. View the accessibility guide.

Getting There

Located in southeastern New Mexico. Nearest airports are El Paso (150 miles) and Midland/Odessa (175 miles).

Plan Your Visit

The cave is open year-round, with consistent underground temperatures making any season suitable for visiting. Summer offers bat flight programs, while winter provides smaller crowds.

The visitor center is open daily (except December 25) with varying seasonal hours. Last cave entry is 3:30 PM. Elevator service may be interrupted for maintenance.

Entrance fees are required. Some guided tours require additional fees and advance reservations. Reservations are strongly recommended for specialty tours.