The visitor center at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, starting March 23, 2025. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.
The entrance fee at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is $15 per person for those 16 and older, with children 15 and under entering free. This fee is valid for three days and includes access by elevator or hiking. A $1 timed entry reservation is also required. Pass holders, such as America the Beautiful pass holders, enter free.
From El Paso, take US Hwy 62/180 northeast for 145 miles, then turn north at White’s City onto the scenic highway, leading you to an underground marvel.
Parking lots are at the visitor center, with RV parking in the rear of the first lot. No overnight RV parking. Cars and motorcycles park in main lots. No parking fees mentioned.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, situated in the heart of New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, is a realm of breathtaking natural beauty and unique geological wonders. This park is not centered around a lake, but its underground labyrinth and desert landscape offer an equally captivating experience.
As you descend into the caverns, the Natural Entrance Trail guides you through a steep and winding path, dropping 750 feet into the earth. The trail’s switchbacks carve through rocky slopes, leading you through the Twilight Zone, where the last remnants of sunlight fade, and the cave’s darkness envelops you.
The caverns themselves are a marvel, featuring the expansive Big Room, the King’s Palace with its plethora of stalactites and stalagmites, and the eerie Bottomless Pit. Above ground, the desert landscape is dotted with flowering cacti and home to a variety of desert wildlife.
Each evening from late May to October, the Bat Flight Program is a spectacle not to be missed, as thousands of migratory bats emerge from the cave’s natural entrance. The park also offers Dark Sky Programs, allowing visitors to revel in the pristine night sky.
For those seeking to explore the surface, the Guadalupe Ridge Trail and Walnut Canyon trails offer scenic hikes with panoramic views of the desert. The nearby Rattlesnake Springs is a tranquil oasis, perfect for a moment of solitude.
Visitors can enhance their experience with ranger-guided tours that delve into the history and geology of the caverns. The park’s visitor center, complete with exhibits, a bookstore, and a cafe, serves as an excellent starting point for any journey here.
While Carlsbad Caverns does not have a lake, its unique blend of underground adventure and desert exploration makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience.
- Area (mi²)
- 73
- Annual visitors
- 500 000
- Established year
- 1923
Top 3 Facts about Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The largest Giant Stalagmite in the Big Room is 62 feet high and 16 feet in diameter, estimated to have formed over 60 million years. The temperature in the main cavern remains a constant 56 degrees year-round.
This awe-inspiring landscape is home to 900 species and subspecies of vascular plants, including 26 types of cacti. The skies are filled with 357 bird species, while the ground hosts 67 mammal species, notably 17 bat species. Half a million Brazilian free-tailed bats form the largest colony, raising cave temperatures with their body heat. This unique ecosystem also supports 55 reptiles, creating a vibrant and diverse natural tapestry.
In the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, towering piñon and juniper trees dot the higher elevations, while grasslands thrive in the lower areas. The terrain is punctuated by unique rock formations and a vast network of caves, including the Big Room, a limestone chamber stretching nearly 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high. Above ground, the landscape ranges from 3,596 to 6,368 feet in elevation, hosting over 750 plant species and 67 mammal species, including 17 bat species that fill the evening skies with their majestic flights.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Night Sky & Astronomy
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days for a comprehensive visit, especially during peak season (April-October). Arrive early, park near the visitor center, and anticipate cool, dark terrain. Bring water, a light jacket, and a flashlight. Reserve guided tours in advance and rest often. Limited dining options on site.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for changing underground and surface temperatures, sturdy footwear, and a headlamp or flashlight. Bring water, snacks, and a map. For camping, include a tent, sleeping bag, and bear-resistant containers. Check the season for rain gear or warm hats and gloves.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from wildlife – 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from others. Never feed animals, and stay on designated trails to preserve natural behaviors and habitats. Dispose of trash properly to protect the unique flora and fauna. Respect their space for a safe and enriching experience.
Stay Informed
Exercise caution on trails and near ledges, avoid unstable terrain, and stay informed about weather conditions. Carry a first-aid kit and know emergency contact numbers: 911 or park ranger station. Check fire restrictions and park rules before your visit.
Seasons
In spring, from March to May, enjoy mild temperatures (65-82°F) and vibrant wildflowers, despite extremely windy conditions. Witness the Bat Flight Amphitheater’s evening bat emergences, a unique spectacle. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, but be prepared for gusty weather.
Experience summer’s magic with temperatures in the 90s, witnessing the spectacular Bat Flight Program from April to October, peaking in August and September. Warm evenings and stunning bat flights make this a must-visit season.
In the fall, temperatures range from 60 to 80°F, making it an ideal time to explore. Witness the Bat Flight Program from May to October, as hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at dusk. Mild weather and unique wildlife events make autumn a perfect season to visit.
Winter months, from November to February, bring mild days with 60s highs and 30s lows. Crisp, clear skies and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore the caverns’ stable 56°F interior, a serene escape from the seasonal chill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Carlsbad Caverns National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Carlsbad Caverns is Carlsbad, New Mexico, which is about 20 miles from the park’s entrance at White’s City. Carlsbad has a population of around 30,000 and offers full city services. It is also the nearest significant town to the park.
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The Natural Entrance Trail and the Big Room Trail are highly family-friendly. The Natural Entrance Trail is a paved 1.25-mile path that descends into the cave, while the Big Room Trail is a self-guided, paved loop around an 8-acre room that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Both trails are accessible and offer many impressive natural features.
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You can bring your dog, but it cannot enter the cavern, trails, visitor center, or be left in your vehicle. Dogs are allowed in campsites if kept on a leash. You can use the kennel service available for day use while you explore the park.
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You can park an RV or camper in the visitor center parking lot, but there are no hook-ups and overnight parking is not allowed. You will need to use nearby campgrounds for overnight stays. The parking lot has spaces for all sizes of RVs, including motorhomes, trailers, and campervans.
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Explore the Big Room on a self-guided tour, a 1.25-mile loop trail around the largest cave chamber in the US. You can descend into the caverns via the Natural Entrance, a 1.25-mile trail with multiple switchbacks, or take the elevator. Consider a ranger-guided tour of the Kings Palace or Slaughter Canyon Cave for a more in-depth experience, but be sure to book these tours in advance.
