Carlsbad Caverns National Park Things to Do

Enjoy the view of the Natural Entrance from the Bat Flight Amphitheater. This was the only access to Carlsbad Cavern before elevators were installed in the 1930s. To hike into the Natural Entrance, reservations are required and must be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777.

Go to recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777

Information for first-time visitors.

The southernmost lake in New Mexico is an oasis of water, wildlife, and plant life.

A medida que atraviesa el desierto de Chihuahua y las montañas de Guadalupe, al sudeste de New Mexico y Texas occidental—llenado de tunas, chollas, sotoles y agaves—nunca podría imaginarse que existen más do 300 cuevas conocidas por debajo de la superficie.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers accessible parking, picnicking, dining, and visitor center services.

Experience the many habitats of the Chihuahuan Desert on a 1.3 mile (2.1 km) self-guiding tour at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.

This desert oasis features a series of spring-fed waterfalls that fall 150 feet (45.7 m) to a large pool of water below.

Rattlesnake Springs, part of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, is a lush oasis in the desert. This riparian ecosystem features a natural spring and a large grove of cottonwood trees planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It’s an ideal place for bird watching year round. Rattlesnake Springs is a day use area only, open during daylight hours. It includes a picnic area with shaded picnic tables and cooking grills, trash cans, and pit toilets. Swimming is not allowed in the spring. Accessiblity: Restrooms and picnic table are available.

Hours: 8:30 AM-2:15 PM >> RESERVATIONS REQUIRED to enter cavern and must be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. <<

The Lincoln National Forest encompasses 1,103,441 acres for hiking, caving, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hunting, and sightseeing.

In 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers.

Discover canyon views, desert plants, and wildlife along this unpaved road.

Have a relaxing picnic among tall cottonwood trees and watch for a variety of birds.

Enjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains and explore Chihuahuan Desert plant life along this short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) loop trail.

Enjoy the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park during a ranger-led night sky program.

This short 180 yards (165 m) paved walkway provides great views of Walnut Canyon.

Enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert in a serene landscape along this 3.5 mile (5 km) trail.

This 3.7 miles (6km) trail descends the escarpment, ending at the White's City campground.

A moderately difficult 6 mile (9.6 km) loop trail in the park's wilderness.

This is a difficult 7.7 mile (12.4 km) trail that climbs quickly up a side canyon to the top of an escarpment.

A scenic 0.5 mile (1 km) hike that leads to viewpoints overlooking Slaughter Canyon.

Follow down a canyon for 3 miles (4.8 km) and enjoy a variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants.

This 5.3 mile (8.6 km) hike travels up Slaughter Canyon with mountains towering above.

Enjoy an evening ranger talk about the park's population of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats and experience their emergence from Carlsbad Cavern.

The Big Room and Natural Entrance trails can be enjoyed at your own pace. The Big Room Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Natural Entrance Trail is strenuous. Enjoy one or both to experience a variety of cave formations.