Do you crave adventure and natural wonders? Look no further than my one-day guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Located in southeastern New Mexico, this stunning national park boasts over 119 caves, making it one of the world’s most extensive cave systems. But it’s not just the impressive number of caves that makes this park a must-visit destination. From its majestic limestone formations to its diverse wildlife, Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in awe.
In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through one day in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, giving you a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit. From how to get there and what to expect to the must-see attractions and insider tips, get ready to delve into the depths of this extraordinary destination. So buckle up, and let’s explore the hidden wonders of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. As John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
How to Get There
Carlsbad Caverns is about 2 hours from El Paso, Texas, 3.5 hours from Las Cruces or White Sands National Park, and 4.5 hours from Albuquerque. To get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you will need a car. We rented ours in El Paso for our national park road trip to the caves. Fly into El Paso International Airport, rent a car, and it’s a little over a 2 hour drive. *Note: Make sure you fill up on gas before you depart El Paso, as there are no gas stations that are easily accessible.
We made the mistake of waiting too long to get gas and had to double back to Dell City, which was out of gas and a waste of gas getting there. Whites City will be the first area to get gas once you leave El Paso, minutes from Carlsbad.
Getting Tickets into Carlsbad Caverns
Once you arrive at the Visitor Center, grab some souvenirs and purchase your ticket to enter the caves. You can buy them in advance or on-site. I recommend getting your tickets before arrival to ensure you can get in. We visited at the end of February and had no trouble purchasing our tickets once we arrived at the park.
Entrance Fees: America The Beautiful pass holders- Free. Non-pass holders pay a $15 per person fee. Purchase your Carlsbad Caverns cave entrance tickets now.
Exploring the Caverns
Hidden beneath the surface are caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. Take a hike down and discover the breathtaking beauty of Carlsbad Caverns starting from the surface. From the awe-inspiring Big Room to the stunning Natural Entrance that will leave you in awe.
Big Room Trail
There are two ways to get to the Big Room. The most popular route is by hiking the 1.25 mile (2 km) trai a the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. This 1.25 mile (2 km) trail is relatively flat, and will take about 1.5 hours (on average) to walk it. A
If you are seeking a shorter experience, the Big Room has a shortcut which reduces the walking distance to about 0.6 miles (1 km). The hiking time is about 45 minutes
Tips for navigating the caves and staying safe.
- Some areas of the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails are wet from natural water drips and are steep. It’s recommended you wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. Flip flops, sandals, and even some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls.
- You may want to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt; the year-round temperature in the caves is about 56ºF (13ºC).
- The cavern is dimly lit, but there are some areas where it can be dark. You can bring a flashlight or headlamp, but it is not necessary.
- Please use your quiet voice, as noises carry up to a 1/4 mile (0.4 km) in the cavern.
Bat Flight Program
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a free Bat Flight Program (only runs late May through October). A ranger talks about the bats before they fly out of the cave. You don’t need reservations and the event occurs every evening from Memorial Day weekend through October. The program takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern, and is worth planning your trip around.
The best time to see the bat flights is August through September. This is when baby bats that were born in the early summer join the flight along with migrating bats from colonies further north.
Dining and Accommodations
There are few food options inside the park. The Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company (CCTC) restaurant, located in the visitor center, has limited food options and bottled water, fountains, and hot drinks. Outside of the park, dining is available in Carlsbad, New Mexico, about 20 miles (32 km) away.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers no overnight lodging or campgrounds. Primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry and requires a free permit, which you can get at the park’s visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance). There is no overnight RV parking in the park.
A campground and amenities are available seven miles (11 km) from the visitor center in White’s City, New Mexico. Carlsbad, New Mexico, also has multiple lodging and campground options to consider.
Night Sky Programs
Star Parties
The adventure doesn’t stop once the sun sets. Explore the night sky through the eye of a powerful telescope and park rangers will point out space objects and stars. The program runs from the end of May to the beginning of October.
Night Hikes
This is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round-trip hike marked only by stick posts and rock piles in low-light conditions. Sharp-pointed plants with thorns are very common along the trail with a slight but rocky slope. Runs end of March to mid October. All hikes begin after the Bat Flight Program. Meet the rangers at the park sign in front of the visitor center at the designated program time.
How to Attend
Both Night Sky programs are free, however, attendance is first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of 12 participants for each program. So make sure you register for the programs at the visitor center information desk on the day of the program.
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