Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Introduction

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southeastern New Mexico, USA, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a stunning underground wonder that attracts millions of visitors every year. This park is home to over 300 limestone caves, including the magnificent Carlsbad Cavern, which is one of the largest and most accessible cave systems in the world.

History

The history of Carlsbad Caverns dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Paleoindian period. The caverns were first discovered by European settlers in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that they became a popular tourist destination. In 1923, the caverns were declared a national monument, and in 1930, they were upgraded to a national park.

Getting There

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located about 20 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and about 150 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas. The closest airport is the Carlsbad Municipal Airport (CNM), which offers flights from major airlines. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the park.

Admission Fees

The entrance fee for Carlsbad Caverns National Park is $15 per person (ages 16 and older) and free for children under 16. If you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80.

Things to Do

Self-Guided Tours

The main attraction of Carlsbad Caverns is the self-guided tour of the caverns. The tour takes you through a series of underground chambers, including the Bat Flight Amphitheater, the Underground Lunchroom, and the scenic Main Chamber.

  • Elevator Route: Take the elevator from the visitor center to the Underground Lunchroom, which is 750 feet below the surface.
  • Natural Entrance Route: Hike down to the caverns through the natural entrance, a steep and winding path that takes about an hour to complete.

Ranger-Led Tours

In addition to self-guided tours, Carlsbad Caverns offers several ranger-led tours that take you deeper into the cave system. These tours range from easy to challenging and require advance reservations.

  • King’s Palace Tour: Explore the scenic King’s Palace chamber, known for its towering stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Left Hand Tunnel Tour: Venture into the lesser-visited Left Hand Tunnel, which features unique formations and underground pools.
  • Spider Cave Tour: Take a more challenging tour that involves crawling through narrow passages and climbing steep ladders.

Hiking Trails

Above ground, Carlsbad Caverns offers several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Chihuahuan Desert.

  • Desert Loop Trail: A 1-mile loop trail that takes you through a variety of desert flora and fauna.
  • Old Guano Road Trail: A 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that follows an old road used by miners in the early 20th century.

Wildlife Viewing

Carlsbad Caverns is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bats, rattlesnakes, and over 60 species of birds.

  • Bat Flight Amphitheater: Watch the evening bat flight from late May to October.
  • Desert Wildlife Habitat: View desert animals such as deer, javelinas, and coyotes in their natural habitat.

Tips and Essentials

Clothing and Gear

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature is a constant 58°F (14°C).
  • Pack water, snacks, and sun protection for above-ground activities.
  • Consider bringing a flashlight or headlamp to navigate darker areas of the cave.

Safety

  • Stay on designated trails and avoid touching or damaging formations.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch for steep drop-offs and low ceilings.
  • If you have claustrophobia or mobility issues, consider skipping the cave tours or consulting with park rangers.

Food and Drink

  • The park offers a snack bar and restaurant near the visitor center.
  • Bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid eating in the caves to prevent litter and protect wildlife.

Accommodations

Carlsbad Caverns National Park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park. However, there are several options nearby:

Camping

  • White’s City RV Park & Campground: A full-service campground with RV sites, tent camping, and amenities like a swimming pool and laundry facilities.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands: Dispersed camping is available on surrounding BLM lands, but be sure to follow regulations and practice leave-no-trace camping.

Hotels

  • Carlsbad Inn: A comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool and free breakfast in Carlsbad.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Carlsbad: A modern hotel with amenities like a fitness center and hot tub in Carlsbad.

Itinerary Suggestions

Here are some itinerary suggestions to help you plan your trip:

Day Trip

  • Arrive at the park early and take the elevator down to the Underground Lunchroom.
  • Explore the Main Chamber and scenic areas, then hike back up to the surface via the Natural Entrance Route.
  • Grab lunch at the snack bar or restaurant before departing.

2-Day Trip

  • Spend the first day exploring the caverns on a self-guided tour, taking breaks to enjoy the scenery and wildlife viewing.
  • On the second day, take a ranger-led tour (such as the King’s Palace Tour) and hike one of the above-ground trails.

Conclusion

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a natural wonder that offers something for everyone. With its stunning underground formations, diverse wildlife, and rich history, this park is a must-visit destination in the American Southwest. By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.

Additional Resources

  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park Website: www.nps.gov/cave
  • Park Brochures and Maps: Available at the visitor center or online
  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce: www.carlsbadnm.org

Happy travels!