The Ultimate Guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park stretches over 46,766 acres of land, including deserts, caves, and forests. This national park is in southeastern New Mexico and part of the Guadalupe Mountains. Each year, nearly half a million visitors come to this national park to explore the caverns and the surrounding desert land that makes up the park. This remarkable park has an incredible natural and cultural history just waiting for you to explore. 

How To Get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Where Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This park is part of the Guadalupe Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. This national park is on an arid plateau in the Chihuahuan Desert and features a mesmerizing cave system. 

Nearest Airports to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are several airport options for visitors coming to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Each airport will have a bit of a drive to the park entrance. Let’s take a look at some of the options for flying into the Carlsbad Caverns National Park area. 

Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM)

Cavern City Air Terminal is a public-use airport in Carlsbad. This airline is only a 15-minute drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Cavern City Air Terminal exclusively services Boutique Air and offers flights to and from Albuquerque (ABQ) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). 

CNM doesn’t have as many flights and airlines as some of the international airports. Still, it could be a great option for connecting flights to the Carlsbad area. This might be one of the best ways to maximize your travel time to the park.

El Paso International Airport (ELP)

El Paso International Airport is the closest major airport to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This airport is 145 miles away from the park, and it takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to the park. 

ELP offers nonstop flights to many U.S. destinations, including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), and Phoenix (PHX). Airlines serviced by this airport include American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United.

There are several options at El Paso International Airport for rental cars to help you to make it through the last leg of your journey to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Payless. 

El Paso International Airport offers many flights and airlines, making it an excellent choice for visitors choosing to fly into the Carlsbad Caverns National Park area.

Bottom Line:

While it is a longer distance from the park than others, it is well worth the drive as it has so much to offer than the other regional options.

Roswell Air Center (ROW)

Roswell Air Center is located in Roswell, New Mexico. This airport is 1.5 hours from Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

ROW offers flights to and from Roswell from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX) exclusively with American. Even though Roswell Air Center has limited airlines and flight options, this could be an excellent option for traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park as it is one of the closest options available. 

Driving to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has only 1 entrance road, which is located on the Carlsbad Caverns Highway. The Carlsbad Caverns Highway is accessed from U.S. Highway 62/180. The entrance road is a 7-mile scenic drive from Whites City to the visitor center.

Taking a Bus to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

One of the most stressful parts of any vacation is planning your travels. For visitors who want to let someone else take care of the stress of driving, a bus is an excellent option for arriving at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Greyhound services the Carlsbad area. The closest stations to Carlsbad Caverns are just a short 5-minute walk away. Let someone else take care of the stress of driving and reserve your tickets for your bus journey to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Getting Around Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The only way to get around Carlsbad Caverns National Park is on foot. Guest will park their vehicles at the visitor center, and the rest of the time in the park will be spent on foot. The National Park Service offers printable and interactive maps on its website to help you plan your park excursions.

What To See and Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

While most people come to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore the caves, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at this national park. From Night Sky Programs to watching bats flee from their nests, there’s something every visitor at this park. Let’s explore the top activities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Bat Flight Program

The Bat Flight Program is an amazing event for visitors to experience at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This program takes place each night from early spring to the middle of October. The Bat Flight Program offers visitors a spectacular view of 200,000 to 500,000 bats leaving the cave as they head out to hunt for the night. This is a free event that takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater.

Bottom Line:

Be sure to plan to experience this incredible event when you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park for unforgettable memories.

Night Sky Programs

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which is an incredible place to view the night sky.

Throughout the year, park rangers offer night sky talks and hikes from July to October. Some of the sights that can be seen include the Perseids meteor shower, the supermoon, the Draconids meteor shower, and the International Space Station.

Participating in one of the night sky programs at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an exciting way to experience the wonders of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Ranger Guided Tours

Ranger-guided tours are offered throughout the year, but the best selection of these tours is offered during the summer months. The majority of the ranger-guided tours take visitors through the caverns. Some of the popular tours include Lower Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Slaughter Canyon Cave, and the King’s Palace.

There are additional fees involved with ranger-guided tours through the cave, and reservations can be made in advance. Exploring the caverns with a ranger is the best way to learn about how this cavern was formed, the animals that live in it, and its history. 

Self-guided Tours

There are 2 trails for self-guided tours through Carlsbad Caverns. Exploring these trails on your own is an exciting way to discover the beauty of the cave formations and allows you to experience what cave exploration might have been like long ago. 

The first trail is the Big Room Trail. This is the most popular route as it provides sensational views, an up-close look at cave formations of all sizes, and even a rope ladder that was used in 1924 by explorers. This trail is 1.25 miles long and takes about an hour and a half to walk it. There’s even a shorter option which is about 45 minutes long that takes guests to the Big Room, should you be in a time crunch. 

The other trail available for self-guided tours is the Natural Entrance Trail. This trail is 1.25 miles long and very steep. This trail will lead visitors on the same path as the early explorers and take you to see formations including Devil’s Spring, Iceberg Rock, and the Whale’s Mouth. Self-guided tours allow you to explore the cave at your own pace. These tours are an incredible way to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Visitor Center

The visitor center is a great starting point for your Carlsbad Caverns National Park adventure. The visitor center features hands-on exhibits that explain the formation of the caverns, teach about the animals and plants of the park, as well as share the history of the park. The visitor center also has a park film, gift shop, restaurant, and bookstore should you want to grab a bite to eat or a souvenir to take home with you. 

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Most people are excited to see the famous bats that make their home in the park, but there is also a wide variety of other animals that call this park home. 

There are 67 types of mammals in the park, close to 400 bird species, and several other types of animals like reptiles and insects. Some of the animals you are likely to see when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park include bats, ringtails, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, and sheep. 

For those who enjoy birdwatching, head over to Rattlesnake Springs. This desert wooded area has been declared an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, meaning it is a spectacular place to watch the birds that live in the park area. 

Bottom Line:

Wildlife viewing is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle and enjoy the animals in their natural habitat.

Best Times To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, you can rest assured that you will have an incredible experience. Still, if there are certain sights or activities you’d like to participate in, there may be a better time than others to plan your visit.

Best Time To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park for Ideal Weather

If you want to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park when the weather is ideal, plan to visit during the month of April. With temperatures at a comfortable 73 degrees during the day and typically just 1 day of rain for the entire month, April is the best month to enjoy the park. This is also a great time to view wildlife, and the crowds haven’t started up just yet. April is, overall, an incredible month to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Best Time To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park To Avoid the Crowds

Exploring a national park without having to deal with crowds and traffic is an ideal way to experience a new place. If you hope to avoid crowds when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you should plan to come in the month of January. There are fewer crowds right after the holidays, and the colder weather tends to deter visitors. Plan your trip in the month of January for a solitary experience you’ll remember forever. 

Best Time To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park for Wildlife

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. There is a wide variety of animals to see both in the cave and on the land. For the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, the best month to visit to see the animals that make their home in this national park is in May. It is an especially good time to see the bats that migrate to the park.

Cheapest Time To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Traveling always brings extra expenses, but there are times when you can travel to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and save money at the same time. A trip in the month of January can save quite a bit of money. This month is still in the low season, where visitors aren’t as likely to come.

January temperatures also deter visitors since it can be quite chilly, with lows averaging 31 degrees and high temperatures reaching 54 degrees. Since this is the low season, you will also find lower prices on flights and accommodations.

Bottom Line:

A trip to Carlsbad National Park in the month of January is a great way to have an experience of a lifetime while going easy on your budget.

Annual Events in and Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a long list of programs on a regular schedule throughout the year. There are also several events that take place on an annual basis both in and near the park. Check out some of the popular events that happen in Carlsbad Caverns National Park to see if you would like to plan your visit around one of them. 

CavernFest

CavernFest takes place each year in the city of Carlsbad, near the park. This 2-day event takes place each year in June and has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The biggest draw to CavernFest is the live music featuring headliners and up-and-coming groups and artists. Food enthusiasts love CavernFest, as there are over 30 food trucks serving unique culinary creations from around the world.

There is also a beer garden, over 100 vendors, inflatables, and tournaments for cornhole and volleyball. There is so much to do and see at CavernFest that you may just want to plan your Carlsbad Caverns National Park visit so that you can experience this exciting event at the same time. 

Dawn of the Bats

Dawn of the Bats takes place on the third Saturday of July each year at the Bat Flight Amphitheater in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This free event is a time when visitors can see the return of the Brazilian free-tailed bats from their migration.

During Dawn of the Bats, the park offers bat-related activities during the day at the visitor center, and at the end of the day, visitors will gather at the Bat Flight Amphitheater for the Bat Flight Program.

This event is a spectacular sight that the whole family can enjoy at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you are able to plan your trip and participate in the Dawn of the Bats, you will leave with memories to last a lifetime. 

National Park Week

National Park Week is celebrated throughout the nation each year in April. Carlsbad Caverns National Park celebrates National Park Week with additional programs, activities, and workshops. When visiting the park during this week, you also have the chance to see Carl S. Bat, the resident bat mascot, in different areas of the park.

Another added bonus of visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park during National Park Week is that all of the entry fees are waived, allowing a completely free experience. Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park during National Park Week will allow for special experiences that can’t be enjoyed during any other time of the year. 

Where To Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are very few options for lodging in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, so it’s either primitive camping or setting up a home base in one of the nearby communities. There’s a perfect solution for your accommodation needs in or near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Inside the Park

The only option for lodging in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is to set up camp for the night and sleep under the stars.

There are no developed campgrounds in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, so the only option for those wanting to stay inside the park is to camp in the backcountry. For those who choose primitive camping as their lodging, a free permit must be obtained at the visitor center upon arrival. Camping in the great outdoors is an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Towns Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are 2 towns that make great places to stay near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Both towns are nearly an hour and a half away from the park.

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad is about 50 miles from the park and has several options for lodging, dining, and recreation. There is a variety of accommodations, including family-owned bed and breakfasts, chain hotels budget, friendly motels, and campgrounds. No matter which style of lodging you prefer, you will find exactly what you’re looking for in Carlsbad. 

The dining scene is a treat, with several locally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes around the city. Some favorite restaurants include barbecue joints, authentic Mexican restaurants, and steakhouses. There are also several chain fast food options, should you need to grab something in a hurry. 

Carlsbad is in an incredible location for visitors who enjoy adventure. There are numerous opportunities to hike, sightsee, swim, and explore in this town. It’s also in close proximity to 2 national parks, a national forest, several state parks, and the Pecos River.

Bottom Line:

Carlsbad makes an excellent home away from home during your Carlsbad Caverns National Park vacation. It’s got everything you need and more for a fantastic trip.

Whites City, New Mexico

Whites City is about 80 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This city is an awesome place to set up a base camp during your national park vacation. Whites City has a few options for lodging, including RV parks and campgrounds, a lovely resort, and budget-friendly motels. Whether you want to sleep under the stars or under a roof, there is something for every traveler.

There are several places to eat, including authentic cultural restaurants and locally-owned diners. If you can’t find what you are craving, you are in close proximity to other towns with more options. 

For recreation, Whites City is in a wonderful location for cave tours, scenic drives, and nature and wildlife tours. From hiking to biking, from fishing to swimming, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. With its convenience to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and several options for lodging, dining, and recreation, Whites City is an excellent choice for a home base during your vacation.

Where to Eat In and Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are a couple of options for dining in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and several places nearby. No matter if you want to eat within the park’s boundaries or if you want to venture further out for more variety, you can find the perfect solution to what you crave in and near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Carlsbad Caverns Restaurant

Should you start to get hungry when exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you are in luck, as this national park has a restaurant right inside its visitor center.

Carlsbad Caverns Restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold meals, with excellent customer service and a lovely dining room where you can rest up from your park adventures. Some of the options on the menu include fresh salads, baked fish, quesadillas, veggie burgers, and hot panini sandwiches. 

You can’t ask for a more convenient place to dine than Carlsbad Caverns Restaurant in the visitor center at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This is the perfect place to take a quick break from your explorations, refuel, and get right back to the fun. 

El Jimador

El Jimador is a top-rated restaurant just 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves authentic Mexican cuisine. 

The menu at El Jimador seems endless and features Mexican favorites like burritos, nachos, fajitas, and signature dishes that will satisfy every palate. Customers rave about the specialty burritos, sizzling fajitas, and margaritas. El Jimador is a great place to enjoy a fantastic meal, listen to live local music, and recuperate from your park adventures. 

Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company

Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company is a highly-ranked restaurant just 17 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This family-owned brewery is located in Carlsbad and offers a family-friendly environment featuring live music and an exceptional menu.

The fantastic menu features brick oven pizzas, sub sandwiches, paninis, salads, and appetizers. Some of the favorite dishes of locals and tourists include the New Mexico Green Chile Chicken Pizza, the Extreme Nachos, and the Create Your Own Pizzas. 

Those who love a cold glass of beer are in for a treat at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company. The brewery features 12 taps of delicious craft beer for you to try. For an incredible meal and relaxing environment, be sure to stop in at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company during your trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The Lucky Bull

The Lucky Bull is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists in Carlsbad, approximately 20 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open each weekday for lunch and dinner and also has a tap room with an incredible selection of local brews on tap. 

This top-ranked restaurant is an American bar that serves creative dishes with a Southwestern flair. The menu features high-quality hand-cut steaks, sizzling burgers, and massive nacho entrees. Favorite dishes include the Pecos Valley Poutine, the hand-cut rib eye steak, and the hand-battered country-fried steak.

The Lucky Bull offers karaoke nights and trivia nights and features live music on a regular schedule. Be sure to drop by while visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park for an amazing meal and a fun time.

Yellow Brix Restaurant

Yellow Brix Restaurant is 20 miles down the road from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves authentic, homemade food made to order with top-quality ingredients.

There’s something for every palate at Yellow Brix, including tapas, sandwiches, soups, and salads. This restaurant also has an impressive wine and beer menu. Some of the dishes loved by locals and visitors alike include chicken cordon bleu, BRIX meatloaf, tenderloin carne asada, and the green chile cheeseburger. Whatever you find yourself craving, you can find exactly what your tastebuds need at Yellow Brix Restaurant.

With its close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and its extraordinary menu, you will want to add Yellow Brix Restaurant to your itinerary when visiting this part of New Mexico.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

1. A New National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as Carlsbad Cave National Monument on October 25, 1923, by President Calvin Coolidge. On May 14, 1930, the park was established as Carlsbad Caverns National Park by Congress. 

2. A Park of Many Caves

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is not composed of a single cave but of many caves. At this time, there are over 120 caves that have been discovered in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This number continues to grow as research and exploration continues. 

3. The Cave’s First Explorer

Settlers didn’t know about the cave until 1868 when a 16-year-old cowboy named Jim White saw a huge mass of bats rise from the desert hills. He assumed they came from a cave and went to see where the bats were coming from. He lowered himself into the cave on a homemade ladder and began exploring the underground cavern. When he shared his newfound knowledge of the cave with the locals, they didn’t believe him. 

4. First Tours

Eventually, curious visitors wanted to see this mysterious cave. Jim White began the first tours in Carlsbad Caverns. He lowered guests into the cave in a large guano bucket. Today, the park has an elevator available to lower visitors 750 feet into the cavern in the exact spot. 

5. The Big Room

The Big Room was named by Jim White and is a massive limestone chamber that features mesmerizing stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations. The Big Room is large enough that 6 football fields could be held in it. The Big Room Tour is one of the most popular tours offered at the park. 

6. National Register of Historic Places

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has 2 districts that are featured on the National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious honor means that the National Park Service will work to preserve the historic district that is located on its property. The 2 districts in Carlsbad Caverns National Park that are on the National Register of Historic Places are the Cavern Historic District and the Rattlesnake Springs Historic District. The park museum contains around a million cultural artifacts that are being protected and preserved.

7. Original People of the Park

American Indians lived in the Guadalupe Mountains 12 to 14 thousand years ago. The tribes that once lived in the park boundaries are believed to have been the Zuni Pueblo and the Mescalero Apache. Researchers believe these tribes made their home in the park because they have found several artifacts from them within the park boundaries.

Some of these artifacts include pictographs, cooking pits, and cave paintings. These artifacts are on display at the park for guests who want to learn more about the original people of the park.

8. Largest Caves in Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns is composed of many caves. The largest cave in the park is Lechuguilla Cave. This cave is over 140 miles long and is only accessible today by researchers and explorers. Carlsbad Cavern is a little over 30 miles and is a developed cave open to public tours. This cave is the largest accessible cave chamber in North America.

The other large caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park include Spider Cave and Slaughter Canyon Cave. Spider Cave is undeveloped and is a little over 3.5 miles long. Slaughter Canyon Cave is 2.3 miles long and is minimally developed. Both of these caves are open for guided adventure tours. 

9. An Abundance of Animals

Many animals live in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The most well-known animal is the bat, but there are several other types of creatures that can be spotted in this national park. There are 67 species of mammals, 17 species of bats, 54 types of amphibians and reptiles, and nearly 400 types of birds that call this park home.

Some of the animals that can be seen in this park include weasels, skunks, otters, shrews, wolves, coyotes, and cave swallows. This is a great park for wildlife viewing as there is such a variety of wildlife that can be spotted in the park.

10. World Heritage Site

In December 1995, Carlsbad Caverns National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

11. Famous Visitors

Many famous people have visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the Obama family and Amelia Earhart. 

12. Record-winning Cave

Carlsbad Caverns National Park holds one of the deepest limestone caves in the U.S. Lechuguilla Cave is the second deepest cave in America, measuring 1,604 feet deep. This cave is also the eighth-longest cave in the world and measures over 140 miles long. 

13. Mesmerizing Formations

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has countless unique formations that will catch your eye and make you wonder. Some of these phenomenal formations include lemon yellow sulfur deposits, hydro magnesite balloons, cave pearls, and 15-foot soda straws. 

14. A Park That’s Gone Batty

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has 17 different species of bats that call the park home. Some of the most significant bat species in the park include the Brazilian free-tailed bat, the cave myotis, the fringed myotis, hoary bats, and eastern red bats. These bats can be seen roosting in different parts of the caverns and flying in and out of the natural entrance. Other areas where these animals can be spotted include trees, rock cliffs, and cracks around the park.

One major concern for the bats in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is white-nose syndrome. This is a deadly fungus that is killing bats around the U.S. Over 7 million bats in America have died due to white-nose Syndrome, so Carlsbad Caverns National Park is making efforts to stop this spread. Be prepared to take precautions upon entering the caverns in order to protect this animal species. 

Final Thoughts

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a land of magic and mystery just waiting to be explored. From mesmerizing caverns to dozens of acres of wilderness to explore and from incredible sights in the night sky to bat flight experiences, there’s no shortage of adventure at this national park. Book your trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and discover what brings so many visitors from around the world to this remarkable park.