Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This made the third time we have been to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the past eight years. To say that we love it is an understatement. But, anytime we get a chance to go, we go!

Natural Entrance

Each time we go, we decide to go in via the natural entrance which is a 1.25-mile hike down into the caverns. The path is paved and for the most part, relatively easy. There are some steep parts and at times your legs will burn, but it is well worth it.

Self-Guided Tour

You can choose to either do a self-guided tour (highly recommended) or a ranger-led tour. We have always done a self-guided tour so we can walk at our own pace and take our time. The ranger-guided tour does take you to different parts of the cavern that is not accessible to the public via the self-guided tour. So, if you have time, I suggest doing both.

Carlsbad Caverns has so many different cave formations and is just absolutely stunning, as you can tell from the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery

Carlsbad Caverns National Park History

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns are limestone caves in a fossil reef laid down by an inland sea about 265 million years ago. The creation of Carlsbad Cave National Monument happened on October 25, 1923, however, it didn’t become a National Park until May 14, 1930. See full history here.

Carlsbad Caverns Facts

• Part of the Big Room is Wheelchair Accessible
• The temperature in the caverns stays a constant humid 56 degrees
• While the total length is unknown the explored part of the main cavern is more than 30 miles
• The deepest explored part is 1,027 feet belowground
• The Big Room is 755 feet belowground and is roughly 2,000 feet long and 1,100 feet wide with a ceiling height of 255 feet

Know Before You Go

• Only plain water is allowed in the cave. No other food or drinks are allowed.
• Flash photography is allowed
• Reservations may be required before you go and are always recommended especially during the summer months
• Some areas of the trail through the caverns are wet and become slippery. Wear footwear that is comfortable with good traction
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp. The cave is dimly lit and some areas have less light than others.
• Service animals are permitted.
• Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park, this includes the trails, walkways, roads, cavern, or in the visitor center. They do have kennels you can rent while you are in the caverns.
• Baby strollers are NOT permitted within the caverns
• RV and Bus Parking are available at the first parking lot you come to on the left (will be to the left of the visitors center).
• Handicap & Motorcycle Parking are available to the right of the visitor’s center, both are located near the visitor’s center entrance.

More Information

Have you been to Carlsbad Caverns National Park? Comment below and let me know what you thought!