United States New Mexico Carlsbad

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

A breathtaking underground natural wonder located in the United States, featuring stunning limestone formations and vast cave systems.

Tips from the community

Buried beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert are more than 120 caves that make up Carlsbad Caverns: New Mexico’s very first—and moodiest— national park. Explore the caverns on your own via the Big Room and Natural Entrance Trails, or take a ranger-guided tour into the park’s more technical caves, like King’s Palace and Hall of the White Giant. Honorable Mentions: Cibola National Forest, Cloudcroft, Cochiti Canyon, Chaco Canyon, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Cabezon Peak, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Cafe Pasqual’s

leah 2 years ago

You can dive under the Guadalupe Mountains and discover what’s certainly one of the most enthralling cave systems in the USA at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Discovered in 1898, the seemingly endless array of chambers and channels here weave through strange mineral formations and resplendent water pools fringed by dustings of oxide, not to mention stalactites with curious names like the Totem Pole and the Iceberg Rock. A planned walking route through the caves starts at the excellent visitor’s center.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

The ranger-led tour of the King’s Palace takes you into the deepest part of the cave system open to the public, at 830 feet beneath the surface. The King’s Palace contains more stalactites and stalagmites than any other part of the Carlsbad Caverns, making it arguably the most visually impressive part of the complex.

michaelwarford 2 years ago

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-visit World Heritage Site in North America, located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. It features a network of caves and underground passages that are among the most impressive natural wonders on the continent. Visitors can explore unique geological formations, witness awe-inspiring caverns, and even witness an evening bat flight spectacle during certain times of the year. This fascinating destination promises to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that they won't forget.

seeker 6 months ago

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico is a must-visit destination for spelunkers looking to cross off one of the world's most awe-inspiring caves off their bucket list. Descend into the stunning underground realm of Carlsbad Caverns, filled with thousands of dazzling formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can take a guided tour or venture into the caves on their own to explore this natural wonder.

seeker 6 months ago

I remember going here as a kid — of course, it looked 100x more massive at the time, but it's still a freakin' giant chain of caves that are hard to wrap your mind around. Also, you can see a bunch of bats fly out of the caves at sunset which is pretty gnarly.

sarahlempa 3 years ago

Our young kids loved the Natural Entrance Trail, a 1.25 mile hike down to the base of the cave and still had some energy left to see some of the Big Room. Thankfully we were only able to take the elevator back up or we might not have gotten out!

amanda.t.dwyer 2 years ago

Explore through dynamic caverns, amongst desert flowers, and alongside fascinating wildlife at this rugged New Mexican national park. Featuring ancient sea ledges, deep canyons, and more than 100 underground caves to uncover.

seeker 2 years ago

Caving, hiking

lwithrow 3 years ago

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Lists

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Articles

  • The Best Things to Do in New Mexico (from A to Z)

    Tucked in the heart of America’s southwest lies the Land of Enchantment: miles upon miles of vast desert, caves, museums, wacky installations and…aliens? This patch of the U.S is where artists retreat, where adobes outnumber hotels, and where your imagination can run absolutely wild. From strange rock formations and plunging caverns to Earthships and UFO […]

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  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park: the Complete Guide for 2023

    It’s hard to prepare yourself for just how massive the Carlsbad Caverns actually are. The drive to the cave entrance itself, while scenic, can feel a bit underwhelming. It’s not until you actually step off the elevator that takes you into the caves (or, for the most adventurous, hike down into the Natural Entrance), that […]

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