Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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

(575) 785-2232
https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm

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

Map of National Parks in the US
seeker (Seeker Editors)
The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.
National Parks I’ve already visited
trippingout63 (Kelly Duffy)
Hawaii’ Volcanoes National Park
USA Trip
camillem1998 (Camille Moinier)
New Mexico Roadtrip
stillontheroad (Giada Matera)
This is one of multiple roadtrips of my dreams 🤩
Favorite National Parks with young kids
amanda.t.dwyer (Amanda Dwyer)
These have been some of our favorite US National Parks during our RV adventure this year
National Parks Visited
lwithrow (Lindsay Withrow)
50 and counting!
two months in new mexico
leah (Leah Fishman)
I'm headed to New Mexico in December and am planning a totally solo, COVID-safe getaway with my pup Fiona. We snagged a casita between Santa Fe & Taos and plan to hit all the best hikes within reach. Food stops are for take-out only, national parks will be visited on off-days, and museums will have to be saved for the next trip (RIP Meow Wolf).
Bucket List Caves
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Gorgeously sculpted and picturesque caves exist in all forms across the planet, perfect for your bucket list. From the otherworldly glowworm caves which light up like sparkling lights to deep underground caves showcasing the history of our planet, we love discovering the secret world of these destinations. Check our selection of the most amazing caves across the planet that are sure to scratch your need for adventure and picture-perfect views.
World Heritage Sites in North America
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Sprawling natural parks with unique wildlife, ancient and mysterious temples, world-renown monuments, and more- the continent of North America is one with a deep history to be uncovered. Explore some of humankind's most famous mysteries and witness nature's magnificence at these UNESCO designated world heritage sites across the massive continent.

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 […]

Read more...
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 […]

Read more...