Carlsbad Caverns National Park
State: New Mexico
Size: 46,766 acres
Topography: Caves, Desert
Peak Season: Summer
Nearest Airport: Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM) – 30 min
Nearest Town: Carlsbad, NM
Top 5 Hikes
Natural Entrance Trail
Big Room Trail
Left Hand Tunnel Trail
Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail
King's Palace Trail
Points of Interest
Carlsbad Cavern: A vast underground cave system featuring thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.
Lechuguilla Cave: A famous, deep cave known for its unique formations and difficult-to-reach passages.
Bat Flight Program: A popular program where visitors can watch thousands of bats emerge from the cave at dusk.
Rattlesnake Springs: A peaceful, wildlife-rich area located outside the main cave system, perfect for birdwatching and picnicking.
Recreational Opportunities
Cave Tours – Explore the massive Big Room and other underground formations.
Bat Flights – Watch thousands of bats emerge from the cave at dusk (seasonal).
Hiking – Trails include the Natural Entrance Trail and desert hikes.
Stargazing – Designated Dark Sky Park with exceptional night views.
Wildlife Viewing – See desert animals like rattlesnakes, foxes, and cave swallows.
Camping
No frontcountry campgrounds
Backcountry camping (permit required, primitive)