Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southern New Mexico. Since it is located on the border of New Mexico there are only fewer visitors to Carlsbad Caverns. It features more than 100 caves including the nation’s deepest limestone cave. Carlsbad Caverns was established in 1923 as a national monument, designated a national park in 1930. Carlsbad Caverns should be there in your bucket list with high ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park is spring in March, April, and May, wind. Spring gives the perfect weather to hike and explore the park. You can also visit the park during winter or fall. In summer the temperature reaches 100plus degrees which makes it difficult for hiking. The park has crowds in summer and on weekends. You can visit the park on weekdays to avoid the crowd. If you like to see the bat flights you can visit in September, when you can see the bat flights with less crowd.
Expense To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Entry Fee:
- For adults above the age of 16 cost $15 per person
- For children under the age of 15 free
Ranger Guide Fee:
- King’s Palace ranger guide fee costs $8 for adults, $4 for seniors and children plus an entrance ticket. Under 4 not permitted.
- Slaughter Canyon Cave ranger guide fee costs $15 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and children plus an entrance ticket. Under 8 not permitted.
- Lower Cave ranger guide fee costs $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children, plus an entrance ticket. Under 12 not permitted.
- Left-Hand Tunnel ranger guide fee costs $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children, plus an entrance ticket. Under 6 not permitted.
- Hall of the White Giant ranger guide fee costs $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children, plus an entrance ticket. Under 12 not permitted.
Things To Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Explore The Carlsbad Caverns:
There are two ways to explore the Carlsbad Caverns self-guided trail or you can join a ranger guide tour.
If you want to explore the cave formation or want to experience challenging obstacles in you can join the ranger guide. They also give you some historic information about the park and you get to know more about Carlsbad Caverns. The availability of ranger-guided is limited so no need to reserve early.
If you want to explore the park by self-guided trail you can go to the most popular route the Big Room. This 1.25-mile trail is relatively flat. If you are looking for a shorter trail the Big Room has a shortcut that is about 0.6 miles. If you want a challenging experience you can choose the Natural Entrance Trail. This is a 1.25-mile trail with extreme steep.
Surface Hiking Trails
Surface hiking at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an amazing experience with many challenges. If you are planning to hike on the surface make sure that you are prepared. The park has extreme temperature and is an isolated place make sure to bring water, food, and Sun protection.
Guadalupe Ridge Trail
If you are a hiker Guadalupe Ridge Trail is a perfect trail for you giving you a new experience. This is a 100-mile long trail that begins at the highest point in Texas. You even get a chance to see the wildlife of Carlsbad Caverns. The park is home to mammals like mule deer, cougar, and ringtails. Even several species of ground squirrels, deer mice, and kangaroo rats.
Night Sky Programs
Night Sky Program is an event in Carlsbad Caverns with should not be missed. If you like you go for Night Sky Program be prepared to hike 1.2 miles for Star Walks. The event is free but takes only a limited number of visitors of 25 people. Children below the age of 6 years are not allowed.
Bat Flight Program
Bat Flight Program is one of the famous events in Carlsbad Caverns. There are no reservations needed for this program it occurs every evening from Memorial Day weekend through October. You could see thousands of bats flying out of the cavern and into the sky which is truly an amazing view.