The Essential Guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon. There are national parks that are known for their enchanting landscapes, wide-open spaces, and unique flora and fauna. Then, there are national parks whose beauty lies underground—like way underground.

“Carlsbad Caverns is one of those places that completely resets your sense of scale,” says Elizabeth Lickliter, owner of Fiddler’s Inn in nearby Carlsbad, New Mexico. “From the surface, the Chihuahuan Desert feels wide and open. But once you go underground, you realize there’s an even bigger world beneath your feet.” 

Located 20 miles from the nearest major city (that would be Carlsbad) in the desert, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the U.S. It encompasses 46,766 acres, 120 known caves, and the largest cave chamber in North America, the Big Room. It was first established as a national monument in 1923 by former president Calvin Coolidge for its “extraordinary proportions and unusual beauty,” and later designated a national park by Congress in 1930. Though it’s hidden beneath miles of pinyon-juniper woodlands, it’s easy to see why visitors come from all across the country to visit this subterranean wonder.

“Honestly, it’s way bigger than people expect,” says Matt Berna, senior vice president of Intrepid, a small group tour operator company. “You go in thinking you’re visiting a cave, and then you realize you’ve stepped into this massive other world. The air stays cool year-round, and the formations feel ancient and alive.” 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Know Before You Go

A standard entrance pass to enter Carlsbad Caverns is $15 per vehicle. Additionally, you will need to make a timed entry reservation as well, which costs $1. As is the case with all national parks, current U.S. military members and dependents, Gold Star family members and veterans, U.S. citizens and permanent residents with disabilities, and fourth-grade students may enter for free.

The park is open year-round, though visitor center hours, guided tours, and ranger programs vary by season, so it’s best to check the park’s website for the latest information before visiting. Summer is considered peak time to visit—this is when the famed bat flight programs take place. Temperatures inside the cave are a steady 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making a light jacket essential even in the summer. Comfortable, nonslip shoes, water, and a camera are recommended, and those planning to attend the bat flight should arrive early to secure parking and a good viewing spot.

Parts of the park, such as the famed Underground Lunchroom, are accessible via elevator. If you’re traveling with your pups in tow, there’s a climate-controlled kennel where you can drop your dog off for the day.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park depends on what you hope to experience. Summer is especially popular because of the bat flight, which runs from April through October. Spring and fall are also fairly busy with mild weather and comfortable hiking conditions. No reservations are required for this program, which occurs every evening. Winter is quieter, making it a good choice if you want a more peaceful experience underground and also hike outdoors in the New Mexico desert. As Lickliter puts it, “There is no bad time to visit.”

How to Get There

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, 95 miles Roswell, New Mexico, and about 151 miles from El Paso, Texas, which is where you’ll find the most flight options out of El Paso International Airport (ELP). You will, however, need to rent a car if you’re not planning on driving to the park. Amenities include restrooms, a gift shop, and trail access, and while parking is easily available, Bat Flight Program nights sees the lot fill up quickly.

Best Things to Do

Tour the caves with an expert.

Ranger-led tours, such as the King’s Palace Tour and Lower Cave Tour, give visitors deep access into the cave system and provide deep expert insight into the park’s geology and history. The Lower Cave Tours take place every Saturday, and the King’s Palace Tour only happens if there are enough staff available at the park. Space is limited, so it’s recommended that you either call the park to reserve your spot or book a time slot online.

Watch bats take flight.

The Bat Flight Program is one of the most popular offerings at Carlsbad Caverns. This year, the program will relaunch on April 6 and run through October, and no reservations are required. Every evening, visitors can gather at the Bat Flight Amphitheater at dusk to listen to a ranger-led talk about the hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bat that roost in the caverns during the warmer months. Then, you can watch them swirl out of the cave as they scatter into the night to hunt for food—it’s one of the most dramatic natural events in the Southwest and a must-see for first-time visitors. If you can’t make the evening talk, you can see the bats return to the cave in the wee hours of the morning, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Take in the night sky.

While there’s much to see below, there’s also plenty to see above at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Since it’s in such a remote location, the park is actually a prime place to experience incredible stargazing. Ranger-led night sky programs do take place in the warmer months (dates for the 2026 season have yet to be announced), but you could also take a guided night hike to experience the dazzling beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. These take place after the Bat Flight Program.

Hike the Desert.

The starkness of the Chihuahuan Desert is quite beautiful. One of the best ways to experience it is by going on a little hike. There are short jaunts like Walnut Creek Overlook that give you just a taste of the land, or there are longer excursions like the six-mile-long Upper Rattlesnake Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Loop. No matter which you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water and plenty of sun protection. The area is very remote and the environment is harsh—the park recommends being prepared to be self-sufficient, should the worst happen.

Best Hikes

Natural Entrance Trail

This steep, 1.25-mile-long trail winds deep into the cavern and traders sunlight for cool darkness. With about 750 feet of elevation change, the hike takes about an hour and is not recommended for visitors with heart or respiratory conditions.

Big Room Trail

The park’s most iconic and accessible route, this flat loop showcases the cavern’s largest formations and is perfect for families. Actor Will Rogers famously called the cavern the “Grand Canyon with a roof over it.” It is indeed hard not to be wowed by the sheer scale of the Big Room, and parts of the trail are wheelchair accessible.

“As you walk deeper in, you’re seeing millions of years of geology unfold around you, which is pretty mind-blowing,” says Berna.

Guadalupe Ridge Trail

The Guadalupe Ridge Trail should only be undertaken by experienced hikers. Clocking in at 100 miles, this backcountry route winds its way out of Carlsbad Caverns National Park through the Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management property, and finally to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the neighboring state of Texas. Though the trail is primitive and you will need to be self-sufficient, you’ll be rewarded with classic Western landscapes and gorgeous desert views.

Best Places to Stay

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has no overnight lodging or campgrounds within the park. Backcountry camping is allowed, but you will need to request a permit (they are free) from the visitors center. However, there are a few lodging options in Carlsbad and Whites City, New Mexico.

Fiddler’s Inn

This bed and breakfast in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a quirky, historic boutique stay with just six eccentrically decorated rooms and a serene courtyard. It’s a little over 20 miles from the caverns.

The Cavern Inn

A comfortable, budget-friendly option in Whites City, New Mexico, with clean rooms and close proximity to the park. It’s ideal for travelers who want convenience without a high price tag.

Backcountry Camping

For adventurous visitors who want to sleep under the stars, backcountry camping is allowed—but you will need to apply for a free permit before heading out. You will need to be prepared to hike with all necessary food, water, and other essentials. Consider traveling with a satellite phone, so you can call for help should you need it.

Places to Eat

Since Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in a remote area of the country, it’s highly recommended that you bring your own food and snacks. However, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring food inside the caves to protect the caverns’ fragile ecosystem.

However, you can fuel up on sandwiches and snacks. at one of the most unique restaurants in the national park system: the Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company’s Underground Lunchroom. The Lunchroom was built in 1928, a couple of years before the area became a park in 1930. At its height, it’s said that the Lunchroom served a million travelers per year.

If you’re tired of granola bars, though, you can head over to The Trinity Hotel & Restaurant in nearby Carlsbad. Set in a charming, historic building, this local favorite has hearty, distinctly New Mexican dishes such as The Lawman (a green chile bacon burger) and The Rustler, a juicy, eight-ounce rib-eye steak.