United States New Mexico Carlsbad

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

A national park in New Mexico renowned for its vast underground limestone cave system, featuring stunning formations and a large bat population.

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 3 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 4 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 3 years ago

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Guides

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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