Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
SE New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains 113 of some of the largest limestone caves in North America. You won’t want to miss this unique experience as you travel through New Mexico. Other great outdoor adventures you can have are hiking, backcountry camping, and viewing the world-famous colony of Brazilian free-tail bats. Continue reading for more Carlsbad Caverns National Park information.
Uniqueness
The Carlsbad Caverns are one of the largest cave systems in the world. Public Affairs Specialist for the park Bridget Eisfeldt Litten says, “If you can only see one thing here, see the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns.”
The caverns park area is 46,766 acres. The average annual visitor count is between 400,000 and 500,000 and standing currently 460,000.
American Indians knew of the caverns for centuries before white settlers discovered them in the 1880s by following the nightly flight of the bats that leave the caves in the evening and return at sunrise.
As you would expect, damaging the cave formations in any way is prohibited. Even touching the formations, walls, or ceilings of the caves can damage them. This is not only because many of the features are delicate and easily broken, but also because skin oils, will discolor the rock and disturb the mineral deposits that are necessary for growth. All tobacco use is prohibited under- ground. In addition, food, drinks, candy, and chewing gum are not allowed on the underground trails. Please do not throw coins or other objects into the underground pools. Cave visitors should wear flat shoes with rubber soles and heels because of the slippery paths. Children under 16 must remain with an adult at all times while in the caves. Strollers are not allowed in the cave, so child backpacks are a good idea, but beware of low ceilings and doorways along the pathways. Flash photography is not permitted at the evening Bat Flight programs. Pets are not permitted in the caverns, on park trails, or in the backcountry, and because of the hot summer temperatures pets should not be left unattended in vehicles. There is a kennel (505/785-2281) available at the visitor center. It has cages in an air-conditioned room, but no runs, and is primarily used by pet owners for periods of 3 hours or so while they are on cave tours. Pets are given water, but not food, and there are no grooming or overnight facilities. Reservations are not necessary; cost is $4 per pet.
Always be on the lookout for wildlife on the roads. Driving too fast or being inattentive is never safe, but doubly so in the park as humans invade the natural resident’s space; namely the many forms of wildlife that call the Carlsbad Cavern area their home. Tens of thousands of people visit this area every year, and do so safely; enjoying the wildlife from a safe distance as they respect one of Nature’s most beautiful regions.
Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Carlsbad Caverns:
By Car:
El Paso, TX – 152.37 miles
Lubbock, TX – 205.73 miles
Los Alamos, NM – 311.80 miles
Monticello, NM – 294.68 miles
San Antonio, NM – 257.18 miles
Albuquerque, NM – 304.25 miles
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Hwy
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Phone (505) 785-2232
