Carlsbad Caverns National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Elevator Renovations and Maintenance

Through March 8, Elevators operating 930-10, 1230-130, 430-close. Allow more time to visit. Expect lines. Walking exit is steep. Mon-Fri, no Lower Cave or Left Hand Tunnel Tours.

Beauty and wonder; above and below

Rocky slopes and canyons, cactus, grass, thorny shrubs, and the occasional tree, who could guess at the hidden treasures deep underground? Beneath this rugged land are more than 117 known caves - all formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone.

June 2011, fire burned park and nearby lands. Landscape looks different but is recovering. Caves, bats, & buildings were unharmed.

Hiking in Carlsbad Caverns National Park's rugged backcountry.

Other Park Activities

While there are a variety of cave tours available—from the self-guided areas of the Big Room to crawling through narrow passageways in Hall of the White Giant or Spider Cave. There are also opportunities for hiking and backcountry camping, ranger programs in the visitor center, and watching the incredible exodus of Mexican free-tail bats out of Carlsbad Cavern at dusk in the summer.

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Write to

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220

E-mail Us

Phone

General Park Information
(575) 785-2232

Bat Flight Information
(575) 785-3012

Fax

(575) 785-2133

Climate

The weather in southern New Mexico can change quickly at any time of the year. Winter is often cold and dry with occasional snow and ice storms. Spring is known to be extremely windy. Summer is very hot and violent lightning storms are not uncommon in the evenings. Fall is usually mild and without extremes...

...of course, the weather in the cave is a mild 56°F (13°C) year-round. A light jacket and comfortable shoes with rubber soles are appropriate year-round.
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