• Photo of the steep natural entrance of Carlsbad Caverns

    Carlsbad Caverns

    National Park New Mexico

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  • Elevator Renovations

    Allow more time to visit and expect lines for small elevators while large elevator system is renovated. Walking exit is steep.

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.

Features

  • Visitors enjoying the Big Room of Carlsbad Caverns

    Self Guided Cave Tours

    Explore the Big Room and Main Corridor of Carlsbad Caverns National Park at your own pace.

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  • A tight squeeze in Spider Cave

    Ranger Guided Cave Tours

    Explore the beauty of the underground world on a ranger guided caving adventure.

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  • Photo of the mass exodus of Brazilian (Mexican) Free-tailed bats from Carlsbad Caverns

    Bat Flight Program

    The mass exodus of Brazilian (Mexican) Free-tailed bats. Notice: Electronic devices (phones & cameras) are NOT permitted at the bat flight program.

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  • Enjoy the wonders of the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    Night Sky Program

    Enjoy the wonders of the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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Did You Know?

Permian ocean bottom.

The limestone rock that holds Carlsbad Cavern is full of ocean fossil plants and animals from a time before the dinosaurs when the southeastern corner of New Mexico was a coastline similar to the Florida Keys.