Old Guano Trail

Looking towards the mountains from the trail on a foggy day
View from the Old Guano Trail.

NPS

Within the day use area, you can begin this trail at the dirt road adjacent to the natural entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. It follows the historic road used to haul guano from the cavern in the early 1900s, and hikers will see ruins and debris from the mining operation about a mile (1.6 km) from the entrance. This trail runs 3.7 miles (6km) descending the escarpment, and ending at the Whites City campground. One-way travel takes an estimated two hours at an easy activity level with a 750 feet (216 m) change in elevation. It is closed near the cavern entrance during Bat Flight programs.

Last updated: December 30, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Phone:

575 785-2232

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