Old Guano Trail

View from the Old Guano Trail.

NPS

Within the visitor center area, you can begin this trail adjacent to the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. It follows the historic road used to haul guano from the cavern in the early 1900s. Hikers can see ruins and debris from the mining operation about one mile (1.6 km) from the entrance. This 3.7 miles (6 km) trail ends at the White's City campground.

The first 2.3 miles (3.7 km) gradually descends the escarpment. The last 1.4 miles (2.3 km ) is steep, losing 572 feet (174 m) in elevation. One-way travel takes an estimated two hours.

The trail is closed near the cavern entrance during Bat Flight Programs.