Night Sky Programs

 
Image of the Milky Way Galaxy
Milky Way Galaxy.

NASA

Star Viewing


  • July 29-30
  • August 12-13 (Perseids Meteor Shower/Super Moon)
  • September 23-24
  • October 7-8 (Draconids Meteor Shower)

Come enjoy and learn about the night sky in the Chihuahuan Desert. A park ranger will give a night sky talk and use a laser pointer to highlight astronomical features.

All talks will begin after the Bat Flight Program. Meet the ranger at the picnic tables at the east end of the visitor center parking lot. Seating is available at the picnic tables. Visitors can also bring their own lawn chairs.

The park will not be using telescopes, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars if they would like.

Visitors should be mindful of their headlights. Turn them off after parking. Park facing toward the visitor center. Use red lens flashlights or headlamps if you have them.

No registration required.

Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather.

 

Night Hikes


  • July 22-23
  • August 26-27
  • September 16-17
  • October 14-15

Be prepared to hike 1.5-miles (2.4 km) round trip through the desert where you will explore what the night has to offer at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

How to Attend
Although these programs are free, attendance will be limited to first-come, first-served with a maximum of 12 participants for each program. Please register for the programs at the visitor center information desk on the day of the program. Registration may be available at the evening's Bat Flight Program. Ask a ranger for more details.

Where to Meet
All hikes will begin after the Bat Flight Program. Meet the rangers at the park sign in front of the visitor center at the designated program time.

Minimum Age
8 years old

What to Wear and Bring

  • Dress comfortable and wear comfortable shoes.
  • No open-toed shoes.
  • Long pants are required.
  • Bring water and a snack.
  • Please bring a red light flashlight or red light headlamp to preserve your night vision. Ranger will provide red light headlamps if you do not have one.

Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather.

 

Spot the Station from Carlsbad Caverns!

Look for the International Space Station from either of our parking lots!

Last updated: July 8, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Phone:

575 785-2232

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