Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Deep under New Mexico is one of the most stunning and beautiful national parks. Carlsbad Caverns, under the Guadalupe Mountains near the border of Texas, is an otherworldly complex of caves and tunnels that is unquestionably worthy of a visit. This, however, is not a rare sentiment. As such, there’s timed entry to keep the crowds manageable. That shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting however.
While parts of the caverns are easily accessible, other parts require rather strenuous climbs. Other parts are rather narrow, or with low ceilings, which might teach you that you were actually claustrophobic all along.
So while it might be a bit of a drive to get there, it’s worth it, not least because it’s near two other great parks, Guadalupe Mountains and Great Sand Dunes. Here are a few things to know ahead of time.
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Timed Entry
It's a long walk down, but totally worth it
Unlike most national parks, you need to reserve your time to enter. This is to prevent overcrowding. Both adults and children need a spot reserved, but fortunately each only costs $1. You can reserve up to 30 days in advance for a 60 minute arrival window.
There is an elevator
Elevator waiting area and gift shop... deep below ground.
From the main visitor’s center you can take an elevator down to the main cavern area. However…
Don’t take the elevator down
The natural entrance. Well worth walking down into the caverns if your knees can handle it.
If you’re reasonably fit, I highly recommend walking down into the caverns through the natural entrance, and then taking the elevator back up. This is an experience I’m extremely glad I did, letting you discover the caverns' different layers, being amazed at every turn, only to discover the next corner reveals something even more incredible. Also, walking back up this route is quite a climb.
Accessible, mostly
Most of the caverns have relatively flat paths to help you explore.
The main cavern complex has paved paths that are fairly easy to navigate. Many areas are even wheelchair accessible, though not all. There aren’t many places to sit once you start exploring, however.
The caves are cool and damp
Cool and damp, year round. Bring an extra layer!
Layers! Even if it’s hot on the surface, the caverns stay around 56 degrees year round.
Voices carry
As the great Aimee Mann said, voices carry.
Some visitors enjoy listening to the sounds of the cavern, not other visitors. You’ll be easily heard in most parts of the caverns.
Learn how to take photos without a flash
A flash isn't going to do much.
Most modern cameras can take great photos without a flash. Check how to enable “night mode” or something similar, as the cavern is fairly dim, and most of the cool stalactites and ‘mites are too far for a flash to illuminate.
Guided Tours
The size of the caverns is awe inspiring.
You can explore the caverns at your own speed. There’s also a guided tour of the King's Palace. This takes about 90 minutes and costs $1 per person. The ranger might turn off the lights so everyone can experience absolute darkness. Currently the King’s Palace is the only guided tour available, but historically there have been others available. It’s worth checking the park’s website to see if others are offered again.
Bats!
The caverns go on and on and on.
Every evening May through October, a ranger will host the Bat Flight Program at the appropriately named Bat Flight Amphitheater. They’ll discuss the lives and habits of the local bat population, which will fly overhead as the sun sets as they seek out their nightly dinner. No photos during the Bat Flight Program without a special permit.
Don’t miss Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Make sure you leave enough time to explore at your own pace (as in, skip the late afternoon tickets ... [+]
A little south from Carlsbad, but part of the same mountain range, GMNP is essentially the surface version CCNP. Guadalupe is one of the less visited parks, with just 220k annual visitors. There are some lovely hikes, though I wouldn’t advise going in the summer unless you’re experienced.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
