At a glance
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Things to do: Astronomy · Stargazing · Camping · Caving · Food · Dining · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Trails
Carlsbad Caverns has roughly 6 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park. Lodging and private campgrounds are typically available nearby.
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions.
Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!
Pack for Carlsbad Caverns
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Black Diamond rechargeable headlamp
Hands free for the natural entrance trail.
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Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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Entrance fees
- Timed Entry Reservation - Location — A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.$1
- Entrance - Per Person — Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.$15
Visiting more than two parks this year? An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers entry to all of them.
Getting there
Nearest city: El Paso, TX. Park center: 32.240°, -104.550°.
To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. 3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Albuquerque or Tucson.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $1. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns?
Peak season is May – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions.
Can you camp in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
There are no NPS campgrounds inside the park; lodging and private campgrounds are available nearby.
What is the closest city to Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
El Paso, TX is the nearest major city. To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. 3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.