Best trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns has 117 caves, the longest of which is over 120 miles (190 km) long. The Big Room is almost 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long, and the caves are home to over 400,000 Mexican Free-tailed Bats and sixteen other species. Above ground are the Chihuahuan Desert and Rattlesnake Springs.
Top trails
Visitor info
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.
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.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. It also has a wheelchair accessible theater, gift shop, bookstore, and restaurant.
Ranger-led programs in the park are not considered wheelchair accessible due to the rugged and steep conditions.
Additional information about accessibility at Carlsbad Caverns National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. It also has a wheelchair accessible theater, gift shop, bookstore, and restaurant.
There is an elevator that provides access to The Big Room cavern and trail. Small oxygen tanks are allowed in the cavern for medical purposes.
The Natural Entrance trail is not considered wheelchair accessible due to its steep grade and is not recommended for those with heart or breathing conditions. Strollers are only allowed on this trail if they are medically necessary for the child.
The Visitor Center Picnic Area at the far east end, Walnut Creek Drive Picnic Area, and Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
The Bat Flight Program area has accessible parking, and the top row of the amphitheater has a reserved area for those using wheelchairs. There is also a wheelchair accessible bathroom at this location.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park in designated areas. Service animals are not allowed on off-trail cave tours for the safety of the animals and resource protection.
Service animals are not permitted on the following trails: Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Spider Cave, and Slaughter Canyon Cave.
Trail reviews for Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Hiking through Carlsbad Caverns via the Natural Entrance is an unforgettable experience. The paved trail makes the journey accessible, but be prepared for a steep descent as you enter the cave. The winding switchbacks lead you into the depths of the cavern, where the temperature drops, and the darkness creates a mysterious yet thrilling atmosphere. The gradual transition from daylight to the dimly lit underground world enhances the sense of adventure, making every step feel like a journey into another realm. While the incline can be challenging on the way back up, the breathtaking formations make it well worth the effort. Once inside, the sheer scale and beauty of the caverns are awe-inspiring. Towering stalactites, intricate stalagmites, and delicate draperies of rock formations surround you, illuminated by carefully placed lighting that enhances their otherworldly beauty. The main chamber, the Big Room, is nothing short of spectacular, with massive formations that leave you in awe. Despite the steep entrance, the trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you hike in through the Natural Entrance or take the elevator down, Carlsbad Caverns offers a truly mesmerizing underground experience.
It was a great hike on this December afternoon!! We were uncertain of where to park our vehicle. Come out and enjoy this trail to the Carlsbad Caverns!!