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Best trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Best trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

4.0(2,074 reviews)

·

United States
#48 of 60 national parks

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.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
Starting at $1
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • 9 am–2:30 pm
Exceptions
Thanksgiving Day
Nov 27, 2025 • Closed
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2025 • Closed
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026 • Closed
Phone
(575) 785-2232
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
Make reservation
Entrance pass
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
Get details from the park
2025 Fee-free days

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

Annual pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
Overview

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.

Facilities

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

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

3,575 trailgoers Busiest in March
Jul 13, 2025
Bathrooms availableGreat conditions

First time to Carlsbad Caverns and it did not disappoint!

Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Jun 30, 2025Hiking
Great conditions

Well maintained trail inside of Carlsbad Caverns park. Beautiful conditions.

Parking: Free, Large lot
Old Guano Trail to White's City
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,212 reviews. This trail is 1.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 75 ft.

What is the longest trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is Guadalupe Ridge Trail [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 33.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

There are 14 trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These trails have an average 4.0-star rating from 2,074 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has you covered. Guadalupe Ridge Trail [CLOSED] boasts the most elevation gain with 5,905 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Yucca Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which will get you 3,221 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the most popular is Old Guano Trail to White's City with an average 4.2 star rating from 101 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park which is Yucca Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Trail with an average 1.9 star rating from 5 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes, there is 1 trail with a scenic viewpoint in Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Walnut Canyon Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, Old Guano Trail to White's City, and Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail.