Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Must-Know Tips + 1-Day Itinerary

Descending into Carlsbad Caverns National Park feels like entering an entirely different world. Hidden beneath the rugged, sun-drenched landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a subterranean wonder carved over millions of years—featuring towering stalagmites, intricate limestone draperies, and the massive Big Room, the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America.

After spending an incredible season working down at Lajitas Golf Resort near Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border, we were thrilled to finally kick off our big summer road trip. Carlsbad Caverns was the very first stop of sixteen national parks on our five-month itinerary, and it set the bar impossibly high.

Whether you’re marveling at ancient formations along the Natural Entrance Trail or watching hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at sunset, visiting Carlsbad Caverns is an unforgettable experience. However, with strict cave preservation rules, temperature shifts, and timed entry requirements, a little planning goes a long way.

In this guide, we’re sharing all the essential tips—from securing entry reservations and packing the right gear to a realistic 1-day itinerary—to help you plan the perfect trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

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Essential Visitor Logistics: Fees, Reservations & Pets

Timed Entry Reservations

To manage crowd levels underground, Carlsbad Caverns requires advance reservations for all self-guided cave entries.

• Cost: $1 per person reservation fee via Recreation.gov.
• Who Needs One: Everyone! Even if you hold an America the Beautiful Annual Pass or are traveling with young children, every individual in your group needs a timed entry slot.
• Pro Tip: Reserve your entry windows as far in advance as possible, as popular time slots sell out quickly during peak travel seasons and holiday weekends.

Park Entrance Fees

• Adults (Ages 16+): $15 per person.
• Children (15 & Under): Free.
• Interagency Passes: America the Beautiful, Senior, and Military Passes are accepted and cover up to four adults in your group. When you arrive, present your pass and Recreation.gov timed entry reservation at the Visitor Center ticket desk to receive your physical paper entry passes.

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns with Pets

If you’re traveling with dogs, keep in mind that Carlsbad Caverns has strict pet restrictions to protect local wildlife and cave environments:

• Where Pets ARE Allowed: Paved walkways around the visitor center, parking lots, picnic areas, and paved surface overlooks (always on a leash 6 feet or shorter).
• Where Pets ARE NOT Allowed: Inside the cavern, inside the visitor center building, in the bat flight amphitheater, or on any unpaved surface trails.
• Never Leave Pets in Cars: High desert temperatures make parked vehicles dangerously hot within minutes.
• On-Site Kennel Service: If you are traveling with pets, the park concessionaire (Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company) operates a temperature-controlled, day-use kennel inside the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to bring printed vaccination records showing an unexpired rabies shot!

How to Get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns is located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico in the high Chihuahuan Desert, just north of the Texas border. While remote, getting here is a straightforward drive via major highways.

Driving Distances & Times:

• Carlsbad, NM: 20 miles (~25 minutes)
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: 35 miles (~40 minutes)
• El Paso, TX: 145 miles (~2 hours, 15 minutes)
• White Sands National Park: 190 miles (~3 hours, 30 minutes)
• Albuquerque, NM: 300 miles (~4.5 hours)

Closest Airports

Because Carlsbad Caverns is in a rural area, flying and renting a car is the most common option if you aren’t road-tripping in:

• El Paso International Airport (ELP): ~2 hours, 15 minutes (145 miles west). This is the best and most popular option for major airline choices, competitive flight prices, and abundant rental car availability.
• Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM): ~25 minutes (20 miles north). Located right outside Carlsbad, NM. It offers regional connecting flights (primarily from Albuquerque), but options and rental cars are limited.
• Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF): ~3 hours (160 miles east). A great alternative if you are combining your trip with West Texas or Big Bend.
• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): ~4.5 hours (300 miles northwest). Ideal if you are taking a broader New Mexico road trip starting in the north.

Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Because the main cave chamber stays a steady 56°F year-round, you can enjoy underground tours no matter when you visit. However, surface weather, crowd levels, and seasonal wildlife events vary drastically throughout the year.

Spring (March – May)

• Weather: High-desert surface temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging from the upper 60s to low 80s.
• Highlights: Spring is an ideal time for surface hiking along trails like the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.
• Drawbacks: Spring break weeks (especially mid-March) bring heavy crowds and long elevator wait times.
• Note: The seasonal bat population begins returning from Mexico in late April or May.

Summer (June – August)

• Weather: Surface temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), making the cool 56°F subterranean cavern a welcome relief.
• Highlights: Peak season for the famous Bat Flight Program, where hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the cavern entrance at dusk.
• Drawbacks: Summer brings the highest crowd levels of the year, and sudden afternoon monsoon thunderstorms can cause flash flooding on surface roads.

Fall (September – October)

• Weather: Fall offers some of the absolute best weather in New Mexico, with warm, crisp days and cool desert nights.
• Highlights: The Bat Flight Program continues through late October before the colony migrates south for the winter. October also brings smaller weekday crowds compared to summer.
• Verdict: Fall is widely considered the best overall time to visit.

Winter (November – February)

• Weather: Daytime surface temperatures range from the 40s to 50s, though night temps frequently drop below freezing.
• Highlights: Low crowd levels and easy availability for timed entry reservations.
• Drawbacks: The bats migrate south for the winter, so the Bat Flight Program is not active.

Where to Stay Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Because Carlsbad Caverns is located in a remote stretch of the Chihuahuan Desert, you won’t find lodging right outside the visitor center doors. However, you have two primary basecamps depending on what kind of trip you’re planning:

1. Whites City (Closest to the Park)

• The Vibe: A tiny historic gateway community located just 7 miles from the park entrance (about a 10-minute drive). Staying here cuts your morning commute to absolute zero.
• Lodging & RV Options:
  • The Cavern Inn / Best Western Cavern Inn: The most iconic lodging option right at the park turnoff, featuring western-themed rooms, an outdoor pool, and an onsite restaurant and gift shop.
  • Whites City RV Park / Campground: A convenient spot if you are traveling with a trailer or RV setup and want full hookups right at the doorstep of the park.
• Best For: Travelers who want maximum convenience, quick park access, and an easy drive up to the visitor center for an early morning entry time.

2. Carlsbad, NM (Best for Amenities)

• The Vibe: A small city located about 20 miles north of the park (roughly a 25-minute drive). It offers a full range of standard amenities, including major hotel chains, local restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations.
• Lodging Options: Plenty of reliable, mid-range brand-name hotels (like Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, and TownePlace Suites) making it ideal for families or anyone looking for standard hotel comforts.
• RV & Campground Options: Several well-rated commercial RV parks and campgrounds sit right along the Pecos River and around town.
• Best For: Visitors looking for diverse dining options, grocery stocking, and a wider selection of hotel accommodations.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park Area (For Dual-Park Trips)

• Location: About 35 miles south across the Texas border (a 40-minute drive).
• Best For: Road trippers pairing Carlsbad Caverns with Guadalupe Mountains National Park. You can camp or stay near Pine Springs and make the quick northbound drive to the caverns for your tour day.

A Quick Note on Camping Inside the Park

There are no frontcountry RV campgrounds or drive-in campsites inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you want to backcountry camp in the park’s wilderness areas, you must obtain a free backcountry permit, though most visitors opt to stay at commercial RV parks in Whites City or Carlsbad.

What to Pack & Crucial Cave Rules

Protecting both your safety and the delicate underground cave system requires strict adherence to park guidelines. Here is what you need to bring—and what you must leave behind—before heading underground.

Essential Packing List

• Sturdy Hiking Boots with Traction: The paved natural entrance and cave switchbacks are frequently damp and slick from condensation. A reliable pair of waterproof boots with deep rubber lug soles—we wore Columbia Newton Ridge hiking boots—is a must to keep your feet comfortable and secure on the wet paved slopes. Flip-flops, sandals, and smooth-soled shoes are strongly discouraged due to high slip-and-fall risks.
• Warm Fleece or Light Layer: The cavern stays a chilly 56°F (13°C) with 90% humidity year-round. Even if it is 100°F out in the high desert, you’ll want a warm layer to throw on underground. The Columbia Benton Springs full-zip fleece jacket is the perfect lightweight sweater to throw into your backpack before descending into the cave.
• Plain Water Only: You are permitted to carry plain, unflavored water into the cavern. We love bringing a stainless steel Simple Modern insulated water bottle to keep our drinking water crisp and ice-cold throughout the entire 2-to-3-hour subterranean trek.
• Soft Front-Facing Baby Carrier: If you are visiting with an infant or toddler, strollers are strictly prohibited inside the cavern. Plan to carry your little one in a comfortable soft baby carrier or wrap.

Strict Cave Rules: Prohibited Items Underground

To protect fragile limestone speleothems and avoid attracting cave pests, the Park Service enforces strict regulations:

No Food, Gum, Mints, or Flavored Drinks: Flavored water, sports drinks, soda, food, candy, gum, mints, and tobacco/vaping products are completely banned inside the cave. Plain water in a sealed container is the only consumable allowed.

No Tripods, Monopods, or Selfie Sticks: Photography is permitted, but tripods, bipods, monopods, and selfie sticks are strictly banned to prevent trip hazards and trail congestion.

No Trekking Poles or Large Backpacks: Standard hiking poles and walking sticks are not permitted unless medically necessary (and must have rubber tips). Large trekking backpacks, frame packs, or bags extending above shoulder level are also prohibited.

No Strollers or Wheeled Luggage: Strollers cannot navigate the steep, slick switchbacks or elevator doors.

White-Nose Syndrome Prevention: To protect local bat populations from a deadly fungal disease, you cannot wear or bring any gear, shoes, or clothing that has previously been used in any other cave or mine without proper decontamination. Upon exiting the cavern, all visitors walk across bio-cleaning mats to wipe down shoe soles.

Where You Can Eat in the Park

Because food and flavored drinks are strictly prohibited along the cave trails, here are your options for eating at Carlsbad Caverns:

Above Ground (Visitor Center Restaurant): The main visitor center features a cafeteria-style restaurant (operated by Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company) offering hot meals, pre-packaged sandwiches, snacks, and drinks until mid-afternoon.

Underground Lunchroom: Located 750 feet below ground near the elevator base in the Big Room, this historic snack bar offers pre-packaged, grab-and-go snacks, cold sandwiches, water, and sodas. Important: All food bought here must be consumed entirely within the designated Underground Lunchroom seating area—no food can be carried onto the walking trails.

Picnic Areas: There are shaded picnic tables outside the visitor center where you can enjoy your own packed lunch before or after your cavern tour.

Top Things to Do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

1. Walk the Legendary Big Room Trail

The Big Room is the undisputed crown jewel of Carlsbad Caverns. Spanning roughly 4,000 feet long and 625 feet wide, it is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America.

You can access the Big Room directly via the Visitor Center elevator—which takes you 750 feet straight down in under a minute—or by hiking down the steep 1.25-mile Natural Entrance Trail.

Once underground, the main paved, self-guided loop winds around incredible limestone formations, including the massive Hall of the Giants, Crystal Spring Dome, Bottomless Pit, and the delicate Rock of Ages.

• Trail Details: 1.25 miles (flat, paved loop; mostly wheelchair-accessible). For those looking for a shorter, quicker option, a 0.6-mile shortcut path cuts through the middle of the chamber to shorten the walking distance while still letting you experience the grand scale of the room.
• Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours (or ~45 minutes for the shortened loop).

2. Hike Down the Natural Entrance Trail

While the elevator offers a direct ride down, descending into the cavern on foot via the Natural Entrance Trail is an incredible experience. Equivalent to walking down a 75-story skyscraper, this steep 1.25-mile paved path winds 750 feet into the subterranean gloom of Walnut Canyon, passing through Devil’s Den before connecting directly to the start of the Big Room loop.

• Trail Details: 1.25 miles (extremely steep switchback descent; damp and slick in sections).
• Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Pro Tip: For the best experience, hike down via the Natural Entrance to see the cave unfold, explore the Big Room at the bottom, and then take the elevator back up to the Visitor Center to save your knees!

3. Attend the Sunset Bat Flight Program

From late spring through October, hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge en masse from the natural cave entrance at dusk to hunt for insects. Visitors gather at the outdoor stone amphitheater near the cavern mouth to listen to an informative ranger talk before watching the spiraling cloud of bats take flight against the desert sunset.

For early risers, the park also hosts Dawn of the Bats—a special annual event held in October where visitors gather before sunrise to witness the massive bat colony return from their night of foraging and dive back into the cave entrance.

• Cost: Free with park entry (no extra reservation needed).
• Time: Daily around sunset (May through October).
• Strict Rule: Electronic devices—including phones, cameras, and ipads—are strictly prohibited during the program to protect the bats from light and noise disruption.

4. Take a Ranger-Guided Tour

For a deeper look into undeveloped sections of the cave system, book a specialty ranger-guided tour (when offered):

• King’s Palace Tour: Takes you 830 feet underground through four highly decorated chambers, including a brief “blackout” experience where rangers turn off all artificial lights.
• Left Hand Tunnel Tour: A lantern-lit, dirt-trail tour through an undeveloped section of the cave where you navigate by candlelight just like early cave explorers.

5. Drive the Desert Loop Drive

If you have extra time above ground, take this 9.5-mile scenic gravel road through the desert hills and Walnut Canyon. It offers sweeping views of the Chihuahuan Desert landscape, native cacti, and trailhead access for surface hikes like the Slaughter Canyon Trail. (Note: Low-clearance vehicles can easily navigate the gravel road, but RVs and trailers are not permitted).

6. Backpack the Wilderness

For a more in-depth exploration of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, pick up a free backcountry permit at the visitor center and trek into the park’s remote desert wilderness. It’s an incredible way to escape the crowds, hike through untouched Chihuahuan Desert terrain, and camp beneath pristine night skies.

• Permits: Free, available in-person at the visitor center on the day of your trip.
• Note: Pets are strictly prohibited in the backcountry, and all wilderness camping requires packing in all of your own water.

7. Experience the Dark Skies

Carlsbad Caverns is renowned for its exceptional stargazing. For a memorable evening experience, join a ranger-led night sky program—such as telescope star-viewing events, night hikes, or meteor shower walks offered from mid-summer through fall—or spend the night backcountry camping.

Details: Ranger-led night programs are free to join and usually take place after the Bat Flight Program (check the visitor center desk on the day of your visit for registration and schedules).

8. Explore the Surface Hiking Trails

While Carlsbad Caverns is famous for its subterranean wonders, the surface features stunning Chihuahuan Desert canyon landscapes and unique high-desert vegetation. Taking a surface hike is a great way to experience the full ecological diversity of the park above ground.

Essential Hiking Safety Tips:

• Hydration & Sun Protection: High-desert heat can be intense, especially during summer months. Always carry plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring a wide-brim hat.
• Trail Check: Check current trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out, as certain gravel access roads and remote wash trails can close after heavy rain.

Surface Trail Options by Difficulty:

• Easy Hikes (Great for Families & Quick Overlooks):
  • Walnut Canyon Overlook: A short, accessible paved walk offering panoramic views down into Walnut Canyon.
  • Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail: A 0.5-mile paved loop starting right near the visitor center with interpretive signs highlighting local desert plants and wildlife.
• Moderate Hikes (Desert Canyons & Historic Routes):
  • Old Guano Trail: A scenic dirt trail following the historic haul route once used to haul bat guano out of the cave.
  • Rattlesnake Canyon: A peaceful trail descending into a rugged limestone canyon.
• Strenuous Hikes (Rugged Backcountry Wilderness):
  • Slaughter Canyon & Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail: Located in a remote southwestern section of the park, these steep, rocky trails climb rugged canyon ridges for dramatic desert vistas and remote wilderness solitude.

The Ultimate 1-Day Carlsbad Caverns Itinerary

Because your timed-entry reservation dictates your underground access time, the ideal one-day itinerary blends a morning descent into the cool depths of the cave, a relaxing afternoon surface excursion, and a legendary evening bat flight.

8:00 AM – Grab Breakfast & Head to the Visitor Center

• Start your morning with breakfast in Carlsbad or Whites City, fill up your insulated water bottles, and make the quick drive up Walnut Canyon Road to the park.
• Arrive at the Visitor Center right when it opens to pick up your physical paper entry passes, show your Recreation.gov timed entry reservation, and use the restrooms.

8:45 AM – Hike Down the Natural Entrance Trail

• Head out to the cave mouth and begin your descent via the Natural Entrance Trail.
• Walking down this steep, 1.25-mile paved path lets you watch the transition from the sunny Chihuahuan Desert down into the cool, silent depths of the earth (taking about 45 to 60 minutes).

10:00 AM – Explore the Big Room Loop

• Connect directly from the Natural Entrance into the breathtaking Big Room.
• Take your time exploring the massive limestone formations, including the Hall of the Giants and the Bottomless Pit.
• Pace yourself: Follow the full 1.25-mile trail (or opt for the 0.6-mile shortcut if you are short on time).

12:30 PM – Lunch at the Underground Lunchroom (or Surface Café)

• Stop by the historic Underground Lunchroom 750 feet below ground to grab a pre-packaged snack and sit in the designated eating area.
• Alternative: Head back up to the surface via the elevator and grab a hot lunch or sandwich at the Visitor Center cafeteria.

2:00 PM – Surface Hike or Desert Loop Drive

• Spend the afternoon exploring above ground. Take a short, easy walk along the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail or drive the 9.5-mile Desert Loop Drive to take in the rugged canyon scenery.
• If you are traveling with kids, this is a great time to wrap up the Junior Ranger Program booklet at the visitor center.

5:00 PM – Dinner & Rest

• Head back down to Whites City or Carlsbad for an early dinner, freshen up, and give your legs a rest before the evening events.

Sunset – Attend the Bat Flight Program

• Return to the park in time for dusk to join rangers at the outdoor amphitheater for the Sunset Bat Flight Program. Learn all about the park’s resident colony before watching hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats spiral out of the cave entrance against the evening sky. (Remember: No electronics or cameras allowed during the flight!)

Pro Tips for Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

To make sure your subterranean adventure goes off without a hitch, keep these insider tips in mind before you go:

Book Your Timed Entry Well in Advance: Timed-entry reservations are strictly required for cavern entry and often sell out weeks in advance during spring break, summer, and holiday weekends. Book your $1 ticket on Recreation.gov as soon as your travel dates are locked in.

Expect Elevator Wait Times during Peak Hours: The primary elevator carries visitors 750 feet between the Visitor Center and the Big Room. During peak hours (mid-day in summer and weekends), wait lines for the elevator ride back up can take 30 to 45 minutes or more. Plan your schedule accordingly!

Pack Earplugs or Headphones for Loud Echoes: Sound travels exceptionally well underground. If you or your little ones are sensitive to echoes, background chatter, or dark spaces, bringing a pair of noise-canceling headphones or soft earplugs can make the experience much more relaxing.

Prepare for No Cell Service Underground: Cell reception drops completely as soon as you step inside the visitor center elevator or enter the Natural Entrance. Download your maps, reservation confirmations, and trail guides to your phone beforehand.

Combine Your Visit with Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Carlsbad Caverns is located just a 30-to-40-minute drive north of Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you have an extra day in your itinerary, you can easily check off two iconic National Parks in one single road trip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Carlsbad Caverns

How much does it cost to visit Carlsbad Caverns?

An adult entry pass (ages 16 and older) costs $15 per person and is valid for 3 consecutive days. Children 15 and under enter free. In addition, all visitors must reserve a timed-entry ticket online for $1 per person via Recreation.gov before arriving at the park. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is accepted for park entry, but pass holders still need to purchase the $1 timed-entry reservation.

Do I need a reservation to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes. Timed-entry reservations are strictly required for self-guided cave entry. You can book your entry time on Recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance. Space is limited each day, so booking early is essential, especially during peak summer months and holiday weekends.

How long does it take to tour Carlsbad Caverns?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours underground. Exploring the self-guided Big Room Trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, while hiking down the steep Natural Entrance Trail adds another 45 to 60 minutes. If you plan to attend the Bat Flight Program or take a surface drive, budget a full day for your visit.

Can you bring dogs or pets into Carlsbad Caverns?

No. Pets are not allowed inside the cavern, on paved or unpaved surface trails, in the backcountry, or inside the visitor center. However, the park’s concessioner (Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company) operates a day-use kennel service at the visitor center where you can board your pet while you explore the cave. (Proof of current rabies and core vaccinations is required).

What is the temperature inside Carlsbad Caverns?

The interior of the cavern stays a steady 56°F (13°C) with 90% humidity year-round. A lightweight fleece jacket, long sleeves, or a pullover is highly recommended, even during hot summer months.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed inside the cavern?

• Wheelchairs: The Big Room Trail is largely paved and accessible by wheelchair via the main elevator, though some sections are steep.
• Strollers: Strollers are strictly prohibited anywhere inside the cave system because of narrow paved paths, sharp turns, and steep elevator access doors. Families with babies or toddlers should bring a soft, front-facing baby carrier.

Can I bring food or water into the cave?

Plain, unflavored water in a sealed container or reusable water bottle is the only consumable item allowed inside the cavern. Food, snacks, candy, gum, mints, flavored water, and soda are completely prohibited along all walking trails to prevent cave contamination and pest infestation. Food purchased at the underground lunchroom must be consumed in the designated dining seating area.

Is Carlsbad Caverns Worth Visiting?

Standing in the silent darkness of the Big Room, looking up at colossal, ice-like stalactites that took millions of years to form, is an experience unlike anything else in the American Southwest. Carlsbad Caverns National Park manages to feel both alien and ancient, making it an unforgettable stop on any desert road trip.

Whether you are descending deep into Walnut Canyon on foot, watching hundreds of thousands of bats spiral into the sunset, or simply marveling at the sheer scale of the underground chambers, this park leaves a lasting impression on travelers of all ages. Pack a good warm layer, lace up sturdy boots, reserve your timed entry early, and prepare to be awed by one of North America’s greatest subterranean wonders!

Helpful Links & Official Resources

Before heading out on your trip, bookmark these official resources to manage your reservations and stay up-to-date on current park conditions:

• Timed Entry Reservations: Reserve your $1 cavern entry pass on Recreation.gov.
• Official Park Website: Check current trail closures, elevator status, and park alerts on the National Park Service Carlsbad Caverns Page.
• Specialty Tour Reservations: Book ranger-guided cave tours (like King’s Palace) via Recreation.gov Ranger Tours.

Recommended Gear Spotlight: My Cave-Tested Essentials

When descending into a 56°F subterranean environment with damp, steep trails, having the right gear makes all the difference for comfort and safety. Here are the three items we never visit Carlsbad Caverns without:

• Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots: The Natural Entrance switchbacks and cave paths can be surprisingly slick from natural condensation. These boots provide solid rubber-lug traction to keep your feet secure on damp, paved slopes, while offering sturdy ankle support right out of the box without a painful break-in period.
• Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip Fleece Jacket: With constant 56°F temperatures and high humidity underground, you will get chilly fast—even if it’s pushing 100°F out in the high desert. This lightweight full-zip fleece is warm, soft, and easy to pack into a daypack or tie around your waist until you step inside the cave.
• Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle: Since plain water is the only consumable permitted inside the cave, staying hydrated with crisp, ice-cold water is key. Double-wall stainless steel insulation keeps your water freezing cold for the entire 2-to-3-hour underground walk without sweating inside your bag.

More New Mexico Travel Guides & Itineraries

Planning to see more of the Land of Enchantment? Dive into these other New Mexico travel guides to help plan your next stop.

• Visiting Petroglyph National Monument: Essential Guide
• Visiting Bandelier National Monument: The Ultimate Guide & Itinerary
• Visiting White Sands National Park: Best Things to Do + 1-Day Itinerary

ONE DAY ITINERARY

Stop 1. Once you enter the park, stop at a couple pull offs and see if you can spot any wildlife.

Stop 2. Explore the visitor center, check out the exhibits, & watch the park movie.

Stop 3. Grab lunch at the Cafe or bring your own. Best to fill up before heading into the cave.

Stop 4. Take the Natural Entrance path down into the cave. If you’re unable to take the natural entrance then take the elevator straight to the Big Room.

Stop 5. Take a self guided tour around the Big Room.

Stop 6. Head back up to the visitor center and take a short scenic hike, such as, Walnut Canyon Overlook or Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail.

Stop 7. Experience the Bat Flight Program.

Stop 8. If time allows, stay for night sky star viewing.

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Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been to Carlsbad Caverns.