Place
National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
NM · USPark map
Explore roads, trails, and places
Places
Places in Carlsbad Caverns
Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places
Trails
Trails in Carlsbad Caverns
Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails
Easy
Big Room Trail
A vast, easy loop showcasing North America’s largest cave chamber.
Challenging
Natural Entrance Trail
Steep, dramatic descent into the cavern via the explorer route
Challenging
Guadalupe Ridge Trail
High, exposed ridge walk across a world-class fossil reef.
Challenging
Yucca Canyon Trail
Steep, solitary climb to big desert-and-basin views.Wildlife
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns
Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife
Sighting mapWhere to look
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Tadarida brasiliensisReports peak in the evening, around 8 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Aoudad
Ammotragus lerviaReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionusReports peak in the evening, around 7 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavoReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AMOpen wildlife mapBefore you go
Current park alerts
Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts
Information
Timed Entry Required for Carlsbad Cavern
Timed entry reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Cavern. The reservation only holds your entry time; you still must buy an entrance pass at the visitor center on arrival. Official sources: NPS current conditions and Recreation.gov timed-entry tickets.Official detailsClosure
