Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Descend by trail or elevator into Carlsbad Cavern and walk the Big Room, then watch bats fly out at dusk in summer.

3225 National Parks Hwy · Carlsbad, NM

About Carlsbad Caverns National Park

More than 119 caves lie beneath this southern New Mexico park, and the main one, Carlsbad Cavern, is open for self-guided walks. You can hike down through the Natural Entrance or ride the elevator from the visitor center to the Big Room, a chamber almost 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high. From spring into fall, Mexican free-tailed bats pour out of the cave mouth at dusk. Entry to the cavern requires a timed ticket, which the park encourages you to reserve ahead.

#national park
#cave tour
#bat flight
#world heritage site

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sports & Outdoors
Bat Flight Amphitheater
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Free evening ranger talk, then watch Brazilian free-tailed bats leave Carlsbad Cavern at dusk.
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Sports & Outdoors
Brantley Lake State Park
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Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
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