Carlsbad Caverns National Park


High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. The entrance road stretches a scenic seven miles (11.3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.

  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Camping
  • Caving
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Hiking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

  • Native American Heritage
  • Ancient Seas
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Caves, Caverns and Karst
  • Geology
  • Night Sky
  • Astronomy
  • Trails
  • Unique Species
  • Wilderness

Hall of Giants

Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.

Giant and Twin domes in the Big Room.

Big Room

Photo of the Big Room with trail

Big Room

Mule Deer

Photo of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.

Mule deer find food in a drainage.

Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern

Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.

Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern

Chandelier and Caveman Formations

Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big Room

Chandelier and Caveman formations.

Yucca Blooming

Photo of a yucca plant with cream and pinkish-colored flowers.

Yucca blooming