Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeastern New Mexico reveals an entirely different world beneath the desert. Towering rock formations, delicate stalactites and enormous underground chambers make it hard to know where to look first. The scale is remarkable, especially in the Big Room, where every turn brings another fascinating formation into view.
Exploring the Big Room
You can hike down through the Natural Entrance or take an elevator approximately 750 feet below the surface to explore the Big Room. You can also ride the elevator back up, making it possible to experience the cavern without tackling the steep entrance trail.
💡 Runway Tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Some sections of the paths can be damp and slippery. Take your time and hold on to the railings where available.
Accessibility at Carlsbad Caverns
For visitors with mobility limitations, the elevator provides access to the Big Room, including a designated wheelchair-accessible portion of the trail. However, the entire route isn’t accessible, and some surfaces are uneven or slippery. Ask at the visitor center for an accessibility map and guidance on the best route for your needs.
Visiting with Young Children
Visiting with young children takes a little extra planning. The walking, dim lighting and need to stay on the paths can be challenging for little ones. Taking the elevator both ways can make the outing more manageable.
💡 Runway Tip: Leave snacks and gum behind. Food, gum, candy and drinks other than plain water aren’t allowed on the cave trails. Finish your snacks before entering and dispose of gum so you don’t have to throw it away at the entrance.
💡 Runway Tip: Plan to explore without a stroller. Strollers aren’t permitted in the cavern, except when medically necessary for children with mobility issues. Those exceptions are limited to the designated accessible portions of the Big Room.
Watching the Evening Bat Flight
Above ground, the evening Bat Flight Program offers another extraordinary experience. Around dusk, Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the cavern and head out into the desert to feed. A ranger talk introduces visitors to the bats before the flight, adding context to this remarkable natural spectacle.
💡 Runway Tip: Check the bat program time before your visit. The free program runs seasonally, generally April through October, and its start time changes with sunset. Phones and cameras must be turned off and put away during the flight, so settle in and enjoy the experience without a screen.
Make Carlsbad Caverns Part of a Southwest Road Trip
Make Carlsbad Caverns Part of a Southwest Road Trip
Carlsbad Caverns is a memorable stop on a road trip through southern New Mexico and west Texas. About 45 minutes away, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers hiking trails and sweeping mountain views after your underground adventure. You can also include White Sands National Park, roughly a 3½-hour drive away, to explore its brilliant white dunes.
Contact Runway Travel to plan your visit to Carlsbad Caverns and see its remarkable stalactites, stalagmites and vast underground chambers for yourself.
