Carlsbad Caverns National Park
46,766
Acres
410,000/year
Annual Visitors
$15
Entry Fee
Late spring through fall
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
Carlsbad Caverns became a national park on May 14, 1930. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southeastern New Mexico, the park contains more than 119 caves, including the enormous Big Room at 8.2 acres. Each evening from late spring through October, roughly 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats spiral out of the natural entrance.
Our Carlsbad Caverns Articles
When to Visit Carlsbad Caverns
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Month-by-Month Conditions
Tap any month for details
Month
High
Low
Crowds
Roads
Jan
100°
75°
Low
Open
Feb
97°
72°
Light
Open
Mar Best
90°
64°
Heavy
Open
Apr Best
80°
53°
Heavy
Open
May Best
70°
41°
Heavy
Open
Jun
63°
33°
Light
Open
Jul
60°
30°
Low
Open
Aug
63°
33°
Light
Open
Sep Best
70°
41°
Peak
Open
Oct Best
80°
53°
Peak
Open
Nov Best
90°
64°
Heavy
Open
Dec
97°
72°
Light
Open
Best months to visit
Crowd level (low to peak)
Trip Essentials
Gear and guides we recommend for Carlsbad Caverns. Affiliate links help support our work.
Trail Map
Carlsbad Caverns National Geographic Trails Illustrated
View on Amazon
Guidebook
Carlsbad Caverns field guide with trail details and planning info
View on Amazon
Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns
Compare lodges, cabins, and hotels near the park
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America the Beautiful Pass
$80/year. Covers entrance fees at all 2,000+ federal recreation sites.
Get the Pass
Sun Hat
Full-brim coverage for exposed trails with zero shade.
View on REI
Water Bottles
Carry at least 2 liters. More in desert heat.
View on REI
Hiking Boots
Ankle support and grip for rocky, uneven terrain.
View on REI
Getting to Carlsbad Caverns
Gateway Towns
- Carlsbad, NM
- Whites City, NM
Nearest Airports
- CNM Cavern City Air Terminal 25 mi
- ELP El Paso International 154 mi
Carlsbad Caverns Map
VC Visitor Center
CG Campground
Nearby Park
Nearby National Parks
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