What to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico, in the Guadalupe Mountains. The park is known for its vast network of limestone caverns and is one of the most visited cave systems in the world. While exploring the caves is the main attraction, there are many other things to do in the park that will make for an enjoyable visit.

1. Explore the Caves: The main attraction of the park is the Carlsbad Caverns. The caverns offer a unique underground experience that is not found anywhere else. Visitors can choose from a variety of cave tours that vary in length and difficulty. The most popular tour is the Big Room Tour, which is a 1.25-mile, self-guided tour that takes visitors through the largest cavern in the park. The tour takes about an hour and a half to complete and offers stunning views of the underground landscape.
2. Watch the Bat Flight: One of the most popular attractions at the park is the bat flight program. Every evening from mid-May through mid-October, visitors can witness the bats leaving the caverns in search of food. The program is free and offers an opportunity to see thousands of bats in flight. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
3. Hike in the Park: The park offers a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The Guadalupe Ridge Trail is a challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is 8.5 miles round trip and takes visitors to the highest point in the park. The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is an easy hike that offers views of the park’s unique geology. The trail is 1.2 miles round trip and takes visitors through a narrow canyon.
4. Attend a Ranger Program: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that are designed to educate visitors about the park’s history and natural resources. The programs are free and cover a wide range of topics, from bat ecology to cave geology. The park also offers special programs for children that are designed to be both fun and educational.
5. Visit the Visitor Center: The park’s visitor center is the perfect place to start your visit. The center offers exhibits that cover the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. Visitors can also watch a film about the park and pick up trail maps and other information. The visitor center is open daily and is the perfect place to plan your visit.
6. Go Camping: The park offers a variety of camping options, from backcountry camping to RV camping. The backcountry camping sites are located in remote areas of the park and require a permit. The RV campground is located near the visitor center and offers full hookups and other amenities.
7. Take a Scenic Drive: The park offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of the park. The drive is 7 miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can stop at several overlooks along the way to take in the views.
8. Attend a Special Event: The park offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including stargazing programs and guided hikes. The events are designed to be both fun and educational and offer a unique way to experience the park.
9. Visit the Bat Cave: The Bat Cave is located just outside the visitor center and offers a glimpse into the world of the park’s bats. The cave is home to a small colony of Mexican free-tailed bats, and visitors can watch the bats as they roost during the day.
10. Go on a Photography Tour: The park offers guided photography tours that are designed to help visitors capture the beauty of the park. The tours are led by professional photographers and offer a unique way to experience