Carlsbad Caverns National Park Guide

Doll's Theater, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico (courtesy, National Park Service)

Introduction

Geology

Rattlesnake Springs

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Highlights

Carlsbad Caverns began forming some two million years ago with water percolating through the honeycombed Guadalupe Ridge just south of where the town of Carlsbad now lies. Limestone and calcite deposits at times appear lunar, and at times like something out of Grimm’s fairy tales. The caverns are among the most famous in the world, and many of the otherworldly caves are open for public, ranger-led, and self-guided tours and exploration.
The self-guided Natural Entrance Tour begins at the visitor center and enters the cave through the main entrance—the same gaping hole from which bats depart on summer evenings. The moderately steep paved trail wanders by a number of stunning formations, including Whale’s Mouth, Iceberg Rock, and the Boneyard.
Also self-guided, the Big Room Tour begins with a 750-foot elevator descent to the cave’s floor, where a circuitous but mostly flat 1.25-mile trail explores the Big Room, including the 42-foot-high Twin Domes, the 62-foot-high Giant Dome in the Hall of Giants, and the Bottomless Pit, now known to be 140 feet deep.
More adventurous visitors can tour the primitive Slaughter Canyon Cave, which does not have electricity or paved paths. A strenuous half-mile walk takes you to the entrance, where rangers lead 25-member groups inside. Allow about three hours, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a flashlight and water for the excursion. Reservations are mandatory, so call 877-444-6777. To get to the parking lot, turn off of Highway 62/180 about five miles southwest of White’s City.

By Travel Expert: Steve Metzger

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
New Mexico

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