Carlsbad Caverns National Park

I had read that Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the best underground caves in the country. And since I was in the area, after exploring White Sands National Monument in Alamogordo, I decided to stay on the adventurous route and drive a little south to visit.
Once you enter the national park, it’s a few miles scenic drive to the caverns. There are places to pull off the road for photos and to take in the atmosphere. I stopped a few times for pics and to embrace the surroundings! It was nice.
I signed up for a basic tour of the caverns. What was also recommended, which I did, was to hike down into the caverns and see the sights along the way and to take the elevator back up. The hike was relatively easy and there are lots of things to see and take photos of. I do recommend hiking down. Once I made it to the bottom, my tour started. It lasted roughly an hour and I did get to see some amazing sights/​stalagmytes and stalactites.
I have been to Howe Caverns in upstate NY and to caverns in Kentucky and San Antontio. They were all nice. Carlsbad Caverns was cool as well. It didn’t stand out that much to me, but still a fun place to be. I got some good pictures and felt I got a good essence of the caves from my time there. I’d recommend this place as it is the highlight of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Also, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas is roughly 25 miles from Carlsbad Caverns and is worth a trip if you enjoy hiking and time outdoors.

If you’re into hiking and all things nature, this is a must. Such a beautiful jewel. We took the ranger guided tour through thr King’s Palace with Ranger Paul. Paul did a fantastic job at presenting the caverns’ history and development. The guy had a knack for storytelling for sure. The rest of our time there was amazing. The formations in the caves are breath-​taking, totally surreal and out of this world.

Thank you Carlsbad Caverns for the military discount!
When we planned our trip out of Las Vegas headed for Houston, we purposely selected sites to see along the way and this National Park was one of them.
If you’re stationed at the nearby military base. don’t miss this attraction, especially if you can appreciate Mother Nature. If you’re looking for La Reve to be «entertained» then don’t come here. Otherwise it’s off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere.
What a great stop! Did you know bones from ice age animals have been found near the entrance of these caves? Cool! There aren’t many caverns like this around so if you get a chance to see one please take advantage. Mother nature is fabulous. The kids loved seeing all the rock formations and the huge caves with awesome formations. A little cool down below so some people may need a sweater. If you’re here in the summer, the cool air below is a nice welcome.
There’s a Visitor’s center that talks about the different levels of the cave and the history so don’t miss the Cliff notes so you understand the geological formations and who discovered the cave.
After you purchase your ticket, an elevator takes you down to the deep dark caves. It’s self guided so you can follow a map to go into the different areas.
No cell coverage down below but you can take pictures. NO strollers in the caves. The walkways can be narrow and it’s dark down there.
If you’re here during the summer they have an area for viewing the mass exodus of the bats!
Afterwards they have an area with giant telescopes for night sky viewing and discussions covering cultural folklore, astronomy and nocturnal animals.
Plenty of parking, restrooms, very clean and beautiful views of the Chihuahuan desert of New Mexico.
Ranger guided tours area available with prices ranging from $ 7-​$ 20.
Free admission on some major holidays like Veterans Day and MLK day.
Park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Hours vary during summer/​winter seasons so check their website for more info. The last elevator leaves at around when we were there 3:30 so you have to get there early.
$ 10 entry fee for adults
Mil discount takes off $ 2
Check the website for details. Currently the elevator is out of order:(So you’ll be walking!
Don’t miss.

Unless you find big caves and rocks overwhelmingly fascinating then skip this. Of all the national parks we have visited this is by far the most boring. A walk along dimly lite paths in a huge cave with rocks and pits and pools illuminated BFD. If you have never been inside a cave or seen a picture of a cave this might interest you, otherwise don’t waste your time, energy nor money.
The best part is the twisty 7 mile road to the visitors center. The day we went there was no traffic on the way out, so I was able to air it out a bit. In retrospect the drive out was far mor interesting, and thrilling than the caves. Best of all the drive is free!

Quick look rating: ⁵⁄₅ Service, ⁴⁄₅ Experience, ⁵⁄₅ Will I return
Quick note: (Get in shape before this adventure! Bookmark to take the little ones!)
Would you like to peak back in to history? Fun adventure!
Geological history that is! Here is a national treasure, it’s also where you can learn and get a workout with out knowing it!
To note: Soak in a hot tub with some epson salt afterwards! It will help take some of the pain of the unknown walk downwards in the park!
At the bottom the adventure there is a snack shop, so bring a little extra money!
To note: This is one of those must do’s in life for the little ones! (Just do it for them!)

So this is the second time I’ve been to Carlsbad Caverns now, except this time I actually got to go in the caverns.
So the first time I went, we arrived late. It was about five or six when we arrived. The natural entrance to the caverns were closed as well as the office, and the elevator entrances. However, we made it in time to see the bats. We walked the nature trail by the amphitheater which didn’t take too long. When we got back to the amphitheater we sat a while waiting. Long enough for a centipede to bite a friend of mine! Nothing serious. A little burning. But according to the Rangers who attended the situation, it apparently happens more often than you’d think. At about 730 or 745 we started. They ask you to turn off all phones, cameras, camcorders or any electrical devices. You actually get to have a moment to yourself to take in the beauty of nature.
After the ranger talks for a while everyone is asked to be extremely quiet and as still as possible. Then you start the see the bats. We saw thousands of bats flying out of the caverns and out into New Mexico. It was such a great thing to see! Maybe not an every weekend thing but it’s definitely a great way to spend an evening.
The second time we went to the caverns was actually today. We left El Paso at about 1030 or so. The drive is long and there are absolutely no stops once you’re out on the highway. There is a place to stop in Dell City. But it’s pretty far out there and then about 70 miles to the caverns still. Make sure you use the restroom before you leave ESPECIALLY if you have kids. Make them at least try. Trust me. Otherwise, get ready for some incognito restroom stops on the side of the road!
We arrived in Carlsbad at about 1230 or 1 o clock. When you first arrive you’ll be passing by a little gas station. It doesn’t have any convenience store it’s literally just the pumps. Hope you have plastic! Next to the gas station there is a little place to buy snacks, drinks, and odds and ends and a little gift shop which was some pretty cool collectibles, and other little knick knacks and jewelry. There’s a rest room next to the post office, which we didn’t check out.
We did however, use the restrooms and I’m not sure about the men’s, but ladies just be prepared. There are three stalls. No doors on the stalls just shower curtains on a straight rod. There are no paper towels only a hand dryer (which is pretty useless, I just ended up using my shorts). But there was soap and it wasn’t that dirty.
Onward to the caverns! It’s a couple miles drive to get to the parking lot to where you actually want to be! But it’ll be worth it. We parked pretty easily but I must admit the parking lot was full!
So it’s a little confusing at first but here’s how it works. There’s and information center on the left. The right side is where you’ll get your pass to walk through the caverns. I’m not sure how much it costs, but with military ID you’ll get in free and a national parks pass. Your dependent with a dependent military ID card can also sign on your card. Sounds great.
Moving along we did a quick walk through of the gift shop just glancing over everything. (We’ll get to this later.) Heading out we made the mistake of going out the front doors. On the plus side I could use the restroom. So here’s how it works. After you get your ticket head toward the bookstore. You’ll walk straight through to the back and out the door. That’s for the natural entrance where you’ll walk all the way down the cave and into the big room. I believe the elevator entrance is to the left of where you get your green ticket. I forgot to mention! There are tours or you can self-​guide. We chose to self-​guide.
So what’s next. You’ll walk down a path which leads you to a very small set of stairs and a chain that says wait for ranger. Basically you get a talk before you go in where they explain not to touch anything, children under 16 must remain at arms length to any adult in their group, no candy, food, drinks or anything aside from bottled water in the caves. Flash photography is allowed!
So let’s think back. Before taking the leap and driving out I suggest you make sure you have good walking shoes, something comfortable on, and if you get cold easily I suggest bringing a sweater. Yes even in the summer. It definitely gets cold. Thanks for the tip Amos S. I definitely got chilly and brought a light flannel shirt that was perfect.
I won’t spoil the best parts. But you will see such a beautiful sight. The hike down is about an hours walk and is steep at some parts. The big room is about an hour and a half walk. (I wore Nike tennis shoes, and ended up slipping on the wet pavement and landing right on my butt). Please use the handrails if you are totally unbalanced like I am. You will thank me.

Absolutely fantastic!
I recommend walking the path all the way down, and taking the elevators back up. There is a serious ascent/​descent, and you might not be so happy climbing up, but the walk down is not to miss!
We could’ve spent hours upon hours here, in the caves. There’s not much to do around outside the park, but that’s okay because the caverns stand on their own. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Amazing park! This is a great place to escape from the El Paso heat in the summer. However, you wanna keep a few things in your mind before going there.
*bring a sweater even in the summer. It doesn’t have to be a big winter jacket. Just a small hoodie is fine.
*make sure you go to the bathroom, get a gas, and eat if you’re coming from El Paso side. No bathroom, restaurants or gas station for over 100 miles.
*make sure you wear shoes. No sandals. It’s slippery in the cave. Also, if you don’t wanna wait in the line for elevator, it’s approximately 1 – 1.5 hrs walk. If you’re not comfortable with it, take the elevator. It’ll take you right in the Big Room in the cave.
*theres only one bathroom at the very end in the cave, which takes 1 – 1.5 hrs if you’re taking the natural entrance.
*if you’re taking the 1 – 1.5 hrs hike from the natural entrance, make sure you get to the elevator by 4pm or you won’t be able to take the elevator.
Next time, I wanna get a hotel room there and see the night sky and bat flight :)

Took a mini road trip out to Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico… Overall had a fun trip and the caverns themselves are beautiful. So here’s a few things you need to know if you’re traveling there from El Paso.
* El Paso is the last civilization you’ll see for 120+ miles. If you want to eat or need gas or whatever, get it before you leave. Zero stops along U.S. 180.
* Be prepared and comfortable to pee on the side of the road. As mentioned above, there’s nowhere. When we left our GPS said 131 miles… Approximately 20 miles prior to the canyon is the ONLY rest area with a bathroom.
* Directly outside of the park is a «town» called «White’s City». I know what you’re thinking, as I thought it too, but the towns not like that lol. They have 1 diner, a small store and a shady looking motel. All 3 are about the quality you’d expect.
* The Caverns are a huge tourist attraction. Lines will be there at all times. Long lines.
* Wear walking shoes. The cavern trail can be steep and slippery. Proper footwear is a must.
* If you can walk 1.5 miles (mostly downhill), WALK down the caverns and take the elevator back up. Lots of cool stuff to see.
* If you get cold easily, being a sweater, even in summer.
* Elevator lines to get back up ate about a 30 minute wait. The alternative is a 1.5 mile walk almost straight up in the dark with people walking down bumping into you.
We really did enjoy it. It’s beautiful and really fascinating. Not a 2 – 3 times a year kinda place, but worth the 2 hr drive to check out.
Das it mayne

First time since the 80’s! A lot better then I remember. Even tho there was no elevators and we had to do the hike back up, it was worth it! We were completely exhausted but had so much fun.
This place is amazing and my kids absolutely loved it! We will be coming back in March and hopefully the elevators will be up and running.