A Day at the Carlsbad Caverns
For my fellow last-minute adventurers
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is definitely a ways off the beaten path, but if you ever have the chance, it’s worth a stop!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: A Subterranean Wonderland
Nestled in the rugged landscape of southeastern New Mexico lies a hidden gem of immense natural beauty and wonder. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, established in 1930, beckons visitors from around the globe to descend into its depths and explore a mesmerizing subterranean world. With its stunning array of limestone caves, unique geological formations, and a vibrant ecosystem thriving beneath the Earth's surface, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a testament to the sheer marvels that our planet holds.
Before You Go
If you really want to make the most of your visit to the Caverns, you should consider booking tours of the caverns a few months in advance. If you’re not too keen on driving long distances through the desert at night, also try to make accommodations either in Whites City just outside the park or in Carlsbad nearby because just as the sun sets, you can witness the Caverns’ biggest attractions: The Bat Outflights
Getting to Carlsbad Caverns National Park
If you’re planning on flying in, the nearest major airport is in El Paso, Texas (ELP) and you’ll definitely want to rent a car (an SUV is ideal) because it’s about a 2 hour drive from El Paso to the park. It’s not terribly long, but it is pretty desolate so, you’ll want to make sure you’re stocked up on snacks, water, and fuel before making the trek. I also recommend that you download things like a map of the general area and your choice of entertainment as cell service is really spotty along the way.
Coming through El Paso also means you’ll pass a Boarder Patrol checkpoint where you’ll drive up, an officer will ask if you’re a U.S. Citizen. Now, I don’t know what happens exactly if you’re not a citizen, but if you are, simply tell them “Yes” and they should just waive you through.
Where to Stay
If you’re not roadtripping in an RV or camper of some sort, you can stay near the Caverns in either White’s City which is just outside the entrance to the park or in a quaint little town of Carlsbad.
If you’re just thinking to add it as a quick stop on a greater trip, you should consider staying in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It’s a cute little ski town that’ll make you forget you’re surrounded by desert. It’s still quite a trek, but it gives you flexibility to also make it out to White Sands and other destinations (future blog post to come on that).
A One-Day Itinerary in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Morning:
It’s likely you’ll be making a long drive so you might arrive in the late morning/early afternoon
Take the Natural Entrance Trail and descend into the caverns, enjoying the beautiful rock formations along the way.
It’s about a 45-minute to an hour hike down, but its all downhill and goes by pretty quick
There is an elevator down to the Big Room if you’re not able to make the hike down
The temperature drops to about 70F once you’re in the caves so you might want to bring a light outer layer, but you should warm up with the hike.
The trail gets pretty dark and slippery so, use the handrails if you need them! That being said, make sure to pack some hand sanitizer
While the rock formations are fascinating and beautiful, unless you’re a skilled photographer with the right gear, I would say it’s best to avoid trying to take pictures with flash while you’re down there. The pictures won’t do the formations any justice and the flash can be pretty harsh and might affect your ability to see while hiking. So, take your time, be present, and simply admire the beauty in person!
Afternoon/Early Evening:
The end of the hike will take you to the Big Room which is pretty much what it sounds like. From here, you can take a snack/lunch break at the cafeteria to the left. This area is also where you’ll meet for tours if you’ve booked one and the elevators back to the surface.
Once you’ve recharged, you can continue on other trails past the Big Room.
Since its still cool and relatively flat, these trails are more long than strenuous so, consider your hiking level before starting the trails
Most of the self guided trails are loops so, you’ll likely end up back in the Big Room where you can hike back up to the Natural Entrance or take the elevators up which lands you right in the gift shop
You’ll want to go back before sunset to catch the Bats’ Outfight! It’s an incredible and unique sight