Carlsbad Caverns National Park Travel Information
Carlsbad Caverns National Park showcases one of the most spectacular
collections of caves anywhere in the world and draws over 700,000
curious visitors per year. Protecting over 100 caves with intricate
stalactite and stalagmite formations Carlsbad Caverns was once the
site of a complex ocean reef. Long after the waters receded, the area
experienced a geologic uplift when the Guadalupe Mountains were
formed, which disrupted the buried limestone reef and allowed for
water to percolate through the sedimentary layers. Eons of
undisturbed water erosion has created the caves, amphitheaters, tubes,
and stalactite/stalagmite formations (some pushing 60 feet in size)
including Lechuguilla Cave which is the deepest limestone cave in the
United States at 1,567 feet. The Carlsbad Caverns were lightly
explored over the past 1000 years by the Native Americans, though they
were not deeply studied until the turn of the 20th century. Pioneer
interest was sparked in the caves due to their rich deposits of bat
guano near the entrances as guano mining was a lucrative activity for
several years before transportation costs outweighed the effort to
harness this resource. Luckily, the majority of the cave systems were
undisturbed by the mining and the caverns achieved park status in
1930. Today a visit to Carlsbad Caverns is guaranteed to amaze and
impress. Self guided tours allow visitors to wander around several of
the larger amphitheater style caves and get a sense of the immense
power of erosion. Visitors wishing to delve further into the cave
systems can do so on a guided tour, some of which require crawling,
water crossings, ladder climbing and free climbing. On the surface,
visitors will find a handful of hikes which explore the landscape
above the caverns which range from easy and short to moderately
difficult and a full day long. Another unique and popular surface
activity here includes watching the evening mass exodus of the
millions of bats that hole up in the caves during the daylight hours
of summer. The best bat flights normally occur in July and August. At
this time baby bats, born in early summer, join the flight along with
migrating bats from colonies further north. Prior to the evening bat
flight, a program is given at the cavern entrance by a park ranger.
The starting time of the talk varies with sunset—it is best to call
the park or check at the visitor center for the exact time. Programs
may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Bat flight programs
are scheduled from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. There is
no charge for the bat flight program. In late October or early
November, the bats migrate to Mexico for the winter; they return in
April or May, depending on the weather. The daily pre-dawn return of
the bats is different from the evening exit flights but are just as
impressive. Early risers can see the bats as they re-enter Carlsbad
Cavern with spectacular dives from heights of hundreds of feet.
Individual bats diving in from every direction may reach speeds of 25
mph / 40 km/h or more. Flash photography is not permitted at the
program, nor are flash cameras. The flash disturbs the bats exiting
and re-entering an important maternity roost. Spaces to accommodate
people using wheelchairs are located at the entrance to the
amphitheater. Restrooms are available and fully accessible. Pets are
not allowed in the amphitheater area.
Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park will find limited
facilities at the entrance town of White City, with the town
of Carlsbad the best bet for dining and accommodations. The park is
accessed by way of Carlsbad on southbound US Highway 285 to the
National Parks Highway. Visitors should check with park rangers for
more information on specific cave systems, guided and self guided
tours and fees, and rules & regulations that govern the park.
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