Carlsbad Caverns National Park

CONTENTS

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef, the park contains more than 100 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave?the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and third longest. Carlsbad Cavern, with one of the world's largest underground chambers and countless formations, is highly accessible, with a variety of tours offered year-round.

IN DEPTH

Geology Cave / Karst Systems A karst area is one generally characterized by numerous caves, little surface drainage, sinkholes, and springs. The Guadalupe Mountains contain many caves, but few of the...read more

Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountains Association (CCGMA) is a private, non-profit organization whose main objectives are to provide interpretation for the park visitor and to support the purposes...read more

Camping Backcountry Permits Camping at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is permitted only in the backcountry. All backcountry users are required to obtain a free backcountry use permit at the visitor center.Backcountry...read more

History The park's cultural resources represent a long and varied continuum of human use starting in prehistoric times, and illustrating many adaptations to the Chihuahuan Desert environment. Human activities,...read more

Just For Kids Park Fun Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a variety of wonderful opportunities to learn about the natural resources of the park for children. Caves are amazing places for curious kidsâan often...read more

Frequently Asked Questions 1) When is the park open and how much does it cost? The park is open every day, except December 25, weather and road conditions permitting. Purchase cave...read more

Planning Your Visit Operating Hours & Seasons Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open every day of the year except for December 25. EXPANDED (SUMMER) HOURS: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8...read more

Things To Do All visitors to the park should tour the main section of the cave, the Big Room self-guided tour. The Natural Entrance self-guided tour is also very impressive, but it...read more

Natural World Air Quality Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a moderately sized park located within the desert southwest and preserves a portion of the northern Chihuahuan Desert. As with many areas throughout...read more

Plants Mushrooms and Other Fungi Dry and sunny as deserts are, they are almost never without fungi. It doesn't seem right, but we mostly hear about the forest mushrooms that...read more