14 Best Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns in 2024

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN CARLSBAD CAVERNS?

You’re in the right place! We have spent time traveling through New Mexico, including a memorable stop at Carlsbad Caverns. It is an amazing place to visit! We’ve put together a guide with helpful tips and details to help you best enjoy the top things to do in Carlsbad Caverns.

When we asked our family members, who have lived in New Mexico for many years, about fun things to do in New Mexico they told us Carlsbad Caverns is a must-see. If you are thinking about traveling to Carlsbad Caverns, follow along to get all the details you will need for your next visit. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Overview

Carlsbad Caverns Hours: 8:00 – 5:00 Monday through Sunday 

Fees and Passes: To enter Carlsbad Caverns, you must make a reservation a month or less before the day you expect to arrive at the cavern. This reservation can be made online at Recreation.gov, or you can call 877-444-6777.

The reservation is free, but you must pay a small processing fee. Once you arrive, you will need to pay the park entrance fee of $15 per vehicle. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass, you can use that to enter the park. 

There are some fun Carlsbad Caverns tours the park rangers put on. You must pay to explore the caverns with a ranger, but the self-guided tour through the cavern is free (outside of the reservation processing costs and the park entrance fee).

The Carlsbad Cavern tours do have age limitations, so keep that in mind if you have young kids. Keep reading, and we discuss all the Carlsbad Cavern Tours, the age restrictions, and what you see. 

Carlsbad Caverns Reservations 

To enter Carlsbad Caverns, you must make a reservation a month or less before the day you expect to arrive at the cavern. This reservation can be made online at Recreation.gov, or you can call 877-444-6777.

Fun Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

If you are looking for what to do when you are at the Carlsbad Caverns and what is in the surrounding area, you have come to the right place. There are many things to do in Carlsbad Caverns, NM, and we have them all easily accessible here. 

1. Self-Guided Tour of the Cavern

Once you are in the park, you are able to take the self-guided tour. The tour takes you through the Big Room Trail. This trail can be started in two different ways. You can take the elevator directly down to the start of the Big Room Trail. 

The second option is to walk 1.2 miles so you can enter the cave from its original entry point. If you want to walk and take the elevator, you can do that also. You can walk down and then take the elevator back up. Many people like this option because the way in is downhill. 

2. Big Room Trail 

The Big Room Trail is 1.25 miles long. This does not include the hike to the Big Room Trail if you choose to hike to the original cave entrance point. The paved path adds an additional 1.5 miles making your total hiking distance 2.75 miles.

The Big Room Trail is a loop trail, but the hike-in is an out-and-back trail. However, you do not need to hike it out and back because you can take the elevator back if you get tired. The Big Room Trail is paved with a handrail the entire way.

If you get tired, there is a shortcut that will make your hike shorter. This a restroom shortcut because there are no bathrooms in the cave. 

The Big Room is just over 8 acres in size, and it is the largest publicly available chamber in North America. We love visiting caves, and while hiking the Big Room Trail, it is really awesome to experience its size in person. 

3. Hike In On the Natural Cave Entrance 

If you choose to walk through the Natural Cave Entrance to the Big Room Trail, you will hike downhill for 1.5 miles until you reach the original cave entrance point. This trail is pretty neat because you will get to see cave formations on this hike before you get to the start of the trail. Part of this hike is underground. 

The elevator and the Natural Cave Entrance Trail both start at the visitor center right behind the park rangers. They can guide you in the right direction and to all of the Carlsbad Caverns tourist information you may need.  

Ranger-Led Carlsbad Caverns Tours 

4. King’s Palace Tour 

The King’s Palace Tour will take you to the deepest parts of Carlsbad Cavern, which is open to the public. At the deepest section, you will be more than 800 feet below the surface. You will see all the typical cave formations like draperies, cave bacon, columns, soda straws, stalactites, and stalagmites. 

The trail is a little easier than the Natural Cave Entrance Trail. The tour is one mile long, and you will get to experience what it is like to be in total darkness as the rangers do turn the lights off as part of the presentation. 

Check out the tour schedule for King’s Palace Tour.

5. Left-Hand Tunnel Tour 

The Left-Hand Tunnel Tour is a moderately difficult tour that will take you back to the days before the cave had modern lights and paved paths. This is a candle-lit tour that uses lanterns to light the tour. It will take you to unpaved portions of the cavern.

The tour can have some slippery sections and is not recommended for persons who have trouble seeing in low light. You must have closed toes shoes for this tour. Backpacks are not allowed on the tour, but you can take a small fanny pack and camera with you on the tour. 

6. Lower Cave 

This is a very adventurous tour that takes you down 60 feet of ladders to formations not typically seen by much of the public, like the Rookery and Colonel Boles Formation. On this tour, you will be provided lights, helmets, and gloves as precautionary and safety items for the tour. 

Make sure you wear hiking boots, as those without proper footwear will not be permitted on the tour. 

7. Hall of the White Giant 

This is a true cave experience, so if you take this tour, be aware that you will probably get a little dirty. You will pass through tight passages, climb slippery surfaces, and climb over rocky areas. All of the needed equipment will be provided, such as knee pads and helmets. 

Make sure you have appropriate shoes, or you will not be able to go on the tour. 

8. Slaughter Canyon Cave 

The Slaughter House Canyon Cave Tour will take you to some of the most impressive formations Carlsbad Caverns offers. You will see the 89-foot Monarch formation, which is among one of the tallest columns in the world. A few of the other impressive formations are the Christmas Tree, the Mushroom, and the Chinese Wall. 

The tour also passes an old bat guano mining area where you will learn about some of the human histories with the cave and the different effects it has had on the cave. 

Most Notable Sites in the Cave 

9. Bat Flight Tour/Program 

The Bat Flight Program is by the Natural Entrance Trail. The park rangers teach about the Brazilian free-tailed bats, the cave, and how they are all important to the world we live in. Not only is the program informational, but you will be able to see the Carlsbad Cavern bats flying out of the cave. This is one of the best free things to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

This program is not year-round as the bat migrate, and the times to see the bats and the presentation change during the year based on when the sun goes down. The program goes from Late May to October, and a reservation is not needed to attend. 

10. Dark Sky Program

Carlsbad Caverns has multiple different night sky programs. These programs typically start after the Bat Flight Program. These programs are great for adults and children who love astronomy. Our kids love these programs, and we frequent the Breauno Sand Dune Observatory in Idaho. 

The Carlsbad Caverns night program does not include telescopes, but if you would like, you can bring your own binoculars. The night hike is a highlight of these programs but does not happen all the time. For more on the night sky programs, check out the national park website 

11. Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center 

The Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center is not only where you will start your journey into the Carlsbad Caverns, but the visitors center offers exhibits, films, and a gift shop. We enjoyed the visitor center and its exhibits. One thing to note about the visitor center is they offer kennels for your dogs. 

The park is not very dog friendly as they are not allowed on any unpaved paths, inside the caverns, or the visitor center. However, they know many of you, like us, travel with our furry friends. They offer kennel space that rarely fills. Your animal must have updated shots and cannot stay overnight. The cost of a kennel is $15 dollars for the day. 

12. Junior Ranger Program 

Every national park we visit and many state parks have a fun junior ranger program. This is not just for children, but adults are also invited to take part in the junior ranger programs. The programs are informative and are specific to the park you are visiting. 

The Carlsbad Cavern Junior Ranger Program has a section where you must find a park ranger and ask them questions. It was very informative to talk to the park ranger and learn about what they do and to hear some of their knowledge firsthand. It is because of these experiences we enjoy the park ranger-led tours and encourage visitors to interact with the great staff at these parks. 

13. Walnut Canyon Desert Drive 

The Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a 9.5-mile drive by Carlsbad Caverns. The drive only goes one way and is not a paved drive. The drive is closed to RVs, busses, and trailers. If you are looking for a basic drive through the desert, this is a reasonable option, but it really is not something to write home about. 

Above-Ground Hiking Trails 

14. Guadalupe Ridge Trail 

The Guadalupe Ridge Trail is a large 100-mile-long trail that starts in Texas at the Guadalupe Peak and ends in New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns. The backcountry trail will require some planning if you intend to hike a large portion of the trail, but if you want, you can hike a small section as it passes by the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center.

Check out the Guadalupe Ridge Trail Brochure for more regulations and information on backcountry camping and hiking the GRT.

15. Rattlesnake Springs 

Rattlesnake Springs is a small oasis near Carlsbad Caverns. At times you can see wildlife in the area, like bunnies, deer, wild turkeys, and birds. There is a picnic area with picnic tables where you can eat lunch and hang out.

The wildlife that you see can depend on the time of year it is, and in the summer, a lot of the vegetation can be dead. A nice stop, but you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t make it. 

Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns 

We would say the best time to visit the cavern is from June to September. This is because it is the best time to see the bats. The bats don’t show up until the end of May and then leave in October. If you don’t make it during this window, the cavern is still awesome, and you should tour it. 

How to Get to Carlsbad Caverns 

Carlsbad Caverns is off of the US-62 that runs through New Mexico and Texas. Depending on where you are coming from, there are a few different roads that will get you there, but in general, If you are coming from the north or south, you will take the US-285 to the US-62 until you get to Whites City, New Mexico. 

Best Hotels Near Carlsbad Caverns 

White’s City Cavern Inn

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 |📍Location: 17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia

There are not many hotels close to Carlsbad Caverns. Many people will stay in Carlsbad, which is a 30 min drive from the Caverns. For those who don’t want to drive for 30 minutes, then you will want to stay at the Whites City Caverns Inn.

This hotel is very conveniently located for visiting Carlsbad Caverns. The staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was also very clean. The complementary breakfast is continental style — cold foods only.

The best close hotel option is to stay at the White’s City Cavern Inn. This hotel is just off of the US-62 and only a few minutes from the Carlsbad Caverns. The hotel is not fancy but it is a reasonable hotel with a pool. The rooms are clean and the hotel has a 8.6 out of 10 rating with on Expedia with many people giving it positive marks. 

– Jacqueline (Read More Reviews)

There was just one restaurant open in mid-April, the Cactus Cafe, but it was convenient and had good food and service. The pool wasn’t open at that time either. We would highly recommend this hotel if you are looking for a clean hotel at a good price. If you want a bigger breakfast, stay in Carlsbad City.

If you are looking for something closer to the city but not as close to the national park, you will have a lot more options for where to stay.

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at White’s City Cavern Inn

Hyatt House Carlsbad – Luxury

⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 |📍Location: 4019 National Parks Highway in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia

The Hyatt House is one of the highest-rated hotels in Carlsbad, but it is also one of the most expensive. The hotel is very nice, with all the modern amenities, unlike many of the older hotels in the area.

Very nice, clean room. Staff was outstanding. Breakfast was also great. Highly recommend.

– Alan (Read More Reviews)

The rooms are great, with many different room options available depending on the size of your family and your personal preferences. The 9.4 out of 10 rating means you can feel confident you are staying in a safe and reliable hotel. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hyatt House Carlsbad

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad – Mid-Range

⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 |📍Location: 4020 National Parks Highway in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia

La Quinta has been around for years and offers a reasonable stay at a reasonable price. While not as modern as your luxury option but a solid place to stay in Carlsbad, New Mexico. With many room options, a pool, and a complimentary breakfast, you will be glad to stay here, saving some money to put into your gas budget as you travel down the road. 

Stay at La Quinta Carlsbad. My trip was good and our stay at la Quinta was good with very good service and breakfast thank you!

– Rosemary (Read More Reviews)

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad

Motel 6 Carlsbad, NM – Budget

⭐️ Rating 6.8/10 |📍Location: 3824 National Parks Highway in Carlsbad | 🏩 View on Expedia

If you are looking for a budget place to stay, the Motel 6 Carlsbad NM is a reasonable budget option. This hotel is rated lower than the other more expensive hotels, but it is also 75 to 100 dollars less per night. One more option that is just slightly more expensive but rated better is the Carlsbad Inn New Mexico. 

It was a fair price for what you got. I would stay there again. The Chinese buffet nearby was fantastic. And they were open when no one else was.

– William (Read More Reviews)

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Motel 6 Carlsbad, NM

Best Restaurants in Carlsbad

Cactus Café

The Cactus Café is one of the closest restaurants to Carlsbad Caverns and is highly rated. The cafe offers hamburgers and Mexican food with delicious enchiladas. Whites City, where the cafe is located, is a very small town you pass as you drive to the caverns, so this cafe has a fun, small-town feel to it. 

PJ and B’s Rio Cafe

When traveling through Carlsbad, you will notice there are lots of places to eat Mexican food. We are super picky when it comes to eating Mexican food since Coltin lived in Mexico for a couple of years. PJ and B’s is a great Mexican restaurant if you are looking for good food.

Things to Do near Carlsbad Caverns 

White Sands National Park 

White Sands National Park is a must-see if you are traveling to Carlsbad Caverns. The sand is the most beautiful sand we have ever seen. It is so white and makes a fantastic backdrop for taking pictures.

The national park is not huge, so if you only stay a night or just have time to drive through as you pass by, you should take the time to visit. The drive from White Sands to Carlsbad Caverns is about 3.5 hours. If you decide to spend the night in the area, there are lots of great hotels near White Sands.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is only about 30 minutes away from the Carlsbad Caverns and is a nice stop if you want to hike or participate in the Junior Ranger Program. If you don’t hike or care about the Junior Ranger Program, then you can quickly make a stop and move on.

This is not the most exciting or pretty national park. If you are in a hurry, you won’t miss much passing this park. We stopped and spent half a day hiking and doing the Junior Ranger Program.

Big Bend National Park 

The Big Bend National Park is a little farther away, but it is a very unique park, and we are glad we stayed there. At first glance, you think to yourself that this park is huge and not very appealing, but once you start exploring, you find some really awesome and beautiful spots. 

Go explore the hot springs and the great hiking opportunities Big Bend National Park offers. You will enjoy spending some time here. I know we have. 

Sitting Bull Falls

The Sitting Bull Falls are some waterfalls that are about an hour away from the caverns in Lincoln National Forest. It costs $5 to park at the falls, and you can swim and enjoy the falls for hours. This is a great oasis in the New Mexico desert.

The falls are open six days a week and are currently closed on Tuesdays. This is a nice hidden gem that travelers and locals who know about it love to explore. 

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park – Carlsbad, NM

The Living Desert Zoo is a non-profit organization where you can learn about desert animals and the great plants that call the desert home. To some, the desert might not be as exciting, but much of the medicine we use today has come from our knowledge of plants and the desert ecosystem. 

History and Geology of Carlsbad Caverns 

The history and geology of Carlsbad Caverns are very interesting. Twelve to fourteen thousand years ago, in the Guadalupe Mountains, there were American Indians that called the area home. You can still find cooking sites and other remnants of the Indians who lived in the area before Spanish Explorers passed through. 

Formation of the Carlsbad Caverns

The Carlsbad Caverns were made in a different way than many other well-known cave formations. Caves are typically formed by rainwater gradually dissolving and creating underground rivers which remove the limestone to create a cave.

The Carlsbad Caverns were made by combining hydrogen sulfide-rich water and oxygenated water, which created sulfuric acid that left behind huge gypsum deposits. The deposits dissolved the limestone, forming the caverns as we know them today. 

What to Bring to Carlsbad Caverns 

For your time in the cave, the main thing you will need to bring to the caverns is a good pair of closed toes shoes. Food is not allowed in the cave, but you can bring water.

FAQ: Things to do in Carlsbad Caverns  

How long does it take to tour Carlsbad Caverns? 

A self-guided tour of the Carlsbad Caverns will typically take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route you take. We took the elevator and the shortcut while in the cave, and it took us around 1 hour. 

Are the Carlsbad Caverns worth seeing? 

Yes, the Carlsbad Caverns are worth seeing. The caverns are huge and very impressive. 

Is one day enough for Carlsbad Caverns? 

Yes, one day is enough to visit the Carlsbad Caverns. Two days would be too long at the caverns for most people. 

What is the most popular thing to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park with kids? 

The most popular thing to do in the Carlsbad Caverns is the Junior Ranger Program and exploring the cave. Our kids loved the Junior Ranger Program. Some kids will also enjoy the bat flight areas and the night sky programs. 

How long to spend at Carlsbad Caverns? 

We would not spend much longer than a day at Carlsbad Caverns. There are a few hikes, visitor center programs, the cavern itself, ranger-led Carlsbad Caverns Tours, and the bat program, but after you have done that, you have seen and done what there is. 

What is the temperature inside Carlsbad Caverns?

The temperature inside the cave is 56 degrees F, and it is this temperature year round. It is also very humid inside of the cave. Make sure you dress appropriately. You may want a small jacket in the beginning. We had jackets, but as we started walking, we got warmer. 

Conclusion: Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns 

We hope you have learned about all the great things to do at Carlsbad Caverns. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park provides a unique experience that everyone should take the time to explore. We enjoyed our time at the caverns and the surrounding area.