Best things to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Best things to do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a United States National Park in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The primary attraction of the park is the show cave, Carlsbad Cavern. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open all year round.

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park has over 119 caves, the most famous being the Carlsbad Cavern. The Cavern is over 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long and has a large main room that is almost 4 acres (1.6 ha) in size. The temperature in the Cavern is a constant 56 °F (13 °C).

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park also has several other attractions including the Rattlesnake Springs Historic District, the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail, and the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. The Rattlesnake Springs Historic District is a group of buildings that were once used as a ranching community. The Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is a hike that takes you through a canyon with a stream and several waterfalls. The Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a scenic drive through the desert.

1. Take the elevator down to the Big Room to see the spectacular rock formations

When a visitor takes the elevator down to the Big Room to see the spectacular rock formations in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they are likely awestruck by the natural beauty of the formations. The visitor may feel small and insignificant next to the vastness of the cave, and may be inspired to explore the caverns further.

2. Go on the King's Palace tour to see the largest and most decorated chamber in the caverns

When someone attends the King's Palace tour of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they will be taken on a journey through one of the caverns that is home to the largest and most decorated chamber. This chamber is known as the Grand Hall, and it is filled with intricate carvings and murals that were created by the Native American Indians who lived in the area long ago. The visitor will be able to see all of the intricate details in the carvings, and they will be able to appreciate the skill and artistry that went into creating them.

3. Take the Left Hand Tunnel tour to see the formations that have been formed by ancient underground rivers

When someone takes the Left Hand Tunnel tour of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they will see formations that were formed by ancient underground rivers. The tour will take visitors through a dark and damp tunnel, and they will be able to see the various formations that were created by the flowing water.

4. Go on the Spider Cave tour to see the cave that is home to thousands of spiders

If someone is visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park to see the cave that is home to thousands of spiders, they would likely experience a sense of awe as they walk through the tunnels. The spiders would be a main attraction for many people on the tour, as they would be able to see the webs and spiders up close. Some people may also be surprised by how big some of the spiders are.

5. Take the Cave of the Winds tour to see the wind-carved formations in the caverns

When a visitor takes the Cave of the Winds tour to see the wind-carved formations in the caverns in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they are likely to be impressed by the intricate detail and the natural beauty of the formations. The tour is a great way to learn about the history of the caverns and the importance of the wind in the natural world.

6. Take the Lantern Tour to see the caverns by lantern light

Visitors would experience a beautiful and eerie experience when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park by lantern light. The lantern tour would take visitors through the caverns, and they would be able to see the beautiful formations and patterns in the cave walls. The tour would be a great way to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park without spending a lot of time in the cave.

7. Take the Bat Flight Program tour to see the bats that live in the caverns

When someone takes the Bat Flight Program tour to see the bats that live in the caverns in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they are likely to feel excitement and wonder. The tour guides will provide informative commentary about the bats and their habits, and the visitors will be able to see firsthand how these flying mammals navigate their way through the dark and spooky caverns.

8. Take the Wild Cave Tour to see the undeveloped areas of the caverns

The visitor would feel a sense of awe and wonder as they take the Wild Cave Tour to see the undeveloped areas of the caverns in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. They would be able to see the intricate cave formations and view the natural light shining down into the caves from the opening above.

9. Take the Historic Tour to see the areas of the caverns that were used by miners in the past

When someone takes the Historic Tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, they will walk through the miners' areas of the caverns. They will see the places where the miners used to work, including the mineshafts, the stamp mills, and the lime kilns. The visitor will learn about the history of the caverns and the miners who worked there.