Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your visit to Carlsbad Caverns?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to this incredible national park in New Mexico.

Whether you need to know where to camp, which tours are worth the money, or what to do while you’re visiting, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Carlsbad Caverns at a glance

  • Covers 46,000 acres

  • Located in New Mexico

  • Has the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America

  • Best known for its intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations

  • Home to the nightly bat flight program

  • Has trails on the surface, too!

Complete Itineraries

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

2 Day Carlsbad Caverns National Park Itinerary and Tips

Take a tour.

While the main caverns and natural entrance are included in your park admission fee, Carlsbad Caverns rangers also offer a guided tour of the King’s Palace for a fee.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about that tour, including if its worth the price, how to get reservations, and exactly what you’ll see underground.

Carlsbad Caverns King's Palace Tour Review
Carlsbad Caverns vs. Mammoth Cave

How does Carlsbad Caverns measure up to Mammoth Cave over in Kentucky?

Find out in our comprehensive head-to-head guide of two of the United States’ biggest caves.

Carlsbad Caverns vs. Mammoth Cave: Which is Better?

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Must Haves

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour

    Purchase the Carlsbad Caverns self-guided walking audio tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you tour the cave on foot.

    The tour works on any device, and it allows you to tour the caves at your own pace while getting excellent commentary on everything you’re seeing along the way.

  • Hiking Shoes

    Seeing the caves on foot requires proper footwear. While the walkways are smoothed rock, there are still sections with uneven stone and incline.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy and have great grip for any uneven places.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you won’t be cold. The cave stays at 60 degrees year round.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to any of the U.S. national parks without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    You can tap into the connected satellite network anywhere in the country to get responders on their way to you.

  • Rental Car

    There isn’t public transportation in the national park, so you’re going to want your own vehicle to explore.

    Check for the best rates at DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

    If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.

  • Travel Insurance

    Visiting the national parks can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources