Backcountry Camping

This trail covers 100 miles (161 km) through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This trail takes you through the heart of the most exposed fossilized reef in the entire world! You will walk the ridge of the mountain range and hike through two different states, two National Parks and one National Forest. Ultimately the GRT is a 100+ mile journey into the center of the Chihuahuan Desert with views of fantastic canyons, rare riparian areas, and outstanding ridgelines.

<h1> </h1> 5-8 days for the average hiker to thru-hike.  Trail Segment Distances: Carlsbad Caverns (20 miles / 32 km) Lincoln National Forest (18 miles / 29 km) Optional Sitting Bull Falls Loop (30 miles / 48 km) Guadalupe Mountains (39 miles / 63 km)

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/fees.htm">Park entry fee required for all adult visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.</a>Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Lincoln National Forest do not charge an entrance fee.

Photo of the desert landscape along the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.

Guadalupe Ridge Trail

The northeastern terminus of the trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park begins in White's City, New Mexico. The southwestern terminus of the trail is Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Please Note: Currently in Carlsbad Caverns National Park the Guadalupe Ridge Trail from the visitor center to the west park boundary) is closed due to flood damage. The Old Guano Trail is open. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/learn/news/areas-closed-due-to-recent-rain-and-flooding-at-carlsbad-caverns.htm">More Information>></a> The 100 mile (161 km) Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT) starts in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, at the highest point in Texas—Guadalupe Peak (8751 ft/2667 m). Some sections of the trail in the Guadalupe Mountains climb and dip over a 60% solid rock grade and are very rugged terrain. The trail travels through Chihuahuan Desert, mixed coniferous forest, and riparian woodlands before exiting the national park to the Lincoln National Forest.   The national forest has mixed coniferous forest along with spectacular rocky canyons. An optional loop will take trekkers through Last Chance Canyon and Sitting Bull Falls, a desert oasis with a series of small waterfalls and pools.  The trail continues through Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Bureau of Land Management land with stunning views of the rugged and unforgiving Guadalupe Ridge. Hikers can stop at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center before dropping into White’s City, New Mexico and the end of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail. Over 20 miles (32 km) of the GRT is within Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

A <a href="https://www.nps.gov/gumo/planyourvisit/backcountry-use-permits.htm">Wilderness Use Permit</a> is required for overnight use in Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. The <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675328">Guadalupe Mountains recreation.gov permitting system</a> allows for a full GRT itinerary to be built including days in the Lincoln National Forest and in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Environmental conditions (weather and heat) dictate narrow periods when the GRT can be safely completed, generally in the spring and fall. From November to April be prepared for high winds throughout the route.

This trail covers 100 miles (161 km) through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Over 20 miles (32 km) of this trail is within Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT)

Animals

Birds

Geology

Mountains

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Scenic Views

Trails

Wilderness

Guided Tours

The King's Palace tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and into the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public, 830 feet (253 m) beneath the desert surface. Hiking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)

Children under 4 years old are not permitted on the King's Palace Tour. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

$8 for adults and $4 for children, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947329">Senior</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947331">Access</a> Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket.

Photo of a ranger presenting a program to visitors along the King's Palace Tour.

King's Palace Tour

The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and into the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public, 830 feet (253 m) beneath the desert surface. Although not as difficult as the Natural Entrance Trail, this one mile (1.6 km) tour does require additional descending, and at the end, walking up a very steep hill. Look forward to viewing a variety of cave formations including helictites, draperies, columns and soda straws. Rangers frequently conduct black-outs during this tour, briefly turning off all artificial lights to reveal the natural darkness of the cave. Reservations are required for the King's Palace Tour. To make reservations, go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/76">Recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 24 people

To make reservations go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/76">Recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777.

The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public.

Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/tour_schedule.htm">tour schedule</a> on the park's website or go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a>.

Caves, Caverns and Karst

Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

$20 for adults and $10 for children, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947329">Senior</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947331">Access</a> Pass holders.

Lower Cave Tour

This tour is temporarily suspended until further notice. In 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers. Highlights of this tour include "The Rookery," with countless nests of cave pearls, the "Colonel Boles Formation," and an incredible diversity of cave formations that compete for your attention everywhere you look. Included in the tour is a descent of 60 feet (18.3 m) of ladders and a knotted rope to hang onto as you slowly walk backward down a slope at the tour entrance. Reservations are required for the Lower Cave Tour. To make reservations, go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 12 people Requirements: <ul> <li>Participants must be able to safely negotiate cave passages containing fragile formations without harm to the cave, themselves, or others.</li> <li>You will receive a mandatory safety orientation before you venture into the cave.</li> <li>Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/Footwear-for-Adventure-Tours.pdf">Click for more details.</a></li> <li>Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.</li> <li>The park will provide helmets with lights and gloves. Due to the possibility of carrying the lethal fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats, we do no allow anyone to use their own personal caving gear.</li> <li>All visitors are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/learn/white-nose-syndrome-and-carlsbad-cavern.htm">Click for more information</a>.</li> </ul> Note: Caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous, and take hours to accomplish.

To make reservations go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777.

In 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers.

Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/tour_schedule.htm">tour schedule</a> on the park's website or go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a>.

$15.00 for adults and $7.50 for children, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947329">Senior</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947331">Access</a> Pass holders.

Photo of the Mushroom cave formation with visitors in the Slaughter Canyon Cave.

Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour

This tour is temporarily suspended until further notice. Slaughter Canyon Cave is a moderately strenuous adventure tour. This tour will take you into an underground wilderness without electricity, paved walkways, or modern conveniences. The cave trails are narrow, uneven, and very slippery. In this wild cave, darkness is broken only by the flashlights and headlamps of rangers and tour members. Highlights of the tour may include the 89-foot high Monarch, one of the world's tallest columns; the Christmas Tree, a sparkling, crystal-decorated column; and the Chinese Wall, a delicate, ankle-high rimstone dam. Old bat guano mining excavations attest to the human history and impact in the cave. Reservations are required for the Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour. To make reservations, go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 16 people Requirements: <ul> <li>You will receive a mandatory safety orientation before you venture into the cave.</li> <li>Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/Footwear-for-Adventure-Tours.pdf">Click for more details.</a></li> <li>It is strongly recommended you bring water and snacks for the trail, as well as a hat and sunscreen.</li> <li>Walking sticks, backpacks, fanny packs, bags, and similar items are allowed on the hiking trail to the cave entrance, but NOT allowed inside the cave. There is an area for safe storage of your personal items inside the cave.</li> <li>The park will provide helmets, headlamps, and gloves. Due to the possibility of carrying the lethal fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats, we do no allow anyone to use their own personal caving gear.</li> <li>In an effort to keep the fungus that causes deadly White-Nose Syndrome in bats out of Slaughter Canyon Cave, all participants are required to wear freshly laundered (clean) clothing on the tour. Even if the clothing has only been worn on another tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the clothes must be freshly laundered. There will be no exceptions. Participants must also decontaminate their footwear before the tour. Tour leaders will provide the needed supplies. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/learn/white-nose-syndrome-and-carlsbad-cavern.htm">Click for more information</a>.</li> </ul> Note: Caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous, and take hours to accomplish.

This tour will take you into an underground wilderness without electricity, paved walkways, or modern conveniences.

$7 for adults and $3.50 for children, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947329">Senior</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947331">Access</a> Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket.

Photo of a ranger leading a Left Hand Tunnel Tour.

Left Hand Tunnel Tour

This tour is temporarily suspended until further notice. Moderately difficult, this is a historic candle-lit lantern tour through an undeveloped section of the cavern on unpaved trails. The dirt trail winds over uneven surfaces with some steep slippery slopes. Careful footing is required to navigate on steep slippery slopes, around cavern pools and fragile formations. Not recommended for anyone who has difficulty seeing in dim light. Lanterns are provided. Reservations are required for the Left Hand Tunnel Tour. To make reservations, go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a> or call call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 10 people Requirements: <ul> <li>Closed-toed shoes, hiking boots, or hiking shoes with good tread are required. No sandals, flip flops, or similar permitted. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/Footwear-for-Left-Hand-Tunnel-Tours.pdf">Click for more details</a>.</li> <li>Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.</li> <li>All visitors are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/learn/white-nose-syndrome-and-carlsbad-cavern.htm">Click for more information</a>.</li> </ul>

Enjoy a historic candle-lit lantern tour through an undeveloped section of the cavern on unpaved trails.

$20 for adults and $10 for children (12+), <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947329">Senior</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/nps_fed_pass.htm#CP_JUMP_1947331">Access</a> Pass holders.

Photo of visitors at the Hall of the White Giant

Hall of the White Giant Tour

This tour is temporarily suspended until further notice. If you don’t mind getting dirty, crawling through tight passageways, and climbing slippery flowstone, you might want to try the Hall of the White Giant Tour. Ladder climbing, slippery surfaces, and free climbing are all part of this trip. Highlights include tight, narrow passages like Matlock’s Pinch, and amazing formations like the White Giant. The lengthy amount of time spent in narrow cave passages requires special attention to group communication and safety. This trip is not recommended for anyone afraid of tight spaces or heights. Reservations are required for the Hall of the White Giant Tour. To make reservations, go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234637">Recreation.gov</a> or call call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 8 people Requirements: <ul> <li>Participants must be able to safely negotiate cave passages, containing fragile formations, without harm to the cave, themselves or others.</li> <li>You will receive a mandatory safety orientation before you venture into the cave.</li> <li>Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/Footwear-for-Adventure-Tours.pdf">Click for more details</a>.</li> <li>Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.</li> <li>The park will provide helmets with lamps, gloves, and knee and elbow pads. Due to the possibility of carrying the lethal fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats, we do not allow anyone to use their own caving gear.</li> <li>All visitors are required to decontaminate their footwear before and after tour. Tour leaders will provide the needed supplies. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/learn/white-nose-syndrome-and-carlsbad-cavern.htm">Click for more information</a>.</li> </ul> Note: Caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous, and take hours to accomplish.

If you don’t mind getting dirty, crawling through tight passageways, and climbing slippery flowstone, you might want to try the Hall of the White Giant Tour.

Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/tour_schedule.htm">tour schedule</a> on the park's website or go to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/kings_palace.htm?cs_pgIsInLView=1&cs_random=16174710722232109876238">Recreation.gov</a>.

Picnicking

Photo of Rattlesnake Springs with a large grassy area with tall cottonwood trees and picnic tables.

Rattlesnake Springs

A small area south of the main part of the park.

Enjoy an oasis of plants and wildlife in a serene setting. You can hear an see a variety of birds that make Rattlesnake Springs their home. Also, view historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Have a relaxing picnic among tall cottonwood trees and watch for a variety of birds.

Open 1/2 hour before sunrise and closes 1/2 hour after sunset.

Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area

Groundwater

River and Riparian

Hiking

A varity of desert plants can be found along this trail. Mule deer occasionally graze in this area.

This easy hike takes about 30 minutes with an elevation gain of 100 feet (30.4m).

Sotol

The trailhead is located past the visitor center at the far end of the east parking lot.

Labels along this 0.7 mile (1.1 km) nature trail loop provide information on plants found along this route. The upper section of this trail is wheelchair accessible and leadsd 0.2 mile (0.3 km) to a viewpoint with a shade shelter.

Pets are permitted on the paved section of this trail and must be on a leash at all times.

Enjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains and explore Chihuahuan Desert plant life along this short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) loop trail.

The trail is closed at dusk and night in the late spring, summer, and early fall to not disturb the bats as they emerge from Carlsbad Cavern. Check at the visitor center for more information.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Astronomy

Star Walks and Perseids Meteor Shower Mininum Age: 6 years old Moon Hike Minimum Age: 8 years old Telescopes Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Earth's Moon

Programs are located near the visitor center.

Night Sky Programs are suspended until further notice. <hr /> <h4>Star Walks, Moon Hikes and Meteor Shower Viewing</h4> Be prepared to hike 1/2 mile (0.8 km) for Star Walks and the meteor shower viewing, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) for Moon Hikes on a rugged desert trail with an elevation change of 200 feet (61 m). How to Attend Although these programs are free, attendance will be limited to first-come, first-served with a maximum of 25 participants for each program. Please register for the programs at the information desk in the visitor center on the day of the program. Registration may be available at the evening's Bat Flight Program. Ask a ranger for more details. Where to Meet All hikes will begin after the Bat Flight Program. Meet the rangers at the park sign next to the visitor center at the designated time of the night's program. Minimum Ages Star Walk and Perseids Meteor Shower: 6 years old Moon Hike: 8 years old What to Wear and Bring <ul> <li>Dress comfortably with comfortable shoes.</li> <li>No open-toed shoes and we recommend long pants on the Star Walks and meteor shower viewing.</li> <li>Long pants are required on the Moon Hikes. Bring water and a snack.</li> <li>For the Star Walk and meteor shower viewing, bring a blanket or towel to lie on.</li> <li>Please bring a red light flashlight or red light headlamps. Rangers will provide red light headlamps if you do not have any.</li> </ul> The programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. <h4>Telescope Programs</h4> Come explore the night sky through the eye of a powerful telescope. Park rangers will point out some of the harder-to-find objects in outer space and some of the moon's most interesting features. Ages Both programs are suitable for all ages, children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. These programs are free and do not require registration. Where to Meet Programs begin after the Bat Flight Program and takes place in the east parking lot, past the visitor center. Please only use red lights if you choose to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. Please check with a park ranger for more details.

Star Hikes, Star Walks, and Perseids Meteor Shower Programs Attendance is limited to first-come, first-served with a maximum of 25 participants for each program. Please register for the programs at the information desk in the visitor center on the day of the program.

Enjoy the night sky at Carlsbad Caverns National Park during a ranger-led night sky program.

Night Sky Programs

Estimated walk time is five minutes one-way.

A photo of a sotol desert plant in the foreground and Walnut Canyon.

Walnut Canyon Overlook

The trailhead is located along the paved road to the visitor center.

This paved walkway provides a scenic view into Walnut Canyon along a short trail of 180 yards (165 m). This easy trail has an elevation change of 22 feet (7 m). The trailhead is located along the paved road to the visitor center.

Pets must be on a leash and stay on the paved walkway.

This short 180 yards (165 m) paved walkway provides great views of Walnut Canyon.

Walnut Canyon Overlook Trail

Estimated hiking time is 3 hours one-way.

A photo of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Juniper Ridge Trail.

Juniper Ridge Trail

The trailhead is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) on the unpaved Walnut Canyon Desert Drive.

Located on the scenic Walnut Canyon Desert Drive, the trailhead is about 1 mile (1.6 km) past interpretive marker #9. The Juniper Ridge trail is considered easy with an 800 foot (240 m) change in elevation over the 3.5 mile (5 km) path.

Enjoy the Chihuahuan Desert in a serene landscape along this 3.5 mile (5 km) trail.

Estimated hiking time is about two hours one-way.

Old Guano Trail

Located next to the Bat Flight Amphitheater.

You can begin this trail at the dirt road adjacent to the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. It follows the historic road used to haul guano from the cavern in the early 1900s, and hikers will see ruins and debris from the mining operation about a mile (1.6 km) from the entrance. This 3.7 miles (6 km) trail descends the escarpment, ending at the White's City campground. One-way travel takes an estimated two hours at an easy activity level with a 750 feet (216 m) change in elevation. It is closed near the cavern entrance during Bat Flight Programs.

This 3.7 miles (6km) trail descends the escarpment, ending at the White's City campground.

The section of the trail near Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns is closed during Bat Flight Programs.

Photo Rattlesnake Canyon with sotol desert plant in the foreground.

Rattlesnake Canyon

About 0.25 mile (0.4 km) past interpretive marker #4 on the beautiful unpaved Walnut Canyon Desert Drive.

This 6 mile (9.6 km) loop trail is moderately difficult and travels travels from the Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead to the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, down to the Walnut Canyon Desert Drive, and back up to the Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead. The change in elevation along the trail is 670 feet (204 m). A free permit is required for all overnight use of the park’s backcountry which can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours.

A moderately difficult 6 mile (9.6 km) loop trail in the park's wilderness.

Upper Rattlesnake Canyon Loop Trail

Photo along the Yucca Canyon Trail with desert plants and distant views.

Yucca Canyon Trail

Just as the road to the Slaughter Canyon parking lot crosses the park boundary, there is a dirt road heading west where it is recommended to have a high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

This is a difficult 7.7 mile (12.4 km) trail that climbs quickly up a side canyon to the top of the escarpment. From the ridge, there are amazing views of the basin. The trail continues across the plateau until it reaches a sheer drop and view into Big Canyon. This is one of the few trails in the park where you may encounter ponderosa and other pines. Elevation change is 1,520 feet (464 m). A free permit is required for all overnight use of the park’s backcountry which can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours.

This is a difficult 7.7 mile (12.4 km) trail that climbs quickly up a side canyon to the top of an escarpment.

Estimated hiking time is about 1.5 hours one-way.

Photo looking down from the Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail.

Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail

Gaining 500 feet (152 m) in elevation over a rugged 0.5 mile (1 km) path, the views of Slaughter Canyon are spectacular. Considered a difficult trail, hikers generally take about 45 minutes to go from the parking area to the cave entrance. The cave itself can only be seen on a ranger-guided tour.

Temperatures in the summer can reach over 100°F (38°C). Hike early in the day and bring water.

A scenic 0.5 mile (1 km) hike that leads to viewpoints overlooking Slaughter Canyon.

Estimated hiking time is about 3 hours one-way.

Photo of the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail sign with desert plants in the background.

Lower Rattlesnake Canyon Trail

The trailhead is located along the unpaved Walnut Canyon Desert Drive, past interpretive marker #4.

A moderate trail which begins approximately 0.25 mile (0.4 km) past interpretive marker #4 on the beautiful Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. This 3 miles (4.8 km) trail has an elevation change of 600 feet (183 m). Overnight use by permit only. Permits are available for free at the visitor center during business hours.

Follow down a canyon for 3 miles (4.8 km) and enjoy a variety of Chihuahuan Desert plants.

Photo of towering mountains above the Slaughter Canyon Trail.

Slaughter Canyon Trail

The trailhead for this 5.3 mile (8.6 km) hike is located at the parking area for Slaughter Canyon. Rated as difficult, one-way travel is 7 hours with an elevation change of 1,850 feet (564 m). A free permit is required for all overnight use of the park’s backcountry which can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours.

This 5.3 mile (8.6 km) hike travels up Slaughter Canyon with mountains towering above.

First Person Interpretation

Evening interpretive program from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October.

The program length varies dependent on when the bats emerge from Carlsbad Cavern.

Photo of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats flying overhead.

Brazilian Free-tailed Bats

The amphitheater is located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm">Click for the current status of the Bat Flight Program.</a> Join us for the free Bat Flight Program, an evening ranger talk about bats prior to their flight. No reservations are required for this program that occurs every evening from Memorial Day weekend through October. The program takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. The start time for the program changes as the summer progresses and sunset times change. Programs may be cancelled in the event of lightning. To protect the bats, electronic devices are not allowed at the Bat Flight Program and surrounding area. Electronic devices include cameras of any kind, laptop computers, cell phones, iPads, iPods, tablets, and MP3 players.

Enjoy an evening ranger talk about the park's population of Brazilian Free-tailed Bats and experience their emergence from Carlsbad Cavern.

For the current program start time, go to the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm">Bat Flight Program</a> page or ask at the visitor center.

Bat Flight Program

Scenic Driving

Enjoy an overlook, desert plants, and wildlife.

Photo showing Walnut Canyon Desert Drive meandering through the Chihuahuan Desert.

Walnut Canyon Desert Drive

About 0.5 mile (0.8 km) from the visitor center.

Explore the stories of ancient life, people of the past, and desert survival on a one hour scenic drive. Ask for a Walnut Canyon Desert Drive Guide at the visitor center. The Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a 9.5 mile (15 km) one-way, unpaved route. The road is not maintained for low clearance vehicles and is closed to RVs, buses, and trailers.

Discover canyon views, desert plants, and wildlife along this unpaved road.

The road opens 1/2 before sunrise and closes 1/2 after sunset.

Canyons and Canyonlands

Rock Landscapes and Features

Children must be no further than one arms length from parents.

The Big Room Trail takes about 1.5 hours to hike. There is a shortcut trail that reduces the distance and hike time to 45 minutes. The Natural Entrance Trail takes about 1 hour to hike.

Adults (ages 16 and older): $15 per person Children (ages 15 and under): Free If you are entering with a pass, please visit the ticket counter for your free admission ticket.

Photo of the Big Room with cave formations and the trail.

Big Room Trail

Both trails are located in Carlsbad Cavern.

<h4>Big Room Trail</h4> The most popular route, the Big Room, is the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. This 1.25 mile (2 km) trail is relatively flat, and will take about 1.5 hours (on average) to walk it. Actor and comedian Will Rogers called the cavern, "The Grand Canyon with a roof over it." You will be rewarded with spectacular views, cave formations of all shapes and sizes, and a rope ladder used by explorers in 1924. If you are seeking a shorter experience, the Big Room has a shortcut which reduces the walking distance to about 0.6 miles (1 km). The hiking time is about 45 minutes. Parts of the Big Room Trail are wheelchair accessible. You can ask for more information about accessibility at the visitor center. You may also download our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/upload/Accessibility.pdf">Accessibility Brochure</a> [0.5 MB PDF]. <h4>Natural Entrance Trail</h4> The 1.25 mile (2 km) Natural Entrance Trail is extremely steep. Depending on if you decide to hike up or down, you gain or lose about 750 feet (229 m)—equivalent to walking up or down a 75-story building. The hike takes about one hour (on average) to complete. This trail is not recommended for visitors with heart or respiratory conditions. You have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you see formations like Devil's Spring, the Whale's Mouth, and Iceberg Rock. The Natural Entrance is not an accessible trail due to steep grade.

Online reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Cavern. The reservation is only for selecting the entry time. Entrance tickets will need to be purchased at the visitor center. To reserve go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/10086811">recreation.gov</a> or call 877-444-6777.

The visitor center and cavern are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.

The Big Room and Natural Entrance trails can be enjoyed at your own pace. The Big Room Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Natural Entrance Trail is strenuous. Enjoy one or both to experience a variety of cave formations.

Cavern Opens: 8:30 am Last Entrance Ticket Sold: 2:15 pm Last Cavern Entrance: 2:30 pm

Explore the Cavern at Your Own Pace

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.