Cave Core Editors Desk 
Carlsbad, New Mexico stands as the closest city to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, situated approximately 20 miles from the park entrance. This proximity makes Carlsbad an ideal base for exploring the world-renowned caverns and surrounding attractions. The city offers a range of accommodations, dining options, and local attractions, providing visitors with a convenient and enjoyable … Read more
The Carlsbad Caverns Big Room Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the world’s largest underground chambers. This self-guided adventure takes you through a massive limestone cavern filled with stunning rock formations. The Big Room, measuring 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and up to 255 feet high, showcases nature’s artistry with its … Read more
The Carlsbad Caverns audio tour offers visitors a unique, self-paced exploration of one of America’s most spectacular underground wonders. This immersive experience combines GPS-triggered storytelling, historical insights, and geological explanations, guiding you through the caverns’ natural entrance and expansive Big Room. Covering approximately 2.5 miles over 1-2 hours, the tour highlights iconic formations and shares … Read more
Carlsbad Caverns, a renowned national park in New Mexico, has unfortunately witnessed several fatalities over the years. These incidents range from hiking-related deaths to a homicide case, highlighting the potential dangers within the park’s vast and challenging terrain. This article explores documented cases of deaths in Carlsbad Caverns, safety measures implemented, and the importance of … Read more
Carlsbad Caverns from Albuquerque offers a captivating journey into one of nature’s most awe-inspiring underground wonders. Located approximately 304 miles southeast of Albuquerque, this National Park boasts an intricate network of over 119 caves. The 5-hour drive takes you through diverse New Mexican landscapes, from high desert plateaus to the Chihuahuan Desert. This guide provides … Read more
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a unique underground experience with its vast network of caves. Admission to this natural wonder involves various fees and policies. The basic entrance fee is $15 for adults, while children 15 and under enter free. Additional costs apply for guided tours, and timed entry reservations are required. The park offers … Read more
Carlsbad Caverns National Park does not rent or loan wheelchairs or any other mobility assistance equipment. Visitors requiring wheelchairs must bring their own. However, the park offers several accessible features, including an elevator to the Big Room Trail and partially wheelchair-accessible paths. The visitor center and other facilities are also equipped with ramps and automatic … Read more
The Carlsbad Caverns stairs, once a primary means of descent into the magnificent underground world, have a rich history dating back to the 1920s. These wooden structures, initially constructed to facilitate visitor access, played a crucial role in early cave exploration. However, due to safety concerns and the advent of modern technology, the original stairs … Read more
Sleeping in your truck at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is not permitted. The park strictly prohibits overnight parking and car camping, including sleeping in vehicles. This rule applies to all areas within the park boundaries. Visitors seeking overnight accommodations must explore alternative options outside the park, such as nearby campgrounds or hotels in Carlsbad. Understanding … Read more
Carlsbad Caverns conservation efforts focus on protecting the unique cave ecosystems, preserving bat populations, and mitigating human impact. The National Park Service employs strict management strategies, including access control, waste reduction, and ongoing research. Conservation challenges include external threats from oil and gas development, groundwater contamination, and balancing visitor access with ecosystem preservation. Comprehensive plans … Read more