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Best trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Best trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

4.1(2,138 reviews)

·

United States
: 
#49 of 60 national parks

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park invites exploration of its vast limestone cave system via a steep 1.25-mile descent on the Natural Entrance Trail or a gentler route via elevator to the Big Room Trail. Ranger-led tours require separate reservations. Surface trails and a 9.5-mile desert drive offer glimpses of Chihuahuan Desert shrubland, grassland and woodland ecosystems, while Rattlesnake Springs provides a riparian oasis for bird and wildlife viewing. The visitor center offers timed-entry tickets, parking, exhibits, a bookstore and a snack area.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
    4.7(1246)
    •Easy
    •1.2 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This family-friendly trail mainly traverses the area outside of the caves. The Natural Entrance Trail is the trail that goes inside the caves, and it is rather steep. If you want to explore the Natural Entrance trail, you can make reservations online at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/10086811 or by calling 877-444-6777. Accessibility: This trail is likely accessible with assistance for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers or visitors may need to...
  2. #2 - Walnut Canyon Trail
    4.2(156)
    •Easy
    •0.4 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is a great hike for families who want to stretch their legs and take in an amazing view. There are helpful plant markers and explanations of the Native shelter along the route. Accessibility: This trail is possibly accessible with assistance for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers or visitors may need to avoid the unpaved sections after about 0.1 miles. Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need to avoid this whole trail as it can be...
  3. #3 - Old Guano Trail to White's City
    4.2(106)
    •Moderate
    •7.5 mi
    •Est. 3–3.5 hr
    This trail invites exploration from the visitor center, leading along a path that holds historical significance. The route was once used to transport guano from a cavern during the early 1900s. As you walk, you’ll have the opportunity to view remnants of the mining operations, located about a mile from the entrance. The journey continues towards White's City, where camping is available. For this trail, it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the terrain and carry plenty of...
  4. #4 - Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park
    4.5(113)
    •Easy
    •14.5 mi
    A scenic drive to Carlsbad Caverns. A scenic drive to Carlsbad Caverns.
  5. #5 - Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail
    4.5(118)
    •Hard
    •1.0 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Slaughter Canyon Cave is accessed via the Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail. The Cave is gated and only accessible with a guide from the National Park Service. Reservations must be made in advance through recreation.gov. The trail to the cave is 0.5 miles one-way, and the trail inside the cave varies but typically runs about a mile depending on which parts of the cave the rangers wish to show you.
  6. #6 - Carlsbad Caverns Roadside Trail
    4.3(69)
    •Easy
    •0.1 mi
    •Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This trail is a short and easy interpretive nature trail to an old Native American alcove shelter. This is a good place to have a picnic. There are informational signs and interesting cave features along the trail a short distance from the parking lot. This is a stop along the way to the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center.
  7. #7 - North Slaughter Canyon Trail
    4.5(57)
    •Hard
    •11.1 mi
    •Est. 5.5–6 hr
  8. #8 - Yucca Canyon Trail
    4.5(47)
    •Hard
    •3.8 mi
    •Est. 2.5–3 hr
  9. #9 - Carlsbad Caverns Desert Loop Road
    3.5(30)
    •Easy
    •11.3 mi
    Explore the stories of ancient life, people of the past, and desert survival. Ask for a Walnut Canyon Desert Drive Guide at the visitor center. A highlight of this scenic drive is Rattlesnake Canyon Overlook. There are also many trails along the way if you are looking to explore the area further. This is a great way to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park from the comfort of your vehicle.
  10. #10 - Yucca Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Trail
    2.5(6)
    •Hard
    •15.8 mi
    This hike is in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. A free backcountry permit is required. There is no water along the trail, so bring 1 gallon per person per day. This area is extremely hot in the summer (100+F) and can be cold in winter (20F). Winds range from 10mph to gusts over 70mph. The plants in this area are spiny and thorny. The first 2.5 miles are well marked with a clear trail. After that, follow the cairns on an overgrown and broken trail. The views are spectacular, and the high...
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
Starting at $1
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • 9 am–2:30 pm
Exceptions
Thanksgiving Day
Nov 27, 2025 • Closed
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2025 • Closed
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026 • Closed
Phone
(575) 785-2232
Timed entry reservation
Location

A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center.

Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.

$1
Make reservation
Entrance pass
Per Person

Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.

$15
Get details from the park
2025 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required on these days:

Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Annual pass
All U.S. national parks

Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.

$80
Purchase pass
Overview

The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. It also has a wheelchair accessible theater, gift shop, bookstore, and restaurant.

Ranger-led programs in the park are not considered wheelchair accessible due to the rugged and steep conditions.

Additional information about accessibility at Carlsbad Caverns National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.

Facilities

The Visitor Center is accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and has wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. It also has a wheelchair accessible theater, gift shop, bookstore, and restaurant.

There is an elevator that provides access to The Big Room cavern and trail. Small oxygen tanks are allowed in the cavern for medical purposes.

The Natural Entrance trail is not considered wheelchair accessible due to its steep grade and is not recommended for those with heart or breathing conditions. Strollers are only allowed on this trail if they are medically necessary for the child.

The Visitor Center Picnic Area at the far east end, Walnut Creek Drive Picnic Area, and Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.

The Bat Flight Program area has accessible parking, and the top row of the amphitheater has a reserved area for those using wheelchairs. There is also a wheelchair accessible bathroom at this location.

Service animals

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park in designated areas. Service animals are not allowed on off-trail cave tours for the safety of the animals and resource protection.

Service animals are not permitted on the following trails: Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Spider Cave, and Slaughter Canyon Cave.

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Top Picks in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,246 reviews. This trail is 1.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 75 ft.

What is the longest trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is Guadalupe Ridge Trail [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 33.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

There are 14 trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These trails have an average 4.1-star rating from 2,138 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has you covered. Guadalupe Ridge Trail [CLOSED] boasts the most elevation gain with 5,905 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Yucca Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which will get you 3,192 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the most popular is Old Guano Trail to White's City with an average 4.2 star rating from 106 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a scenic viewpoint in Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Walnut Canyon Trail.

Are there any trails with caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, Old Guano Trail to White's City, and Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail.