The Carlsbad Caverns is a National Park located in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. Beneath Southern New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert lies a maze of about 300 limestone caves, carved more than 250 million years ago.
The main attraction of the park is the show cave. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park has guided tours of most of the park’s astounding caves. Visitors can hike to the caves or take the elevator. Visitors can also venture to the caves by themselves. The most impressive and easily reached is the 8.5 acre Big Room. The Natural Entrance can be explored if visitors can cope with the steep trail. Visitors who do not have a fear for stiff spaces can explore the Spider Cave and the Hall of the White Giant. The Carlsbad Caverns has facilities for backcountry camping, ranger-led programs and hiking.
The wide variety of park habitats, specifically the flowing waters of the Rattlesnake Springs give a fascinating collection of wildlife within the park. Vigilant conservation efforts and the bringing in of native species have resulted to the park having more than 60 different kinds of animals. While exploring the caves, visitors are most likely to see a Rocky Mountain elk, a pronghorn or a mule deer. If they get lucky, some visitors may be able to pass across a black bear, a spotted skunk or a cougar.
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open daily throughout the entire year except every December 25th. Peak seasons are usually on Memorial Day Weekends and during the 4th of July.