Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains in the southeastern corner of New Mexico.
This extensive underground system is composed of more than 120 limestone caves.
The stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone started forming from a single drop of water about 250 million years ago.
With the extraordinary beauty and diversity of its rock formations, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park is one of the most well-preserved and accessible cave complexes in the world.
It is also one of only 20 World Heritage Sites in the U.S.
History and Exploration
The caverns have a rich history of human interaction, dating back to prehistoric times.
The area became a local landmark in the 1870s and 1880s when settlers noticed large clouds of bats emerging from the cave.
James Larkin White, a cowboy, was the first to explore and promote the cavern as a tourist site in the early 20th century.
Using ropes, ladders, and kerosene lanterns, White guided visitors through the primitive trails he created.
National Park Establishment
In 1923, Carlsbad Caverns was designated as a National Monument by President Calvin Coolidge.
In 1930, it became a National Park.
The park’s infrastructure developed over the years, with the construction of a visitor center, elevators, and improved access points, making the caverns more accessible to the public.
Caves
Carlsbad and Lechuguilla are the two largest caves in the park by surveyed length.
- Lechuguilla Cave: More than 140 miles (225 km); 1,604.2 feet (489 m) deep
It is particularly notable for its large calcite and gypsum formations, including the world’s largest accumulation of gypsum “chandeliers,” some extending over six meters (18 feet) in length. - Carlsbad Cave: More than 30 miles (48 km)
It is distinguished by its vast chambers and intricate mineral features. This site contains at least 117 known caves.
The Natural Entrance
The Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is a large, dramatic opening that leads directly into the cave system.
Visitors descend about 750 feet via a switchback trail, transitioning from a bright surface to a dark underground.
Historically, cowboy Jim White used this entrance for early explorations.
Today, a paved trail allows for a safe descent. The entrance is known for its geological formations and the Big Room, a massive underground chamber.
The Carlsbad Caverns National is famous for its large colony of Brazilian Free-tail bats.
During summer, visitors can witness the evening bat flight, where thousands of bats emerge from the cave.
