Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Amid the arid rocky environment, a hedgehog cactus blooms in the spring.
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.
Map showing location of park.
2023 economic benefits info graphic
Tourism to Carlsbad Caverns Contributes $31.9 Million to Local Economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in 2023 spent $29.1 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 359 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $31.9 million.
Fire danger sign with arrow pointing to low.
Preventative Fire Measures Lifted at Carlsbad Caverns
Effective immediately, all preventive fire measures at Carlsbad Caverns National Park have been lifted due to recent monsoon rain.
Map showing where white-nose syndrome has spread.
Fungus That Causes White-nose Syndrome Detected at Carlsbad Caverns
Swabs collected from cave Myotis bats in the Left Hand Tunnel area of Carlsbad Cavern and near the Rattlesnake Springs day use area tested positive for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS).
Images of sign showing fire danger is high
Preventative Measures Implemented Due to Increased Fire Danger
Due to high to extreme fire danger, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will implement preventative measures.
Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.
Photo by NPS / Michael Larson
Photo of the Big Room with trail
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.
Photo by NPS / Michael Larson
Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big Room
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of a yucca plant with cream and pinkish-colored flowers.
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro