Where is Carlsbad Caverns,Carlsbad, New Mexico?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Carlsbad Caverns is located in New Mexico, USA. It lies between the towns of Carlsbad and Artesia and is situated in the southeastern part of the state. The park is famous for its large limestone caves, underground chambers, and unique rock formations.

Carlsbad Caverns Location Map,Carlsbad, New Mexico

Top Attractions Inside Carlsbad Caverns

  • Big Room – Vast limestone chamber featuring spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations.
  • Natural Entrance Trail – Scenic trail leading visitors from the surface into the cave system.
  • King’s Palace – Elegant series of chambers with impressive formations and dramatic lighting.
  • Queen’s Chamber – Beautiful cave room named for its delicate formations resembling a throne.
  • Left Hand Tunnel – Less-traveled passage offering unique formations and a quieter experience.
  • Bat Flight Program – Evening program where thousands of bats exit the cave in a spectacular display (seasonal).
  • Rattlesnake Springs – Surface area with picnic spots, birdwatching, and desert flora near the cavern entrance.

Carlsbad Caverns Facts

Official NameCarlsbad Caverns National Park
LocationCarlsbad, New Mexico, USA
Latitude & Longitude32.1479° N, 104.5567° W
Total Area~46,766 acres (18,922 hectares)
EstablishedOctober 25, 1923 (as a National Monument), May 14, 1930 (as a National Park)
FounderDesignated by President Calvin Coolidge (National Monument), elevated by U.S. Congress
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSoutheastern New Mexico – Chihuahuan Desert
Address727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Zip Code88220
Area Code575
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNatural Limestone Caverns, Geological Formations, Cave Ecosystems
Main FeaturesThe Big Room - Natural Entrance - King's Palace - Queen’s Chamber - Lechuguilla Cave (research only)
Famous AttractionsBat Flight Program - Big Room Trail - Natural Entrance Trail - Decorative Cave Formations
Annual VisitorsApprox. 400,000–500,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Park Entrance Fee Required
Ticket Price RangeAdults: ~$15 - Children under 16: Free
Ticket OptionsStandard Entry - Ranger-Guided Tours - Candlelight Tours - King's Palace Tour
Best Time to VisitMarch–May and September–November (milder temperatures, fewer crowds)
Nearby AirportCavern City Air Terminal (CNM) – 20 miles (32 km)
TransportationCar Travel - Shuttle Services (seasonal) - Park Road Access
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/cave

Distances from Carlsbad Caverns to Nearby Landmarks

  • Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Big Room Trail – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • King’s Palace – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Natural Entrance – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Rattlesnake Canyon Overlook – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Carlsbad, NM – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park – 110 km (68 mi)
  • Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park – 55 km (34 mi)
  • White’s City, NM – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Pecos River – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Brantley Lake State Park – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Slaughter Canyon – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Carlsbad Museum & Art Center – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Guadalupe Peak – 115 km (71 mi)
  • McKittrick Canyon – 100 km (62 mi)
  • Salt Basin Dunes – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Big Cave Trail – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Rattlesnake Spring – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Bat Flight Amphitheater – 1 km (0.6 mi)