Where is Carlsbad Caverns National Park,Carlsbad, New Mexico?

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

Carlsbad Caverns National Park 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 vast limestone caves, stunning underground chambers, and unique rock formations.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Location Map,Carlsbad, New Mexico

Top Attractions Inside Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • Big Room – Massive underground chamber featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
  • Natural Entrance Trail – Scenic trail descending into the caverns, showcasing the transition from desert to underground.
  • King’s Palace – Elegant series of chambers with impressive formations and artistic rock features.
  • Queen’s Chamber – Beautiful cavern room named for its throne-like stalagmite formations.
  • Left Hand Tunnel – Less crowded passage offering unique geological formations and quiet exploration.
  • Bat Flight Program – Evening program where thousands of bats exit the cave in a dramatic spectacle (seasonal).
  • Rattlesnake Springs – Surface area with picnic spots, birdwatching, and native desert flora near the cavern entrance.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Facts

Official NameCarlsbad Caverns National Park
LocationCarlsbad, New Mexico, USA
Latitude & Longitude32.1479° N, 104.5567° W
Total Area~46,766 acres (18,923 hectares)
EstablishedOctober 25, 1923 (as a National Monument), May 14, 1930 (National Park)
FounderDesignated by the U.S. Federal Government; protected due to advocacy by Jim White (early explorer)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSoutheastern New Mexico (Chihuahuan Desert)
Address727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Zip Code88220
Area Code575
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneMountain Time (MT) – UTC−7 Standard / UTC−6 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptGeology, Limestone Caverns, Underground Formations, Bat Migration, Natural Wonders
Main HighlightsBig Room - Natural Entrance Trail - King’s Palace - Bat Flight Program - Slaughter Canyon Cave - Spider Cave
Annual Visitors~440,000–500,000
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission (per person)
Entry Fee~$15 per adult (Children 15 and under free)
Ticket OptionsSelf-Guided Tours - Ranger-Guided Tours - Group Passes - America the Beautiful Pass
Best Time to VisitMarch–May and September–November (Mild temperatures and fewer crowds)
Nearby AirportCavern City Air Terminal (CNM) – 20 miles (32 km); El Paso International Airport (ELP) – 150 miles (241 km)
TransportationPrivate Car - Tour Buses - Limited Local Shuttle Services
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/cave

Distances from Carlsbad Caverns National Park to Nearby Landmarks

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