:: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was created to preserve Carlsbad Cavern as well as many other fascinating caves that are tucked in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. These caves, lying under agaves and prickly pears, were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone under the ground. There are a total of 83 separate caves in the park, including Lechuguilla Cave – which is, at 1,604 feet, the deepest and third longest limestone cave in the United States.

Carlsbad Cavern has one of the world’s largest underground chambers, as well as a number of different formations. It is very accessible to the public; people can take guided tours or head in to the natural entrance to go hiking on their own. Visitors can also take an elevator into the center of the public area of the cave.

On October 25, 1923, the U.S. Congress designated Carlsbad Caverns as a National Monument. Congress then declared it a national park on May 14, 1930. The park has also been named a World Heritage Site, and to ensure preservation, about two-thirds of the park has been designated a wilderness area.

The park is open every day of the year except for Christmas, and its busiest times fall during the summer months. You’ll find the park entrance on U.S. Highway 62/180 about 18 miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico.