Beneath the Surface: Exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
I finally visited my very first National Park!
I absolutely love travel, but for some reason National Parks weren’t high on my list — until recently. Last month, I visited Pecos National Historical Park on a whim. Not only did I have a wonderful time, but I also bought a National Park Passport book that they sold for $30 (they have a smaller version for $13 but it has less information and space for stamps/cancellations).
I love collecting little things from my travels and the idea of a passport book for national parks instantly grabbed my attention. From that moment on, I became determined to visit as many National Parks as possible.
My husband lives and works in Odessa, TX (Oil Field Trucker), so on my recent trip to visit him we took a day trip over to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The drive over was about 3 hours each way, but we didn’t mind the drive. Any opportunity for a road trip is okay with me.
I went online a few days before to reserve entrance into the cave. The option for same day entry was unavailable, so I recommend booking in advance especially if you will be traveling far to visit.
The cost to do so was $1 per person (the entrance fee to enter Carlsbad Cavern for ages 16 and over: $15 per person | ages 15 and under: free). We confirmed our reservation online and selected an 12:30pm entry time into the cave. You have a 60 minute window to enter. Click here to visit their website and here for ticket & fee info.
Guided tours are available, but space is limited. I recommend calling in advance to make your tour reservation. In my experience, guided tours are generally better than self-guided tours; they take the whole experience to another level. Tour guides are a wealth of knowledge, filled with fun facts and history. They truly make the experience so much better.
When you visit Carlsbad Caverns, you have 2 entry options: take the elevator 750ft+ down into the cave or hike 1.25 miles down through The Natural Entrance. I would only recommend hiking down into the cave if you are in good physical health because it’s a very steep and dark hike down.
The hike down took about an hour and the entire time I couldn’t help but think of how difficult a hike back up would be. I don’t recommend hiking up unless you are an experienced hiker who has the physical endurance and stamina to do so.
(This sign is down inside the cave at the beginning of the hike up and out of the cave. We did NOT hike out, we were pooped and took the elevator.)
DO NOT FORGET TO BRING A FLASHLIGHT. I didn’t even think of bringing one, but some of the other guests had very bright LED flashlights. They made their experience so much better because you could actually see more of the cave.
Another visitor brought a flashlight & it really illuminated the space. Photograph by Francesca Ramirez
Overall, I can’t even begin to describe the feeling I had while being inside something so natural and MASSIVE in size. Parts of the cave were big enough to fit entire houses and buildings — wide and tall with an immense view. Seeing all of the different formations were truly breathtaking. I was feeling so frustrated because the low lighting was preventing me from taking good videos and photos. I did the best I could with my iPhone 12.
The entire hike down into the cave was filled with twists, turns & hundreds of stalactites & stalagmites. (Stalactites grow down from the cave ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the cave floor.)
Once we reached the main area of the cave (The Big Room,) the ground and path became more leveled. From here, you could hike The Big Room Trail which is 1.25 miles in a loop. This area of the cave is the largest cave chamber by volume in North America. It took us about an hour to walk the loop. Along the path, there are a ton of rock formations illuminated with plaques and additional information.
Actor and comedian Will Rogers called the cavern, “The Grand Canyon with a roof over it.” You will be rewarded with spectacular views, cave formations of all shapes and sizes, and a rope ladder used by explorers in 1924. -NPS
Parts of the Big Room Trail are wheelchair accessible. You can ask for more information about accessibility at the visitor center or check online.
One of the coolest things about this whole experience was that inside the cave, 700ft down below the earth's surface — they had restrooms, a lunchroom, snack stand, and mini gift shop. It was surreal being down there and having lunch. We grabbed a ham & cheese sandwich, chips & soda and enjoyed lunch inside a cave. This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It gave me O.G. Jurassic Park vibes.
Photograph by Larry Workman https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/underground-lunchroom-nm/
After having our snack and exploring the Big Room Trail we took the elevators back up to the visitors center and grabbed some things. Overall, I had a great time visiting Carlsbad Caverns and if you ever find yourself in the area or within a few hours drive — definitely go check it out and experience it for yourself.
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