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Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.
NPS / Michael Larson

Information

Fire Restrictions

Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.

Information

Closures Due to Flood Damage

Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.

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Information

Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed

A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.

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Information

Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern

Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.

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Information

Footwear in the Cavern

For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.

National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

NM · Carlsbad

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.

Riding guide

Highlights

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern New Mexico featuring over 119 caves…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 15-25 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, riding opportunities exist in designated backcountry areas and approved routes where stock use is permitted. Expect open desert terrain, rocky foothills, and wide southwestern vistas rather than wooded trail systems. This is exposed country with long sightlines and a remote feel.

Rideable terrain

15-25 miles

Trailer parking

• No designated horse trailer lots • No equestrian campground • No corrals or hitch rails • No unloading ramps Some riders use: • Wide gravel pullouts along approved backcountry roads • Designated dirt road access points where trailers can safely turn around These are informal staging areas and require: • Careful maneuvering • Self-sufficiency • Checking current road conditions Not all backcountry roads are suitable for trailers, especially after storms. Many equestrians prefer staging from: • Adjacent BLM lands • Nearby private ranch properties • Public lands near the park boundary This often provides: • More space • Fewer maneuvering restrictions • Less impact on park visitor lots

Horse regulations

Horseback riding is permitted in specific designated backcountry areas of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Riding is limited to approved desert backcountry trails and routes. Where Horses Are Allowed • Riding is permitted only in designated backcountry areas. • Stock use includes horses, mules, and burros. • Riding is not allowed on paved roads or heavily trafficked tourist trails. • Riding is not allowed in developed visitor areas. Cave Access • Horses are not permitted inside the caves. • The cave system is for foot traffic only. • Visitors entering the cave should wear sturdy walking shoes. Trail & Route Conditions • Backcountry riding occurs in exposed desert terrain. • Surfaces may include rocky ground, sand, and uneven desert tread. • Riders must stay on approved routes. Regulations & Oversight • Stock use is managed by the park. • Riders should check with the visitor center for current trail availability and restrictions before arrival. • Areas may close to protect resources or visitor safety.

Getting here

Use 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, New Mexico as your primary planning reference before you haul in. • No designated horse trailer lots • No equestrian campground • No corrals or hitch rails • No unloading ramps Some riders use: • Wide gravel pullouts along approved backcountry roads • Designated dirt road access points where trailers can safely turn around These are informal staging areas and require: • Careful maneuvering • Self-sufficiency • Checking current road conditions Not all backcountry roads are suitable for trailers, especially after storms. Many equestrians prefer staging from: • Adjacent BLM lands • Nearby private ranch properties • Public lands near the park boundary This often provides: • More space • Fewer maneuvering restrictions • Less impact on park visitor lots

Planning your visit

Carlsbad Caverns offers rugged desert backcountry riding, but camping and stock use are tightly regulated and infrastructure is minimal. Backcountry Camping Zones Backcountry camping is only permitted: • West of the Rattlesnake Canyon Trailhead off the Desert Scenic Loop Road • South of the Guadalupe Ridge Trail to the park boundary for approximately two Miles • Beyond that two-mile section, camping is allowed both north and south of the trail Camping is prohibited in all other areas, including: • Along roads • In parking lots • At trailheads Vehicle or RV camping is not permitted in the backcountry. Campsite Location Rules Campsites must be: • At least 100 feet from established trails • At least 300 feet from any water source or cave entrance • At least 0.5 mile (2,600 feet) from any road or parking lot Group & Permit Rules • Backcountry camping groups are limited to 10 people • Larger groups must split and camp at least ¼ mile apart • The permit holder must be 18 years or older • Maximum stay is seven consecutive nights The Superintendent may authorize camping in other areas only under special circumstances and when no resource impact will occur. Fire & Pets • Open fires are prohibited • Small cooking stoves are allowed • Pets are not permitted in the backcountry Desert Realities for Equestrians • No developed equestrian camps or corrals • No water available for horses • High heat exposure and minimal shade • Rough, rocky desert terrain • Limited cell service • Road access can change after storms

Where to stay

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitors Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Carlsbad before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

No campgrounds listed for this park.

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Webcams

Hours of operation

Hours

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.

Mon

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Tue

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Wed

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Thu

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Fri

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Sat

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Sun

9:00AM - 2:30PM

Activities

AstronomyStargazingCampingCavingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions. Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!

Contact

Voice5757852232
Fax5757852133
Emailcave_park_information@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Carlsbad Caverns National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

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Directions

To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. The entrance road stretches a scenic seven miles (11.3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov