Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Amid the arid rocky environment, a hedgehog cactus blooms in the spring.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.
Photo by NPS / Michael Larson
Photo of the Big Room with trail
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.
Photo by NPS / Michael Larson
Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big Room
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Photo of a yucca plant with cream and pinkish-colored flowers.
Photo by NPS / Eymard Bangcoro