Carlsbad Caverns – Natural Entrance and the Big Room - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Carlsbad Caverns – Natural Entrance and the Big Room |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | New Mexico |
| Nearby Town: | Carlsbad |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | From Carlsbad, New Mexico, take US-62 West for approximately 17 miles and turn right onto NM-7 West. Drive another 0.5 miles to the visitor center and cavern entrance. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 2.50 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Easy |
| Permit Required: | Yes |
| Hike Type: | Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| Hike Starts/Ends: | Visitor Center |
| Trails Used: | Natural Entrance and Big Room Trails |
| Backcountry Campsites: | No |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | None |
| Management: | National Park Service |
| Contact Information: | By Mail: Carlsbad Caverns National Park Headquarters 3225 National Parks Highway Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220 Physical Address of the Park: Carlsbad Caverns National Park 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220 Phone - Visitor Information: (575) 785-2232 Phone - Bat Flight Information: (575) 785-3012 Fax: (575) 785-2133 https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm |
| Best Season: | Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Users: | Hikers |
| Road Conditions: | Primary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Geologic features of the desert include both the Guadalupe Mountains and numerous caves. Carlsbad Caverns National Park itself contains more than 119 limestone caves, the most famous of which is Carlsbad Cavern. This particular hike includes a self-guided tour of the Natural Entrance and the Big Room. The Natural Entrance Trail consists of a steep 1.25-mile descent of approximately 750 feet. This trail leads to the 1.25-mile Big Room Trail. The Big Room is filled with wonderfully magical formations, including stalactites, soda straws, draperies, ribbons, and curtains on the ceiling; and totem poles, flowstone, rim stone dams, lily pads, shelves, cave pools, and stalagmites along the floor. Mostly all new terms to me by the way. For the most interesting formation we encountered, see the last picture to the left. Not sure what this one is called. A handheld audio guide is also available for an additional purchase. We found it to be very informative and worth the additional price. |
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