Big Room
A self-guided walk past giant formations.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
A vast limestone Big Room, one of the largest in North America, reached by trail or elevator, and hundreds of thousands of bats at dusk.
Below New Mexico's desert lie more than 100 caves. The Big Room's 1.25-mile path passes giant stalagmites and the Hall of Giants.
From spring to fall, Brazilian free-tailed bats swirl out of the cave's mouth at sunset, watched from a small amphitheater.
- Best Time
- April to October
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day except some holidays
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours from El Paso, Texas.
What to See
1 of 4 are freeNatural Entrance
A steep, dramatic descent on foot.
Bat Flight Program
A sunset gathering, from late spring to October.
King's Palace tour
A ranger-led tour of the ornate rooms.
Know Before You Go
- Timed entry reservations are needed.
- Elevator service has been unreliable, so check before you go.
- It's a cool 56°F underground.
Where to Stay
Stay in Carlsbad or White's City.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southwest list.