Quick Answer: How To Get To Carlsbad Caverns From El Paso?

Is Carlsbad Caverns worth seeing?

Carlsbad Caverns is amazing. I haven’t been to a whole lot of cave sites, but it’s the best I’ve seen. There’s a reason people drive out there at all. But it’s not really close to White Sands, which is about a 4 hour drive west.

How much time do you need at Carlsbad Caverns?

Unless you’re a serious hiker or VERY interested in caves / geology, you’ll be through in 2-3 hours. Unless you’re doing a Carlsbad Caverns guided tour, the Big Room self guided tour (and the optional hike down / up) are the only areas that are open to the public.

What is the best time of year to visit Carlsbad Caverns?

The best time of year to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park is winter, spring or fall. Summers tend to be sweltering hot, with temperatures around 100+ degrees being the norm, and later in the summer, afternoon rains downpour across the desert.

What airport is closest to Carlsbad Caverns?

The closest major airport to Carlsbad is El Paso International Airport at 145 miles west of the park. The next closest airports are Lubbock Texas International at 178 miles northeast of the park, and Albuquerque International Airport is about 275 miles north of the park.

Which tour is best at Carlsbad Caverns?

There are also a variety of longer, ranger-guided tours. The top-rated one is King’s Palace, which leads to deepest portion of the cavern open to the public, 830 feet beneath the desert. The sheer quantity of formations to see can be overwhelming.

How deep is the bottomless pit in Carlsbad Caverns?

It includes an officially named “Bottomless Pit,” which park officials say actually does have a bottom. “For early explorers without strong lights, this gaping hole appeared bottomless. From the trail, the bottom is 140 feet (40 meters) down,” the park revealed on Facebook.

Are reservations needed for Carlsbad Caverns?

Reservations Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern. Reservations must be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777. No reservations available at the park. Reservations are only for selecting the entry time.

Are backpacks allowed in Carlsbad Caverns?

All cavern tours require that you wear shirts and shoes. Metal framed backpacks or backpacks that extend above the shoulders or of a length that extends below the hips are prohibited (e.g. trekking backpacks). Walking sticks and canes are permitted on cave tours if medically necessary.

How many days do you need in Big Bend?

Due to its remote location, it takes at least four hours to drive to Big Bend National Park from the closest airport. Since it takes so much time to get here, this is not the type of national park that can be visited on a quick day trip. Plan to spend at least 2 days in Big Bend, although more time is better.

What months are the bats at Carlsbad Caverns?

Some very basic facts regarding the long-distance seasonal migration of Brazilian (or Mexican) free-tail bats are generally understood. Most of these bats arrive at summer roosts, such as Carlsbad Cavern, in March and April, and depart for southern locations in Mexico by late October.

Is Carlsbad Caverns dangerous?

The park is considered safe for visitors, per a Friday news release. Park staff plan to monitor the hours employees spend in the Caverns, while providing training as to the possible effects of exposure and making modifications to the visitor center to mitigate the risk.

How long is the elevator ride at Carlsbad Caverns?

The Carlsbad Caverns elevator ride takes only one minute at a speed of nine miles per hour.

What is the closest city to Carlsbad Caverns?

To access Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s only entrance road, Carlsbad Caverns Highway, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White’s City, New Mexico —20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, Texas.

Is Carlsbad Caverns open in the winter?

The park is open every day, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days, weather and road conditions permitting. Purchase cavern tickets at the ticket counter inside the visitor center. A general admission ticket is required for anyone entering Carlsbad Cavern.

Why is Carlsbad Caverns called Carlsbad?

The town of Carlsbad, which lends its name to the cavern and national park, is in turn named after the Czech town formerly known by the German name Karlsbad (English spelling Carlsbad) and now known by the Czech name Karlovy Vary, both of which mean “Charles’ Bath[s].”