Carlsbad Caverns National Park Map and Entrances Explained
Where Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico, in the Chihuahuan Desert, near the Texas border. The park is part of the Guadalupe Mountains region and is famous for its extensive limestone cave system, including the spectacular Carlsbad Cavern.
Location at a Glance
- State: New Mexico
- County: Eddy County
- Nearest town: White’s City (7 miles / 11 km)
- Nearest city: Carlsbad (20 miles / 32 km)
- Coordinates: 32.1479° N, 104.5567° W
- Elevation: Approximately 4,400–6,500 feet (1,340–1,980 m)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Map
Click the image below to view map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in full size.
Unlike many U.S. national parks that have multiple entrance gates, Carlsbad Caverns National Park has just one main vehicle entrance.
Main Park Entrance
- Access road: Carlsbad Caverns Highway (New Mexico Highway 7)
- Turnoff: From US Highway 62/180 at White’s City, New Mexico
- Distance from White’s City: 7 miles (11 km) to the Visitor Center
- Visitor Center address: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Cave Entrances
Once you reach the Visitor Center, there are two ways to enter Carlsbad Cavern:
- Natural Entrance
- A steep, 1.25-mile (2 km) self-guided trail descending into the cave.
- Drops about 750 feet (229 m) below the surface.
- Recommended for first-time visitors who want the classic experience.
- Elevator Entrance
- An elevator from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room.
- Ideal for visitors with limited mobility or those who prefer to avoid the steep hike.
Other Park Access Areas
While there is only one official entrance gate, you can also access other parts of the park for hiking:
- Walnut Canyon Desert Drive
- Rattlesnake Springs
- Slaughter Canyon Trail
These areas are reached via separate roads but are not official park entrance stations for visiting Carlsbad Cavern.
Summary
| Entrance | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Main Park Entrance (NM-7) | Only vehicle entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
| Natural Entrance | Walk into the cave via the historic entrance |
| Elevator Entrance | Direct elevator access to the Big Room |
Carlsbad Caverns National Park has one road entrance for vehicles, but visitors can enter the cave itself via either the Natural Entrance Trail or the Visitor Center elevator. Reservations for a timed cave entry are strongly recommended.
