Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in southeastern New Mexico, is a subterranean wonderland filled with stunning cave formations and underground marvels. The park is home to more than 119 known caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern—the largest single cave chamber in North America. Visitors can descend into the depths of the cave system, marveling at intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and other awe-inspiring formations. The park also offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the enchanting emergence of bats from the cavern at sunset. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a testament to the incredible beauty and intricate wonders that lie beneath the Earth’s surface. Be sure to visit the park website for current tour closures and conditions.
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Carlsbad Caverns National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park. Visit recreation.gov to see what tours are currently available and to reserve your spot!
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Wildlife Photography:
Experience nature’s spectacle during the Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s Bat Flight Program. Witness thousands of bats emerge from caves at sunset—a mesmerizing and unforgettable sight! If you like wildlife photography, you won’t want to miss this! Please be aware, the National Park Service states that bats used to total darkness and silence are disturbed by sounds and light. This is why photography or other filming at bat flight may only be done under a special use permit obtained from the park at least two weeks in advance.
Want to learn more about Carlsbad Caverns National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Hiking Carlsbad Caverns & Guadalupe Mountains National Parks (Regional Hiking Series)
- Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks Planning Guide
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Worlds of Wonder
- Underground Ranger: Adventures in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Other Remarkable Places
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Featured National Park Photographers:
- NPS: Bat Flight, Self Guided Tour
- NPS / Nick Hristov: Bat Flight Program
- NPS / Peter Jones: Doll’s Theater, Green Lake Room, Hall of the White Giant Tour, King’s Palace Tour, Left Hand Tunnel Lantern Tour, Lower Cave Tour, Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour, Spider Cave Tour
- Pixabay: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Shutterstock / Traveller70: Slaughter Canyon
- Shutterstock / Vincent K Ho: Natural Entrance Amphitheater
- Shutterstock / William Silver: Big Room Trail, Natural Entrance Trail
- Shutterstock / Zack Frank: Rattlesnake Springs
Want to visit more parks? Check out our complete list of the US National Parks!
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