Situated in the southern part of the Chihuahuan Desert, Carlsbad Caverns National Park features more than a hundred caves. You can enter one of these caves through the Natural Entrance. After you’ve entered the cavern, you can take a tour of the Big Room, where stalactites and stalagmites cling to the ceiling. You can also take a loop of the Walnut Canyon Desert Loop for stunning views of the desert. Nearby, you can also visit Rattlesnake Springs, a natural wetland that is home to hundreds of bird species.
The Upper Chamber: The Upper Chamber is where you’ll see the largest colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats. The caverns are the ideal place to see these creatures, which feed on flying insects. The bat flight takes place every night from Memorial Day weekend through October and includes an evening ranger talk and a bat flight into the sunset. You can also take a moon hike or star walk, which are both free. For the best experience, avoid traveling during the peak season. There are limited tours, and some are sold out.
The entrance to the caverns is a good spot for the Bat Flight Program. The tour begins about 30 minutes before sunset. The amphitheater near the Natural Entrance offers shaded shelters and an observation area. This is the only way to see bats, so make sure you have the right timing to observe them. If the weather is rainy, the bats will not leave the caves. They may wait up to three days before they decide to fly again.
There are other caves that you can visit. The Big Room and the Natural Entrance are two places you can take a self-guided tour. The entrance fee to both of these caves is the same, and both are open until sunset. Kids under 15 can enter for free and don’t require a National Park pass to enter. This park has many activities and programs for kids, so make sure to bring a camera.
The caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park are an incredible place to visit for families and individuals alike. The soaring, crystalline walls are a great place to watch the sun rise, and the surrounding rocks and a variety of animals can be found in the caverns’ backcountry. The cliffs are a unique natural oasis where you can explore by foot or car. You’ll also find spiders and other creatures in the caverns, and a variety of wildlife.
In addition to the caves, the park is home to many different species of bats. The caves in this park are home to 17 species of bats. The Mexican free-tailed bat is the most common among them. You can enjoy the caves’ natural beauty for hours on end. This isn’t a stop for those looking for a quick getaway. The caverns are a wonderful, relaxing destination for family vacations.