Carlsbad Caverns National Park

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

Hall of Giants

Giant and Twin domes in the Big Room.

Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.

Big Room

Big Room

Photo of the Big Room with trail

Mule Deer

Mule deer find food in a drainage.

Photo of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.

Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern

Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern

Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.

Chandelier and Caveman Formations

Chandelier and Caveman formations.

Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big Room

Yucca Blooming

Yucca blooming

Photo of a yucca plant with cream and pinkish-colored flowers.