To the unsuspecting person, the Chihuahuan Desert and the Guadalupe Mountains of Southern New Mexico and west Texas hold nothing more than a few inspiring landscapes with desert brush and tall mountain peaks. But beneath the surface exists an entire system of more than 300 caves created millions of years ago.

These caves were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone, creating some of the largest caves in North America. One hundred and thirteen of these caves make up the majestic Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

There are two ways to explorer the grandeur of the park, and many other opportunities to explorer the surrounding areas.

Self-Guided Tours
There are two self-guided routes that lead to the basic cavern entry. The Big Room Route is approximately?? miles long, and the Natural Entrance Route, at approximately ?? long. Tickets to both can be purchased at the visitor center each day, except December 25. Entrance fee tickets are good for three days.

Guided Tours
Reservations for guided tours can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or by visiting www.recreation.gov. An entrance fee ticket must be purchased in addition to the fee for guided tours to the Hall of the White Giant, Lower Cave, Left Hand Tunnel and the Kings Palace.

Bat Flights
Carlsbad-Caverns-batsTourists can also take advantage of the opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights. Every summer evening, around 400,000 Brazilian free-tail bats, also referred to as Mexican free tail bats, exit the Carlsbad Caverns looking for insects to feast on.

The program begins with a short lecture by a park ranger. Starting times for programs vary. To verify program-starting times, it is best to call the park or check with the visitor center on the day you would like to attend. Programs may be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

Bat flight programs are only in effect from Memorial Day weekend through mid-fall. There is no charge for the bat flight program.

For those looking to make the best of their visit, the best bat flights are usually in July and August. Baby bats that are born in early summer usually join the flight along with migrating bats from colonies up north.

Please take note that cameras, including video cameras, are not allowed at the bat flight program. Scientific studies and bat researchers have found that lights, like those used by flash photography, may disturb the bats. Pets are not allowed in the amphitheater.

The amphitheater has spaces located towards the entrance to accommodate wheelchairs. Fully accessible restrooms are also available and easily accesbil

Pre-dawn return flights:
Pre-dawn return flights are for the true early risers. Although different from the evening exit flights, pre-dawn return flights are just as spectacular. Witness the bats return from a night of scavenger hunting and feasting on insects, as they re-enter the caverns. Individual bats diving in from every direction can reach speeds of 25 mph or more and do so from hundreds of feet high.

A multitude of activities exist at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Take the opportunity to explore the backcountry by hiking and camping. Make sure to stop in the visitor center for one of the many entertaining and informative programs that you will only find at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.