Hiking
Deep, dark, and mysterious, the Carlsbad Caverns are such a park focal point that the 40,000-plus acres of wilderness above them have gone largely undeveloped, perfect for those looking for solitude. What you find are rudimentary trails that crisscross the dry, textured terrain and lead up to elevations of 6,000 feet or more. These routes often take a half day or more to travel; at least one, Guadalupe Ridge Trail, is long enough that it calls for camping overnight. Walkers who just want a little dusty taste of desert flowers and wildlife should try the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Walk.
Finding the older, less well-maintained trails can be difficult, although many are marked by cairns (rock piles). Pick up a topographical map at the visitor center bookstore, and be sure to pack a lot of water. There's none out in the desert, and you'll need at least a gallon per person per day. The high elevation coupled with a potent sunshine punch can deliver a nasty sunburn, so pack SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and a hat, even in winter. No pets are allowed on the trails. The day hikes are free, but you do have to obtain a free backcountry permit from the visitor center if you're camping.
Easy
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail. While waiting for the evening bat-flight program, take this ½-mile self-guided loop hike that begins just east of the visitor center. The tagged and identified flowers and plants make this a good place to get acquainted with local desert flora. Part of the trail is an easy stroll even for the littlest ones, and part is wheelchair accessible. The payoff is great for everyone, too: a sweeping, vivid view of the desert basin. Easy. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
Rattlesnake Canyon Overlook Trail. A ¼-mile stroll off Walnut Canyon Desert Drive offers a nice overlook down into verdant Rattlesnake Canyon. Easy. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
Moderate
Juniper Ridge Trail. Climb up about 800 feet in elevation as you head north on this nearly 3½-mile one-way trail, which leads to the northern edge of the park and then turns toward Crooked Canyon. While not the most notable trek, it's challenging enough to keep things interesting. Allow yourself half a day, and be sure to bring lots of water, especially when the temperature rises. Moderate. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
Old Guano Road Trail. Meandering a little more than 3½ miles one-way on mostly flat terrain, the trail dips sharply toward Whites City campground, where it ends. Give yourself about four to five hours to complete the walk. Depending on the temperature, this hike can be a bit taxing, but the high desert sun can be potent any time of the year. Moderate. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. Small cairns guide you along this picturesque trail, which descends from 4,570 to 3,900 feet as it winds into the canyon, which is lush with greenery from spring through fall. Allow half a day to trek down into the canyon and make the somewhat strenuous climb out; the total trip is about 6 miles. Moderate. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
Yucca Canyon Trail. Sweeping views of the Guadalupe Mountains and El Capitan give allure to this challenging but beautiful trail. Drive past Rattlesnake Springs and stop at the park boundary before reaching the Slaughter Canyon Cave parking lot (four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended; check with visitor center for road conditions before setting out). Turn west along the boundary fence line to the trailhead. The 7½-mile round-trip begins at the mouth of Yucca Canyon and climbs nearly 1,500 feet up to the top of the escarpment for a panoramic view. Most people turn around at this point; the hardy can continue along a poorly maintained route that follows the top of the ridge for a few more miles. The first part of the hike takes half a day. If you continue on, plan on a full day. Difficult. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354.
Difficult
Guadalupe Ridge Trail. This long, winding ramble follows an old road all the way to the western edge of the park. Because of its length (about 12 miles one-way), an overnight stay in the backcountry is strongly recommended. The hike may be long, but for serious hikers the up-close-and-personal views into Rattlesnake and Slaughter canyons are more than worth it—not to mention the serenity of being miles and miles away from civilization. Difficult. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354. www.nps.gov/cave.
North Slaughter Canyon Trail. Beginning at the Slaughter Canyon Cave parking lot (four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended; check with visitor center for road conditions before setting out), the trail traverses a heavily vegetated canyon bottom into a remote part of the park. As you begin hiking, look off to the east (to your right) to see the dun-colored ridges and wrinkles of the Elephant Back formation, the first of many dramatic limestone formations visible from the trail. The route travels 5½ miles one-way, the last 3 miles steeply climbing onto a limestone ridge escarpment. Allow a full day for the round-trip. Difficult. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, 88220-5354.
