Overview
Ancient seas helped carve cave systems in the limestone of the Guadalupe Mountains to form what is present-day Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Obviously, most visitors to the park come for the self-guided and ranger-guided cave tours and rightfully so. However, the canyons and desert landscape are quite beautiful and hikers should not pass up the opportunity to hit the trails! Below I’ve listed the 3 hikes in Carlsbad Caverns that you’ll want to try. Official Website.
| State | New Mexico |
| Nearest Metro Area | El Paso, TX |
| Area Size | 46,766 acres |
| Established | May 14, 1930 |
| Hiking Trails | 52 miles |
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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
1. Rattlesnake Canyon Trail
Although there are not many hikes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this is one that you won’t want to miss if you’re interested in checking out the desert landscape. The trail descends into a side canyon before leading you to the larger Rattlesnake Canyon. There is an old homestead from the 1930s along the way as well. The trailhead is located on Desert Loop Road about 2 miles from the Visitor Center.
- 6.0 miles – Out and back
- 600′
- Moderate
2. Yucca Canyon Trail
A steep first 1.5 miles will lead hikers up a side canyon to the top of the ridge. The trail continues until it reaches a sheer drop and view into Big Canyon. This is also one of the only trails in the park where you’ll pass through a pine forest. The trailhead is located at the end of a dirt road near the park’s south boundary.
- 14.5 miles – Out and back
- 1550′ gain
- Strenuous
3. Juniper Ridge Trail
A good chance to see some of the diverse desert plant life, this trail takes you to the park’s border before hikers turn it back or ‘bush-wack’ it to where they started. Hikers can also continue a couple miles further once they get to the boundary until they reach a canyon overlook. The trailhead is located on Desert Loop Road about 1 miles past mile marker 15.
- 2.2 miles – Out and back
- 450′ gain
- Easy
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[…] District is just east of White Sands National Park while the Guadalupe Ranger District border Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Ranging from the floor of the Chihuahuan Desert to the […]