Carlsbad Caverns is one of the great wonders of the National Park System.

The rock formations and the scale of the magnificent cave have allured visitors for over 100 years.

Now, join Shaka Guide as we take you to what's been called "the Grand Canyon with a roof over it."

Itinerary

1. Walnut Canyon Nature Trail

Matt Caracciolo

• Duration: 15 minutes

This little trail is just a few hundred feet long, but you can explore a small patch of Chihuahuan Desert, with some possible shade provided by the cliffs of Walnut Canyon. Interpretive signs identify plant life found along the trail and throughout the park.

2. Walnut Canyon Vista

Matt Caracciolo

• Duration: 15 minutes

An easy, paved trail that is less than half a mile round trip leads to a vista point overlooking Walnut Canyon. Not much of a hike, but a decent view.

3. Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center

Urban Versis 32, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 1 hour

Here's where you'll pay for your entrance to the park, as well as purchase any additional tours you might want to do.

You can also explore the exhibits, get a bite to eat in the cafeteria (open 8 am-4 pm), and do your souvenir shopping in the gift shop.

Lastly, this is also where you access the cave, either using the elevator or the back door for the trail to the natural entrance.

Explore Carlsbad Caverns with Shaka Guide

Our Shake Guide tour to Carlsbad Caverns National Park joins you on the drive to the cave.

Coming from either direction, we share relevant historical and geological information that will provide enriching context for the amazing cave you're about to see.

It's a one-stop tour, to the cave itself, though we point out a couple of optional stops along the way.

And then we see you out of the park with a few parting stories.

There are some fascinating tales and natural phenomena surrounding Carlsbad Caverns, so you don't want to miss the Shaka Guide experience!

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Carlsbad Caverns National Park Know Before You Go article.

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