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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Strange stalactites and soda straws

By Scott Richardson

March 31^st, 2020

Carlsbad Caverns has been one of my favorite national parks since I first visited in 2012. Its one of those classic places you hear of, but it’s also far enough off the beaten path that you need to make a trip of it. The bright desert fades into darkness as you enter the cavern, and formations reminiscent of set pieces in a horror film greet you at every turn. It is truly otherworldly.

I only had time for a short day trip as part of a longer trip to visit other national parks around Texas and New Mexico. What I love about Carlsbad Caverns is how easy it is to access. A short, steep hike takes you straight down into the Big Room, viewing crazy formations all along the way. Above ground, a road takes you back in time as you view the remnants of an ancient reef system.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Experience Carlsbad Caverns

Experience Carlsbad Caverns just like I did. Explore the formations of the Natural Entrance and the Big Room. Use your mouse or phone to rotate the frame, or use a VR headset to feel like you’re there.

The landscape of Carlsbad Caverns is a continuation of the story that Guadalupe Mountains National Park taught me. Hundreds of millions of years ago, West Texas and New Mexico were covered by a shallow inland sea. When the sea receded, the remnants of its once vibrant creatures turned into limestone that was slowly dissolved by sulfuric acid to form the caverns we can see today.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Drips of rain water and snowmelt continue to slowly grow the cave’s collection of creepy formations. Towers of delicate structures hang from the ceiling, and grow up from its floor. Massive curtains droop downwards to puddles of still water below. Meanwhile, intimate scenes take place on the walls, tiny straws and formations that are reminiscent of coral.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Drips of rain water and snowmelt continue to slowly grow the cave’s collection of creepy formations. Delicate soda straws hang from the ceiling, and massive columns grow up from the floor. Massive curtains droop downwards to puddles of still water below. Meanwhile, intimate scenes take place on the walls, tiny popcorn formations are reminiscent of coral and were formed by air flow in the caves.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Above ground, the ancient reef is exposed within the Guadalupe Mountains. Tectonic activity lifted the reef above the earth’s surface and weathered it to its current view.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

© 2026 Scott Richardson

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