Natural Entrance Trail - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Our May 2015 visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park continued with the self-guided Natural Entrance Trail. This paved 1¼ mile trail descends about 750 feet for an average grade of over 11%. It is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. The trail follows the historic explorer's route through a large trunk passage called the Main Corridor. The trail ends near the elevators and rest area at the beginning of the Big Room.

The cavern is 56°F year round, so the park service recommends a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket. Keep in mind that the humidity is about 90% as well. The park service also recommends sturdy, closed-toe shoes be worn. Recreational walking sticks are prohibited, but canes and walking sticks for medical purposes are allowed. Strollers are not permitted. No pets are allowed in the cavern, but a kennel is available for a fee at the visitor center. Service animals are permitted in the cavern. Restrooms are available at the visitor center and in the Big Room near the elevators and concession stand. All items sold in the cavern are also available in the visitor center gift shop.

Finally, there are several rules given to every person entering the caverns:

• Stay on the cave trail at all times
• Talk quietly, sound carries a long distance
• Do not throw anything in the pools
• Tobacco use is not permitted
• Gum, food and drinks (other than plain water) are not allowed on the cave trail system
• Do not touch cave formations, walls or ceilings
• Do not collect anything natural to the park

Bat Flight Amphitheater

Winding descent into the earth

Looking back at the circling birds

The trail is paved with rubberized asphalt

Looking down into the auditorium section of the cavern

The ceiling of the Auditorium

Closeup of the ceiling

Final glimpse of daylight

Devil's Spring

Popcorn above the surface of Devil's Spring

Reflection in Devil's Spring

Large flowstone formation

Side cave

Backlit stalagmites

Parachute flowstone formations

Whale's Mouth

Looking down into the Devil's Den

Devil's Den

Looking back toward Natural Bridge from Devil's Den

More flowstone formations

Descending to Iceberg Rock

Iceberg Rock is estimated to weigh 200,000 tons

Rockfall on former seating area

Veiled Statue

Ceiling of the Green Lake Room

Popcorn formations

Remnant of old trail and stairs

Boneyard

An entrance fee of $10 per person is required to enter the cavern for either of the two self-guided tours: Natural Entrance and Big Room. The fee is valid for 3 days. Other options include an Interagency Annual Pass providing access to most national park, national forest and BLM fee areas for $80 and a lifetime Interagency Senior Pass for those age 62 and older for $10. Ranger-led tours require additional fees of $7 to $20 that are discounted for Senior and Access Pass holders, but not for Annual Pass holders.

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm.