My Journey to Carlsbad Caverns: Exploring an Underground Wonderland

The Discovery of Carlsbad Caverns

The history of Carlsbad Caverns is just as wild as the place itself. Picture this: back in the late 1800s, a young cowboy named Jim White was out riding through the desert when he saw what looked like smoke rising from the ground. Curious, he got closer and realized it wasn’t smoke at all—it was thousands of bats swirling up from a giant black hole. And what does Jim do? He crafts a makeshift ladder and climbs down into the abyss, of course.

What he discovered is exactly what we now know as Carlsbad Caverns—massive chambers and breathtaking formations that almost defy belief. Jim’s story was so unbelievable that most people thought he was exaggerating. But in 1923, the government finally sent some inspectors, and they were blown away. Fast forward to 1930, and Carlsbad Caverns became a national park. All thanks to one guy who wasn’t afraid to get a little adventurous.

Finding My Way

Getting to Carlsbad Caverns felt like a road trip into another world. It’s located in southeastern New Mexico, within the sprawling Guadalupe Mountains that stretch into Texas. The landscape leading up to the caverns is nothing short of dramatic—dry desert, jagged peaks, and the wide-open sky.  Beneath all that rugged surface is the real magic.

On the day of my arrival, I drove up to the visitors’ center where the entrance to the cave is located, just to check everything out.  They strongly suggest that you purchase a ticket in advance, especially for the guided tour, as they sell out through pre-sales. The guided tour takes you to the Big Room, which is the main attraction for many visitors. This tour takes you down an elevator, versus walking down over 1 mile through the original entrance to the cave.

While the self-guided tour tickets are limited as well, you have the option of taking the elevator down to the Big Room or walking the 1-mile plus from the original entrance to the cave down to the big room. I decided the following day I would do the self-guided tour and walk the trail.

Going Underground

The next morning, I was ready to explore the caves themselves. Walking into Carlsbad Caverns felt like stepping into another universe. The Big Room (and wow, is it big) is the largest cave chamber in North America, and it’s hard to wrap your head around just how massive it is until you’re standing in the middle of it. Stalactites hang like alien chandeliers, and the stalagmites rise from the floor like ancient pillars, some of them looking almost like they belong in a fantasy world. 

I chose to do a self-guided tour, wandering along the well-lit pathways and taking in the scenery at my own pace. Every turn revealed something new—curved rock formations, delicate draperies, and pools of crystal-clear water. But for the more adventurous, there are ranger-led tours that take you even deeper into the cave. I’ll have to come back for that next time.

Bats at Sunset: Nature’s Nightly Show

The thing that I’ve always wanted to experience is a bat flight at sunset. I mean, I’d seen videos of bats flying out of caves before but witnessing it in person was a whole different level. 

I joined a group of people at the amphitheater near the cave’s natural entrance just as the sun was starting to dip. The air had that perfect desert evening warmth, and we all sat there, eyes glued to the cave. Slowly, the light faded, and then it happened. Thousands of bats started pouring out of the cave in this swirling, fluid motion—almost like black smoke but alive. It was so mesmerizing that for a moment, it felt like time slowed down. The sound of their wings, the movement of the swarm, the backdrop of the sunset—it was one of those moments that leaves you speechless.

We were not allowed to photograph or video the bat flight as it could disturb the bats, so no photos of that.  You will need to visit Carlsbad to experience for yourself! 

Where To Stay

The closest town with any decent amenities is Carlsbad, a small desert city that’s about a half-hour drive from the park.  That said, just outside the entrance to the national park is Whites City. It is considered a “town” but is really just a small cluster of buildings with a hotel, one restaurant, a small convenience store with a gas station, a campground with water/electric hookup sites, and primitive campsites.   I stayed at the campground as it was so convenient.  There is also dispersed camping options further south along the highway, and not far from the national park entrance. 

A Place of Wonder and Adventure



I didn’t expect Carlsbad Caverns to leave such an impression on me, but it did. It’s more than just a cool cave—it’s a reminder of how much wonder there is hidden in our world. From the curious cowboy who discovered it to the breathtaking bat flight and the surreal underground chambers, this national park was like nothing I’d ever experienced.

If you’re ever in New Mexico, do yourself a favor and make the trip. Whether you're there to watch the bats swirl out into the night sky or to get lost in the underground labyrinth, Carlsbad Caverns is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. I know I’ll be back.

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