8 days in Carlsbad Caverns National Park Itinerary

The canyons, cacti, and thorny bushes of the southern New Mexico desert hide one of the U.S.'s great subterranean geological wonders, Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Change things up with these side-trips from Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Guadalupe Mountains National Park (McKittrick Canyon & Smith Spring) and Guadalupe Mountains National Park (in Salt Flat). The adventure continues: explore the fascinating underground world of Big Room, take in the dramatic natural features at Giant Dome, get a dose of the wild on Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour, and contemplate the waterfront views at Green Lake.

To see ratings, maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Carlsbad Caverns National Park vacation maker site.

In September in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, expect temperatures between 86°F during the day and 63°F at night.