Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 29 miles southwest of the town of Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico, is the site of limestone caverns that are among the most extensive in the world. Designated a national monument in 1923 and a national park in 1930, the area now covers 46,766 acres. Although scientific investigations have been conducted since the 1920s, the full extent of the caverns is still unknown. Some 30 miles of subterranean passageways and chambers in Carlsbad Caverns have been charted, and the park contains a total of about 80 separate caves. A portion of these is accessible by guided tours.