Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are two of the most unique and fascinating national parks in the United States. Located in the southwestern United States, these parks offer visitors a chance to explore and discover the beauty of the desert and the mountains. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its vast underground network of caves, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its towering peaks and breathtaking views. Whether you’re a fan of exploring caves, hiking, or just taking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to impress. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready to embark on an adventure through the deserts and mountains of the southwestern United States!
Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both popular destinations for hiking and outdoor recreation in the southwestern United States. Both parks offer a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels, ranging from easy, leisurely walks to challenging, strenuous hikes.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one of the easiest hikes is the Natural Entrance Trail, a 1.25-mile trail that leads from the park’s entrance to the Big Room. This trail is paved and well-maintained, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Big Room Loop Trail is a strenuous, 2.2-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the park’s famous Big Room. This trail features steep climbs and descents and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the easiest hike is the Pinery Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through a scenic, pine-covered landscape. This trail is relatively flat and easy to follow, making it a great option for families and visitors who are new to hiking. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Guadalupe Peak Trail is a strenuous, 8.4-mile hike that takes you to the top of the park’s highest peak. This trail is steep and strenuous, and requires a high level of physical fitness.
Overall, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a range of hiking trails to suit a variety of interests and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, these parks have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park Trail | 1287.472 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 5 |
| North Slaughter Canyon Trail | 17863.674 | 469.6968 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Carlsbad Caverns Highway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 23657.298 | 309.9816 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Juniper Ridge Trail | 3057.746 | 140.8176 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Yucca Canyon Trail | 6115.492 | 443.7888 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail | 1609.34 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Rattlesnake Canyon | 8690.436 | 207.8736 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Walnut Canyon Trail | 482.802 | 7.9248 | Easy | out and back | 2.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe Peak Texas Highpoint Trail | 13035.654 | 873.8616 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Devil’s Hall Trail | 5793.624 | 175.8696 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| McKittrick Canyon Trail | 32508.668 | 1330.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Smith Spring Trail | 3862.416 | 117.9576 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Hunter Peak | 12552.852 | 809.8536 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| El Capitan Trail | 15449.664 | 514.8072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pratt Lodge via McKittrick Canyon Trail | 7724.832 | 103.9368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Hall Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 179.832 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bush Mountain | 20116.75 | 1085.6976 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pine Springs to McKittrick Canyon | 28485.318 | 1239.9264 | Moderate | point to point | 5 |
Wildlife in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors, with a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors can see a variety of desert wildlife, including bats, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the southwestern willow flycatcher, the purple martin, and the black-throated sparrow. In addition, the park is surrounded by a variety of desert plants, including creosote bush, mesquite, and prickly pear cactus.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, visitors can see a variety of mountain wildlife, including deer, elk, black bears, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Mexican spotted owl, the peregrine falcon, and the golden eagle. In addition, the park is surrounded by a variety of mountain plants, including oak, pine, and aspen trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and other plants.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer unique wildlife experiences for visitors, with a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are commonly seen in each park. Whether you’re interested in desert wildlife or mountain wildlife, these two parks offer a range of options for visitors to enjoy.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Deer Mouse |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Hoary Bat | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Common Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Wolf |
| Mule Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Common Gray Fox | American Badger |
| Gray Wolf | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| American Badger | Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| California Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Western Small-Footed Myotis |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Bighorn Sheep |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
Reptiles
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Sonoran Gophersnake |
| Eastern Racer | Eastern Racer |
| Green Prairie Rattlesnake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Prairie Ring-Necked Snake |
| Common Gartersnake | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | Common Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Desert Kingsnake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Texas Night Snake |
| Texas Nightsnake | Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Desert Striped Whipsnake |
| New Mexico Milksnake | Smith’s Black-Headed Snake |
| Striped Whipsnake | Big Bend Tree Lizard |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | Eastern Collared Lizard |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | Glossy Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Long-Nosed Snake |
| Glossy Snake | Desert Spiny Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | Tiger Salamander |
| American Bullfrog | American Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | Red-Spotted Toad |
| Red-Spotted Toad | Plains Spadefoot |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Fish
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Rainbow Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Green Sunfish |
| Mosquitofish |
Insects
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Guadalupe Mountains National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulfur | |
| Painted Ladies | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– Caves: the park is home to over 119 known caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern, which is one of the largest and most famous caves in the world.
– Desert Landscapes: the park’s desert landscape is characterized by its unique rock formations, including hoodoos, and its vast open spaces.
– Wildlife: the park’s desert environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, and jackrabbits.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
– Mountain Ranges: the park is home to the Guadalupe Mountains, which are some of the tallest mountains in Texas and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
– Canyons: the park is also home to several canyons, including McKittrick Canyon, which is known for its stunning fall foliage.
– Waterfalls: the park is home to several waterfalls, including the stunning Smith Springs waterfall.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer visitors a chance to explore and discover the beauty of the desert and the mountains. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is known for its vast underground network of caves and its unique desert landscapes, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its towering peaks, canyons, and waterfalls. Whether you’re a fan of exploring caves, hiking, or just taking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors, these two parks are sure to impress.
Things To-Do and Activities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, with different popular activities at each park.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the most popular activity is visiting the caves. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves, including the Big Room, which is the largest single cave chamber in North America. In addition to visiting the caves, visitors can also hike the park’s desert trails, go bird watching, and attend ranger-led programs.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the most popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and camping. The park offers a range of trails, from easy hikes to more strenuous backpacking trips, with stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscape. In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, go horseback riding, and attend ranger-led programs.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, with different popular activities at each park. Whether you’re interested in exploring caves, hiking, or scenic drives, these two parks offer a range of options for visitors to experience.
Best Time to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park are both located in the southwestern United States and experience different weather patterns throughout the year. Understanding the seasonal weather patterns can help visitors determine the best time of year to visit each park.
At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the weather is warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. This is the most popular time of year to visit the park, as visitors can enjoy comfortable temperatures while exploring the park’s famous caves. Winter temperatures are mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s. This is a quieter time of year to visit the park, as there are fewer visitors and the weather is more mild.
At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the weather is warm and dry in the summer, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. This is the most popular time of year to visit the park, as visitors can enjoy comfortable temperatures while exploring the park’s scenic trails. Winter temperatures are cooler, with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to low 50s. This is a quieter time of year to visit the park, as there are fewer visitors and the weather is more mild.
Overall, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a range of weather patterns throughout the year. The best time to visit each park will depend on your personal preferences and the type of activities you are interested in. If you prefer warm, dry weather and are interested in exploring the parks’ trails and caves, summer is the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler, milder weather and are interested in a more peaceful, less crowded experience, winter may be the best time to visit.
Family Friendliness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park can be great options for families, depending on your interests and your children’s ages and abilities.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park:
– The park offers several ranger-led tours, including the popular Big Room tour, which is suitable for families with children of all ages.
– The park also has several easy hiking trails, including the Natural Entrance trail, which is a great way for families to explore the park’s desert landscape.
– The park’s visitor center has interactive exhibits that are great for kids and families, including a live bat exhibit.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
– The park has several easy hiking trails, including the Devil’s Hall trail, which is a great option for families with children.
– The park also has several ranger-led programs, including campfire programs and guided hikes, which are great for families with kids.
– The park’s scenic drives, including the Guadalupe Peak trail, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are great for families who enjoy scenic drives.
In conclusion, both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offer a variety of activities and experiences that are suitable for families with children. The best park for your family will depend on your interests and your children’s ages and abilities. Both parks offer ranger-led programs, easy hiking trails, and interactive exhibits, making them both great options for families.