High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert
wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath
the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved
limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

Bird's eye view of the park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The 1,200-acre Black River Recreation Area is managed to provide low-impact
recreation and environmental education opportunities while maintaining a
healthy river system and riparian habitat. This river corridor acts as a
transition zone between the limestone foothills of the Guadalupe Escarpment
and the southern gypsum soils to the east. Several spring-fed pools within the
area comprise the headwaters of the Black River. The area includes a series of
deep, elongated pools interconnected by a shallow, narrow stream.  
  
The Black River, an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert, is home to rare species of
plants, fish and reptiles in and around the river. During migration seasons,
the area teems with birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. Bird
populations in this small area fluctuate daily and seasonally. Visitors may
observe green-backed herons, orchard orioles, yellow-billed cuckoos, and
roadrunners. Lush desert vegetation and clear pools of water provide excellent
opportunities for viewing wildlife.  
  
The recreation area's most frequently visited site is the Cottonwood Day Use
Area, which includes a wildlife viewing platform, picnic tables, and a toilet.
The parking area is approximately 500 feet from the water's edge.  
  
Facilities include a restroom and picnic tables. Drinking water is not
available.

The 1,200-acre Black River Recreation Area is managed to provide low-impact recreation and environmental education opportunities while maintaining a healthy river system and riparian habitat. This river corridor acts as a transition zone between the limestone foothills of the Guadalupe Escarpment and the southern gypsum soils to the east. Several spring-fed pools within the area comprise the headwaters of the Black River. The area includes a series of deep, elongated pools interconnected by a shallow, narrow stream. 
 
The Black River, an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert, is home to rare species of plants, fish and reptiles in and around the river. During migration seasons, the area teems with birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. Bird populations in this small area fluctuate daily and seasonally. Visitors may observe green-backed herons, orchard orioles, yellow-billed cuckoos, and roadrunners. Lush desert vegetation and clear pools of water provide excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. 
 
The recreation area's most frequently visited site is the Cottonwood Day Use Area, which includes a wildlife viewing platform, picnic tables, and a toilet. The parking area is approximately 500 feet from the water's edge. 
 
Facilities include a restroom and picnic tables. Drinking water is not available.

Black River Recreation Area

The Mudgetts WSA is located in southern New Mexico about 30 miles southwest of
the city of Carlsbad. The WSA is contiguous with Carlsbad Wilderness (managed
by the National Park Service). The area is characterized by steeply rolling
limestone hills and canyons covered in desert shrubs and cactus with scattered
sotol, agave, and juniper. The region is known for its diverse vegetation,
scenic vistas and caves.

The Mudgetts WSA is located in southern New Mexico about 30 miles southwest of the city of Carlsbad. The WSA is contiguous with Carlsbad Wilderness (managed by the National Park Service). The area is characterized by steeply rolling limestone hills and canyons covered in desert shrubs and cactus with scattered sotol, agave, and juniper. The region is known for its diverse vegetation, scenic vistas and caves.

Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area

Lonesome Ridge WSA is located in southern New Mexico, about 40 miles southwest
of Carlsbad on the eastern side of the Guadalupe Escarpment. The area features
stark landscape transitions from Chihuahuan Desert shrubs at the lower
elevations to sheer limestone cliffs. The steep, rugged mountains with
dramatic rock outcrops are highly scenic. The WSA is contiguous with the
Guadalupe Escarpment WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service) and Guadalupe
Mountains Wilderness (managed by the National Park Service) in Texas.

Lonesome Ridge WSA is located in southern New Mexico, about 40 miles southwest of Carlsbad on the eastern side of the Guadalupe Escarpment. The area features stark landscape transitions from Chihuahuan Desert shrubs at the lower elevations to sheer limestone cliffs. The steep, rugged mountains with dramatic rock outcrops are highly scenic. The WSA is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service) and Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness (managed by the National Park Service) in Texas.

Lonesome Ridge Wilderness Study Area

The Devil's Den Canyon WSA is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 40
miles southwest of Carlsbad and is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment
WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service). Devil's Den Canyon contains the
mouth of a major drainage on the west side of Guadalupe Escarpment and has a
variety of vegetation including desert shrubs and grasses, piсon and juniper
woodlands, and sub-riparian trees and shrubs in the canyon bottom.

The Devil's Den Canyon WSA is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 40 miles southwest of Carlsbad and is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service). Devil's Den Canyon contains the mouth of a major drainage on the west side of Guadalupe Escarpment and has a variety of vegetation including desert shrubs and grasses, piсon and juniper woodlands, and sub-riparian trees and shrubs in the canyon bottom.

Devil's Den Canyon Wilderness Study Area

The McKittrick Canyon WSA is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 40
miles southwest of Carlsbad. It is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment
WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service). McKittrick Canyon contains
Chihuahuan Desert grassland and scrub, including creosote bush and mesquite,
as well as piсon-juniper woodlands and deciduous riparian. This WSA consists
almost entirely of steep side slopes.

The McKittrick Canyon WSA is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 40 miles southwest of Carlsbad. It is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service). McKittrick Canyon contains Chihuahuan Desert grassland and scrub, including creosote bush and mesquite, as well as piсon-juniper woodlands and deciduous riparian. This WSA consists almost entirely of steep side slopes.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

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Nearby Parks

Black River Recreation Area

Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area

Lonesome Ridge Wilderness Study Area

Devil's Den Canyon Wilderness Study Area

McKittrick Canyon Wilderness Study Area