About Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves
The Carlsbad Field Office manages hundreds of caves and karst features. Many of them are appropriate for recreational caving. Some of the caves require permits due to sensitive resources or technical complexity. The majority of the permitted caves are limestone maze caves. Most are horizontal, but some require single rope technique (SRT) skills in certain areas. Caves vary from large walking passages to very tight squeezes.Permitted caves include Doc Brito, KFFC, Jurnigan #2, Little Manhole, Lost Cave, Sand, and Wind-Hicks. There are also popular non-permitted caves such as Parks Ranch Cave and caves in the Burton Flats area. To visit any cave, make sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear, including a helmet, at least one helmet-mounted light and two other sources of light, gloves, and knee pads. The minimum group number for a permitted cave is three people. The maximum amount varies by cave.All cavers must follow current White-nose Syndrome (WNS) protocols. New Mexico's WNS status is currently intermediate. No gear from WNS positive states is permitted to be used in the Carlsbad Field Office Caves. Gear from other intermediate or WNS-free areas must be properly decontaminated before and after the cave trip. Contact the BLM Carlsbad Field Office for more details.
How to Get There
Directions to individual caves are included in the permit. Many cave locations are considered sensitive information by the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. For further information or to request a permit, please contact the Carlsbad Field Office at 575-234-5972.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves
Heading to Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves?
No central reservation system listed for Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/10276157) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves?
Directions to individual caves are included in the permit. Many cave locations are considered sensitive information by the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. For further information or to request a permit, please contact the Carlsbad Field Office at 575-234-5972.
How do I contact Carlsbad Field Office Recreational Caves?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-234-5972 or email: gnschneider@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
