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Things to do in Carlsbad Caverns: 1 local trip idea

A ready-made adventure day trip in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, with 5 stops in order.

Adventure trip

Rugged Depths and Canyon Ridges

5 stops · about 7 hr 45 min of stops · ~$74 per person

Embark on an adrenaline-pumping, active day exploring the rugged trails, steep cavern climbs, and deep underground wilderness of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

  1. 1

    PJ & B’s Rio Cafe

    711 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
    PJ & B’s Rio Cafe, Carlsbad Caverns

    Fuel up on their famous, massive Green Chile and Steak 'Wolverine' burrito before heading south.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

    727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
    Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, Carlsbad Caverns

    Skip the elevator and hike down the steep, strenuous 1.25-mile Natural Entrance trail dropping 750 feet.

    ★ 4.9 on Google · about 2 hr 30 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

    727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
    Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, Carlsbad Caverns

    Grab a quick, casual lunch of Southwestern favorites directly inside the visitor center to save trail time.

    ★ 4.9 on Google · about 45 min · ~$14 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Slaughter Canyon Cave

    Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
    Slaughter Canyon Cave, Carlsbad Caverns

    Hike the rugged, unpaved half-mile trail gaining 500 feet of elevation for epic, sweeping views of the canyon.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 2 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    The Trinity Hotel & Restaurant

    201 S Canal St, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
    The Trinity Hotel & Restaurant, Carlsbad Caverns

    Relax after your active day in this historic 1892 bank building with great pasta and local wine.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$30 per person · Directions

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