About
Length3.7 mi
ShapePoint-to-Point
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain750 ft up
Typical time2 hr
TrailheadVisitor Center down to Whites City
SurfaceSteep escarpment descent on rocky ground
Best seasonThe cave is 56F year round. Surface trails are best October to April; the bat flight runs from late spring to October.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail is narrow and rocky.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏛️ Historic site

You can begin this trail at the dirt road adjacent to the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. It follows the historic road used to haul guano from the cavern in the early 1900s, and hikers will see ruins and debris from the mining operation about a mile (1.6 km) from the entrance. This 3.7 miles (6 km) trail descends the escarpment, ending at the White's City campground. One-way travel takes an estimated two hours at an easy activity level with a 750 feet (216 m) change in elevation. It is closed near the cavern entrance during Bat Flight Programs.

Tips
Bat guano was mined from this cave for fertiliser from 1903, and this was how it came out. All descent, so arrange a lift at the Whites City end.
Location

Visitor Center down to Whites City

Other Hikers
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