Carlsbad Caverns Wilderness Area

Carlsbad Caverns Wilderness Area spans over 31,000 acres of protected backcountry in southeastern New Mexico, managed by the National Park Service as a federally designated Wilderness. This remote landscape offers hikers and backpackers the chance to explore primitive terrain on foot, with the solitude and self-reliance that wilderness travel demands. Access is non-motorized and mechanized travel is prohibited throughout the area, preserving the backcountry character and requiring visitors to travel by boot and pack alone or with a small group.

The wilderness follows strict Leave No Trace principles and backcountry rules. There are no roads, maintained trails infrastructure, or developed facilities within the designated area. Visitors should be prepared for navigation and self-sufficiency in a genuine wilderness setting. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for extended backpacking trips, while summer heat and winter cold present real challenges. A permit or check-in may be required; contact the National Park Service managing the area before you go to understand current regulations and conditions.