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Submission
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.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers no overnight lodging or campgrounds. Primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry only and requires a free permit which is issued at the park's visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance). Overnight RV parking is not permitted in the park. Seven miles (11 km) from the visitor center you will find a campground (RV/tent/cabin) and amenities in White's City.
Simple trail, not too steep. Little over a mile in and after a split to the left we found 2-3 places to set up tents.
Was up at Rattlesnake Springs picnic area. No one there. Restroom open and clean as rest of the park. Please don't swarm and trash our local parks. Take your trash with you. Gravel road you can hike from picnic area to way back by the pond. Enjoy, leave no trace so our parks will stay open.
Excellent hike that starts of hard for the first two miles then get easy as you work to the top of the canyon. From there its fairly flat as you follow old jeep trails and rock covered roads.
We didn't see a single car or other person while hiking this trail in may... amazing plants and wildlife and stunning views, a great way to round out your trip to the park... many loose rocks so make sure you have good hiking boots!
