Top 10 Things To Do In Carlsbad, NM...besides The Caverns!

You wouldn’t believe how far and long people will travel to see the Carlsbad Caverns.  In my waitressing days in Carlsbad I would meet people from British Columbia, France, England, and a plethora of states who were passing through just for the Caverns.  It always made me wonder what they thought of the area, because I personally always thought it looked like a flat nuclear wasteland.

I’ll hand it to the Caverns…they are very impressive.  It’s not until you visit other caverns in the country that you appreciate the magnitude and vastness of what you find in Carlsbad.  However, once you spent the day at the caverns, the question then becomes, “What else is there to do around here”? And the answer is invariably, “Leave the next morning and drive to our real destination”.

So for those of you who are looking at and planning a trip to Carlsbad, or for those of you who are there and wondering what the heck else there is to do in town, here’s a list of some things you can do in Carlsbad, NM…besides the caverns.  

1. Carlsbad Caverns

Now I know what you’re thinking – this list is supposed to be things besides the Caverns!! Here’s the thing, there’s a lot more you can do at the Caverns than most people think.  You could actually make a 2 or 3 day trip to Carlsbad and spend every day doing something different at the Caverns.  Here’s a few extra’s you can do:

• Night Sky Events & Full Moon Hikes – These events are free admission, but some are first-come, first serve.  They are pretty much just like they sound – Telescopes are set up for viewing the stars at the Night Sky Events, and the Full Moon Hikes….well that’s a hike during a full moon. (I’m sure you knew that.) Check the website to see when they are scheduled.
• Guided Tours – The majority of people who come to the caverns choose the self-guided tour, where you walk yourself through the cavern at your own pace.  The guided tours (like the King’s Palace tour) are pretty cool and worth the extra money. The Ranger will take you deeper into the cavern and give you some history while having everyone seated for a lights out moment. It gets so dark you literally can’t see your hand in front of your face!  But did you know they also do more primitive tours where you have a hardhat with a light on it and (at some points) have to crawl on your hands and knees? Check out their site to see what I’m talking about!
• The Bat Flight – If you visit the Caverns between Memorial Weekend and the month of October you can see the nightly giant swirl of bats exit the cave to seek their prey.  It’s something you just don’t see every day and is worth sticking around for.

2. Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls is one of the top outdoor things to do around these parts.  It’s about a 45-60 minute drive outside of Carlsbad, but if you can catch it at a not-so-busy time, it’s definitely worth it.  Check out my post for awesome directions and tips!

3. Guadalupe Peak Trail

About an hour out of Carlsbad heading toward El Paso sits the Guadalupe National Park, TX. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in the entire state of Texas, and for the brave (or just plain masochistic), there is a trail that will take you to the very top.  It’s not an easy hike, and people need to be aware of the killer heat & terrain and plan appropriately if attempting this feat. (To give you some perspective, the Caverns sit roughly halfway between Carlsbad and Guadalupe Park, so if you are staying on the south end of town you could maybe split your days between the two if so inclined.) Check out my post for tips and directions!

3. McKittrick Canyon

Don’t feel like killing yourself to get to the top of Guadalupe Peak? You won’t really be settling if you opt instead for McKittrick Canyon.  It’s interesting to note (and hard to believe) that during the fall, this hike is rated as one of the top places to view fall colors in the state of Texas. (Don’t believe me??? Google it!) As you travel deeper in the canyon you start to get into some really beautiful terrain! Never forget to bring lots of water and wear a hat! (For more tips and directions, check out my post here!)

4. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

The Living Desert State Park sits atop the very northernmost edge of town.  If you follow HWY 285 north through the center of town, you’ll see the signs for it just a little past Lowe’s. This is something that the kids will really enjoy, and it’s not a place that will break the bank either! Check out the website for more information!

5. Overlook of the City of Carlsbad

If it’s dark and you’re getting antsy in your hotel room, go ahead and check this overlook out at night! I can’t guarantee you’ll be the only one up here, but I can guarantee that you’ll have the best view of Carlsbad! You can drive up to it or you can hike….which leads me to #6.

6. The Ocotillo Trail

The Ocotillo trail is located at the back of the NMSU parking lot behind Lowes.  It’s a nature trail that’s about 0.9 miles, and it goes from the NMSU parking lot up to the Overlook from #5.  It’s strenuous in some places, but it’s pretty terrain and offers nice views.  Locals like to take advantage of it when the sun starts to set.  The Ocotillo usually bloom around April, so don’t expect to see the orange blooms if you visit in the summer.

7. Fiesta Drive-In Movie Theatre

The Fiesta Drive-In is only open on Fridays & Saturdays, but it’s a fun and nostalgic thing to do if you happen to be in town! The tickets are sold around the right corner. Check out their Facebook to see what’s playing and if they are open the weekend you are there!

8. The Pecos River Flume

The Flumes are an interesting part of Carlsbad because they were featured on “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” as being “The World’s Only River that Crosses Itself”.  Of course, I had to go investigate, and it’s true! There’s a little place to pull off in front of the flumes, and if you walk up the path to the top you can see that the flumes carry the Pecos River’s water over itself!

9. Pecos River Beach & Waterpark

The Pecos River Beach is a pretty hot spot during the summer months at Carlsbad.  There is a trail around the river that a lot of people like to walk and jog on, and the kids fill up the beach area for swimming and paddle boating.  The waterpark is a new addition, and admission is $5 between the ages of 4-61.

10. Pecos River Village, Rec Center & Golf

You may be picking up a trend that the Pecos River area is kind of a big deal in Carlsbad.  The places in #10 are across the river from #9. The Rec Center is a place that a lot of the neighborhood kids like to go.  You can play basketball, volleyball, racquetball, pool and ping pong at no cost…but bear in mind that the free admission will be reflected by the condition of some of the pool and ping pong tables.  All in all, it’s a free place that will give you something to do.

The best playground EVER is right across from the Rec Center.  It’s such a cool playground that I went in and played in it myself. As an adult.

Last but not least, we have the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course.  I personally have never played golf in my entire life, but I’m sure there are many out there who would like to take advantage of a nice round of golf on their vacation!  (Click here for more information)

Well, I hope this list helps you plan your trip to see the Caverns and makes your time a little more enjoyable!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Until next time!

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