Each summer through early autumn, Carlsbad Caverns National Park hosts very special free family programs.
Go on a New Moon starlit hiking adventure with a ranger into the Chihuahuan Desert on Sept. 30 and Oct. 30. Bring comfy hiking shoes, water and a light snack. Limited space so sign up early at the visitor center on the day of the hike. Minimum age: 8.
Between now and late October–there are daily Bat Flight Programs presented free by park rangers immediately before sunset when thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats will exit Carlsbad Cavern in search of dinner.
In addition to these nightly events, there are free amazing Star Parties (Oct. 1 and Oct. 29, 2016) where children and older folks have an opportunity to view the celestial night sky through telescopes.
“The park is a perfect spot for viewing the wonders of the night sky due to its location miles away from the lights of the local communities,” say park officials. These events will be held immediately after the Bat Flight Program.
For more information on these free summer-early fall events at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, click on RV Short Stops.
RV camping at nearby New Mexico’s Brantley Lake State Park Campground
There is no lodging available within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you plan to be RVing or tent camping while in that area of southern New Mexico, one campground you might consider is Brantley Lake State Park. It is located 12 miles north of Carlsbad, NM, on U.S. 285, then 4.5 miles northeast on Eddy County Road 30.
While we were camped there in our truck and camper a couple years back, we met an amazing solo woman traveler, with a unique story going her own way. Read more by clicking on: “Jericho Walton tours the West in her (did-it-herself) van.”
Photo: (Top) Each evening in summer, Brazilian free-tailed bats exit Carlsbad Cavern in search of dinner. (Nick Hristov/NPS). (Bottom) Jericho Walton and her personally customized wagon. (Julianne G. Crane)
