CARLSBAD, N.M. Due to trail erosion from recent rain and flooding, Carlsbad Caverns’ wilderness areas and backcountry trails are closed until assessments and repairs can be completed, a press release stated.
Flooding also caused major damage to the unpaved Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. Until assessments are completed, it is unknown when repairs will begin.
The trails closed include Old Guano, Slaughter Canyon, Yucca Canyon, Guadalupe Ridge, Rattlesnake Canyon, Juniper Ridge, Double Canyon, and Ussery.
The following areas remain open: the main park road, Carlsbad Cavern, visitor center, overlook trails, and Rattlesnake Springs. Reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Cavern and must be purchased at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777.
Typically, mid-June through September is the area’s monsoon season with periods of heavy rain from thunderstorms.
