Carlsbad Caverns National Park guide · 1 min read
Star Walks and Moon Walks, May–October
From May through October, rangers lead Star Walks and Moon Walks on select nights. You join a park ranger on these guided walks rather than heading out on your own.
Because the walks run only on certain nights, check the National Park Service website for exact dates before you go.
The park's remote location makes it a strong place to watch the night sky, and its dark skies give stargazers plenty to see. Most days bring a blue sky with very few clouds, and the park records 278 sunny days a year, so the sky is often open for watching.
Night Sky Programs put you alongside a ranger for a closer look at the sky over the Southwest desert. If your trip lines up with a meteor shower, you may be able to catch one on one of these evenings.
The Bat Flight Program runs from late spring through mid-October. Before the bats fly out, a ranger gives a talk in the amphitheater near the main entrance. The start time shifts with sunset, and thousands of bats stream out of Carlsbad Cavern as dusk settles. July and August tend to be the best months, because the year's young bats begin flying alongside the adults.
Summers here are hot, with temperatures from about 90 degrees into the low 100s. On hot days, take care and carry plenty of water. Rain comes most often in late summer and early fall, especially in August and September, so keep that in mind when you plan an evening visit.
