Lost Cave

Lost Cave is a limestone cave near the city of Carlsbad. It was the site of an isolation study in 1989 and contains two main rooms, filled with breakdown, and various side passages. The cave is horizontal, but the entrance is negotiated by a 15 foot ladder. It is co-managed by the BLM and the Pecos Valley Grotto, an internal organization of the National Speleological Society. Due to sensitive historic and biological resources in the cave, all trips must have a trip leader from this grotto.

What to Bring 

  • Helmet with headlamp for safety and hands-free movement. 

  • Gloves for hand protection. 

  • Elbow pads to help in tight climbs. 

  • Kneepads for protection in crawls. 

  • Sturdy boots to provide good support and traction.  

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

The cave entrance is several feet away from the road and is about a shoulder’s width. To enter, visitors must be able to climb down a narrow, 15-foot ladder. Caving at Parks Ranch Cave requires the ability to independently hike for several yards, squat, crawl, and climb sometimes in knee-to thigh-deep water throughout rough or narrow sections of cave system while carrying several pounds of gear. 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Fees 

  • None.  

Facilities 

  • There is no potable water at Lost Cave.  

  • There are no restrooms at Lost Cave. 

Nearby Amenities 

  • The nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water or additional gear is in Carlsbad, NM. 

Season/Hours 

  • Based on Pecos Valley Grotto availability.  

Precautions 

  • Carry a pack with emergency lights, first aid, food, and water. 

  • Cave safely and responsibly. If new to caving, find an experienced mentor. 

  • Inform others of where you are going and your expected return time.  

  • Be alert for rattlesnakes and other animals that are also drawn to entrance areas of caves. 

  • Be aware of sudden storms.  

Special Rules  

  • This cave is co-managed by the Pecos Valley Grotto, a chapter of the National Speleological Society.  

  • Please contact a grotto member for access to the cave.  

  • All visitors are expected to abide by Leave No Trace principles to protect sensitive cave resources. 

 BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS 

  • N/A 

Wildlife in Area  

  • Bats 

  • Snakes 

  • Red-spotted toads  

Phone

575-234-5972

Email

etrautner@blm.gov

Activities

Iconograph of a person wearing a headlamp and a backpack.
CAVING
Iconograph of binoculars
WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad
New Mexico
88220

Geographic Coordinates

32.42005, -104.21734

Directions

Contact the Pecos Valley Grotto to arrange a trip.

Fees

No

Stay Limit

5 Days