Parks Ranch Cave

A gypsum cave with over four miles of mapped passage and twenty different entrances, it is the longest gypsum cave on public land in the United States. Groups of all experience levels can find something to enjoy in Parks Ranch Cave. No permit is required for this cave.

Always cave with at least three people, three sources of light, and let someone know where you are going and when you are expected to return. Animals frequently use the cave entrances, so use caution when you approach. Watch and listen for animals such as owls, bats, snakes, and more. Parks Ranch Cave takes on water when it rains, so do not enter if rain is forecasted for the area.

What to Bring 

  • Helmet with headlamp to keep your noggin safe and provide hands-free lighting. 

  • Gloves for hand protection 

  • Elbow pads to help in tight climb 

  • Kneepads for protection in crawls 

  • Sturdy boots to provide good support and traction 

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

The cave entrance itself is about shoulders width, and visitors must be able to lay down on one’s belly and crawl/wiggle backwards into the cave. Caving at Parks Ranch Cave requires the ability to independently hike for several yards, squat, crawl, and climb sometimes in knee deep water throughout rough or narrow sections of cave system while carrying gear. 

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Fees 

  • None.  

Facilities 

  • There are no restrooms at Parks Ranch Cave.  

  • There is no potable water at Parks Ranch Cave. 

  • Kiosk with maps of the cave system.

  • Primitive camping locations with fire rings. 

  • One shade shelter. 

Nearby Amenities  

  • The nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water is in Whites City, ~12 miles via U.S. Highway 62/180 West. 

Season/Hours 

  • Open year round.

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. Parks Ranch can be subject to extreme flash flooding. Do not become a drowning victim.  

Special Rules  

  •  All visitors are expected to use Leave No Trace (LNT) principles when caving and camping.  

  • White-Nose Syndrome decontamination protocols apply to all entering Parks Ranch Cave. Please visit www.whitenosesyndrome.org for more information. 

 BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS 

Wildlife in Area  

  • Jackrabbits 

  • Snakes 

  • Lizards 

  • Bats 

  • Cows 

Phone

575-234-5972

Email

etrautner@blm.gov

Activities

Iconograph of a person wearing a headlamp and a backpack.
CAVING
Iconograph of a tent.
DISPERSED CAMPING
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of binoculars
WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

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

Geographic Coordinates

32.11069, -104.40678

Directions

Parks Ranch Cave is located about 25 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM. From Carlsbad, take US 62/180 west for about 26 miles until mile marker 9, Dillahunty Road. Use the crossing to turn and travel north on US 62/180 for one mile. At mile marker 10, turn right onto a gravel road. Cross the cattle guard and turn left. Travel one third of a mile, then turn right. Drive approximately nine tenths of a mile and you will see the chain link fences surrounding the main cave entrances.

Fees

No

Stay Limit

14 Days