Chihuahuan Desert Nature Loop

The Chihuahuan Nature Trail is a short, paved loop trail located adjacent to the Visitor Center at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Accessed via a paved trailhead at the far end of the Visitor Center parking lot or from the rear entrance doors to the Visitor Center museum, the Nature Trail follows a paved path - a good portion of which is wheelchair accessible - as it weaves atop of the Guadalupe Mountain bluffs with views of the mountains and plains below, before dropping down to a second bat cave entrance (though visitors should keep in mind that this trail is closed during bat flying times) and weaves back to the Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour entrance.

The trail contains numerous interpretive signs, along with having a couple ideally placed benches offering a spot to take in the area's vast views. While the path is mostly easy, visitors should be aware that there are small sections with sizable downhill and uplhill switchbacks.

The Chihuahuan Nature Trail is open during daylight hours. Visitors should park near the far end of the lot, or can walk there from the Visitor Center entrance. All amenities are located inside the Visitor Center, however there are no amenities of any kind along the hike.