Parks Ranch Caves Trail

The hike leading to Parks Ranch Caves System follows a rough dirt access road through backcountry BLM land to a few of the 20 entrances to this extensive cave system containing over 4 miles of mapped underground routes.

Parks Ranch Caves are the largest gypsum cave system on public land in the United States. While scenically a far cry from the formations located at nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Parks Ranch Caves contain about 20 miles of mapped underground passageways which can be explored by visitors.

The hike follows a rocky and rough gravel road into the desert. There is not much remarkable about the hike itself, as views of the distant Guadalupe Mountains and cars heading up highway 62 make you realize how isolated an area this desert outpost actually is. 

Several primitive camp sites along with two large fenced areas mark the location of the caves. There are no restrictions to visiting the caves, however visitors should be aware of cave and flood dangers and take safety precautions.

Further information about the Parks Ranch Caves System is available here.

Visitors should be aware that cel service, water and shade is nonexistent along the hiking route.