Walnut Canyon Desert DriveĪ one-hour drive through the Chihuahuan Desert, this low speed, 9.5 mile (15 km) gravel road is suitable for most vehicles except motor homes and cars pulling trailers. Accessible restrooms and an accessible picnic table are available. Located about 15 miles (24 km) from the visitor center, this grassy area features picnic tables and cooking grills under large cottonwood trees. Please ask a ranger at the visitor center information desk for more details. The trailhead is located in the east parking lot. Nature TrailĪ section of the outdoor nature trail near the visitor center is partially accessible to wheelchairs. A few tables can be found along Walnut Canyon Drive-the main paved road from the park entrance. Picnic AreasĪccessible picnic tables near the visitor center are located at the far end of the east parking lot as well as south of the restaurant. You may enter the visitor center via automatic doors in the front. The visitor center, theater, gift shop, bookstore, restrooms, and restaurant can be accessed via ramps from the parking lot. Visitor Center ParkingĪccessible parking is marked with blue reserved signs. A family style accessible restroom is also available. The very upper row of the Bat Flight Amphitheater features a reserved area for visitors using wheelchairs. Please look for the brown sign with the wheelchair icon before you arrive at the visitor center. Reserved, accessible parking is available in the "Bat Flight Disabled Parking" area. The script is also available for download to your personal device. The Western National Parks Association offers audio guides for rent that provide information about the cavern that is interesting and educational as you walk through the cavern. The park brochure is available in large print at the visitor center information desk or can be downloaded. The park brochure is audio described and can be listened to on the Publications page. Exception: You may use a cane or walking stick on the King's Palace tour if medically needed, but no wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters. Ranger-led tours are not accessible with wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or canes due to difficult and rugged trail conditions. Visitors with canes/walking sticks must only use them on the paved trail and are required to have a rubber or soft tip. Wheelchairs/Devices That Aid Walking: Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and similar devices are permitted in the wheelchair-designated portions of the Big Room only and not in other areas of the cavern or any other caves.Ĭanes/Walking Sticks: The possession and/or use of a walking stick within the cavern is prohibited, except for those individuals with limited mobility that are medically necessary. Cave conditions pose an unacceptable hazard to the safety of the operators of such devices due to narrow trails, cave ceiling variations, and steep inclines. Segways: Segways and similar large mobility devices are prohibited in all caves. If medically needed, they are allowed within the wheelchair-designated portions of the Big Room of Carlsbad Cavern, but never on the Natural Entrance Trail due to the steep grade. Strollers: Strollers, baby carriages, and similar devices are prohibited in all caves except as necessary for children with mobility issues. The Natural Entrance Trail is not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant due to its steep grade (15%–20%) and therefore not accessible with wheelchairs. Due to steep grades and narrowness of the trail, barriers, and signs have been installed to note the portions that are inaccessible in a wheelchair. Maps defining the wheelchair accessible areas can be obtained in the visitor center. It is not Americans with Disabilities Act approved and should only be attempted with assistance. Please note the trail is wet from dripping water and can be slippery, bumpy, uneven, and difficult to navigate. You will discover this one mile (2 km) trail after you descend 750 feet (229 m) into the Underground Rest Area. The Big Room Trail is the only wheelchair accessible route in the cavern. The park offers elevator service into and out of the cavern, where you can access the Big Room Trail. Please visit our Service Animals information page. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers accessible parking, picnicking, dining, and visitor center services.
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