The 5 Best Outdoor Activities in Carlsbad, New Mexico (NM)

November 5, 2021 Karren Gelb

The internationally known Carlsbad Caverns are the biggest tourist draw in this city on the Pecos River. But before or after you've experienced the magnificent caves, you can round out your weekend with some wonderful above-ground sights and activities. If the thought of caves conjures up visions of narrow spaces and dark, cold clamminess, the comfortable year-round 56-degree climate, wide-open spaces and magical underworld of naturally created sculptures will amaze and enthrall you. In the summer, you get to see another natural wonder - some one million bats taking to the skies from the cave entrance every evening at sundown. Hardier cave explorers can take a side trip to the wilder Slaughter Cave for a down and dirty ranger-led tour. Come out from under to the zoo at Living Desert State Park for a glimpse of Chihuahuan Desert wildlife - everything from mountain lions, buffalo, bears and coyotes to reptiles, prairie dogs and roadrunners. Head over to the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area for river swimming and waterskiing or to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for hiking trails with diverse terrain and incredible views.
Restaurants in Carlsbad

1. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

1504 Miehls Dr, Carlsbad, NM 88220-3057 +1 575-887-5516 [email protected] http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/livingdesertstatepark.html
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4.0 based on 524 reviews

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can observe caged animals like snakes, lizards and birds of prey, plus larger animals such as bison and antelope, which are held in pens. Or walk along a nature trail past cacti, agaves, yuccas and other native plant life.

Reviewed By TrailBlazer312848

This is a one of a kind place for all ages. Beautiful plant life of the region and many species of animal life found in this area. The paths walk you through a part of the Chihuahuan Desert with ease on a paved trail outside. Wonderful afternoon for families with kids of school age and above. Inside they have many displays of the local area giving everyone a view of natural beauty found right in own back yard. It is a short drive , five minutes or so from the bottom of the hill in Carlsbad to where is located overlooking the city. Grat time for all!

2. Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours

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4.0 based on 17 reviews

Carlsbad Cruises Day Tours

Carlsbad Cruises is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico along the beautiful Pecos River. Just a few miles down the road from the world famous Carlsbad Caverns, you can enjoy an oasis surrounded by tree shaded parks. Climb aboard one of Carlsbad Cruises boats and enjoy a relaxing hour long guided ride down the Pecos River, or bask in the sunshine and swim at our free beach area. We rent paddle boats, kayaks and more including a full service concession stand with the best snow cones in the southwest. We have everything you need to make the most of a day at New Mexico's secret beach!

3. Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

901 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM 88220-9287 +1 505-885-5444
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3.0 based on 9 reviews

Lake Carlsbad Golf Course

Golfers can choose to tee off at the nine-hole par 3 course that runs along the beautiful Pecos River, the regulation 18-hole course situated in the foothills east of the river or the par 72 regulation course, which is not long, but offers a variety of challenges no matter what your skill level.

4. Kingdom Jiu Jitsu Academy

113 S Canyon St, Carlsbad, NM 88220-5732 +1 575-725-5165 [email protected] http://kingdombjj.com
Kingdom Jiu Jitsu Academy

Kingdom BJJ is Carlsbad’s newest location for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, self defense, and kids martial arts classes. Our mission is to provide our kids and adults with high quality instruction and individual attention in order to help them meet their personal goals.

5. Christmas on the Pecos

Excellent
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4.0 based on 29 reviews

Christmas on the Pecos

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