Riding here
Carlsbad Caverns is built around what's underground. Above ground there's one paved entrance road, which climbs about seven steep, winding miles from White's City to the visitor center, and the 9.5-mile Walnut Canyon Desert Drive, which has been closed since flood damage in August 2022. Bring a bike only if you want that one climb.
Where you can ride
Under NPS rules, bikes may use park roads open to vehicles; in practice that's the entrance road from White's City.
Where you can't
Bikes aren't allowed on the park's desert hiking trails or in wilderness.
Rides
-
Entrance road climb
- Road
- 7 mi White's City to the visitor center
- Paved
- Hard
A steep, narrow and winding road up Walnut Canyon to the visitor center. Shared with all park traffic.
Start: White's City
When to go
Spring and fall; summer is very hot.
Closures and restrictions
Walnut Canyon Desert Drive has been closed since August 2022 flood damage, with no date set for repairs (per the park's conditions page).
Safety
Narrow road, no shoulder, and steep grades on the descent. Carry water.
E-bikes
The park's own bicycling page doesn't spell out e-bike rules. Under the NPS e-bike rule (36 CFR 4.30), an e-bike with working pedals and a motor under 750 watts is generally allowed where regular bikes are, and riding on the motor alone is barred anywhere cars can't go. Parks can restrict them, so confirm with the park before you bring one.
Fees
Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
- Alerts & Conditions — Carlsbad Caverns (NPS)
- Frequently Asked Questions — Carlsbad Caverns (NPS)
- NPS e-bike regulations (2020)
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.