Old Guano Road Trail

The trail begins near the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns. Parking is available at the visitor center for Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Yes, a free backcountry permit is required for this hike. Additionally, there is an entrance fee to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which covers access to the park's trails and facilities. You can find more details on the official National Park Service website.

This trail is generally considered moderately easy, but it does have its challenges. The path can be narrow and rocky in sections. While the initial 2.5 miles are well-marked, the trail becomes more overgrown and broken afterward, requiring hikers to follow cairns. There's a significant descent towards Whites City, becoming steeper after 3.25 miles.

The one-way distance is about 3.7 miles (6 km). Given its moderate difficulty and the varied terrain, it can take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to complete one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

You'll experience the classic Chihuahuan Desert landscape with sweeping views of New Mexico and Texas, including distant glimpses of the Guadalupe Mountains. Look for canyons within the national park that are otherwise hidden from roads. The trail also offers a unique perspective of the park's geology and wilderness areas.

The Chihuahuan Desert is home to a variety of life. You'll see many types of cacti, especially flowering in the spring. Lizards and other reptiles are common during the day, while turkey vultures and hawks often soar overhead. Keep an eye out for deer and barbary sheep, particularly in the morning and evening.

The trail itself is a historical feature, following the route used to transport guano from the caverns in the early 1900s. You might spot remnants of this past, such as old rusted cans and debris from the mining operation. The trail also initially follows a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which provides information on local flora and fauna.

The Old Guano Road Trail is an out-and-back route. However, if you prefer not to hike back up, you can arrange for a pick-up in Whites City at the end of the descent.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summers can be extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, while winters can drop to 20°F with strong winds. Spring also brings the added beauty of flowering cacti.

Given the desert environment, it's crucial to carry ample water (one gallon per person per day is recommended). Sturdy hiking boots are a must due to the rocky and uneven terrain. A map or GPS is also highly advised, as sections of the trail can be overgrown and harder to follow.

No, pets are generally not permitted on trails within Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the Old Guano Road Trail, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Service animals are an exception.