Carlsbad Caverns Nightly Bat Flights

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has America’s most accessible caves. You don’t have to crawl through crevices and deep dark spaces to see dripping stalactites or stalagmites. All you need is a sturdy pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots (and a little courage) to descend deep into the bowels of the Earth. The trail into Carlsbad Caverns is completely paved, handrails are plentiful, and the Caverns are even lit up for your enjoyment.

But, you won’t be alone on this cavernous adventure. High above, tucked in the cave crevices, are bats. We’re talking about thousands of bats! No need to worry, though. These Mexican bats don’t fly or flutter around the cave during the day. They’re resting up until the sun begins to set. Then, it’s ShowTime!

Witnessing the nightly bat flight exodus is a must. As if on cue, hundreds of bats fly out of Carlsbad Caverns - at dusk. It’s time for dinner and they’re off to search for insects to satisfy their hunger. The entire cavern entrance becomes a sea of black bats, fluttering their wings, swooping high into the air in search of their prey.

This event is so popular that the National Park Service hosts a nightly Bat Flight Program during the summertime. Large crowds begin to gather, just before dusk, at the Caverns main entrance. A park ranger is on hand to give an informative talk. Then, the bats steal the show. It’s a spectacle only Mother Nature could put on!

Now, you will have to come to Carlsbad Caverns in the summer to see the bat flight. These Mexican bats migrate to Mexico in the wintertime. It’s warmer down there! Then, they return in late April or early May. Bat watchers claim the best time to see the flights are in July or August. That's when the baby bats join the flights.

We recommend that you see the bat flight after you tour the Caverns. Although the bats do not fly around during the daytime, it can make you a little uneasy knowing thousands of these creatures are hanging just above your head!

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/bat_flight_program.htm