Carlsbad Caverns National Park Implements Preventative Measures Due to Extreme Fire Danger

Carlsbad Caverns National Park News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 14, 2022

Contact: Laura Steele, Acting Chief Ranger, 575-236-1426, laura_steele@nps.gov

CARLSBAD, New Mexico—Due to extreme fire danger, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will implement the following preventative measures beginning on Friday, April 15: 

• Closure of Walnut Canyon Desert Drive due to tall grass in some parking areas
• Charcoal and wood fires are prohibited
• Smoking is prohibited, except inside personal vehicles 
• Open flames and cooking stoves are prohibited in the backcountry 

The extreme fire danger is due to prolonged hot, dry, and windy weather. These factors result in extremely dry vegetation that is highly susceptible to even the smallest spark.

These measures will be in effect until the fire danger subsides. 

–NPS–

For more information on visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/cave.