Carlsbad Caverns National Park Implements Additional Preventative Measures Due to Increasing Fire Danger 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park News Release 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 21, 2022

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

Additional Preventative Measures Implemented Due to Increasing Fire Danger 

CARLSBAD, New Mexico—As a result of increasing fire danger at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, overnight camping is prohibited, permitting of overnight backcountry trips is suspended, and propane stoves are prohibited. The previously issued preventative measures remain in effect: 

• 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  

At this time, all park trails remain open for day hiking.

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.

The southwest area of New Mexico is experiencing extreme fire danger and increased wildfire activity throughout the area. Yesterday, the Southwest Agency Coordination Center reported eight new fires within the southwest for a total of over 927 acres. Nearly 2,100 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to uncontained large fires in the Southwest, Southern, and Rocky Mountain areas.

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.