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A singletrack trail leads from the Carlsbad Caverns to Whites City offering great views of the surrounding desert.


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Map Key

3.6

Miles

5.8

KM

Point to Point

4,335' 1,321 m

High

3,668' 1,118 m

Low

18' 5 m

Up

685' 209 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Older children will enjoy exploring on this relatively easy trail.

The trails in Carlsbad Cavern are more primitive than trails in other parks. Make sure to carry maps or GPS in case you stray from the trail, and carry enough water (1 gallon recommended per day) for your trip.

Description

The Old Guano Road Trail follows the old road that was used to haul guano from the cave to Whites City in the early 1900s. To access the trail, you can park in the visitor parking lot and follow the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail down to the road, or you can go toward the cave entrance and follow the old road on the right side of the cave. Note, if you approach the cave entrance, you'll need to explain to the ranger there that you are hiking the Old Guano Road Trail so that they let you pass with food, water, and whatever else you might be carrying.

The old road departs the natural entrance to Carlsbad Cavern and follows a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, which provides some information on the plants and animals that you'll encounter on the trail. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail breaks off to the right while the Old Guano Road Trail continues straight ahead and begins to narrow. Approaching a chain-link fence roughly a tenth of a mile later, the trail breaks off to the right of the fence (this fence blocks an old entrance that was blasted into the cave in order to help haul the guano out of the cave). In this area, you may notice old, rusted cans and lids from the early 1900s. Please leave them alone so that others can enjoy them as well.

The trail continues ahead as little more than an animal path as it makes a slow descent toward Whites City. On the left-hand side of the trail, you'll glimpse views of the canyons found within the national park that are hidden from the roads. On the right-hand side, sweeping views of the New Mexico and Texas landscape spread out before you, with the Guadalupe Mountains off in the distance. Follow the cairns and posts that mark the trail through the gently sloping landscape. Watch your step as lizards and other reptiles might be on the trail, especially during the heat of the day.

Rounding a bend in the trail at roughly 2.75 miles, you'll enjoy the first views of Whites City as the descent begins to steepen. After 3.25 miles, the trail descends the hillside even more steeply and becomes slightly harder to follow. Flowering cacti can be seen on either side of the trail, especially in the spring. Finally, the trail levels out and passes through the fence marking the park boundary before emerging in the campground at Whites City. You can go to your hotel if staying there, or return to your car at the visitor center by hitchhiking or following the trail back up to your car.

Flora & Fauna

A variety of cacti can be found throughout the trail. Flowering plants can be seen in the spring, especially cacti. Lizards and snakes may be encountered throughout the day while turkey vultures and hawks are soaring overhead. Mammals like deer and barbary sheep may be seen along the trail as they feed in the morning and evening.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#24088

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#353

in New Mexico

#24,088

Overall
9 Views Last Month
1,224 Since Apr 7, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

A texas horned lizard, camouflaged against the desert rocks, sits along the side of the trail. Be careful where you step, as lizards and snakes can be found throughout the day.
Apr 17, 2017 near Whites…, NM
Old Guano Road Trail looking southbound toward Guadalupe Peak.
Nov 27, 2021 near Whites…, NM
The caves here are immense!
Apr 13, 2016 near Whites…, NM
On the left-hand side of the trail, canyons can be seen weaving through the national park.
Apr 17, 2017 near Whites…, NM
Flowering cacti can be seen on the side of the trail, especially as it begins to drop down to the campground.
Apr 17, 2017 near Whites…, NM
Despite being in a very dry environment, flowering plants can be seen along the trail in the springtime.
Apr 17, 2017 near Whites…, NM

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Nov 21, 2020
Ashley Perez
3.6mi
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