Planning a trip to Carlsbad

Getting There

From Albuquerque, take 1-40 east 59 miles to Clines Corners; turn south on US 285, and travel 216 miles to Carlsbad via Roswell (6 hr.). From El Paso, take US 62/180 east (3 hr.).

New Mexico Airlines (tel. 888/564-6119; www.pacificwings.com/nma) provides commercial service, with daily flights between Albuquerque and Cavern City Air Terminal (tel. 575/887-3060), 4 miles south of the city via National Parks Highway (US 62/180). You can rent a car from Enterprise, 609 N. Canal St. (tel. 575/887-3039); with an advance reservation they will pick you up at the airport.

Visitor Information

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, both at 302 S. Canal St. (US 285), P.O. Box 910, Carlsbad, NM 88220 (tel. 800/221-1224 or 575/887-6516; www.carlsbadchamber.com), are open Monday from 9am to 5pm and Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.