Lost Cave

Facility · New Mexico ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

3,137 ft
Elevation

Lost Cave is a limestone cave near the city of Carlsbad. It was the site of an isolation study in 1989 and contains two main rooms, filled with breakdown, and various side passages. The cave is horizontal, but the entrance is negotiated by a 15 foot ladder. It is co-managed by the BLM and the Pecos Valley Grotto, an internal organization of the National Speleological Society. Due to sensitive historic and biological resources in the cave, all trips must have a trip leader from this grotto.

What to Bring 

  • Helmet with headlamp for safety and hands-free movement. 
  • Gloves for hand protection. 
  • Elbow pads to help in tight climbs. 
  • Kneepads for protection in crawls. 
  • Sturdy boots to provide good support and traction.  

Getting there

Contact the Pecos Valley Grotto to arrange a trip.

32.42005, -104.21734 · 32°25'12.2"N 104°13'2.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in0.50.50.50.61.31.32.01.92.51.20.60.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

No Fees

Stay limit: 5 Days

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Lost Cave

Can you reserve a site at Lost Cave?
No. Lost Cave is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at Lost Cave?
5 Days

Camping near Lost Cave

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-04.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.