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Drone Rules for Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad, New Mexico (NM) • United States
Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Lat: 32.137 • Lng: -104.544
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park protects the largest bat colony in North America — up to 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats — and the world's largest known cave chamber.

Drone Rules - Carlsbad Caverns NP

All drone operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. Bat colony disturbance from aerial drone operations would violate MBTA protections and cause severe ecological harm.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Cavern City Air Terminal (KCNM) Class D lies ~5 miles north
  • Park elevation 3,596-6,368 ft MSL in the Guadalupe Mountains
  • Evening bat flight of 400,000 Brazilian free-tailed bats is a world-famous natural event
  • Lechuguilla Cave (restricted scientific cave) sets world records for cave size and formations

Key Rules

  • No drone operations within park; bat flight observation areas have strict air-disturbance rules
  • Brazilian free-tailed bat maternity colony is protected under MBTA
  • Cave entrance air currents would carry drone noise directly into roosting areas
  • KCNM Class D LAANC required for Part 107 operations near the airport

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