Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA May 14, 2024

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA

With deep rocky canyons and high ancient sea ledges, Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, USA, boasts some of the most unique rock formations in the world. Hidden beneath its desert scenery are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. This national park, founded on this day in 1930, is also home to North America"s largest underground chamber—the Big Room. From colossal stalactite formations hanging like chandeliers to stalagmite structures reaching for the ceiling, every nook and cranny is a masterpiece crafted over millions of years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also organises events like bat flight viewings, which allow visitors to watch thousands of bats as they swoop in and out of the cavern. So, are you ready to explore the depths?

© Doug Meek/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Happy Mothers Day!
Trusty water-shifters
May 14, 2025Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
May 14, 2026Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 9, 2024Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
Dec. 6, 2023Computer Science Week
Jun. 12, 2024Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
A smooth landing, feet first
Mar. 3, 2025World Wildlife Day
Back to the future
Jun. 1, 2024Pride Month
Jan. 30, 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain
Nov. 27, 2023Río Negro, Amazon basin, Brazil
Jan. 25, 2026Burns Night in Scotland
Mar. 6, 2026The Wave, Vejle, Denmark
A mountaintop cultural wonder
Jan. 24, 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
Dec. 23, 2023Festivus
Mar. 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
Sep. 26, 2025Least chipmunk, Kootenai National Forest, Montana, United States
Postcard from the Canadian Rockies
Jun 17, 2026Tremola Road on the Saint Gotthard Pass in Airolo, Switzerland
A very public display of affection
Jun 18, 2026Aerial view of the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Peru
A book lover’s paradise
Aug 27, 2026World Lake Day
May 5, 2025Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Dec. 6, 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Jun 12, 2026European bee-eater, Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, Cádiz, Spain
Feb. 21, 2024Firefall at Yosemite
A glowing square of squares
Nov. 10, 2025Badlands National Park, South Dakota, United States
Where buffalo roam
Nov. 19, 2025Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary