Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico May 14, 2024

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico

With deep rocky canyons and high ancient sea ledges, Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico 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 organizes events like bat flight viewings, which allow visitors to watch thousands of bats as they swoop in and out of the cavern. Are you ready to explore the depths?

© Doug Meek/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

May 14, 2018Celebrating Bike to Work Week, May 14-18
May 14, 2019Cannes, France, in the spotlight
May 14, 2020Green fields of grain
May 14, 2021A misty morning in Brazil
May 14, 2022Windmills in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands
May 14, 2023Happy Mothers Day!
May 14, 2025Porto Flavia, Sardinia, Italy
May 14, 2026Pitigliano, Tuscany, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 17, 2020A seabird gets schooled
Oct 16, 2019Paleontology meets art
Dec 28, 2025Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
Jun 30, 2025Asteroid Day
Jan 17, 2021On the Route of the Waterfalls
Jul 7, 2022Heceta Head Light, Florence, Oregon
Nov 11, 2022Veterans Day
Feb 3, 2022Corjuem Fort in Goa, India
Apr 3, 2018The village of Castelluccio above the Piano Grande, Umbria, Italy
Apr 13, 2021Ruins of a royal temple
Dec 8, 2025Christmas lights in Domaso, Lake Como, Italy
Aug 2, 2022Happy birthday, Capitol Reef National Park
Sep 2, 2025Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
Nov 9, 2025Carl Sagan Day
Aug 4, 2024Friendship Day
Dec 18, 2020A towering view of the Pale Mountains
Jan 11, 2022Porcupine
Apr 22, 2018Have a ‘beary’ good Earth Day
Oct 5, 2025World Teachers Day
Dec 3, 2021Frost on autumn leaves
Sep 13, 2025Point Reyes National Seashore in California
Dec 6, 2018The owl that loved football
Nov 26, 2018A little bit of Wonderland in New York City
Aug 14, 2021When Death Valley blew its top
Mar 16, 2025Happy Panda Day!
Mar 23, 2022World Meteorological Day
Jun 20, 2023American Eagle Day
Dec 7, 2023National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Feb 16, 2024Great Backyard Bird Count
Jan 9, 2026Muir Woods National Monument anniversary