Carlsbad, New Mexico
Population: 26,625
Located in Eddy County
Located on the Pecos River which winds through the middle of the town, Carlsbad is truly an oasis in the high desert southwest. The community boasts a diverse economy for its size; tourism resulting from the Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, farming and ranching upon which the town was founded, Potash mining with the largest potash reserves in the U.S. located close by, and the WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Project). WIPP is the world's first deep-disposal facility for transuranic nuclear waste. In operation since the 1980s, the WIPP draws scientists by the hundreds. Carlsbad is known for having more parks and recreational facilities than any other city in the state. The terrain surrounding Carlsbad is part desert and fertile valley with mountain ranges to the south and west. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, is twenty miles southwest of Carlsbad. Besides its labyrinth of subterranean rooms and spectacular limestone formations the caverns contain animal fossils dating back about 25,000 years. There are 85 known caves within the park's boundaries, one of them, Lechuguilla cave, is said to be one of the greatest caves in the world. It is known to be at least 94 miles long and 1,567 feet deep. Framed by the Chihuahuan Desert, the city features numerous attractions, including spectacular aquatic vistas. Every city has an oasis, and with water included, Carlsbad is no exception. The Pecos River snakes its way through this warm, desert town, its deep blue waters providing beauty, serenity, livelihoods and entertainment for many in the valley. Originating in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, the Pecos River travels 900 miles into Texas where it joins the Rio Grande. Along its journey, the river creates an awesome presence in Carlsbad and surrounding areas. Its waters are appreciated by farmers, ranchers, residents and visitors alike who work with them, play with them, play in them and dream along them. One of the most impressive structures in Carlsbad, or anywhere, is the Pecos River Flume. The concrete aqueduct is Carlsbad's own "Believe It Or Not" entry -- the river that crosses itself. Originally built of wood, the flume was rebuilt with concrete following the 1902 flood and at the time of construction was the largest concrete structure in the world. It is still in use, carrying Pecos River water from Lake Avalon across the river. It was designed as part of an elaborate irrigation system, still in use around the area, and represented the leading edge of new technology at the time it was built. Just past the Flume is the Eddy House, a project in the works showing the life and times of Carlsbad's founding settlers. The house is one of the first in Eddy, now Carlsbad. It was moved from its original location and rebuilt, stone by stone, with a new wood shingle roof added. Landscaping around the house includes a turning windmill and dugout -- an historical temporary dwelling in the history of the area. Downtown, visitors can enjoy the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center. Inside, you can see prehistoric bones of mammoths, camels and horses which once roamed New Mexico. Apache Indian relics remind you that the nearby mountains were an Indian stronghold as late as the 1870's. From pioneer ranching days, there are saddles, guns, chuck boxes and relics of the days when outlaws frequented the Guadalupe Mountains. The McAdoo collection is the featured art exhibit which includes paintings from the famous Taos Society of Artists which put New Mexico on the artistic map. There is also a display of bird carvings by Jack Drake. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. The park is a wonderland of Chihuahuan desert animals and plants in a fascinating setting. Open daily except Christmas Day. One of New Mexico's newest state parks is Brantley Lake State Park, only twelve miles north of Carlsbad. Enjoy camping, skiing, boating, fishing, birding, and swimming. The desert's mild climate attracts visitors year-round. Saturday night campground programs are held throughout the summer. Lincoln National Forest encompasses 285,000 acres for hiking, caving, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, horseback riding, non-motorized mountain biking and experiencing the beauty of nature. More and more, people seem to be attracted to the small-town lifestyle that Carlsbad offers to all. Its western friendliness goes hand-in-hand with its abundant sunshine, inexpensive golfing, thousands of acres of public lands for hunting and fishing, and low cost of living. Some people come for a visit and stay for a lifetime. We who live here love the town, and we want you to enjoy it.
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