rattlesnake springs

We were told it was a good place to see more wildlife. Went late afternoon, saw several varieties of birds, ducks, wild turkeys, lots of deer, a roadrunner. Also stopped by a very old cemetery along the way. Was a good outing if interested in just hanging around with your eyes open to see what nature shows you.

I knew we had to visit Rattlesnake Springs when two rangers who were birders looked at us like we were crazy for never having been there. As we turned onto the road leading to the picnic area and springs, deer and wild turkeys were everywhere. We could have stayed at the picnic area for hours and been entertained by numerous bird species. The springs, too had a continuous show of birds. Indigo bunting and vermillion flycatcher were my favorite species. Can't wait to go back.

We saw a lot of birds and enjoyed the nature. We did not have a picnic.I am not really a picnic type of person. But if you'd like to have a picnic, it is a nice, scenic place. It would not work for me anyway. I got to have a regular restroom/bathroom. "Cubicle" with a toilet that doesn't flash does not work for me.

Rattlesnake Springs is located a few miles south of the Caverns. You turn off the main highway, and take a gravel road for a mile or two. There is a sign along the highway to indicate where you turn off. We had a picnic breakfast here recently. The picnic area had several tables that were well spaced apart, and shaded. Very nice. There's a small creek behind the picnic area; while we were eating we saw several mule deer back in that area and heard (but didn't see) wild turkeys. The picnic area also has vault toilets. At first, I assumed the springs were the creek area, especially since there are trails leading to it. It wasn't until I walked to the furthest end of the picnic area that I saw the sign for Rattlesnake Springs. It's a few yards past the picnic area; you can either walk or drive there. The road to it loops around, and you park along that. There's only room for parking for maybe 6-7 cars. The springs were a bit disappointing to me. I thought it would be all natural, but it's surrounded by cement. It looks like a sewer lagoon. We did see several pretty birds near the springs. A woman that was birdwatching said one was a red tanager (?). She seemed pretty excited by the variety of birds.

We went here for the 3rd grade field trip. It was beautiful and the perfect place for a day out in nature. The picnic area is very big (room for 100 people I think) and spread out so you are not on top of each other. There are several shaded grassy areas for Frisbee, whiffle ball, football tossing, etc. The walk from the picnic area to the springs is maybe 1/4 - 1/2 mile of flat easy to walk path. There are bathrooms without running water, and a drinking fountain.

Went for birding and were rewarded with 39 species! A lovely green spot with big cottonwoods in the picnic area and a tree ringed spring. A quiet and relaxing spot to enjoy a picnic and the birds and wildlife.

Before we entered the caves, we stopped here to check out the birds - great spot for the SW in winter - and to eat the lunch we brought with us. There are only picnic tables and toilets here - no concessions - but a really cool spring head just up the road a bit - make sure to visit it. We saw at least 6 species of ducks and many other birds....Nice spot off the beaten path!

the best spot for birding in the area. outstanding. even if you are not a birder, great for a relaxing picnic. Be sure to be be quiet and you will see an abundance of birds and mammals including Wild Turkeys, Deer and roosting Turkey Vultures.

This lovely picnic area is about 25 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns. We needed a place to eat our picnic and it turned out to be a winner. Nice new tables, BBQ grills, a bathroom facility. A great spot for birding, among the grove of cottonwood trees.

The springs are out of the way, but a pleasant change from the surrounding desert. There are several tables, shade trees, and restrooms. You can see Rattlesnake Springs, actually just a large pond that supplies the water used at Carlsbad Caverns. There's enough water in the area to support trees and wildlife. The evening we went we saw turkeys, deer, turkey vultures, and many small birds.

We didn't know about this part of Carlsbad Caverns National Park until the desk ranger at Guadalupe Mtns. National Park told us we could see flocks of turkeys there (we had seen one in their Visitor Center's display). The turnoff is a few miles South from the road up to Carlsbad Caverns and it takes you to flat area with a large picnic area, grass with cottonwood trees. Sure enough, as we pulled up there was a large flock of turkeys in the road. We silently walked towards them but they kept moving away from us by strolling into the brush. We didn't want to follow them into the brush since this was "Rattlesnake" Springs.We looked at the spring just beyond the picnic area and on the way out saw another flock of turkeys under a tree. Be sure to remember the road you take in from the main highway as this is a flat area with some criss-crossing roads and it's easy to head in the wrong direction.