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Adjacent to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Springs Preserve consists of a one half mile wetland and small stream where sedges, rushes and cattails flourish.

This desert oasis provides habitat for a high concentration of rare birds such as Bell's vireo, green herons, and varied buntings. Two endangered reptiles, the plain-bellied water snake and the Pecos western ribbon snake, and two endangered amphibians, the eastern barking frog and Blanchard's cricket frog, occur in the area.

From Carlsbad, take U.S. Highway 62/180 south for about 26 miles. Turn right at the brown recreation sign for New Cave and Rattlesnake Springs and drive for about two miles. The National Park Service maintains an adjacent picnic area with running water, picnic tables and restrooms.

Please do not walk through the marshland.