Tour Description

Spider Cave is unusual because of the unique and fanciful formations you will not see on other cave adventures. Even veteran cavers will enjoy this caving paradise, which consists of three dimensional maze-like passages. This is an extremely strenuous and challenging cave. Expect to get dirty, hot and tired! The tour starts with a steep and rocky trail downhill to the cave opening. Your first introduction to this adventure is a long crawl on your belly through a very tight passage- the first of many. You will scramble over slippery rocks, traverse deep pits and have an experience you will never forget. This tour is not for anyone with a fear of tight places, heights or darkness. This physically demanding trip requires strength and endurance. You'll need to have some energy reserves for the steep hike back up to your car at the end of the trip! Before your adventure begins, you will meet with a ranger at the Visitor Center to get outfitted with gear and listen to a safety orientation. Then the group will drive their own vehicles a short distance to the trail that leads to Spider Cave.

Tour Details

• Duration: 4 hr. 00 min.
• Distance: 1 miles
• Accessible: No
• Effort: Very strenuous

Know Before You Go

Visitor Center Operational Hours: Winter hours are from Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summers hours are from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Back packs are allowed to bring but MUST be left at the cave entrance of Spider. Walking sticks or canes are not allowed on this tour. You must have access to a personal vehicle for this tour. 4 new AA alkaline batteries, Sturdy closed-toed tennis shoes or hiking boots, Bandanas are recommended to wear under the helmet, Water for the hike. TICKET AGES: Adult: 16 years and over. Child: 12-15 years. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed. The age limit is strictly enforced. Prices for Interagency Senior and Access pass holders are for those pass holders only. All others must purchase a separate full priced ticket.

If participants are taking more than one adventure tour, Lower Cave, Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave tours, clothing and gear used on one tour must be cleaned before used on another tour. If clothing or gear is not clean, participation in any tour may not be allowed.

Accessibility

There is no handicap accessibility on this tour.

Amenities

Restrooms are located in the Visitor Center and in the cavern Underground Lunchroom. There are no restroom opportunities during the tour. There is a restaurant in the Visitor Center as well as limited food available in the cavern Underground Lunchroom. Book store and gift shops are located in the Visitor Center. Kennel Services are available.

Directions

Visitors arrive by way of U.S. Highway 62/180 from either Carlsbad, NM (23 miles to the northeast) or El Paso, TX (150 miles to the west). A scenic 7 mile entrance road leads from Whites City to the Visitor Center and cavern entrance.