Carlsbad Caverns Timed Entry Reservation

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours

Visitors are able to make Self-Guided Tour reservations at a cost of $1.00 per ticket. 

****In addition to the reservation fee, an entrance pass must be purchased inside the visitor center upon arrival.****

Reservations are required to enter the cavern. This system reserves the entry time only. 

• All park visitors must purchase an entry ticket or present a valid National Park pass upon arrival. Pass holders must still reserve an entry time on this system.
• Please visit www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/fees.htm for information on entrance passes. 

There are two ways to enjoy the cavern on a Self-Guided Tour - either by elevator, hiking, or both. Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cavern's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room Trail. Alternatively, you can simply take an elevator ride from the visitor center directly to the start of the Big Room Trail. 

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

• Confirmation Email Required

  Confirmation emails for Self-Guided Tour must be presented upon arrival. Cell phone coverage may not be available. Before you arrive, please have your confirmation email saved to your phone or printed out.

• Mask requirement based on Community Health Level

  Masks are optional at this time. Mask requirements are based on CDC Community Health Levels for Eddy County, New Mexico and may change at anytime. 

• Arrival Times

  The entry times are based on a 60-minute window beginning with the start time that you select. For example, if you select an 8:30am reservation time, you must enter the cave between 8:30am and 9:30am. There is no time limit after entering the cavern. Last entry is available until 2:30pm. 

• Must reserve time for adults AND children

  Children 15 and under are free to enter the cavern however, they must hold a reservation time. Please ensure that you account for all adults AND children when you make your reservations. During the summer months and Holidays be aware that once the cave capacity number has been reached, no additional entry is allowed unless you have a reservation. There is a limited number of entries per day.

• Reservations

  Reservations: Reservations are available 30 days in advance and up to 5 am MT the day of the tour. No reservations can be made for same day after 5:00 AM MT. During the summer months and Holidays, be aware that once the cave capacity number has been reached, no additional entry is allowed unless you have a reservation. There is a limited number of entries per day.

• Refunds

  There are no refunds for Self-Guided Tour reservations (The cancellation fee of $1.00 per ticket is the same price as the reservation).

• Accessibility

  The Big Room trail is mostly accesible by wheelchair, entry only by elevators. Canes and crutches allowed only if needed for mobility. Please review the Accessibility Guide for more information.

• Health Warnings

  Cave tours are not recommend for people with known heart or respiratory problems, back, knee, or walking issues of any kind, or for people with vertigo or claustrophobia issues. Determine your own physical ability!

• Avoid Long Lines

  You may experience long wait times to exit the cave by elevator. See park website for additional alerts. Holidays and weekends during the summer months may extend the elevator wait times. 

• What to Wear

  Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Sandals or flip-flops are NOT recommended.

• Protecting Bats

  Do not wear or bring any items that have been in any other caves or mines. A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.

• Age

  There is no age limit for the Self-Guided Tour.

• Baby Strollers

  Baby Strollers are NOT permitted in the cavern

• Food and Drink

  Plain water only! Candy, tobacco, vaping products, or gum are NOT permitted to be taken into cavern. The historic Underground Lunchroom offers drinks, sandwiches, and salads.

• Temperature

  The average cave temperature is 56 degrees with 90% of humidity year-round.

• Hiking Poles

  Hiking poles are NOT permitted in the cave.

• Cameras

  Photography, including using a flash, is allowed in the cavern. Be courteous to other visitors. Photography is not allowed during the Bat Flight Program.

• Tripods, Bi-pods and Mono-pods

  No Tripods, Bi-pods or Mono-pods are NOT allowed in this cave. 

Photo Gallery