Lower Cave Tour Reservation
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
- In 1924, a National Geographic expedition wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Today visitors can see these wonders for themselves as well as evidence from early explorations. There are no electric lights or paved trails, just the uneven natural floor that can be slick or rocky. To get to this level of the cavern, you must descend about 60 feet of ladders and walk backwards down a 10-foot slick slope using a knotted handline. Once down, you will squeeze through the Florida Keyhole, hike through large passages, stoop walk through a maze, and experience total darkness. This tour is not for those who have a fear of heights, have poor night vision, or weak knees. Helmets with headlamps and gloves will be provided.
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar footwear. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions.
- Only very small fanny packs and very small cameras are permitted on the tour. No backpacks of any kind and size.
- No Tripods, Bi-pods or Mono-pods are allowed in this cave.
- All items not permitted must be brought back to the visitor's vehicle. Helmets, headlamp and gloves will be provided.
- Children under 12 years of age are not allowed.
- Must have a timed entry reservation as well as the reservation for this tour.
- Note that caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous and take hours to accomplish.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- I have read and agree with the arrival time requirements for guided tours.
- Reserved tickets must be picked up no later than 30 minutes prior to the posted tour starting time. No refunds for late arrivals.
- Visitor Center Hours—8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Participants are required to have a general entrance and a tour ticket. Long sleeves or a light jacket recommended.
- Children under 12 years of age are not allowed.
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar footwear. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions.
- Prices for Inter-agency Senior and Access pass holders are for those pass holders only. All others must purchase a separate full priced tour ticket.
- 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.
- No Tripods, Bi-pods or Mono-pods are allowed in this cave.
- Accessibility: There is no handicap accessibility on this tour.
- Must have a timed entry reservation as well as the reservation for 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 the possibility of limited food available in the cavern Underground Lunchroom. Bookstore and gift shop are located in the visitor center. Kennel Services are available.
