Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Come explore the largest chambered cavern in North America.
Visitors are able to make Self-Guided Tour reservations at a cost of $1.00 per ticket. Entrance fees into the cave must be paid inside the visitor center upon arrival.
The Guadalupe Mountains are an uplifted portion of ancient reef, which thrived along the edge of an inland sea more than 250 million years ago. Preserved in the rocks are the ancient bodies of sponges, algae, snails, nautilus and more. This fossil reef formed the caves beneath the surface. Over time, sulfuric acid dissolved into surrounding limestone, creating stunning rock formations jutting down from the cave ceilings. More than 300,000 visitors travel to Carlsbad Caverns each year for a rare glimpse of the underground worlds preserved beneath the desert.
Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cave's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room trail. Or, you can simply take an elevator ride from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room trail.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details , which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
Summary of Fees - Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Come explore the largest chambered cavern in North America.
Visitors are able to make Self-Guided Tour reservations at a cost of $1.00 per ticket. Entrance fees into the cave must be paid inside the visitor center upon arrival.
The Guadalupe Mountains are an uplifted portion of ancient reef, which thrived along the edge of an inland sea more than 250 million years ago. Preserved in the rocks are the ancient bodies of sponges, algae, snails, nautilus and more. This fossil reef formed the caves beneath the surface. Over time, sulfuric acid dissolved into surrounding limestone, creating stunning rock formations jutting down from the cave ceilings. More than 300,000 visitors travel to Carlsbad Caverns each year for a rare glimpse of the underground worlds preserved beneath the desert.
Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cave's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room trail. Or, you can simply take an elevator ride from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room trail.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details , which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
Summary of Fees - Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Need to Know
- ****IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING RESERVATIONS - PLEASE READ****
RESERVATION FEE IS NOT THE ENTRANCE FEE.
- The $1.00 reservation fee is an administrative chage of this system. It is NOT the park entrance fee.
- This reservation system only reserves the time slot.
- Entrance fees into the cave must be paid inside the visitor center upon arrival.
PASS HOLDERS MUST STILL RESERVE AN ENTRY TIME
- Pass holders (Golden Age, Annual, Interagency, Military, etc) MUST reserve an entry time on this system. You will not be admitted without a reservation confirmation.
- NOTE: Pass holders MUST reserve an entry time for ALL members of their group eligible to use the pass.
CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENT FOR ENTRY
- Confirmation emails for Self-Guided Tour MUST be presented to the ticket counter upon arrival.
- Cell phone coverage may not be available. Before you arrive, please have your confirmation email saved to your phone or printed out.
NO STAND-BY
- Stand-by tickets are NOT available.
- Additional Reservation Information
Reserved Tickets. Please pick up tickets 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Late arrival may result in forfeiting your reserved tour. No refunds for late arrivals.
Reservations. Reservations are available 30 days in advance and up to two days before the tour date.
Cave Tours. Most of the cave trail is self-guided; Natural Entrance and the Big Room. Ranger-led tours are additional areas that you can experience with a ranger. Visit the Carlsbad Cavern's park website to learn more.
- NOTE: Due to COVID-19, only the self-guided tour is available at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- The King's Palace and Left Hand Tunnel tours are year-round. Other tours may only be offered during the summer peak season. The Tour Schedule is available on the park website.
- Entry 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.
- Must reserve for adults AND children
Children 15 and under free to enter the cavern but must have a reservation as well. When booking your reservation, please ensure that you account for all adults AND children.
- Masks required for unvaccinated visitors
Per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those individuals that have been FULLY vaccinated are NOT required to wear a mask. ALL others over the age of two years old, except when actively eating or drinking, must wear a mask.
- 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
A large portion of The Big Room is accessible by wheelchair and entry is allowed only by elevators. Canes and crutches allowed only if needed for mobility.
- 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.
- What to Wear
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Sandals or flip-flops are NOT recommended for self-guided tours. (See specific requirements for each tour).
- Protecting Bats
Do not wear or bring any items that have been in any other caves or mines. White-nose Syndrome is a disease affecting hibernating bats. Help stop the spread of this fungus.
- Baby Strollers Not Allowed
Baby strollers are NOT allowed on the cave trails.
- Age
There is no age limit for the Self-Guided Tour.
- Food and Drink
Plain water only! Candy, tobacco (inc. vaping products) or gum are NOT permitted to be taken into cave. The historic Underground Lunchroom offers drinks, sandwiches and salads.
- Temperature
The average cave temperature is 56 degrees with 90% humidity year-round.
- Hiking Poles Not Allowed
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.
- Photography is not allowed during the Bat Flight Program.
- Additional Information
Phone Numbers
Reservations: To reserve tour tickets, select the "book now" button on this page or call toll free 1-877-444-6777.
GENERAL PARK INFORMATION ONLY (NO RESERVATIONS)
- Park information, Monday through Friday: (575) 785-2232.
- Park information, Weekends: (575) 236-1375.
Visitor Center Operational Hours.
- Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time.
- NOTE: The park is close to the Central Time zone. Cell phones have been known to bounce between Mountain and Central Times zones if they are set to automatically adjust for times.
Booking Windows
Tickets are available 30 days in advance and up to 12 hours before the tour date.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds for the Self-Guided Timed Entry Tour. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
727 CARLSBAD CAVERNS HWY Carlsbad NM 88220
Phone Number
575-236-1309 (GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY - RESERVATION INFO IS NOT PROVIDED)
