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.
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.
There are two ways to enjoy the cavern on your own 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. You can simply take an elevator ride from the visitor center directly to the Big Room Trail.
Most of the cavern trails you can enjoy on your own and are included in the general admission fee that you will pay upon arrival to the park.
Seeking a more adventurous cave experience? Choose from among several ranger-guided tours to reserve in advance. Tours range from relatively easy strolls to physically strenuous and mentally challenging adventure tours. Ranger-guided tours require hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread. Boots with zippers will not be permitted on the tour. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar footwear.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details , which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
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.
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.
There are two ways to enjoy the cavern on your own 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. You can simply take an elevator ride from the visitor center directly to the Big Room Trail.
Most of the cavern trails you can enjoy on your own and are included in the general admission fee that you will pay upon arrival to the park.
Seeking a more adventurous cave experience? Choose from among several ranger-guided tours to reserve in advance. Tours range from relatively easy strolls to physically strenuous and mentally challenging adventure tours. Ranger-guided tours require hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread. Boots with zippers will not be permitted on the tour. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar footwear.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details , which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
Need to Know
GENERAL RULES
Cave Tours: Most of the cavern can be enjoyed on your own along the Natural Entrance and the Big Room trails. Reserved tours are additional areas that you can experience with a ranger. Visit Carlsbad Caverns park website to learn more at https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm.
Reservations: Reservations are available six months in advance and up to one day before the tour date.
Seasons and Tour Availability: The park offers the King's Palace and Left Hand Tunnel tours year-round. Other tours may only be offered during the summer peak season. The Tour Schedule is available on the parks' website.
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.Children: Children younger than 4 years are not permitted on any ranger-guided cave tours, but may join caregivers on the Natural Entrance and Big Room trails. Age restrictions vary for each tour.
Long lines: You may experience long wait times in and out of the cavern from late-May through early-September. Come early in the day!
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!
Food and Drink: Plain water only! Candy, tobacco 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% humidity year-round.
Accessibility. The Big Room is accessible by wheelchair, entry only by elevators. Canes and crutches allowed only if needed for mobility.
Baby Strollers: Baby strollers are NOT allowed on the cavern trails.
Hiking Poles: Hiking poles are NOT permitted in the cavern.
Cameras: Flash photography is allowed inside cavern. Be courteous to other visitors.
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.
Age: There is no age limit for general admission. See each specific tour description for age limits.
Phone Numbers:
Reservations: To reserve tour tickets, select the "book now" button on this page or call toll free 1-877-444-6777.
Park Information: 575-785-2232
To cancel a reservation on the day of the reservation: Call the park at 575-236-1376.Visitor Center Operational Hours:
From the Day After Labor Day through the Friday Before Memorial Day Weekend: 8 am to 5 pm
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8 am to 7 pmFootwear Requirement: Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Boots with zippers will not be permitted on the tour. 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.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
727 CARLSBAD CAVERNS HWY Carlsbad NM 88220
Phone Number
575-236-1309
Available Tours and Tickets
- Big Room Self-Guided Trail
- Hall of The White Giant Tour
- King'S Palace Tour
- Left Hand Tunnel Tour
- Lower Cave Tour
- Natural Entrance Self-Guided Trail
- Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour
