Due to staffing requirements and visitor center reconstruction, only self-guided tours are being offered at this time. To review the fee waiver process and requirements please visit the links on the side of this page.

If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter. This letter is your school fee waiver that will cover the general admission for adult chaperones as well as any group fees for the ranger-led activities. Admission for children ages 15 and under is always free. Each chaperone may have NO MORE THAN 10 (ten) students.

Please note that only organized outings conducted for educational or scientific objectives are eligible. Your application will have to clearly show a specific connection between your class’s curriculum and the park’s resources.

Please mail or fax your fee waiver application at least three weeks in advance of your group’s visit (four weeks if the group requires a bilingual ranger). The park needs this amount of time to thoroughly review and respond to your request.

Send your request to:
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Attention: Education Dept.
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
FAX 575.785.2302

To check on the status of your application, feel free to call the Education office at 575.785.3127 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. 

If your application is approved, a confirmation letter will be faxed to you. You will need to bring this letter with you during your visit.

You will also be asked to prepare your students for the trip beforehand by conducting curriculum-based, pre-visit activities.

Stress park rules with your students and chaperones prior to the field trip. Teach your students the reasons for each rule. The fee waiver may be revoked and a bill for collection sent to your school if your group behaves inappropriately.