• Photo of the steep natural entrance of Carlsbad Caverns

    Carlsbad Caverns

    National Park New Mexico

  • Elevator Renovations

    Allow more time to visit and expect lines for small elevators while large elevator system is renovated. Walking exit is steep.

Opportunities for Exploration

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers many levels of exploration or adventure trips to the public. The park offers ranger-guided tours of off trail areas in Carlsbad Cavern, Slaughter Canyon Cave, and Spider Cave. For those people with technical caving skills, the park also offers both self-guided and ranger- guided permits to several caves in the park backcountry.

Ranger Guided, Off-Trail Tours
Recreational Permit Caves

Did You Know?

Lake Chandelier in Lechuguilla Cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Scientists are studying "extremophile" microbes in the highly protected and almost pristine Lechuguilla Cave that are leading scientists towards generating a possible cure for cancer.