• Photo of the steep natural entrance of Carlsbad Caverns

    Carlsbad Caverns

    National Park New Mexico

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  • Elevator Renovations

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

Cave Tours

Start your walk through Carlsbad Cavern on the self-guided Natural Entrance tour.
Start your walk through Carlsbad Cavern on the self-guided Natural Entrance tour.
NPS Photo by Peter Jones.

The cave climate is cool and varies little from the annual 56°F (13°C) average temperature. A light jacket or sweater, and comfortable shoes with rubber soles for good traction are appropriate year-round.

NOTE: Baby strollers are not permitted in the cave. Bring a baby backpack if you need to carry your child.

Children 3 years of age and under are not permitted on any of the guided tours offered at Carlsbad Caverns. Minimum age requirements differ for each tour.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is 18 or older.

We reserve the right to alter any tour due to safety and other conditions.

Self-Guided Tours
The basic cavern entry is by way of two self-guided routes, the Big Room Route and the Natural Entrance Route. Tickets are sold at the visitor center each day, except December 25. Entrance fee tickets are good for three days but do not include guided or other special tours. Summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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Guided Tours
Reservations are highly recommended for all guided cave tours. Make reservations by calling 1.877.444.6777 or by visiting the Recreation.gov website. An entrance fee ticket is required in addition to the guided tour fee for Kings Palace, Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave and Hall of the White Giant. Note: Children 3 years of age and under are not permitted on any of the guided tours offered at Carlsbad Caverns. Minimum age requirements differ for each tour.

  • Make reservations online or call 1.877.444.6777. Make reservations online or call 1.877.444.6777.

    There’s limited space on guided tours... make your reservations now!

Did You Know?

The Hall of Giants in Carlsbad Cavern.

The 117-plus caves of Carlsbad Caverns National Park were carved out not by running water and streams like many limestone caves in the world, rather these caves were dissolved by very aggressive sulfuric acid.