National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Lake Chandelier in Lechuguilla Cave.
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open every day of the year except December 25.

Through March 8, Elevators operating 9:30-10, 12:30-1:30, 4:30-close. Last entry via elevator is 1:30pm.  Last entry via foot is 2:30pm.  Limited "main corridor" access 2:30 - 3:30pm.  Allow more time to visit and expect lines. Walking exit is steep. Mon-Fri, no Lower Cave or Left Hand Tunnel Tours.

Fall/Winter/Spring hours: September 6, 2011 - May 24, 2012

Last Cavern Entry:

     Via Natural Entrance: 2 p.m.

     Via elevator: 3:30 p.m.     

Visitor Center Open: 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

Summer extended hours: May 25, 2012 - September 3, 2012

Last Cavern Entry:

     Via Natural Entrance: 3:30 p.m.

     Via elevator: 4 p.m.

Visitor Center Open: 8 a.m. -7 p.m.

Please note: Beginning on the second Sunday in March, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is on Mountain Daylight Saving Time; Mountain Standard Time begins on the first Sunday in November.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
The natural entrance of Carlsbad Cavern.

Did You Know?
In 2003, a park employee found a piece of a stone scraper within view of Carlsbad Cavern's entrance that goes back to Ice Age Indian hunters. In 2004, archeologists found fragments of two spear points of the Midland-style Paleo Indian projectile points of some 10,000 years ago.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: February 01, 2012 at 09:16 MST