• 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.

Left Hand Tunnel Tour

The Left Hand Tunnel Tour in Carlsbad Cavern is a lantern tour.
The Left Hand Tunnel Tour in Carlsbad Cavern is a lantern tour.
NPS Photo by Peter Jones.
 

On this lantern-lit tour, your guide will highlight Carlsbad Cavern history, formations, cave pools and Permian-age fossils. This is the easiest of the adventure tours on unpaved trails. Be aware that the dirt trail winds over uneven or slippery slopes and careful footing is required to avoid cavern pools and fragile formations. Lanterns are provided.

Reservations are required for the Left Hand Tunnel tour. To make reservations call 1.877.444.6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

Duration: 2 hours

When: Daily at 9 a.m.

Where: Tour departs from the visitor center theater.

Cost: $7 for adults and $3.50 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket. Backpacks are NOT allowed on this tour.

Requirements: Good walking shoes. Ages 6 and over. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Tour Schedule Tour Schedule

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  • 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!

  • Cave Tours Cave Tours

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Did You Know?

Permian ocean bottom.

The limestone rock that holds Carlsbad Cavern is full of ocean fossil plants and animals from a time before the dinosaurs when the southeastern corner of New Mexico was a coastline similar to the Florida Keys.