• 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.

Self-Guided Cave Tours

The Chinese Theater in the Big Room of Carlsbad Cavern.
The Chinese Theater in the Big Room of Carlsbad Cavern.
NPS Photo by Peter Jones.
 

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.

  • Tour Schedule Tour Schedule

    When does your tour start? Read More

Did You Know?

Evening bat flight at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Nearly 400,000 Brazilian (more commonly called Mexican) Free-tailed bats call Carlsbad Cavern home in the summer... and all they want to do each night is eat bugs... several tons of them!