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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Lake Chandelier in Lechuguilla Cave.
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Special Use Permits

Gatherings and commercial activities in national parks often require a special use permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the park's natural and cultural resources, as well as to minimize conflicts between park visitors and your guests.

All persons entering caves are required to be screened for white-nose syndrome, a disease deadly to bats, and if necessary to undergo approved decontamination procedures on footwear and equipment before entering any cave. Screening consists of answering a series of questions. For more information about the disease and park policies, click here.

Examples of permitted activities include:

If you are not sure that your event requires a permit or have other questions, contact:

Lila Mohesky-Roybal Chief Ranger
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, New Mexico
575.785.3035 phone
575.785.2133 fax

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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.

Last Updated: September 21, 2011 at 12:27 MST