• 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.

Tour Schedule

Summer Schedule (5/24/13 - 9/2/13)
Tour Time
Kings Palace Daily 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00
Left Hand Tunnel Daily 9:00 am
Slaughter Canyon Cave Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8:30 am
Lower Cave Monday-Friday 1:00 pm
Hall of the White Giant Saturday 1:00 pm
Spider Cave Sunday 1:00 pm

Summer Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 to 7:00 (5/24/13 - 9/2/13)
Natural Entrance Hours: 8:30 to 3:30
Big Room Hours: 8:30 to 5:00

Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule (9/3/13 - 5/22/14)
Tour Time
Kings Palace Daily 10 & 1
Left Hand Tunnel Daily 9:00
Slaughter Canyon Cave Sat & Sun 8:30 (Not offered Jan & Feb)
Lower Cave Monday-Friday 1:00
Hall of the White Giant Saturday 1:00
Spider Cave Sunday 1:00


Fall/Winter/Spring Visitor Center Hours: 8:00 to 5:00
Natural Entrance Hours: 8:30 to 2:00
Big Room Hours: 8:30 to 3:30

Please Take Note

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS), a disease in bats that is killing these vital animals by the millions, is a potential threat to Carlsbad Caverns and the bats that live here. The Park's efforts to prevent WNS here may affect what you can wear or bring with you into the cave. Clothing, footwear and handheld items that have previously been worn in caves or mines in certain areas may not be brought into Carlsbad Caverns.

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.