• 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?

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!