News Release

Carlsbad Caverns Offers Rock of Ages Lantern Tours in December

Rangers in costume during a Rock of Ages performance.

NPS

News Release Date: November 21, 2023

Contact: Nick Lashley, Rock of Ages Coordinator

In December, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will offer visitors the opportunity to experience Carlsbad Cavern and its colorful history during the Rock of Ages Lantern Tours. Park rangers will guide visitors for two hours along the 1.25 mile (2 km) Big Room Trail.   
  
This annual tradition will focus on some of the many generations of community members, guests, and staff who have helped make the Carlsbad Caverns National Park into a world renown destination. Historically, ranger-led tours of the cavern gathered at the famous Rock of Ages stalagmite where a quartet of park rangers would sing the hymn “Rock of Ages” during a cave blackout experience. Join us this December to rekindle this history and learn some of the adventurous stories of Carlsbad Cavern as the park wraps up its centennial year. 
  
Dates: December 1-2, 6, 8-9, 13, 15-16, 20, and 22-23 
Time: 5 pm to 7 pm   
Fee: $15 per person  
  
Each tour is limited to 24 people. Reservations are recommended. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 575-236-1375 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-9:30 am or leave a voicemail message with your name, phone number, and date(s) of the performance(s). If available, tickets may also be purchased until 4:45 pm on the day of the performance. Tours begin at the park's visitor center.  
 
Portions of the paved Big Room Trail have elevation changes. For safety, wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers aren't permitted on this tour. Red headlamps and assistive listening devices will be available upon request.