Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions. Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!
Entrance Fee
All visitors who enter Carlsbad Cavern are required to purchase an entrance ticket, which is good for three days. If you are entering with a pass, please visit the ticket counter for your free admission ticket.
Adults (16 and older): $12 per person
Children (15 and under): Free
Pass Holders: Free
When using an America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass or Volunteer Pass, the pass admits the cardholder plus three adults.
Fee Free Days 2018
Entrance fees for all self-guided tours of Carlsbad Caverns are free on the following dates (ranger-guided tours require an additional fee):
- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 21: First Day of National Park Week
- September 22: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Ranger-Guided Tours
Reservations are highly recommended for all ranger-guided tours, to make reservations you may call 1.877.444.6777. or go to Recreation.gov.
Children under the age of 4 are not permitted on any ranger-guided tours. Other age limits apply depending on the tour.
King's Palace: $8 for adults, $4 for children, under 4 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $4 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Left Hand Tunnel: $7 for adults, $3.50 for children, under 6 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $3.50 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Slaughter Canyon Cave: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children, under 8 not permitted. $7.50 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
Lower Cave: $20 for adults, $10 for children, under 12 not permitted. Must also purchase entrance ticket. $10 for Senior and Access Pass holders.
The visitor center offers many services, including a bookstore, gift shop, cafeteria, restrooms, a park movie, information desk, ticket counter, and hands-on educational exhibits. It's also where you will find the elevator to lower you into the cave 750 feet (229 m) in less than a minute.
