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Plan Your Visit
Key Information
Reservations and Timed EntryCarlsbad Cavern ReservationJan 1–Dec 31 Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern Cost $1.00 A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center.
Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations. ExceptionsCarlsbad Cavern is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years days. Choosing an Entrance PassDo you have or qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful Pass?If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass. How often do you plan to visit national parks in the next 12 months?If you don't qualify for a discounted America the Beautiful pass, we recommend choosing an entrance pass based on your trip plans.
Entrance PassesStandard Entrance Pass$15.00
An entrance fee is required to enter Carlsbad Cavern and provides access by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
For IndividualsAll visitors over the age of 16 need an entrance pass, including vehicle passengers. Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass. Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov. In-person Purchase Locations
America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass
Covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by
Depending on the type of entrance fee charged at a site, covers
America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass. How to Get an America the Beautiful PassIn Person (Recommended)Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites. Order Online, Receive by MailTo receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store . Online orders are for physical passes, not digital passes, and may take up to three weeks to be processed and delivered. Order receipts may not be used in place of a physical pass. We recommend ordering at least three weeks in advance of your visit, or picking up a pass in person instead. 2025 Free Entrance Days in the National ParksCome experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
Ranger-Guided ToursAll tours are temporarily suspended until further notice. |
Last updated: May 5, 2025